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46mWhat We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - December 23, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 24
40mWhat We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - December 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 17
47mDon't Settle For a Pain Reliever - Santosh Poonen - December 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 3
53mThe Deception of Form Without Power - Santosh Poonen - November 18, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Nov 19
50mThe Coming Tribulation - Santosh Poonen - October 21, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 31
46mWhose Side Are You On? - Santosh Poonen - October 14, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 15
57mGod Loves Doing the Impossible - Santosh Poonen - August 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 13
53mThe Church of "Haters" - Santosh Poonen - October 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 8
53mGod's "China Cabinet" - Santosh Poonen - September 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 17
54mGoing Into Labor With God's Work - Santosh Poonen - September 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 2
57mThe Father Wants a Pure Bride for His Son - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 9
49mGod Must Be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8
55mSonship, Faith, and Worship - Santosh Poonen - July 15, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jul 15
46mSoldiers Abandoned to Their King - Santosh Poonen - July 1, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jul 1
53mDear Daddy - Santosh Poonen - June 17, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jun 18
49mRetaining the Standard of the Gospel - Santosh Poonen - June 3, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jun 4
57mThe God Who Calls Sinners With a Purpose - Santosh Poonen - May 20, 2012
Santosh Poonen · May 21
1h 44mWhy Christians Are So Shy - Santosh Poonen - May 6, 2012
Santosh Poonen · May 7
32mThe Greatest Enemy of Godliness - Santosh Poonen - March 11, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 30
55mToo Grown-Up For God's Kingdom - Santosh Poonen - March 25, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 23
44mWhat Will Your Spiritual Legacy Be? - Santosh Poonen - April 22, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 23
51mFour Challenging Exhortations - Santosh Poonen - October 23, 2011
Santosh Poonen · Apr 22
44mRevelation: Seeing What No Man Can See - Santosh Poonen - February 26, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21
48mThe Godliness Doctrine - Santosh Poonen - February 12, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21
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
What We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - December 23, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 24, 2012 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes understanding the purpose of suffering, noting that while suffering affects all, the godly use it as an opportunity for God to accomplish His purpose. The speaker outlines three key lessons: God's power defends His church, God's suffering reveals His heart (which is that no one should perish), and suffering builds patience. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to rest in God's hand during trials, knowing He will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - December 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 17, 2012 · 40m
The central message is that suffering, whether from sin on earth or as a result of a godly life, has a divine purpose: to give believers a greater revelation of God's sovereignty. While suffering is inevitable, the ultimate goal is not merely to endure it, but to emerge with a deepened, personal knowledge of God, as exemplified by Job. Believers must choose the path of faith in God's purpose rather than bitterness or complaint.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Don't Settle For a Pain Reliever - Santosh Poonen - December 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 3, 2012 · 47m
The speaker continues the study of suffering, using the example of Job, who endured suffering not only from loss but also from being misunderstood by his friends. He then shifts to 2 Timothy 3:10-11, emphasizing that following Christ's path requires enduring persecution and suffering, which Paul lists alongside positive virtues like faith and perseverance. The central message is that believers must embrace the full reality of Christian life, including its inevitable hardships, as part of discipleship.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Deception of Form Without Power - Santosh Poonen - November 18, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Nov 19, 2012 · 53m
The speaker emphasizes that the church's primary commitment and focus must remain on the local body, as this is where he believes God's calling and fruit will be. He stresses that true membership involves every member actively contributing to the growth and edification of the body, not just paying dues. The message also warns against deception, noting that the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, which is necessary for the church to be purified as the bride of Christ.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Coming Tribulation - Santosh Poonen - October 21, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 31, 2012 · 50m
The speaker discusses the coming tribulation, drawing from 2 Timothy 3, and cautions against getting lost in complex theology. He emphasizes that true understanding of God's truth must ultimately lead to a passionate hunger for Jesus Christ himself, rather than intellectual knowledge. He argues that the church must prepare for suffering, as the apostles themselves suffered for their faith, refuting the notion that God will shield believers from all hardship.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Whose Side Are You On? - Santosh Poonen - October 14, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 15, 2012 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes that the purpose of the local church is not to meet individual needs, but to mature into a body united in purpose for Christ's sake. True maturity is characterized by realizing that participation is about God fulfilling His purpose in one's life. The speaker warns that the devil targets unity, using interpersonal conflicts—especially in marriage and church fellowship—to break apart the body of Christ, which is the only thing that poses a threat to his kingdom.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Loves Doing the Impossible - Santosh Poonen - August 7, 2012
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.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Church of "Haters" - Santosh Poonen - October 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 8, 2012 · 53m
The sermon emphasizes that the local church is a visible expression of the universal Body of Christ, which is composed of all saints. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:22, the speaker urges believers to flee youthful lust and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. He uses the analogy of a telescope to illustrate that focusing on eternal, heavenly goals causes earthly distractions to lose clarity, and he stresses the importance of maintaining focus on God's divine calling for both individual lives and the local fellowship.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God's "China Cabinet" - Santosh Poonen - September 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 17, 2012 · 53m
The speaker cautions against the misconception that God's pleasure in using a person or ministry is determined by worldly success or recognition. He emphasizes that God can use anyone, even those He is not pleased with, to accomplish His purpose, citing examples like Pharaoh, Balaam, and Judas Iscariot. True measure of God's favor lies in the heart and life of the individual, not the visible ministry.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Going Into Labor With God's Work - Santosh Poonen - September 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 2, 2012 · 54m
The message uses the concept of 'labor'—drawing parallels between childbirth and ministry—to urge the congregation to become dedicated laborers for God's work. Jesus sent out the 70, not as mere employees, but as laborers expected to face challenges like lambs among wolves. True discipleship requires a 'mother mentality,' meaning a willingness to carry the burden and actively participate in the work without waiting for others to take the lead.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Father Wants a Pure Bride for His Son - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2012
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
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
Sonship, Faith, and Worship - Santosh Poonen - July 15, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jul 15, 2012 · 55m
The speaker compares the Old Covenant to a picture or shadow of the New Covenant, which is fully realized in Jesus Christ. He warns that focusing too much on analyzing the Word (the picture) can lead to bondage, while the true joy comes from relating to the living, present reality of Jesus. The message encourages believers to keep their focus on the living Bridegroom rather than getting lost in theological analysis of the Word.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Soldiers Abandoned to Their King - Santosh Poonen - July 1, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jul 1, 2012 · 46m
The speaker discusses Paul's use of various analogies in 2 Timothy, comparing the Christian life to a son, a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, a workman, a vessel, and a bondservant. Focusing on the soldier analogy, he emphasizes that a Christian must dedicate themselves fully to Christ, avoiding entanglement in worldly affairs to please their commander. He illustrates this by referencing the martyrdom of Michael and Margareta Sattler, highlighting radical commitment to faith.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Dear Daddy - Santosh Poonen - June 17, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jun 18, 2012 · 53m
The message emphasizes the vital ministry of restoring relationships between parents and children, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Christ. The speaker argues that this ministry is entrusted to the Church today, comparing it to the dual prophecy of Malachi, which points not only to John the Baptist but also to the Church itself as the modern 'Elijah' to restore hearts before the Lord's return. The core message stresses that while effort is required, God must ultimately work through repentance to heal these broken relationships.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Retaining the Standard of the Gospel - Santosh Poonen - June 3, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Jun 4, 2012 · 49m
The speaker urges the congregation to remain vigilant and discerning as the world bombards them with noise, warning that times of ease are passing. He emphasizes that believers must use the current times of peace wisely to build the body of Christ, lest they regret wasting opportunities when times become difficult. The message draws strength from Paul's example, urging believers to retain the standard of sound doctrine and actively live out their faith.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The God Who Calls Sinners With a Purpose - Santosh Poonen - May 20, 2012
Santosh Poonen · May 21, 2012 · 57m
The sermon emphasizes that God's calling and purpose for individuals predate the foundation of the world, likening it to being a 'twinkle in God's eye.' The core message, drawn from 2 Timothy 1, is that our ability to live a holy life or possess a 'holy calling' is not based on our own works but is granted by God's eternal grace and purpose in Christ. Understanding Christ means standing under Him, which reveals the immense, pre-ordained blessings available to us.
1h 44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Why Christians Are So Shy - Santosh Poonen - May 6, 2012
Santosh Poonen · May 7, 2012 · 1h 44m
The message addresses why Christians often exhibit shyness, contrasting this with the boldness Paul encourages in believers. The core message, drawn from 2 Timothy 1:8-12, is that because the Gospel is the powerful work of God, Christians should not be ashamed to testify about it. True belief in the Gospel's power must result in a confident willingness to share one's faith, rather than being timid or fearful of worldly rejection.
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Greatest Enemy of Godliness - Santosh Poonen - March 11, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 30, 2012 · 32m
The speaker warns of a serious deception within Christian churches, noting that the greatest enemy of godliness is wealth. He argues that focusing on material riches can blind believers to the profound truths of godliness, which are exemplified by Christ's practical life and humility. The message urges vigilance against false teachings and the temptation to prioritize money over spiritual devotion.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Too Grown-Up For God's Kingdom - Santosh Poonen - March 25, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 23, 2012 · 55m
The speaker discusses how many people miss God's love and the Kingdom of Heaven because they become too worldly or 'grown up.' He draws a parallel between the natural, overwhelming love felt for one's own children and the divine, boundless love of God, which he sees as a 'drop' from the ocean of God's heart. The message encourages listeners to rediscover this childlike faith and dependence on God's love, referencing Matthew 18 in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What Will Your Spiritual Legacy Be? - Santosh Poonen - April 22, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 23, 2012 · 44m
The central message is that a true spiritual legacy is built not on personal gain, but on genuinely caring for the welfare of others, mirroring the selfless example of Christ, Paul, and Timothy. The speaker emphasizes that this selfless concern is a sign of being planted in the 'tree of Christ,' contrasting it with the self-centered nature of Adam. He also stresses that God grants authority and responsibility in specific spheres, requiring consistent prayer for those entrusted to our care.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Four Challenging Exhortations - Santosh Poonen - October 23, 2011
Santosh Poonen · Apr 22, 2012 · 51m
The speaker shares reflections on the importance of remaining deeply connected to the local body of Christ, emphasizing that individual spiritual growth is dependent on community. He then presents four challenging exhortations, focusing on the passage from 1 Timothy 4:16, which stresses paying close attention to both one's own life and teaching. The central message is that genuine salvation and spiritual assurance come from maintaining a balance between sound doctrine and lived, practical Christian life.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Revelation: Seeing What No Man Can See - Santosh Poonen - February 26, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21, 2012 · 44m
The passage from 1 Timothy 6:13-16 is read to emphasize the solemn charge given by God regarding Christian life. The speaker compares this charge to a military oath, stressing that one must treat their faith with utmost seriousness and purpose. He urges the congregation to live actively, recognizing that God actively preserves life, and to keep the commandments with diligence until the return of Christ.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Godliness Doctrine - Santosh Poonen - February 12, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21, 2012 · 48m
The message emphasizes that true godliness must be evidenced by a life that matches one's teaching, warning that hypocrisy brings reproach on the name of God. Paul addresses Timothy, a dedicated man of God, cautioning that even those who attend high-standard churches but do not live up to the teaching standard are bringing reproach. Ultimately, the core message is that godliness, when accompanied by contentment and a focus on God's interests over money, is a means of great gain.