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1h 5mThe Meaning of Faith, Grace, and Salvation - Zac Poonen - June 1, 2014
Zac Poonen · Jun 2
1h 14mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24
54mAnything More Than Yes or No is of the Evil One - Santosh Poonen - April 20, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Apr 20
1h 1mAfraid? Of What? - Santosh Poonen - February 23, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Feb 24
1h 1mThe God of All Encouragement: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - November 17, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Nov 18
49mThe Kingdom of Heaven is for the Poor in Spirit - Santosh Poonen - October 20, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Oct 21
51mThe Lower Lights - Santosh Poonen - September 22, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Sep 22
59mThe Serpent of Old: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - September 1, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Sep 2
54mThe Serpent of Old: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - August 25, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 26
48m"Un-Boring" Your Bible - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8
1h 11mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 2mThe Holy Spirit and the Word of God - Zac Poonen - June 28, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
42mWhat is Salvation?: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 26, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 27
41mThe Pathway to the Promise: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 5, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 6
53mWhy God Delays Victory - Zac Poonen - March 13, 2012
Zac Poonen · Mar 15
1h 1mThe Secret of Godliness - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
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
47mThe Equilibrium Point of Our Convictions - Santosh Poonen - February 10, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 10
43mLifting the Veil from God's Word - Santosh Poonen - January 27, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 28
49mGod Must Be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8
55mThe True Mark of Spirituality - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2012
Zac Poonen · Aug 5
August 6 | Daily Devotion | The Tree Of Law And The Tree Of Life | Zac Poonen
Zac Poonen · 9m · CFC Daily Devotions
This devotion contrasts the tree of law with the tree of life, exploring how living by legalistic rules differs from living in the Spirit. Zac Poonen teaches that true spiritual life comes not from external commandments but from an intimate relationship with God through the Spirit.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Meaning of Faith, Grace, and Salvation - Zac Poonen - June 1, 2014
Zac Poonen · Jun 2, 2014 · 1h 5m
The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual richness comes from deeply studying scripture, not just reading it superficially. The speaker urges listeners to apply the same effort they use for education or business to studying God's Word, as this effort is the true test of whether God is valued above money. He then begins a detailed exploration of 'faith,' defining it as believing in God's love, and warns that self-confidence must be shattered for genuine faith to develop.
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.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Anything More Than Yes or No is of the Evil One - Santosh Poonen - April 20, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Apr 20, 2014 · 54m
Jesus teaches that oaths are unnecessary because one's statement should simply be 'yes' or 'no,' as anything beyond these two words belongs to the evil one. This principle restores the original standard of God's law, emphasizing that the command to love and not lust or get angry is not a new standard but a return to what God always intended for humanity. Jesus' words correct loopholes that people had used in the law to excuse sin.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Afraid? Of What? - Santosh Poonen - February 23, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Feb 24, 2014 · 1h 1m
Jesus contrasts the blessings of the Old Covenant with the blessings of the New Covenant, emphasizing that true fortune comes from being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, and hunger for righteousness. Specifically, the speaker highlights that being persecuted for the sake of righteousness is a sign of great fortune, a concept that reverses the old understanding of earthly prosperity as God's favor.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The God of All Encouragement: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - November 17, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Nov 18, 2013 · 1h 1m
The message emphasizes that true spiritual understanding requires deep study of scripture, comparing the need to understand spiritual meaning to looking up words in a dictionary. The core focus is on Jesus' profound value for fellowship with the Father, which he feared losing even more than physical death. The speaker urges listeners to value this relationship above all else, recognizing that sin breaks this fellowship.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Kingdom of Heaven is for the Poor in Spirit - Santosh Poonen - October 20, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Oct 21, 2013 · 49m
Jesus taught that entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires passing through the narrow gate, which is not merely about hearing His teachings but about actively doing the will of the Father. The speaker emphasizes that mere knowledge or performance (like miracles or prophecy) is insufficient; true discipleship is proven by one's daily obedience in private life. Ultimately, the wise person is the one who hears Jesus' words and acts upon them, while the foolish person fails to do so.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Lower Lights - Santosh Poonen - September 22, 2013
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.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Serpent of Old: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - September 1, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Sep 2, 2013 · 59m
The message discusses the ongoing spiritual battle between God and the devil, referencing Revelation 12:9 where the devil is cast down as the 'serpent of old.' The speaker emphasizes that following Christ makes one the enemy of the devil, and God uses wilderness experiences to prove His power in believers. Understanding the devil's tactics, as revealed in scripture, is crucial for believers to avoid spiritual pitfalls.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Serpent of Old: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - August 25, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 26, 2013 · 54m
The speaker discusses the nature of family, asserting that its strength is determined by love, not by numbers. He then transitions to studying the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 3-4, using this as a model to show how the devil operates. The core message is that understanding the devil's tactics, as revealed in scripture, allows believers to be aware of the traps they must avoid in their spiritual lives.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
"Un-Boring" Your Bible - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8, 2013 · 48m
The speaker emphasizes that all Scripture is divinely inspired and purposeful, urging the audience not to be distracted by worldly standards of what is 'captivating.' He stresses the importance of obeying every command and experiencing every promise in the New Covenant, regardless of how small it seems. Ultimately, the message is that God often reveals Himself in the unappealing or overlooked aspects of life, warning against passing by God because of superficial judgment.
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 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.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 26, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 27, 2013 · 42m
The speaker begins by reflecting on the daily sustenance of the Israelites from manna, emphasizing the need for daily spiritual refreshment from God's Word. He then pivots to discussing the profound meaning of salvation, prompted by a child's question. The core message is that salvation is not merely an intellectual concept but a complete freeing provided by Jesus Christ, which the devil actively tries to steal from believers through distraction and minimizing God's provision.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Pathway to the Promise: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 5, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 6, 2013 · 41m
The speaker advises that true spiritual blessing comes not from impressive oratory skills, but from seeking the narrow way that leads to eternal life. He contrasts the world's desire for stimulating intellectual or emotional experiences with the transformative power found in the 'foolishness of the message of the cross.' Ultimately, the goal of Christian life and preaching should be transformation through discipleship, not mere entertainment.
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.
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.
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.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Equilibrium Point of Our Convictions - Santosh Poonen - February 10, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 10, 2013 · 47m
The speaker emphasizes that God's Word is 'living and active' because it is inspired by God, a concept illustrated by the Greek word *theonustos* (God-breathed). He compares reading scripture to a vital conversation, not just reading a book, and uses the analogy of CPR to show that God breathes life into our struggles. Ultimately, he argues that our convictions must also be 'theonustos,' resting on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ, even when denominations disagree on secondary issues.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Lifting the Veil from God's Word - Santosh Poonen - January 27, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 28, 2013 · 43m
The speaker emphasizes that all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness, applying this truth to every believer, regardless of their calling. He stresses the solemn duty of taking God's Word seriously, comparing it to taking an oath, and urges listeners to fulfill their ministry diligently without being distracted by worldly interests. The core message is the comprehensive authority and necessity of living out the entirety of Scripture.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Must Be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2012
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.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The True Mark of Spirituality - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2012
Zac Poonen · Aug 5, 2012 · 55m
The central message is that the greatest danger to believers is self-deception, which can lead one to believe falsehoods about their spiritual state, even when God allows it. To escape this deception, one must actively love the truth by honestly acknowledging sin—calling it by its worst name—and by humbly submitting to any truth revealed in Scripture that contradicts one's previous understanding.