Library
194 messages
33mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Feb 21
18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Feb 18
14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Dec 1
2m 39sRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Nov 22
1h 2mZac Poonen · Oct 5
1h 12mZac Poonen · Sep 27
13mAjay Chakravarthy · Sep 22
47mZac Poonen · Sep 18
16mAjay Chakravarthy · Aug 13
24mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Aug 9
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Jul 20
16mDavid Bertsch · Jul 20
15mDavid Lane · May 19
1h 4mZac Poonen · May 7
1h 15mZac Poonen · Apr 26
49mZac Poonen · Apr 26
38mZac Poonen · Apr 3
23mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Mar 3
49mAjay Chakravarthy · Feb 27
11mDavid Lane · Feb 24
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Feb 10
17mDavid Lane · Jan 20
1h 23mZac Poonen · Jan 8
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Dec 23
Zac Poonen · 11m · CFC Daily Devotions
True blessing under the New Covenant is not measured by material wealth and health, but by spiritual transformation and union with Christ. The mark of God's blessing is internal holiness and a clear vision of Christ, not external prosperity.
33mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Feb 21, 2024 · 33m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian living requires a radical decrease of the self so that Christ may increase in every area of life—in personal devotion, marriage, and the church. The speaker urges the congregation to abandon the desire to impress or show off, focusing instead on allowing Christ's presence and power to be evident in every thought and action. This surrender is presented as the source of strength, healing, and glory, even amidst life's trials.
18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Feb 18, 2024 · 18m
The speaker encourages the audience to take up the cross daily by adopting the single-minded focus of Jesus Christ, who suffered in the flesh. This means living purposefully for God's will rather than for personal desires. The message emphasizes that God's grace flows to the lowest point, citing examples of Jesus ministering to those considered disqualified, such as the Samaritan woman.
14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Dec 1, 2023 · 14m
The speaker warns against spiritual complacency by examining the failures of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, drawing parallels to modern temptations. He emphasizes that a lack of love for one's brethren, greed (especially the love of money), and a desire for honor or status can lead to spiritual disaster. The core message is to remain vigilant against these subtle sins and maintain a heart of love and humility.
2m 39sRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Nov 22, 2023 · 2m 39s
The message encourages the congregation to find rest and joy in the presence of Jesus. It emphasizes that no song or feeling can compare to the sweetness of being in His presence. The core call is to humble oneself and recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of joy and hope.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 5, 2023 · 1h 2m
The central message is that following Jesus requires a daily commitment to deny oneself and take up the cross, which means constantly confronting the 'self.' The speaker emphasizes that the Christian life is a marathon race, not an escalator, requiring continuous forward movement through self-denial. A key practical application discussed is overcoming the sin of getting offended, as this stems from an inflated sense of self-worth rather than recognizing one's identity solely in Christ.
1h 12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 27, 2023 · 1h 12m
The central message is that the greatest spiritual achievement is not miraculous power, but rather following Jesus' example by enduring the cross. The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires laying aside all encumbrances and enduring, mirroring Jesus' humility in being baptized and submitting to others. This submission is necessary to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which is presented as more valuable than worldly accolades or spiritual gifts.
13mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Ajay Chakravarthy · Sep 22, 2023 · 13m
The speaker uses the metaphor of an apple orchard to illustrate that Christian life requires continually gathering 'apples' of faith from God's Word, moving beyond mere initial faith. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth involves cultivating a sensitive heart to hear the Holy Spirit's convicting word and resisting the poison of pride, which can be countered through self-humbling before the Lord. Ultimately, the message stresses that grace is essential for overcoming sin and that faith must be continually replenished.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 18, 2023 · 47m
The speaker distinguishes between 'mercy,' which covers past sins, and 'grace,' which provides help for future situations. He emphasizes that God gives grace specifically to the humble, citing passages from Proverbs, James, and 1 Peter. The message concludes by discussing how God allows persistent struggles, like Paul's 'thorn in the flesh,' not to punish, but to strengthen faith through persistent prayer and trust in God's unseen plan.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Ajay Chakravarthy · Aug 13, 2023 · 16m
The speaker contrasts Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus after years of association, with Mary, who remained humble and receptive to Jesus's words. He argues that the root cause of getting offended with God or others is pride, which makes one resistant to correction. True discipleship, exemplified by Mary, involves humility and obedience, even when facing reproach or misunderstanding.
24mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Aug 9, 2023 · 24m
The sermon emphasizes that God remains in control of all things, even when human efforts lead to sin or despair, offering redemption through Jesus Christ. The speaker urges the congregation to surrender their will, embrace humility, and remain dependent on God, trusting Him through all struggles, including spiritual warfare, until His return. The core message is to live an unshakable life rooted in faith and reliance on God's supreme authority.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Jul 20, 2023 · 1h 4m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires dying to self and prioritizing God's will over worldly desires, referencing passages like 1 John 2:15 and John 12:24. Key themes include the necessity of humility, the sufficiency of Jesus' blood for reconciliation, and the ongoing process of spiritual growth, even when difficult. The message encourages continuous pursuit of God's presence and Word.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
David Bertsch · Jul 20, 2023 · 16m
The central message is that one must seek God's face with the mind of Christ, which is characterized by profound humility, obedience, and submission to the Father's will. Key examples from Christ's life illustrate this: He continually humbled himself, spoke only after being taught by the Father, lived to please the Father rather than his own desires, and sustained himself by the Word of God. Ultimately, this means living a life completely submissive to God's will.
15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
David Lane · May 19, 2023 · 15m
The central message is that true strength and abundance come not from self-sufficiency, but from embracing a state of helplessness and humility before God. Drawing on scripture, the speaker emphasizes that when we become poor in spirit, we gain access to God's abundant grace, His presence, and the Kingdom of Heaven. This weakness is seen not as a deficit, but as the very place where God dwells and where our glory can be found.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2023 · 1h 4m
The speaker urges Christians to read the Word of God carefully and take sin and reverence for Christ seriously, warning against becoming too familiar with Jesus. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires a foundation of the 'fear of God' before fully embracing grace, comparing this to a child who appreciates a king's favor after years of poverty. The central message is to live with deep reverence, humility, and a serious commitment to one's calling, understanding the profound gifts of the New Covenant.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 1h 15m
The speaker emphasizes that believers should adopt the childlike humility of Jesus's followers, contrasting this with the pride of the Pharisees. He draws a parallel between God's fatherly discipline and a grandfather's care, asserting that God disciplines us as a loving father, not a distant grandfather. Ultimately, the message encourages trusting God's sovereignty through all circumstances, viewing difficulties as opportunities for Him to draw us back to Him.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 49m
The sermon centers on finding true rest in God amidst the constant unrest of life, comparing it to Jesus's invitation in Matthew 11:28-30. True rest is found not in a period of calm, but in following Jesus's gentle and humble yoke, which requires surrender to His will. This inner rest is a divine gift that allows believers to remain calm and centered even when surrounded by life's storms.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 3, 2023 · 38m
The central message is that God's glory is actually His goodness, which believers must manifest to others. Humility, exemplified by a newborn baby, is key to receiving God's grace, as sin cannot rule over those who are humble. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual life involves meditating on Scripture and prioritizing God's kingdom and goodness over worldly knowledge or achievements.
23mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Mar 3, 2023 · 23m
The speaker encourages listeners to find rest in the assurance that God provides for their daily needs, drawing parallels from God's care for animals and the Israelites. He emphasizes that true entry into God's Kingdom is impossible by human strength and requires profound humility, echoing the story of Hezekiah. Ultimately, the message calls for believers to maintain a posture of humility, trusting in God's provision even when He seems to withdraw to test them.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Ajay Chakravarthy · Feb 27, 2023 · 49m
The sermon uses the analogy of Deuteronomy 25:4, concerning not muzzling an ox while plowing, to illustrate God's boundless care for humanity. The speaker argues that God's compassion shown to animals reflects an even greater care for us, promising reward for those who diligently seek Him. He contrasts this with the wages of sin, which is spiritual death, and concludes by emphasizing that humility, like that of a child, is necessary for entering God's Kingdom, contrasting it with the pride and possessions of the rich young ruler.
11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
David Lane · Feb 24, 2023 · 11m
The speaker emphasizes that true love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, does not seek its own happiness at the expense of others. He contrasts this selfless love with the world's pursuit of personal joy, and further stresses that true spiritual recognition comes not from mere association with the church or godly people, but from an intimate, Spirit-filled relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, the focus must be on knowing and understanding the Lord through humility and mercy.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Feb 10, 2023 · 16m
The message centers on how God can use past mistakes and regrets for good, drawing heavily from the life of Paul. The speaker emphasizes that rather than dwelling on what was done ignorantly or in unbelief, believers should embrace the mercy of Christ. True repentance leads to a zeal for Christ's glory, fostering humility and a forward focus on pleasing God in the present.
17mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
David Lane · Jan 20, 2023 · 17m
The central message is that God's paradise is made for those who take responsibility and blame themselves for their sins, rather than blaming others. The speaker supports this using examples from scripture, including the thief on the cross, David's confession to Nathan, and Isaiah's confession to God, all of which emphasize self-acknowledgment without justification. He urges listeners to adopt this posture of humble self-blame.
1h 23mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jan 8, 2023 · 1h 23m
The speaker emphasizes that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous, encouraging listeners to confess sins immediately to God and apologize to people promptly. He stresses that true change comes from humility, as God gives grace only to the humble. Furthermore, he advises that forgiveness must be a matter of the will, not merely feeling, and that God's forgiveness is complete, meaning He will not remember our sins.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Dec 23, 2022 · 16m
The speaker reflects on John 20:17, where Jesus refers to God as 'my Father' and 'your God,' prompting a discussion on the nature of divinity and humility. The central message is that to receive authority, following Jesus' path of willingly humbling and submitting oneself to the Father is necessary. This principle of humility extends not only to God but also to one another, as taught in 1 Peter 5:5.