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56mGod Speaks Through Trees and Clay — Zac Poonen — November 1, 2023
Zac Poonen · Nov 2
1h 19mGlobal Online Youth Meeting 2023 Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 22
1h 11mYoung People: You Can Overcome Sin and Satan -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 21
52mWe Walk by Faith and Not by Sight - Zac Poonen - October 15, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 17
54mGrowing in Spiritual Maturity -- Zac Poonen -- October 11, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 12
54mThe Higher New Covenant Standard — Zac Poonen — October 8, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 9
1h 2mFollowing Jesus Who Died to Self Every Day — Zac Poonen — October 4, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 5
48mTrusting God and Following in Christ's Footsteps -- Zac Poonen -- October 1, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 4
1h 28m7. RLCF Family Conference 2023 Q&A — Zac Poonen — September 24, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
1h 14m6. Eight Truths to Believe and Confess — Zac Poonen — September 24, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
1h 10m5. Having a Right Attitude to Money — Zac Poonen — September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
1h 3m4. How to Have a Godly Marriage - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
1h 9m3. The Example of Jesus as a Young Boy - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
1h 18m2. How to Have the Power of God - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
59m1. God Blesses Us - to Make Us a Blessing -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
32mSpiritual Authority Protects the Church -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 27
1h 12mElders: Follow Jesus' Example as Your Leader -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 27
47mGrace Strengthening the Heart — Zac Poonen — September 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 18
56mGive No Room To The Devil — Zac Poonen — September 6, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 7
1h 2m3. Guidelines for Young People to Grow Spiritually — Zac Poonen — July 13, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jul 20
1h 7mGlobal Online Meeting Q&A — Zac Poonen — June 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jun 20
1h 29mHow to Be Sure That You Are Making Spiritual Progress — Zac Poonen — June 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jun 20
1h 4mUnderstanding the New Covenant — Zac Poonen — May 3, 2023
Zac Poonen · May 7
1h 4mThis is the True Grace of God — Zac Poonen — April 30, 2023
Zac Poonen · May 1
August 4 | Daily Devotion | The Mark Of New Covenant Blessing Is Not Wealth And Health | Zac Poonen
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.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Speaks Through Trees and Clay — Zac Poonen — November 1, 2023
Zac Poonen · Nov 2, 2023 · 56m
The sermon uses Jeremiah 17:7-8 to illustrate that true strength and blessing come from trusting in the Lord, symbolized by a tree planted by water. The speaker emphasizes that this 'water' represents the Holy Spirit, which must be sought deeply and persistently, even when spiritual life feels dry. The core message is a challenge to believers to move beyond mere attendance to cultivate a deep, unseen root system connected to the Holy Spirit to maintain constant freshness and fruitfulness.
1h 19mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Global Online Youth Meeting 2023 Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 22, 2023 · 1h 19m
The speaker addresses common concerns regarding spiritual growth, emphasizing that struggling to naturally read the Bible or pray is normal for new believers, comparing it to the effort needed to teach children good habits. He stresses that maintaining a clear conscience, reading scripture, and praying are vital aspects of a serious Christian life. Regarding assurance of salvation, he advises believers to root their faith in God's Word and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, noting that belief in scripture and the Spirit are key components.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Young People: You Can Overcome Sin and Satan -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 21, 2023 · 1h 11m
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.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight - Zac Poonen - October 15, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 17, 2023 · 52m
The central message is that pleasing God requires living by faith, not by what our senses perceive. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but comes by hearing God's Word, specifically by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to the heart while reading the New Testament. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of making daily time to read the Bible and to act on what the Spirit reveals through the Word.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Growing in Spiritual Maturity -- Zac Poonen -- October 11, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 12, 2023 · 54m
Spiritual maturity requires believers to move beyond simply hearing the Word to actively participating in the ministry of building up others. The speaker emphasizes that while physical help is appreciated, the main focus must be on spiritual responsibility, encouraging believers to pray for and take on the burden of discipling others. He grounds this in 1 John, noting that true growth involves being rooted in the forgiveness of sins and understanding the ongoing spiritual warfare between the flesh and the mind.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Higher New Covenant Standard — Zac Poonen — October 8, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 9, 2023 · 54m
The speaker warns against greed and materialism, referencing Jesus' teaching on not worrying about possessions, and emphasizes that life is more than material goods. He stresses the importance of having reverence for God, comparing it to respecting traffic signals, and advises believers to act immediately on God's guidance, making reverence the beginning of wisdom.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Following Jesus Who Died to Self Every Day — Zac Poonen — October 4, 2023
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.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Trusting God and Following in Christ's Footsteps -- Zac Poonen -- October 1, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 4, 2023 · 48m
The sermon emphasizes that God desires trust during times of trouble, referencing Psalm 50 which teaches that calling upon Him in difficulty is more important than sacrifices. Furthermore, the speaker stresses that enduring unjust suffering patiently brings favor with God, drawing assurance from Jesus' teachings that God cares for every individual, comparing humanity's value to sparrows and the hairs on our heads.
1h 28mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
7. RLCF Family Conference 2023 Q&A — Zac Poonen — September 24, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 28m
The speaker advises parents to diligently teach their children obedience, respect for elders, and the fear of God. Regarding the Holy Spirit, he emphasizes that the qualification for receiving the Spirit is genuine thirst and faith, not perfection or external experiences. True desire should be to glorify God in one's life, rather than seeking power for public testimony.
1h 14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
6. Eight Truths to Believe and Confess — Zac Poonen — September 24, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 14m
The speaker emphasizes that true faith requires both believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth, citing Romans 10:8. He stresses that confession is vital for assurance of salvation and that the strength of faith grows through speaking what is believed. The sermon then begins detailing eight truths believers must confess to maintain a strong Christian life, starting with the belief in God the Father's love.
1h 10mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
5. Having a Right Attitude to Money — Zac Poonen — September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 10m
The central message is that a Christian must maintain a clear attitude toward money, recognizing that one cannot serve two masters. Jesus taught that the two masters are God and money (Mammon). The speaker emphasizes that allowing money to control one's life prevents one from serving God, and he shares personal testimonies about returning ill-gotten gains and accepting gifts regardless of the giver's apparent means to uphold this principle.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
4. How to Have a Godly Marriage - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 3m
The speaker advises that a godly marriage requires more than just finding a suitable partner; it demands a commitment to dying to self, mirroring the cross. He emphasizes that the goal of a home should be to reflect 'Heaven on Earth,' which requires constant spiritual effort. Furthermore, he cautions against comparing oneself to others regarding domestic habits, advising that a happy, functional home is more important than perfect tidiness or adherence to one's upbringing.
1h 9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3. The Example of Jesus as a Young Boy - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 9m
Jesus' primary ministry was not limited to preaching, but rather to living a life that explained what God is like to the world. This calling extends to all believers, who are called to represent Christ by living out their faith in their daily lives, both at home and in their workplaces. The Old Testament law served not to make people holy, but to reveal humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard, pointing people toward the need for salvation.
1h 18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
2. How to Have the Power of God - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 18m
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.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
1. God Blesses Us - to Make Us a Blessing -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 59m
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a constant awareness of the presence of Jesus Christ in all gatherings, rather than focusing on each other. He encourages the audience that God desires to elevate them to a higher standard of life so they can be a blessing to others. The sermon delves into the depth of Christ's sacrifice, explaining that He bore the punishment for sin by being forsaken by the Father, and that He redeemed believers from the curse of the law by being crucified.
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Spiritual Authority Protects the Church -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 27, 2023 · 32m
The speaker emphasizes that true submission to authority, whether in life, work, or home, is vital, contrasting this with the casual acceptance of things like ice cream. He draws heavily from Paul's ministry in Ephesus, warning that churches can become doctrinally accurate but lose their fervent love for Christ, leading the Lord to 'remove the lampstand' (de-recognize them). The ultimate call is to return to the first love and remain in the presence of the Lord, even if it means leaving the established institution.
1h 12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Elders: Follow Jesus' Example as Your Leader -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
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.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Grace Strengthening the Heart — Zac Poonen — September 17, 2023
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.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Give No Room To The Devil — Zac Poonen — September 6, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 7, 2023 · 56m
The sermon emphasizes that believers must actively prevent the devil from gaining any foothold in their lives, citing Ephesians 4:27. Key areas where people give room to the devil include unresolved anger, covetousness (especially regarding money and material desires), and unconfessed bitterness in the heart. The speaker urges listeners to live lives that reflect Christ's example, trusting God completely rather than relying on worldly habits or material expectations.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3. Guidelines for Young People to Grow Spiritually — Zac Poonen — July 13, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jul 20, 2023 · 1h 2m
The central message emphasizes that Christian life requires more than just personal acceptance of Jesus; it demands active participation in building up local fellowships of believers. The speaker stresses the importance of having a burden for this local body and advises young people to embrace discipline, suffering, and submission to God's will, drawing parallels to Jesus's own life and sacrifice. Ultimately, a deep understanding of Christ's love should motivate believers to live wholeheartedly and be willing to serve God wherever they are.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Global Online Meeting Q&A — Zac Poonen — June 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jun 20, 2023 · 1h 7m
The speaker addresses how to discern if a life decision is guided by the Holy Spirit versus personal emotion, suggesting that spiritual growth is marked by God becoming quieter in direct answers, which is a sign of maturity. He emphasizes that consistent spiritual growth is not always visible, comparing it to physical growth, and advises that persistent sin struggles should be treated like repeatedly hitting a snake to weaken it, rather than feeding it. Regarding baptism, he advises that if one has genuine conviction of being born again, further baptism is unnecessary.
1h 29mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
How to Be Sure That You Are Making Spiritual Progress — Zac Poonen — June 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jun 20, 2023 · 1h 29m
Spiritual progress is fundamentally measured by the growth in love—specifically, love for Christ, love for fellow believers, and love for enemies. The speaker emphasizes that true love must manifest in good works, as mere verbal declarations are empty. Furthermore, genuine discipleship is proven not by how the world perceives us, but by the depth of our love for one another, suggesting that God's family becomes our primary allegiance.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Understanding the New Covenant — Zac Poonen — May 3, 2023
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 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
This is the True Grace of God — Zac Poonen — April 30, 2023
Zac Poonen · May 1, 2023 · 1h 4m
The sermon warns that the greatest danger to a church is the loss of first love for Christ, which outweighs all other good works or doctrinal correctness. Drawing from Revelation 2, the speaker emphasizes that true spiritual vitality comes from a personal, fervent devotion to the Lord, not merely from outward activities or organizational success. If this personal devotion fades, the church risks losing the Lord's presence, regardless of its structure or adherence to doctrine.