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46mBeing Your Brother's Keeper - Santosh Poonen - January 21, 2018
Santosh Poonen · Jan 22
57mFour Every-Day Resolutions - Santosh Poonen - January 7, 2018
Santosh Poonen · Jan 16
45mKeep Yourselves in the Love of God - Santosh Poonen - December 31, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jan 1
38mThe Church Characterized By Love - Santosh Poonen - December 24, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Dec 25
45m"Imitate Me As I Imitate My Father" - Santosh Poonen - December 10, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Dec 11
45mDepending on the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 19, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 20
38mKnowing the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 5, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 6
57mI Would Have Despaired Unless I Had Believed - Santosh Poonen - October 22, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Oct 23
52mThe Church: Preparing the Way for Christ - Santosh Poonen - October 8, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Oct 9
58mBehold, My Son! - Santosh Poonen - September 24, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Sep 25
38mJesus: Transfigured or Revealed? - Santosh Poonen - September 10, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Sep 11
59mRevelation, Authority, Discipleship - Santosh Poonen - August 27, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 29
46mAsking With Wrong Motives - Santosh Poonen - August 20, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 29
32mQuestions & Answers for Young Adults - Santosh Poonen - July 31, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 21
59mThe Compromise of Korah - Santosh Poonen - August 5, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20
52mFollowing Another Jesus - Santosh Poonen - July 30, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20
47mThe Compromise of Cain - Santosh Poonen - July 31, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20
57mThe Compromise of Balaam - Santosh Poonen - August 2, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 11
58mThree Spiritual Principles for Fathers - Santosh Poonen - June 18, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jun 19
49mHumility in Serving God - Santosh Poonen - June 11, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jun 13
15mBeing a People of Vision - Santosh Poonen - May 27, 2017
Santosh Poonen · May 28
56mThe Sisters of Jesus Who Build Up His Church - Santosh Poonen - May 14, 2017
Santosh Poonen · May 16
49mGod Is, Everyone Else Isn't! - Santosh Poonen - April 30, 2017
Santosh Poonen · May 1
54mLove in the Father's House - Santosh Poonen - April 16, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Apr 17
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.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Being Your Brother's Keeper - Santosh Poonen - January 21, 2018
Santosh Poonen · Jan 22, 2018 · 46m
The central message is that true obedience and love for God must originate from God Himself, not merely from human effort or sincerity. The speaker emphasizes that while we strive to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, the New Covenant requires God to direct our hearts into that love. He urges the congregation to pray for the Word of God to be glorified and for the church to maintain a high standard of spiritual seriousness.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Four Every-Day Resolutions - Santosh Poonen - January 7, 2018
Santosh Poonen · Jan 16, 2018 · 57m
The speaker urges the congregation to adopt 'today resolutions' rather than traditional New Year's resolutions, arguing that resolutions set for an entire year are set up for failure. Drawing from scripture, he emphasizes that 'today is the day of salvation' and that believers should make commitments they can practice in the present moment. He suggests that by living day-by-day, mirroring God's creation process, believers can experience God's work continuously throughout the year.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Keep Yourselves in the Love of God - Santosh Poonen - December 31, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jan 1, 2018 · 45m
The sermon emphasizes that the church's purpose is to save the lost, echoing Jesus' declaration that he came to save what was lost. It stresses that true Christian love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, is the essential characteristic, and this love must guide how believers confront sin in their community. Ultimately, the church must maintain a burden for the lost world around them, recognizing that God's joy is greatest over the one who returns.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Church Characterized By Love - Santosh Poonen - December 24, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Dec 25, 2017 · 38m
The central message is that the defining characteristic of the Church must be its mission to save those who are lost, encompassing both those outside the faith and those who have backslid within it. The speaker warns against allowing the focus on personal piety, discipleship, and fellowship to become self-centered, urging the congregation to maintain the passion and burden that drove Jesus to leave heaven for humanity. Ultimately, every believer, regardless of their current comfort level, is a missionary in their immediate surroundings.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
"Imitate Me As I Imitate My Father" - Santosh Poonen - December 10, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Dec 11, 2017 · 45m
The speaker emphasizes that sin fundamentally stems from a lack of heavenly perspective, drawing strength from promises like Revelation 3:21. He focuses heavily on Matthew 18, arguing that children represent the opposite of worldly values like greatness or wealth, and that becoming like a child—humble and dependent—is essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Furthermore, he stresses the extreme seriousness of adults modeling Christ's life, warning that actions that cause children to stumble carry severe spiritual consequences.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Depending on the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 19, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 20, 2017 · 45m
The central message is that to truly enter and be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must adopt the childlike mentality—being unbothered by the things the world values. This requires a deep, exclusive focus on knowing God, casting aside all other attachments, including self-righteousness or worldly achievements. Becoming a new creature in Christ means recognizing and knowing no one or nothing according to the flesh.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Knowing the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 5, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 6, 2017 · 38m
Jesus taught the disciples that the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a child, emphasizing that true understanding comes from humility rather than perceived knowledge or status. The speaker urges listeners to move away from relying solely on the words of preachers and instead learn to observe God speaking through everyday circumstances, including family members and the world around them. This requires adopting the humble perspective of a child.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
I Would Have Despaired Unless I Had Believed - Santosh Poonen - October 22, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Oct 23, 2017 · 57m
The speaker encourages listeners facing any kind of loss—physical, emotional, or memory-related—by pointing them to the comfort of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that God does not judge us by what we are currently experiencing, and that we should seek the Spirit's comfort. Furthermore, he stresses that while sin is always dishonoring to God, true repentance involves a godly sorrow, which is distinct from the devil's condemnation.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Church: Preparing the Way for Christ - Santosh Poonen - October 8, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Oct 9, 2017 · 52m
The sermon emphasizes that the Church is the body of Christ, connected to Jesus Christ, and that the focus in the New Covenant is on this unified body rather than individual leaders. The speaker draws parallels between the Old Covenant's physical focus and the New Covenant's spiritual reality, using the Holy Spirit's work—likened to the wind in John 3—to illustrate the necessary 'disorganization' or divine leading that moves beyond human planning. The ultimate goal is to understand the unity of the body in Christ.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Behold, My Son! - Santosh Poonen - September 24, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Sep 25, 2017 · 58m
The speaker draws parallels between the praise of young children and the spiritual state required for the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing that one must repent and become like a child. He stresses that the purpose of ministry and service should be to direct attention to Jesus Christ, making Him the most attractive focus, rather than drawing attention to the performers or leaders. The message concludes by referencing the divine declaration, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased, listen to him," and the danger of being unaware of this truth.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Jesus: Transfigured or Revealed? - Santosh Poonen - September 10, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Sep 11, 2017 · 38m
The speaker discusses the meaning of the Sabbath rest, drawing from Hebrews 4, clarifying that it is not limited to a specific day but is a daily state of rest from self-effort. He emphasizes that salvation is received by resting from works, acknowledging total sinfulness (Romans 3:23), but this rest does not negate the need for sanctification, which requires yielding to Christ's conformity. Finally, he urges listeners to live in constant preparedness for Christ's return by maintaining a clear conscience before God and others.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Revelation, Authority, Discipleship - Santosh Poonen - August 27, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 29, 2017 · 59m
The speaker emphasizes that true freedom from sin comes not from legalism, but from understanding that under grace, sin cannot be a master. He warns that failing to live in grace can manifest as a root of bitterness, which originates in the heart, often stemming from pride or comparison. The core message is to proactively deal with these internal roots of bitterness, as neglecting them can have deep, dormant consequences, contrasting the limited scope of the Old Covenant with the transformative power of the New Covenant through the Holy Spirit.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Asking With Wrong Motives - Santosh Poonen - August 20, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 29, 2017 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes that understanding grace frees believers from the slavery of sin, drawing parallels between this freedom and the divine purpose woven into every aspect of life. The speaker encourages the audience to view every day, no matter how mundane, as purposeful because God has already recorded it in His book. Furthermore, he draws lessons from Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees, noting that Jesus remained un-intimidated despite their earthly power.
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers for Young Adults - Santosh Poonen - July 31, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 21, 2017 · 32m
The speaker emphasizes that the local church should foster an informal, welcoming atmosphere, mirroring Jesus' ministry rather than rigid religious structures. A core message is the identity of believers as ambassadors for Christ, meaning our citizenship and true home are in heaven. This ambassadorship is rooted in Christ taking our sin upon Himself, enabling us to confess our own sins and be reconciled to God.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Compromise of Korah - Santosh Poonen - August 5, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20, 2017 · 59m
The central message emphasizes that true Christian life involves being fully integrated into the body of Christ, rather than maintaining an independent connection to Christ alone. The speaker warns against the deception of thinking one can be special in heaven by resembling Jesus, stressing that the body's unity is what reflects Christ. Furthermore, he discusses that spiritual growth requires embracing brokenness, contrasting this with the sin of compromise, exemplified by Korah's rebellion.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Following Another Jesus - Santosh Poonen - July 30, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20, 2017 · 52m
The speaker warns that Christians today risk missing the true presence of Jesus, much like the Pharisees in Jesus' time. He draws from 2 Corinthians 11, cautioning against accepting a 'different Jesus' or spirit, emphasizing that the true Christ is the only focus. The message stresses that even when Jesus speaks with necessary firmness against sin, it stems from love and a desire to set people free.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Compromise of Cain - Santosh Poonen - July 31, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20, 2017 · 47m
The speaker urges young adults to remain uncompromisingly dedicated to God, emphasizing that true worship is presenting one's body as a living and holy sacrifice, as stated in Romans 12:1. He warns against being misled by superficial religious experiences, such as elaborate music or emotional fervor, which can act like a faulty compass leading one astray from God's Word. Knowing God's Word is presented as the only reliable guide for setting the course of one's life.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Compromise of Balaam - Santosh Poonen - August 2, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Aug 11, 2017 · 57m
The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant ministry with the New Covenant ministry, emphasizing that true discipleship involves inviting people to see the reality of one's life, not just hearing sermons. He argues that the focus of the church should be on the life lived outside the building—in the home and in private thoughts—as this is the true
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Three Spiritual Principles for Fathers - Santosh Poonen - June 18, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jun 19, 2017 · 58m
The speaker shares that becoming a father provided him with a new perspective, allowing him to see God's view of him rather than just his own. He outlines three spiritual principles for fathers, starting with the fear of the Lord, which he contrasts with mere knowledge. He emphasizes that true wisdom, which is the beginning of wisdom, comes from fearing the Lord, not just accumulating information or techniques about fatherhood.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingHumility in Serving God - Santosh Poonen - June 11, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jun 13, 2017 · 49m
This message emphasizes that true service to God must be rooted in humility. The speaker teaches that when we serve out of a desire for recognition or status, our service becomes tainted. Instead, genuine service flows from a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Being a People of Vision - Santosh Poonen - May 27, 2017
Santosh Poonen · May 28, 2017 · 15m
The speaker encourages the audience to maintain a high standard for Christian life and ministry, warning against settling for the status quo or accepting false visions, comparing them to desert mirages. He draws inspiration from Hebrews 13:7 and Mark 10, suggesting that spiritual blindness can occur even after experiencing revelation, and that believers must continually fix their eyes on Jesus to see the truth.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Sisters of Jesus Who Build Up His Church - Santosh Poonen - May 14, 2017
Santosh Poonen · May 16, 2017 · 56m
The sermon emphasizes that God chooses the poor in the world to be rich in faith, drawing parallels from scripture like James 2:5. The speaker argues that this principle applies not just to material poverty but also to spiritual and circumstantial hardship, using the example of Jesus Christ's suffering and exaltation. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to look to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which proves that no earthly circumstance can diminish one's ultimate spiritual wealth in God.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingGod Is, Everyone Else Isn't! - Santosh Poonen - April 30, 2017
Santosh Poonen · May 1, 2017 · 49m
This message emphasizes the unique and absolute nature of God, contrasting Him with everything else in creation. The core message is a call to focus solely on God as the ultimate reality and source of life. It encourages the audience to direct their entire focus and devotion toward Him.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingLove in the Father's House - Santosh Poonen - April 16, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Apr 17, 2017 · 54m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian life involves dwelling in the Father's love, which is characterized by obedience and relationship. It encourages believers to live in a way that reflects God's character, moving beyond mere knowledge to practical devotion.