Library
733 messages
54mSantosh Poonen · Jan 27
48mSantosh Poonen · Jan 13
59mSantosh Poonen · Jan 6
48mSantosh Poonen · Dec 30
1h 1mSantosh Poonen · Dec 16
48mSantosh Poonen · Dec 2
59mSantosh Poonen · Nov 18
43mSantosh Poonen · Nov 4
56mSantosh Poonen · Oct 13
44mSantosh Poonen · Sep 30
50mSantosh Poonen · Aug 19
57mSantosh Poonen · Aug 5
46mSantosh Poonen · Jul 15
44mSantosh Poonen · Jul 11
43mSantosh Poonen · May 13
1h 1mSantosh Poonen · Apr 29
59mSantosh Poonen · Apr 15
55mSantosh Poonen · Mar 28
43mSantosh Poonen · Mar 11
53mSantosh Poonen · Mar 10
58mSantosh Poonen · Feb 25
49mSantosh Poonen · Feb 11
30mSantosh Poonen · Jan 28
42mSantosh Poonen · Jan 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.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 27, 2020 · 54m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian life requires a shift from relying on what the senses perceive to trusting God's unseen guidance, drawing parallels to being 'blind' to worldly perspectives. Key themes include embracing the New Covenant, which promises a 'heart of flesh' over a 'heart of stone,' resulting in a sensitive conscience. This sensitivity is foundational to the Christian journey, which begins with a good conscience, exemplified by the reality of baptism.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 13, 2020 · 48m
The speaker draws parallels between the suffering of a child and the immense suffering of Christ on the cross, emphasizing the depth of divine love. He reflects on the Father's willingness to endure the agony of the crucifixion so that salvation could be accomplished. The message encourages the audience to remember the cost of sin and the depth of God's love, comparing it to the profound, sustaining presence of God in one's home and church.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 6, 2020 · 59m
The central message is that true meekness, as exemplified by Jesus, leads to inheriting the 'earth' which refers not to material possessions, but to the people and nations for God's kingdom. The speaker emphasizes that this inheritance is gained through inner humility, gentleness, and brokenness, rather than through external achievements or gifts. He prays that the church's influence will grow by demonstrating this quiet, Spirit-filled meekness.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 30, 2019 · 48m
The speaker shares two key lessons learned: that a life of rest is what God intends for believers, and that the true test of being filled with the Holy Spirit is experiencing complete rest. He emphasizes that the mind set on the Spirit leads to life and peace, contrasting it with a mind set on the flesh, which is characterized by death, even if outward sin is controlled. The ultimate test of faith is maintaining peace and rest when life is unexpectedly shaken.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 16, 2019 · 1h 1m
The speaker emphasizes that the ultimate evidence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit is becoming holy, which involves humility and living under God's grace. He explains that sin is overcome by remaining constantly immersed in this 'waterfall of grace,' which requires the entire being, including the mind, to be surrendered. Pride is identified as the primary barrier that causes this flow of grace to stop.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 2, 2019 · 48m
The central message is that Christian life, particularly striving to be like Jesus, cannot be accomplished by human strength or effort, like a car trying to refuel itself. True ability to live a life of love and holiness comes only from God's Spirit, requiring us to cry out to Him rather than relying on self-effort. This dependence on God's divine power is compared to the infinite gap between human ability and God's wisdom.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 18, 2019 · 59m
The central message emphasizes that the 'more excellent way' is found in sacrificial, all-encompassing love, which is a two-sided truth. The speaker urges the congregation to see Jesus and His church as the most precious pearl, giving up all other worldly values for it. True growth in this love is not instantaneous but a gradual, day-by-day process of pressing on to perfection.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 4, 2019 · 43m
The speaker argues that modern Christianity has deviated significantly from the practices of the early church, often prioritizing visible spiritual gifts over core biblical teachings. He draws from 1 Corinthians 12 to argue that while spiritual gifts are valid, believers should not overlook the 'more excellent way.' This superior way, according to Paul, is characterized by selfless love, which surpasses even the most profound supernatural manifestations.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Oct 13, 2019 · 56m
The speaker contrasts the fleeting nature of human words and wisdom, comparing them to grass that withers, with the eternal nature of God's Word. He warns that many Christian experiences can feel like a dream, where promises of fulfillment are not realized, leading to spiritual stagnation. True understanding requires more than just reading the Bible; the heart must be open to God's Spirit.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 30, 2019 · 44m
The speaker emphasizes that the best way to know God's word is to obey it, drawing a parallel between faith and receiving answers to problems. He stresses the divine inspiration and enduring power of Scripture, warning against teachings that lack reproof or correction. The message concludes by addressing the common cry of 'Why me, Lord?' when facing hardship, reminding the audience that they are not alone in their struggles.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 19, 2019 · 50m
The central message is that while we should strive for holiness and likeness to Christ, we must remember that God's primary emotion toward us is joy. The speaker emphasizes that God rejoices over us exactly as we are, even when we are striving for purification. True closeness to God's presence results in an overflowing joy, which should manifest in our lives and relationships.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 5, 2019 · 57m
The speaker emphasizes that Christianity should reject the rigid formality of traditional religion, reflecting instead the loving and compassionate nature of God as revealed by Jesus. He encourages the congregation to treat church gatherings like a family home, valuing the effort of all members, especially children, to speak God's Word. The message concludes by urging believers to return to foundational truths, using 1 Timothy 3:16, to understand the 'mystery of godliness' through dedicated study.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jul 15, 2019 · 46m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian gladness comes solely from delighting in the Lord's presence, not from external achievements like better jobs or possessions. He warns that the enemy of love is not hate, but rather spiritual adultery—being friendly with the world, which James 4:4 identifies as hostility toward God. This spiritual unfaithfulness can affect even those who claim to be Christian.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jul 11, 2019 · 44m
The speaker encourages the congregation to maintain a constant, open communication with Jesus, sharing everything—needs, trials, or gratitude—as the first point of contact. He emphasizes that true spiritual preparation involves fixing one's hope completely on the grace revealed through the Word of God, urging listeners to meditate deeply on scripture rather than just intellectually absorbing it. This deep engagement with the Word leads to the revelation of Christ and the necessary grace to endure life's trials.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 13, 2019 · 43m
The speaker emphasizes the critical need for believers to actively encourage one another to protect against the deceitfulness of sin. He draws parallels to Adam and Eve's temptation, arguing that mutual encouragement is a divine responsibility that safeguards the community. Ultimately, this deep connection and mutual care can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 29, 2019 · 1h 1m
The speaker discusses the nature of prayer, drawing parallels between the prayers of Jesus and the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing that Jesus set a unique example for believers. He uses the analogy of ultraviolet light and unseen radio frequencies to suggest that Jesus operated on a 'secret wavelength'—a spiritual frequency that allows believers to perceive heavenly realities and hear God's voice, which many Christians fail to tune into.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 15, 2019 · 59m
The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to cleanse themselves from all defilement, both in flesh and spirit, drawing parallels to the sanctity of the Temple. The speaker distinguishes between 'compromise' (actively doing what is wrong) and 'omission' (failing to do what is right). He warns that merely avoiding sin is insufficient; one must actively live according to God's will, which requires hearing and obeying the living voice of God, not just adhering to a list of prohibitions.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 28, 2019 · 55m
The sermon emphasizes that God desires 100% integrity from His people, purifying not only their actions but especially their words and motives. Drawing from Zephaniah 3, the speaker highlights that God's cleansing work removes the proud and exalting spirit, leaving behind a humble remnant whose lips are purified to call upon the Lord. The ultimate goal is a life characterized by honesty and reverence before God.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 11, 2019 · 43m
The central message emphasizes that true knowledge of God is a divine gift received personally, not something taught or transferred. The speaker urges listeners who feel distant from God to not give up, assuring them that God is near the brokenhearted. He stresses that genuine faith requires an inner surrender and brokenness, comparing this to falling on the stone rather than being crushed by it, and applies this principle to marriage, family, and the church.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 10, 2019 · 53m
The central message emphasizes that building the church requires three core elements: discipleship, fellowship, and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Discipleship means committing to Christ above all else, which must be proven through practical living in one's daily life, especially within marriage and family. True discipleship is manifested through deep fellowship with one another, which in turn requires being filled with the Holy Spirit, as Jesus instructed his followers.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 25, 2019 · 58m
The central message is that the greatest power available to us, whether individually, in marriage, or within the church, is brokenness. The speaker emphasizes that God rebuilds us through our brokenness, referencing covenants of everlasting love. True strength comes not from self-improvement or knowledge, but from admitting our need for God's divine nature to write His law on our hearts.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 11, 2019 · 49m
The speaker emphasizes the difference between the Old Covenant, where fear was often imposed, and the New Covenant, where God inspires a genuine fear of Him. This inspired reverence is presented as the secret to holiness and walking the narrow way. He warns that the comfortable 'broad way' is easily tempting, while true discipleship requires continually tuning oneself to the Holy Spirit's voice to remain on the narrow path.
30mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 28, 2019 · 30m
The sermon emphasizes that God's work is focused on wholehearted individuals, not entire nations or families, drawing parallels to the call to leave behind one's former life for Zion, the true Church of God. The speaker distinguishes between Babylon—a religious system mixed with worldly concerns like money and power—and Zion, urging believers to discern this difference. True discipleship requires a complete allegiance to Christ, rejecting worldly attachments.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 15, 2019 · 42m
The sermon emphasizes that the true word of faith is rooted in a deep, personal relationship with God, which involves recognizing His presence in all aspects of life, even during periods of silence. The speaker draws parallels between Jesus's disappointment in the fig tree—which had leaves but no fruit—and the spiritual state of the church, urging the congregation to bear visible, tangible fruit in their lives. Ultimately, the message calls for the church to be a united, living body that anticipates and experiences the full manifestation of Christ.