Library
505 messages
36mBobby McDonald · Aug 6
55mSantosh Poonen · Jul 28
1h 15mZac Poonen · May 29
59mZac Poonen · May 24
56mSantosh Poonen · Apr 7
54mSantosh Poonen · Dec 30
57mSantosh Poonen · Dec 2
51mSantosh Poonen · Sep 22
54mZac Poonen · Jul 1
1h 2mZac Poonen · Jul 1
49mSantosh Poonen · Jun 9
59mZac Poonen · Mar 14
1h 1mZac Poonen · Mar 14
57mSantosh Poonen · Oct 13
57mSantosh Poonen · Aug 9
49mSantosh Poonen · Aug 8
1h 3mSantosh Poonen · Apr 21
1h 10mZac Poonen · Apr 20
57mZac Poonen · Apr 19
40mZac Poonen · Apr 18
1h 3mZac Poonen · Apr 16
1h 4mZac Poonen · Apr 16
6mZac Poonen · Apr 16
1h 8mZac Poonen · Apr 15
Zac Poonen · 11m · CFC Daily Devotions
True blessing under the New Covenant is not measured by material wealth and health, but by spiritual transformation and union with Christ. The mark of God's blessing is internal holiness and a clear vision of Christ, not external prosperity.
36mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Bobby McDonald · Aug 6, 2014 · 36m
The central message is that God's primary goal for believers is not the accumulation of earthly accomplishments, but rather the process of being conformed to the image of Christ by dying to self. This transformation, described as moving from glory to glory, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through self-denial and taking up one's cross daily. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual growth happens when believers are united within the body of Christ.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jul 28, 2014 · 55m
The core message is that effective prayer must originate from God's breath, making it a communion with Him rather than merely expressing human need. To ensure prayers are answered, one must seek God's guidance first, rather than being driven solely by desperation or need. True prayer requires forsaking outward displays of piety and instead yielding to the Holy Spirit's prompting.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2014 · 1h 15m
The sermon emphasizes that the primary promise of the New Covenant is salvation from sin through Jesus. It explores the Holy Spirit through three biblical metaphors: baptism (immersion), a well of water providing personal satisfaction, and a river flowing out to bless others. The central message is that receiving the Spirit leads to a life of spiritual satisfaction, enabling believers to overflow and bless others, all based on the principle that we receive according to what we believe.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 59m
Building the Church as the Body of Christ requires more than mere intellectual knowledge of scripture; it demands the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The speaker contrasts a mere 'congregation' (like a pile of bricks) with the true 'Body' (a connected structure), emphasizing that true unity involves mutual connection and submission to local leadership. The identifying mark of this body is a sacrificial love, exemplified by the parts of the body caring for one another.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 7, 2014 · 56m
The speaker encourages the audience to live mindful of the shortness of life, drawing from Psalm 90, and to seek a heart of wisdom from God. He emphasizes that our legacy should not be based on our skills or achievements, but rather on our relationship with Jesus, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and used that power to do good. The core message is to live intentionally to present a life pleasing to God.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 30, 2013 · 54m
The speaker encourages a deep, active desire for God's word and presence, moving beyond merely hearing sermons to cultivating a daily, intimate walk with the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that achieving spiritual goals, such as obeying every New Covenant command and experiencing every promise, requires taking consistent, daily steps of obedience rather than waiting for a distant future. These daily choices are crucial because neglecting them allows sin and distraction to derail spiritual progress.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 2, 2013 · 57m
The central message is that true meekness is not weakness or passivity, but rather the process of taming the wild, uncontrolled spirit within us. Drawing parallels to taming a powerful wild animal, the speaker argues that meekness, which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, does not diminish our strength but channels our power for God's kingdom. This understanding shifts our perspective away from worldly definitions of meekness.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 22, 2013 · 51m
The speaker discusses discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit from natural instincts, warning that the greatest deception is often the knowledge of good and evil, which can lead to sin. He emphasizes that knowing God's Word is the only sure way to discern divine guidance. The message concludes by applying the concept of the 'great light' to the modern believer, calling everyone to be the light of the world by focusing on Christ's life and ministry, which was intentionally limited geographically.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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
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.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jun 9, 2013 · 49m
The speaker expands on the concept of salvation, arguing it is not merely forgiveness or a starting point, but rather a continuous process. He emphasizes that salvation is fundamentally about accepting Jesus Christ as one's husband and that this transformation is a secret work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. The discussion uses the story of Zacchaeus to illustrate that genuine change, marked by a changed heart, is what matters most.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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
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.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Oct 13, 2012 · 57m
The central message is that God loves demonstrating His glory by accomplishing what seems impossible to human standards. This power is accessed through the Holy Spirit, which enables the impossible to become possible in our lives. The sermon uses the story of Abraham to illustrate that God makes covenants and promises, but He often works out the details in ways that require complete trust in Him.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 9, 2012 · 57m
The central message is that the Holy Spirit is necessary because the Father desires a pure and spotless bride for His Son, Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that human effort is insufficient to meet Christ's standard of holiness, and only the Spirit can transform us, making us beautiful in the Father's eyes. This spiritual preparation is necessary for the believer to stand confidently with Christ.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8, 2012 · 49m
The central message is that true worship must be offered in spirit and in truth, which requires being filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker critiques modern forms of worship, suggesting that emotional services, music, and atmosphere are often mistaken for genuine worship. He directs listeners to John chapter 4, where Jesus teaches that worship is not confined to a specific location like Jerusalem or Samaria, but is a deeper reality.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21, 2012 · 1h 3m
The speaker encourages the audience to focus on God's presence when facing life's biggest problems, reminding them that looking upon God's majesty diminishes earthly concerns. He emphasizes that seeking God with all of our heart leads to finding Him, and this calling to build the church is not limited by age, citing the early apostles as examples. Ultimately, the message calls for a passionate dedication to Christ, mirroring Peter's commitment after receiving the Holy Spirit.
1h 10mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 20, 2012 · 1h 10m
The central message emphasizes that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, which is the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit's guidance. The speaker contrasts mere knowledge (which is like filling a room with furniture) with wisdom (which builds the house), arguing that reverence for God allows the Spirit to bring necessary truths to mind at the right time. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of fellowship, noting that Christianity is defined by deep community rather than the size of a building.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 19, 2012 · 57m
The central message is that true eternal life is not merely an endless existence but rather possessing the very life of God within, which is received through the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that understanding this life requires deep study of scripture, focusing on knowing God in Jesus Christ, and cultivating humility. He warns against intellectualism or pride, asserting that the mark of a true follower of Christ is humility and gentleness.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 18, 2012 · 40m
The speaker emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is actively moving in the world and the church, much like Jesus was in Nazareth, and that many Christians fail to recognize His presence. He draws parallels between the Genesis account of the Spirit moving in a formless earth and the need for restoration in the church, urging believers to have a deep burden for the testimony of Christ. The core message is to prioritize God's name and glory above personal concerns or earthly needs.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 16, 2012 · 1h 3m
The central message is that being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for overcoming temptation, drawing parallels to Jesus's temptation in the wilderness. The speaker strongly advises believers to seek this filling personally through prayer rather than relying on external ceremonies or the laying on of hands. He emphasizes that this empowerment is necessary for bold witness and fulfilling God's calling.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 16, 2012 · 1h 4m
The central message is that true understanding of God's will comes not from miraculous acts or excessive human effort, but from deep intimacy with Him, which is revealed through the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that instead of trying to do many things for God, believers are called to sit quietly, listen, and focus on the 'one thing needful'—understanding God's thoughts. This understanding brings rest and peace, as exemplified by Paul accepting God's will regarding his illness.
6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 16, 2012 · 6m
The central message is that living like Christ requires a continuous renewal of the mind, moving beyond merely being filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul stated that believers can have the mind of Christ, which is achieved by allowing the Holy Spirit to progressively change one's thought patterns. When facing temptation, one must consciously choose to think as Christ would, rather than thinking according to the ways of Adam, as this choice is what shapes one's life and character.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 15, 2012 · 1h 8m
The central message is that true security and purpose come from knowing God personally as a Father. The speaker emphasizes that the New Covenant allows believers to know God intimately, a knowledge that surpasses mere teaching. He uses the Prodigal Son and the analogy of the Trinity to illustrate that this deep, personal relationship with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is the foundation for living without jealousy or compromise in ministry or life.