Seeking God's Glory and the Good of Others - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013

Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 1h 3m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker emphasizes that receiving the Holy Spirit is a free gift that requires the heart to be yielded to God, not just asking. He stresses that true discipleship means accepting Christ's total lordship over every area of life, recognizing that the root problem is sin, not just poverty or sickness. Finally, he warns against misunderstanding scripture, particularly regarding the power to witness, and points out that the devil's primary focus is accusing believers before God.

Young People: You Can Overcome Sin and Satan -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023

Zac Poonen · Oct 21, 2023 · 1h 11m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker emphasizes that God values discipleship and genuine faith over mere numbers or spectacular physical experiences. Drawing from John 20, he highlights that believing the word, even without seeing Jesus, is more blessed than seeing him face-to-face. True faith, he argues, comes by hearing and believing the word of Christ, which is more reliable than what the eyes can deceive us about.

A Firm Grip on the Christian Life: 1: The Blood of Christ - Zac Poonen - October 30, 2009

Zac Poonen · Mar 10, 2019 · 58m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

Longing to Live in God’s Presence Always — Ajay Chakravarthy — February 23, 2025

Ajay Chakravarthy · Feb 23, 2025 · 33m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker argues that true discipleship requires a constant longing for God's presence, mirroring Jesus' desire to always be with the Father. He uses biblical examples, such as Adam and Eve and the offering in Malachi, to illustrate that actions performed when no one is watching reveal one's true heart. Ultimately, the message challenges listeners to live as if God is always watching, ensuring their devotion is genuine and constant.

The Compromise of Balaam - Santosh Poonen - August 2, 2017

Santosh Poonen · Aug 11, 2017 · 57m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

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

The Fellowship of Christ's Sufferings - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018

Zac Poonen · May 29, 2018 · 1h 3m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant understanding of blessings (material prosperity) with the New Covenant understanding, where spiritual blessings are found in adversity and suffering. He emphasizes that ministry in the New Covenant comes not through isolated study or prophecy, but through enduring suffering, drawing heavily on Paul's experience. True discipleship involves understanding that believers are called to share in Christ's sufferings to attain the resurrection life.

RLCF Praise Live (Sunday) -- Singles Discipleship Gathering 2026 -- June 21, 2026

CFC Messages · Jul 2, 2026 · 28m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The message centers on the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit's power, emphasizing that believers cannot do anything significant without it. A key call to action is offered: offering one's entire body—mind, will, and actions—as a living sacrifice to God. The speaker concludes with prayers for spiritual freedom from sin and addiction, encouragement for young people, and unity in relationships.

Jesus Said “I am the Way” — Ajay Chakravarthy — November 26, 2023

Ajay Chakravarthy · Nov 27, 2023 · 47m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon distinguishes between the 'door' and the 'way,' emphasizing that while the door represents initial salvation through faith in Christ's blood, the way requires daily discipleship—taking up one's cross and following Jesus. Following this way leads to a deeper knowledge of the Father and entering into the promised rest, which means actively resisting the 'giants' of sin and living in obedience. This requires a transformation from a life enslaved to sin to one empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Following Jesus Through Your Trials & Created for His Pleasure — Allan D & Chetan C — June 7, 2026

Allan D · Jun 13, 2026 · 17m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

Discipleship requires willingly following Jesus even when it is inconvenient or difficult, mirroring His example. The speaker shares personal experiences of grief and trial, realizing that true discipleship means serving others and focusing on the needs of others, even when personally struggling. Ultimately, following Christ means yielding to His will rather than relying on one's own strength.

The Humility of the Exemplary Man - Zac Poonen - April 25, 2020

Zac Poonen · Apr 27, 2020 · 56m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is that true manhood and discipleship are modeled after Jesus Christ, not worldly standards. The speaker emphasizes that believers must look to Jesus, who lived a life of daily sacrifice, to run the Christian race. This requires embracing the reproach and shame associated with following Christ, rather than seeking popularity or worldly approval.

Sixteen Truths That I Have Learnt - 2 — Zac Poonen -- September 10, 2022

Zac Poonen · Sep 14, 2022 · 1h 12m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker outlines several truths learned throughout his life, emphasizing that holiness comes not from self-effort but from fixing one's eyes on Jesus. He stresses that the greatest weakness is the tendency to sin easily, and that true discipleship means accepting Jesus's full humanity—being tempted and having a will like ours—while always submitting to the Father's will. The ultimate goal is to run the race by looking to Jesus, which is presented as superior to all miracles.

Warnings and Promises for the Disciple - Santosh Poonen - November 1, 2015

Santosh Poonen · Nov 1, 2015 · 59m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him -- Zac Poonen -- March 2, 2022

Zac Poonen · Mar 3, 2022 · 1h 6m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon uses the example of Eli, the high priest, to warn against prioritizing family comfort over obedience to God. Eli failed to rebuke his sons for their sin because he loved them more than the Lord, leading to a curse upon his lineage. The central message is that true discipleship requires honoring Christ above all relationships, and neglecting to correct sin in loved ones can have eternal consequences.

The Jealousy of God - Zac Poonen - March 20, 2020

Zac Poonen · Mar 21, 2020 · 40m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is that God's jealousy, as referenced in scripture, demands exclusive devotion—that the spirit must belong entirely to Him. True discipleship is not measured by activities, service, or good works, but by having no place in the heart for anything or anyone other than Christ. This requires a fervent, all-consuming love that makes Christ the absolute center of one's life.

youtu.be/UyZtLv1j-P8 #santoshpoonen Isaiah50:4 Let God open your ear early in the morning

Santosh Poonen · Jan 20, 2026 · 55s · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is the importance of developing a disciplined ear to hear from the Lord, drawing from Isaiah 50:4. The speaker urges listeners to make it a habit to listen to God first thing in the morning, even before checking their phones or fully waking up. This act of disciplining the ear is presented as a key aspect of discipleship.

Ravenous Wolves - Santosh Poonen - June 7, 2015

Santosh Poonen · Jun 8, 2015 · 1h 3m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The message emphasizes that true discipleship requires a 'Shepherd mentality,' meaning one must be willing to lay down one's life and risk personal safety for the benefit of others, much like Jesus. The speaker warns against the 'ravenous wolf' mentality—a self-serving, biting disposition—and contrasts it with the selfless care of the Good Shepherd. Following Jesus must result in a visible desire to lead others to be disciples.

Brokenness and the Inspired Authority of God - Santosh Poonen - February 10, 2019

Santosh Poonen · Feb 11, 2019 · 49m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

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.

What Kind of Hivite Are You? - Ajay Chakravarthy - November 10, 2019

Ajay Chakravarthy · Nov 12, 2019 · 43m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker challenges the congregation on the depth of their commitment to listening to Jesus, suggesting that true discipleship requires actively applying spiritual teaching without needing physical reminders. He then uses the historical example of the Hittites to warn against harboring a spirit of criticism or fault-finding, which he compares to lacking a 'blanket of love' to cover others' sins. Failing to repent of this critical spirit will cause it to become a constant 'thorn in the flesh,' necessitating repentance and a renewed commitment to love.

Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Dave Bertsch - January 12, 2020

Ajay Chakravarthy · Jan 14, 2020 · 26m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker uses the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet to emphasize the profound forgiveness found in Christ's presence. He then extends this principle to relationships, urging listeners to create an environment of non-judgmental acceptance so that others feel free to confess their sins. Finally, he stresses that true discipleship requires not just hearing Jesus' teachings, but actively observing and living them out in one's own life.

Spiritual Authority in the Body of Christ -- Santosh Poonen -- May 29, 2022

Santosh Poonen · May 30, 2022 · 1h 9m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is that believers must move beyond being passive Christians and actively participate as members of the living Body of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that being a disciple involves having a tongue controlled by the Holy Spirit, which equips one to speak God's word to others. He urges the congregation to use their gifts and relationships to minister to others, recognizing that every member has a responsibility to be a witness.

2. How to Have the Power of God - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023

Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 18m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker urges the audience to be bold in their witness for Christ, comparing the fear of man to the boldness of Jesus on the cross. He recounts his own struggle with fear, realizing that true discipleship requires being willing to proclaim Christ openly, even when facing ridicule. The central message is that genuine spiritual power comes not from special gifts, but from the courage to live openly as a disciple, mirroring the boldness of the early church after Pentecost.

Not That I Loved Him, But Christ Loved Me First — Santosh Poonen — July 7, 2024

Santosh Poonen · Jul 8, 2024 · 52m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker addresses the fear of hell, assuring the congregation that those in Christ are secure from condemnation. However, his primary concern is a 'healthy fear'—a reverential dread of failing to follow Christ closely when he returns. He emphasizes that true discipleship means following Jesus wherever he leads, even into difficult, painful, or uncomfortable circumstances, lest one be left behind at the final moment.

RLCF Praise Live — February 4, 2024

CFC Messages · Feb 10, 2024 · 1h 0m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The message emphasizes the depth of praise due to Jesus, noting that human praise is insufficient compared to His majesty. The core teaching focuses on Jesus' example as our guide, highlighting that He lived a life of obedience, drawing strength from the Father, and modeling perfect discipleship. Believers are encouraged to follow His footsteps in all aspects of life, trusting in His unchanging nature.

Repent Daily, Then Satan Will Be Afraid of You -- Zac Poonen -- January 5, 2022

Zac Poonen · Jan 6, 2022 · 54m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker warns that the greatest danger to the church is spiritual decline, citing the example of Ephesus where the elders failed to maintain the fervor Paul preached. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires a radical, wholehearted commitment to Christ's kingdom above all personal desires, as this is what truly frightens the devil. Believers must live in a way that demonstrates this unwavering focus on God's will.