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49mThe Kingdom of Heaven is for the Poor in Spirit - Santosh Poonen - October 20, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Oct 21
50mThe Followers of Jesus Who Crucified Him - Santosh Poonen - October 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Oct 9
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
51mLive With Abandon - Santosh Poonen - August 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 15
55mIntegrated Into a Local Church - Santosh Poonen - August 11, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 14
1h 0mApproval Before Service - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 10
48m"Un-Boring" Your Bible - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8
1h 0mWhat is Salvation?: Part 4 - Santosh Poonen - July 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 10
40mWhat is Salvation?: Part 3 - Santosh Poonen - June 16, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 3
49mWhat is Salvation?: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - June 9, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jun 9
42mWhat is Salvation?: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 26, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 27
45mThe Pathway to the Promise: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - May 12, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 14
41mThe Pathway to the Promise: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 5, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 6
44mYou Man of God: Have Faith! - Santosh Poonen - April 21, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 22
50mThe Crown of Righteousness - Santosh Poonen - April 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 8
48mTo Love His Appearing - Santosh Poonen - March 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 25
51mOnly One Life - Santosh Poonen - March 2, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 13
45mTrue Ministry Springs From Life - Santosh Poonen - February 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 25
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
41mGaining God's Approval to Fulfill Your Ministry - Santosh Poonen - January 13, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 14
40mSingle-Mindedness in Building the Church - Santosh Poonen - January 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 7
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.
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.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Followers of Jesus Who Crucified Him - Santosh Poonen - October 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Oct 9, 2013 · 50m
The message contrasts the true disciples who immediately left everything to follow Jesus with the great multitude who followed outwardly. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires a complete abandonment of one's current life, possessions, and agendas, unlike those who merely bring their 'baggage' and ideas to church. This distinction is crucial for understanding genuine commitment to Christ.
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.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Live With Abandon - Santosh Poonen - August 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 15, 2013 · 51m
The speaker encourages the audience to live with complete abandon to God, drawing parallels between military service and spiritual surrender. He emphasizes that true Christian life means giving oneself entirely to God, surpassing the concern for reputation, looks, or what others think. The message is reinforced by quoting 2 Timothy 2:11-13, urging the listeners to commit fully to Christ.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Integrated Into a Local Church - Santosh Poonen - August 11, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 14, 2013 · 55m
The central message is that believers must be actively integrated into the local body of Christ, rather than merely attending services. The speaker emphasizes that building the church is not solely the responsibility of gifted leaders, but rather the calling of every 'saint' or chosen one. Jesus' primary motivation for coming to earth, according to the speaker, was not just compassion, but to demonstrate His love for the Father and the world.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Approval Before Service - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 10, 2013 · 1h 0m
The core message emphasizes that Christian life involves passing on truth to others, not just receiving it personally. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2, the speaker stresses that believers must be strong with Christ's strength to teach others and pass on these truths to trustworthy disciples. Furthermore, he aims to dismantle the false notion that only paid ministers build the church, asserting that every member is equally responsible for the body of Christ.
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 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 4 - Santosh Poonen - July 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 10, 2013 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes that true salvation is far more than just the forgiveness of sins; it is a profound, ongoing transformation. He stresses that salvation is a personal relationship with Jesus, a secret work of the Holy Spirit, and a process perfected through suffering and learning obedience, mirroring Christ's own experience. He concludes by addressing the complex theological debate regarding the loss of salvation, indicating it is a necessary topic to discuss.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 3 - Santosh Poonen - June 16, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 3, 2013 · 40m
The speaker emphasizes that salvation is secured by calling upon Jesus' name, which is the promise of deliverance from sin. He urges listeners to recognize the spiritual promises God has given them, warning against accepting false teachings or 'bad checks' from others. Drawing from the perspective of a man on death row, the message pivots to the urgency of recognizing that 'this world is on death row,' urging believers to live with the awareness that their time is limited and should be spent investing in God's kingdom.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - June 9, 2013
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.
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.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Pathway to the Promise: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - May 12, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 14, 2013 · 45m
The speaker discusses the 'Pathway to the Promise,' emphasizing that fulfilling God's promise requires a daily commitment to repentance, moving away from the flesh, eyes, and pride. Following repentance, the next crucial step is developing a personal faith—one that trusts God's provision in current, sometimes unglamorous, circumstances rather than expecting a perfect outcome. He uses the example of Ruth to illustrate God's faithfulness.
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.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
You Man of God: Have Faith! - Santosh Poonen - April 21, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 22, 2013 · 44m
The central message is that believers must not let the logistics and activities of church life distract them from the ultimate purpose of their faith. Paul reminds Timothy that the goal of all teaching is love, stemming from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that the true nature of Godliness is a mystery, revealed through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, which is a spiritual kingdom rather than a visible political fanfare.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Crown of Righteousness - Santosh Poonen - April 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 8, 2013 · 50m
The speaker reflects on Paul's testimony of being the chief of sinners, emphasizing that God's mercy and patience can be demonstrated through an individual's life. He cautions that desiring God's physical presence requires spiritual readiness, as all pretense and outward appearances will be stripped away. Ultimately, true accountability comes from recognizing that God sees the heart and motives, not just outward piety.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
To Love His Appearing - Santosh Poonen - March 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 25, 2013 · 48m
The speaker emphasizes that true eagerness for Christ's return stems from having one's citizenship in heaven, not on earth. He contrasts the temporary attachments of this world's kingdom with the eternal focus required for discipleship. To eagerly await the Savior means having no earthly attachments that could hinder one's readiness for immediate departure.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Only One Life - Santosh Poonen - March 2, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 51m
The speaker emphasizes that the true purpose of gathering in fellowship is to experience the unique connection and passion for Christ found within the local body of Christ, which he sees as the source of resurrection power. He shares his personal testimony of being restored by God and realizing that true spiritual authority and leadership are found not in large, impersonal settings, but in the intimate, functional connection within the local church. This authority is demonstrated through humble faith, as exemplified by the Centurion in Matthew 8.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
True Ministry Springs From Life - Santosh Poonen - February 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 25, 2013 · 45m
The sermon emphasizes the solemn charge given by Paul to Timothy to preach the word, drawing parallels to the accountability we face before Christ's return. The speaker urges listeners to live with a constant awareness of Christ's judgment and kingdom, which should eliminate grudges, promote reconciliation, and focus life's rest on God's kingdom rather than earthly achievements or political stability.
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.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Gaining God's Approval to Fulfill Your Ministry - Santosh Poonen - January 13, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 14, 2013 · 41m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's ministry by maintaining focus on the truth, even when facing opposition or temptation. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he warns that as Christ's appearing nears, some will reject sound doctrine for teachings that merely tickle their desires. The core message is a solemn charge to remain sober, endure hardship, and diligently work as an evangelist, guarding against the flesh's desires distracting from God's word.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Single-Mindedness in Building the Church - Santosh Poonen - January 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 7, 2013 · 40m
The sermon emphasizes that while building a life and ministry is necessary, the foundation must be Jesus Christ, as taught in 1 Corinthians 3. Believers must focus their efforts and resources on eternal works—like discipleship and obedience—which are represented by gold, silver, and precious stones, rather than temporary achievements (wood, hay, and straw). This focus is critical because the return of Christ will swiftly end earthly structures, making the eternal work the only thing that will endure the 'fire.'