4. From God, Through God and to God — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2026

Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 15m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker contrasts the true church, described as the holy city Jerusalem, with false religious movements, symbolized by Babylon the Great. He warns that merely claiming to be a Christian is insufficient; true salvation requires a deep understanding of what it means to be devoted to Christ. He urges listeners to study the New Testament thoroughly to avoid deception and follow the narrow way of discipleship.

Near to Jesus with No Condemnation — David Lane & Alan Thomas — April 14, 2024

CFC Messages · Apr 19, 2024 · 15m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker emphasizes that true fellowship with God and Jesus is found in humility, a contrite spirit, and a desire to love the truth and obey God's word. Drawing from scriptures like John 17 and Isaiah 66, the message stresses that God desires to dwell with those who are humble, contrasting this with building grand, outward displays of religion. The talk concludes by advising believers to reject negative thoughts, even if factually true, if those thoughts undermine faith in God.

How to Be Sure That You Are Making Spiritual Progress — Zac Poonen — June 17, 2023

Zac Poonen · Jun 20, 2023 · 1h 29m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

Don't Quit Before God Says It's the End — Santosh Poonen — December 3, 2023

Santosh Poonen · Dec 4, 2023 · 42m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker emphasizes that God has one ultimate purpose for each individual, and any prayer request that hinders this purpose would be denied. He warns that the world is watching believers to see if their actions align with their professed faith, noting that true discipleship is demonstrated not by outward appearance or success, but by maintaining joyful trust in God even amidst severe trials. The ultimate testimony the world seeks is the unwavering song of faith during suffering.

RLCF Men's Conference 2026 Q&A Session #1 — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026

Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 18m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker emphasizes that the ultimate goal of any teaching is to point people to Jesus, citing John 1:37 as an example of disciples following Jesus after hearing him speak. He advises that while the Christian life involves falling and stumbling, continuous repentance—not just saying sorry, but asking 'why'—is necessary for growth. He also discusses managing modern distractions, suggesting that while relaxation is fine, one must be careful about media consumption and remain aware of world events.

The New Covenant Message - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2015

Zac Poonen · May 26, 2015 · 1h 19m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon emphasizes that the church's calling is to fulfill the ministry Jesus performed on Earth, which involves showing people how God wants them to live. A critical component of this ministry, beyond evangelism, is making disciples—teaching them to obey everything Jesus taught. The speaker urges listeners to diligently study Scripture to ensure that all necessary teachings, which form a complete picture of Christ, are being preached, warning that missing doctrines leave the church 'out of tune.'

Going Into Labor With God's Work - Santosh Poonen - September 2, 2012

Santosh Poonen · Sep 2, 2012 · 54m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

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.

The Foundation of Jesus and the Apostles and Prophets - Santosh Poonen - October 23, 2016

Santosh Poonen · Oct 24, 2016 · 50m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is that the greatest calling is to follow Jesus, not to build or preach, and that every believer has a responsibility to lead others into that following in their daily lives. The speaker argues that God intentionally designs different local expressions (churches) to fulfill specific functions, viewing this necessary separation not as negative division, but as part of God's divine order, similar to how the body's organs have distinct roles.

RLCF Praise Live - August 30, 2020

CFC Messages · Sep 1, 2020 · 32m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

This service was a time of worship and prayer, focusing on finding ultimate satisfaction and security in God's presence. The speaker encouraged the congregation to give thanks for God's goodness, to lay aside anxieties, and to fix their eyes on heaven rather than earthly troubles. Specific prayers were offered for faith, for the renewal of marriages, and for the protection and discipleship of children.

The Violent Take the Kingdom of Heaven by Force - August 28, 2016

CFC Messages · Aug 29, 2016 · 46m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker encourages the congregation to view themselves not as mere recipients of blessings, but as active, contributing members of the Body of Christ. He emphasizes that every member has a responsibility to fulfill God's calling, contrasting this with the mentality of simply attending church to receive entertainment or sermons. True participation means actively contributing to the work of the kingdom.

Don't Settle For a Pain Reliever - Santosh Poonen - December 2, 2012

Santosh Poonen · Dec 3, 2012 · 47m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

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.

Take Heed How You Hear - Olu Talabi - March 3, 2019

Olu Talabi · Mar 4, 2019 · 32m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker warns against the danger of becoming too familiar with God's Word, leading to apathy where one merely knows the message without allowing it to bring about genuine, continuous transformation in life. Drawing from Hebrews 2 and 4, he emphasizes that the key question is not what has been heard, but whether those words are actively changing one's life to reflect Christ's image. True discipleship requires constant, earnest attention to the gospel's message.

Elders: Listen to God - Like Melchizedek Did -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025

Zac Poonen · Aug 6, 2025 · 23m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message emphasizes that ministry requires embodying the 'tongue of a disciple,' meaning one who listens and obeys God rather than merely speaking from knowledge. Preachers must teach and *do*, modeling Jesus' example. True ministry sustains weary people with God's word, which requires daily discipline of listening to the Lord and avoiding the temptation to generate human excitement or 'kindle one's own fire.'

Words of Encouragement -- Santosh Poonen & David Lane -- September 5, 2021

Santosh Poonen · Sep 10, 2021 · 19m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker emphasizes that the appropriate response to hearing the Word is not financial giving, but giving one's life and taking up the cross. He warns against the love of money, identifying it as the world's ruler and a distraction from true discipleship. The message urges believers to maintain allegiance only to Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven, regardless of worldly pressures or political affiliations.

Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Dave Bertsch - May 31, 2020

Ajay Chakravarthy · Jun 9, 2020 · 19m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker encourages listeners to accept all of Scripture as God's Word, rather than reinterpreting passages to fit personal comfort. He uses examples from Matthew 15 and Luke 16 to warn against being a 'weed'—someone who gets offended or justifies themselves before men rather than submitting to the truth of God's Word. Ultimately, the message stresses that discipleship requires being willing to offend others, even family, in order to obey God rather than people.

Fellowship with God & The Blessing of Having Faith — Alan Thomas & David Lane — August 6, 2024

CFC Messages · Aug 9, 2024 · 14m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is that drawing near to God through consistent fellowship is more important than seeking out a single, big life change. The speaker draws parallels from scripture (Isaiah 30) and modern life (cable cars) to illustrate that maintaining a faithful grip on fellowship allows God to guide one through any turn or difficulty. This obedience to draw near results in purification and God's leading.

2. Subject to Authority and Having Authority — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026

Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 18m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message is that true Christian witness comes not merely from preaching words, but from living a life that exemplifies Christ's example. The speaker emphasizes that believers must move beyond simply 'bearing witness' to actively 'being witnesses' by following Christ's example in all areas of life, starting with humble consistency. He urges the audience to imitate Jesus's life, particularly focusing on the foundational, humble aspects of discipleship, comparing this to starting in 'kindergarten' rather than jumping to advanced stages.

RLCF Praise Live - April 26, 2020

CFC Messages · Apr 28, 2020 · 26m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

This session is a time of corporate praise and thanksgiving, focusing on the worthiness of the Lamb and Jesus Christ. The speakers repeatedly thank God for salvation, forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The prayer time emphasizes spiritual needs, healing from sickness, and a deep desire to live lives that bring glory to God, ultimately calling the congregation to discipleship and answering the call of the Kingdom.

Obey Christ - He Wants You to be a Partner in His Kingdom — Santosh Poonen — June 9, 2024

Santosh Poonen · Jun 10, 2024 · 1h 12m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon emphasizes that believers are called to live a life of perpetual rest, drawing parallels to the holiness of the Sabbath. It strongly warns against sin, comparing it to drinking from an unclean toilet, and stresses that while preaching is helpful, true freedom from sin requires the work of the Holy Spirit. The speaker concludes by reiterating that Christ came specifically to save the worst sinners, encouraging the audience to embrace repentance.

RLCF Praise Live — June 22, 2025

CFC Messages · Jul 3, 2025 · 33m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon emphasizes approaching God with deep reverence, gratitude, and praise, acknowledging that everything belongs to Him. The speaker leads the congregation in a prayer of consecration, asking God to take control of their thoughts, words, and motives. A central theme is the cleansing power of Jesus' blood and the Holy Spirit's work to break spiritual bondage, leading to victory over sin.

Permit It at This Time: Going the Way of the Cross — Ajay Chakravarthy — October 12, 2025

Ajay Chakravarthy · Oct 12, 2025 · 52m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon emphasizes that every individual has a vital role, comparing the church body to the planks of an ark, where all parts are necessary. The central message draws from Jesus' willingness to be baptized, illustrating that following Christ requires taking up one's cross. Ultimately, the speaker stresses that Christian experience and life's challenges are measured by the depth of one's faith, urging listeners to prepare for accountability before God alone.

Take Time To Be Holy — RLCF Praise Live — August 27, 2023

CFC Messages · Aug 30, 2023 · 3m 36s · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The central message encourages believers to actively pursue holiness by focusing on Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that by looking to Jesus, believers will become like Him, allowing their lives to bear witness to God's goodness to others without needing to preach constantly. This requires a continuous commitment to following the Lord and trusting in His word.

Discerning the Ministry of the True Jesus - Santosh Poonen - January 24, 2016

Santosh Poonen · Jan 25, 2016 · 48m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The speaker warns that while church fellowship is vital for deepening intimacy with Christ, it can distract from pure devotion to Jesus. He cautions that the devil can lead the church's minds astray through activities, even within wonderful fellowship, by promoting a 'different Jesus,' a 'different spirit,' or a 'different gospel.' The core message is to remain vigilant and keep devotion focused solely on the true ministry of Jesus Christ.

This Rejected Stone is the Lord's Doing - Santosh Poonen - January 27, 2019

Santosh Poonen · Jan 28, 2019 · 30m · River of Life Christian Fellowship

The sermon emphasizes that God's work is focused on wholehearted individuals, not entire nations or families, drawing parallels to the call to leave behind one's former life for Zion, the true Church of God. The speaker distinguishes between Babylon—a religious system mixed with worldly concerns like money and power—and Zion, urging believers to discern this difference. True discipleship requires a complete allegiance to Christ, rejecting worldly attachments.