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1h 14mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24
34mSession 5: One Who is Poor in Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24
56mSession 1: One Who Has A Burden - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24
1h 11mManifesting Jesus in Our Life - Zac Poonen - December 15, 2013
Zac Poonen · Dec 16
1h 3mA People Who Judge Themselves - Zac Poonen - December 11, 2013
Zac Poonen · Dec 12
57mTwo Parts of the Word of the Cross - Zac Poonen - December 8, 2013
Zac Poonen · Dec 8
1h 6mThe End of Self-Confidence - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 16mChild-Like Dependence on God - Zac Poonen - June 30, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 11mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 5mUnderstanding Your Partner and Raising Godly Children - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 3mSeeking God's Glory and the Good of Others - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
54mThe "Maximum" Christian - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
1h 2mThe Holy Spirit and the Word of God - Zac Poonen - June 28, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
1h 6mLiving Only to Please God - Zac Poonen - April 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Apr 15
53mWhy God Delays Victory - Zac Poonen - March 13, 2012
Zac Poonen · Mar 15
58mThe Importance of Dying to Our Own Will - Zac Poonen - March 10, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
59mDo Everything in Love for God and Man - Zac Poonen - March 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
1h 1mThe Secret of Godliness - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
1h 13mThe Way of the Cross and the Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
58mHumility and Trembling at God's Word - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
1h 3mSatan Was Defeated on the Cross - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
1h 5mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
59mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
58mThe Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 12
August 5 | Daily Devotion | Idolatry Is Spiritual Adultery | Zac Poonen
Zac Poonen · 10m · CFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen teaches that idolatry constitutes spiritual adultery against God, drawing a parallel between unfaithfulness in marriage and unfaithfulness in our devotion to God. The message calls believers to recognize idolatry in their lives and turn from it in repentance to restore their relationship with God.
1h 14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 1h 14m
The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual maturity involves a continuous, passionate desire to press forward in knowledge of God, rather than becoming stagnant at a current level of understanding. He draws parallels to academic progress, suggesting that while one can achieve '100%' at the current level of conscience, true growth requires constantly striving for the next level. The core message is to forget past achievements and focus on pressing toward the ultimate goal, which is Christ.
34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Session 5: One Who is Poor in Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 34m
The central message is that true Christian life requires continuous progression toward Christ's likeness, moving from glory to glory, rather than becoming complacent after initial blessings. The speaker emphasizes that the 'full gospel' is not merely forgiveness of sins, but the pursuit of gaining the glory of Jesus Christ. This requires humility, acknowledging that all blessings come from God, and reading scripture slowly to grasp its deeper implications.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingSession 1: One Who Has A Burden - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 56m
This session appears to be part of a men's conference focusing on building the body of Christ. While the specific content isn't detailed, the context suggests a teaching aimed at spiritual growth and service within the church community.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Manifesting Jesus in Our Life - Zac Poonen - December 15, 2013
Zac Poonen · Dec 16, 2013 · 1h 11m
The central message is that the primary calling for Christians is not merely to preach about Jesus, but to live lives that visibly demonstrate who Jesus was. Drawing from Jesus' commission, the speaker emphasizes that by living according to Christ's example—in private life, speech, and handling of resources—one shows the world what God is like, proving that 'who has seen me has seen the Father.'
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
A People Who Judge Themselves - Zac Poonen - December 11, 2013
Zac Poonen · Dec 12, 2013 · 1h 3m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian belonging requires self-examination and a deep commitment to hating sin and loving righteousness, rather than merely repeating religious formulas. He draws from 1 Peter 4, stating that judgment begins within the household of God, and points to 1 Corinthians 11:31, advising that self-judgment leads to not being judged. The core message is that genuine spiritual progress involves developing a profound revulsion toward sin, much like one would feel for something repulsive.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Two Parts of the Word of the Cross - Zac Poonen - December 8, 2013
Zac Poonen · Dec 8, 2013 · 57m
The word of the cross has two parts: one for unbelievers and one for believers. For unbelievers, it is the message that salvation is free through Christ's death and resurrection, which is foolishness to them because they prefer to earn forgiveness through works. For believers, the second part is the call to a god-centered life, recognizing that true discipleship means submitting one's will entirely to God's will, rather than merely living a morally upright, man-centered life.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The End of Self-Confidence - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 6m
The speaker warns against misunderstanding God's grace, cautioning that it is not a license for sin or antinomianism. He uses three Old Testament examples—the Israelites failing to enter Canaan after the Red Sea crossing, the warning in Hebrews 3 and 4, and the account in 1 Corinthians 10—to emphasize that true salvation involves not just coming out of sin's slavery, but actively entering into the Promised Land of victory. This requires faith and obedience, as failure to believe results in spiritual stagnation.
1h 16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Child-Like Dependence on God - Zac Poonen - June 30, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 16m
The central message is that Christian maturity requires a paradoxical development: becoming childlike in dependence and innocence regarding sin, while simultaneously achieving maturity and discernment in understanding God's Word. The speaker emphasizes that being great in God's kingdom means adopting the heart of a child, which is free from grudges, worry, or the desire for earthly status. This childlike dependence is modeled after Jesus, who always acted in alignment with the Father's will.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 11m
The speaker advises that approaching the Bible with humility, like a child, allows it to be a 'Tree of Life,' whereas a critical attitude treats it as a 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.' He uses Jesus' submission to his Father and to imperfect people like Joseph and Mary as an example of required submission in life, including to imperfect leaders. Furthermore, he teaches that sympathy must be Christ-like, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty through verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28, showing how even the worst events can work for good.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Understanding Your Partner and Raising Godly Children - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 5m
The sermon emphasizes that the purpose of a Christian home is to be a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, reflecting God's image. This requires recognizing the interdependence of husband and wife, as both are needed to fully reflect Christ. Furthermore, the speaker discusses submission, drawing parallels between Christ's voluntary submission to the Father and a wife's calling to follow that example, contrasting this with the world's pervasive spirit of rebellion against authority.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Seeking God's Glory and the Good of Others - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 1h 3m
The speaker emphasizes that receiving the Holy Spirit is a free gift that requires the heart to be yielded to God, not just asking. He stresses that true discipleship means accepting Christ's total lordship over every area of life, recognizing that the root problem is sin, not just poverty or sickness. Finally, he warns against misunderstanding scripture, particularly regarding the power to witness, and points out that the devil's primary focus is accusing believers before God.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The "Maximum" Christian - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 54m
The speaker emphasizes that while the blood of Christ is necessary for salvation, a genuine fullness of the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life pleasing to God on Earth. He distinguishes between 'life' (living according to Christ's principles) and 'ministry' (the work done by the body of Christ). Furthermore, he warns that salvation alone is insufficient; the quality of one's life's work will be tested by fire at Christ's return, not the quantity.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Holy Spirit and the Word of God - Zac Poonen - June 28, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 1h 2m
The speaker uses Jacob's story from Genesis 28 to illustrate that God meets with sinners, not just the righteous, pointing to a prophetic dream of the ladder representing Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the greatest need is for people to experience the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, moving beyond mere doctrine to a genuine, heart-level meeting with Jesus. The message concludes by tracing the biblical narrative from Genesis 1, showing God's plan to restore humanity's image after sin corrupted creation.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Living Only to Please God - Zac Poonen - April 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Apr 15, 2013 · 1h 6m
The central message is that true discipleship means living to please God, not to impress people. Jesus demonstrated this by accepting the lowest birth and shameful death, showing that human opinion is irrelevant to God's plan. Furthermore, the speaker warns against prioritizing worldly things like money or tradition over fulfilling core commandments, such as caring for one's family.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Why God Delays Victory - Zac Poonen - March 13, 2012
Zac Poonen · Mar 15, 2013 · 53m
The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant, which functioned as a 'Ministry of condemnation' through strict laws, with the New Covenant, which is a 'Ministry of righteousness.' While the law's purpose was to show humanity its need for a Savior, attempting to live by its standards leads to constant condemnation. The New Covenant, established by God, promises internal transformation—writing God's law on the heart—leading to liberation rather than condemnation.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Importance of Dying to Our Own Will - Zac Poonen - March 10, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 58m
The central message is that true spirituality is not demonstrated by intellectual knowledge, emotional excitement, or public displays of faith, but by the yielding of one's will to God's will. The speaker warns against the deception of equating Bible knowledge or emotional fervor with genuine spiritual life, pointing to Matthew 7:14 which describes the narrow way. True discipleship requires denying one's own will in daily life, not just on Sunday.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Do Everything in Love for God and Man - Zac Poonen - March 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 59m
Jesus declared himself the light of the world, but Christians are called to realize that they, as disciples, are the light of the world. This means living out a life of love, as John's gospel teaches that God is light, and 1 John 4 states that God is love. The speaker advises against deriving doctrine from historical sections like Acts or the historical parts of the Gospels, emphasizing instead the teaching sections for understanding scripture and the true mark of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the outpouring of God's unconditional love.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Secret of Godliness - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 1h 1m
The central message is that building the church requires understanding two key truths about Christ: His eternal deity and His full humanity. The speaker argues that merely studying scripture is insufficient; one needs revelation from the Holy Spirit to see Christ clearly. True church building, which is the pillar and support of the truth, depends on recognizing that Christ lived fully in the flesh while remaining pure in spirit, which is the great mystery of godliness.
1h 13mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Way of the Cross and the Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 1h 13m
The speaker defines faith as believing that God is more eager to give what He has promised than the believer is to receive it. He emphasizes that true faith requires trusting God's loving provision, comparing it to a father's wisdom. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of believing that God has forgotten our sins, citing Hebrews 8:12, and that repentance means turning from sins we currently know to be wrong.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Humility and Trembling at God's Word - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 58m
The central message emphasizes that building God's house—which encompasses one's personal life, family, and the church—requires profound humility and a contrite spirit. Drawing from Isaiah 66, the speaker argues that God looks upon those who are humble and tremble at His word. True humility involves recognizing others as more important than oneself, mirroring the attitude of Christ, and maintaining a perpetual awareness of one's own spiritual need, like a beggar waiting at a gate.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Satan Was Defeated on the Cross - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 1h 3m
The sermon emphasizes that overcoming Satan requires knowing and speaking the Word of God accurately, as Jesus did when quoting scripture to resist temptation. The speaker warns that Satan and false teachers often attempt to mislead people by quoting scripture out of context, adding to, or subtracting from what the Bible actually says. True spiritual strength comes from allowing the Word of God to abide within us, which is the ultimate defense against deception.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 1h 5m
The speaker discusses the necessity of the New Covenant, arguing that the Old Covenant served its purpose by demonstrating humanity's need for Christ. He emphasizes that all of Scripture, including the New Testament, is relevant for today, urging listeners not to discard promises they haven't personally experienced. The core message is to hold fast to God's Word, even when it seems difficult, trusting that God will bring the believer to that reality over time.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 59m
The speaker contrasts the pursuit of mere knowledge (the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) with the pursuit of true life found in God (the Tree of Life). He emphasizes that true Christian life requires a radical surrender, symbolized by the flaming sword, moving beyond legalistic righteousness. The primary purpose of the local church is to reveal God not as a strict judge, but as a loving Father, mirroring the revelation Jesus provided.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 12, 2013 · 58m
The sermon emphasizes that true strength comes not from worldly displays of power, but from spiritual maturity, self-control, and humility. A strong man is willing to admit when he is wrong, apologize, and acknowledge that he does not know everything, mirroring the childlike willingness to confess error. The foundation for a strong life, like a building, is a deep understanding of sin and genuine repentance.