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1h 7mBuilding a Godly Church — Zac Poonen — April 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
1h 15mBuilding a Godly Family Life — Zac Poonen — April 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
49mEnter Into God's Rest — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
1h 14mRLCF Men’s Conference 2023 Q&A — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
51mThe Church and Satan — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
50mWhy God Uses Women — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
1h 8mMen Who Manifest God's Nature — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
1h 3mJesus' Standard of Holiness — Zac Poonen — April 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
1h 54mHow God Started the Work of CFC — Zac Poonen — April 12, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 18
1h 0mLooking at Jesus' Example — Zac Poonen — April 16, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 17
51mThe Most Important Commandment — Zac Poonen — April 9, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 10
51mYou Have a Very Important Task in Christ's Body — Zac Poonen — April 5, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 6
38mGod's Glory is His Goodness Which We Must Manifest to Others — Zac Poonen — April 2, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 3
1h 7mDiscerning the Excellent -- Zac Poonen -- February 25, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
1h 4m6. Contentment -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
26m9. The Church That Jesus is Building -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
1h 2m7. A Helpmeet for Christ -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
59m2. The Works That Jesus Did-- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
24m8. Raising Godly Children -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
54m5. Faith When We Have Failed -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
51mThe Exchange Christ Offers -- Zac Poonen -- March 4, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
1h 7m4. The Faith of Jesus -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
52m3. Freedom From Being Orphans -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
58m1. Secure in God Our Father -- Zac Poonen -- February 27, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
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.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building a Godly Church — Zac Poonen — April 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 1h 7m
Building a godly church requires focusing on foundational elements rather than external trappings like grand buildings or elaborate music. The speaker emphasizes that the core must be a personal walk with God, followed by a strong family life. Ultimately, the church is built by people united in Christ, regardless of race, education, or social standing, requiring a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of the Gospel.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building a Godly Family Life — Zac Poonen — April 23, 2023
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
Enter Into God's Rest — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
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.
1h 14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
RLCF Men’s Conference 2023 Q&A — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 1h 14m
The speaker emphasizes that Christianity is a spiritual faith, not merely an intellectual one, requiring understanding beyond the mind and soul to reach the spirit. True life change comes not from winning arguments, but from surrendering one's will to God's plan through prayer. Furthermore, the speaker advises that sin confession should be made to God and the person wronged, not to another person, and that one must focus solely on Christ rather than being discouraged by the hypocrisy of others.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Church and Satan — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 51m
The speaker argues that Satan's primary tactic is creating separation, which is evident when relationships—between God and man, or man and man—break down. He contrasts mere academic study with true revelation, asserting that revelation, which comes from heaven, is what fundamentally changes a person's life. Ultimately, the speaker teaches that the Church must be built not on human understanding or even on a person like Peter, but solely on the rock of divine revelation concerning Christ.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Why God Uses Women — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 50m
The speaker emphasizes that the primary ministry for every believer is encouragement, urging listeners to encourage one another daily as long as they are alive. He warns against the deceitfulness of sin, which subtly hardens the heart, using examples like suggestive content in otherwise 'clean' media. Ultimately, the message calls for a life lived as a continuous act of gratitude to God for salvation, requiring constant vigilance and reliance on the blood of Christ, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and following the way of the cross.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Men Who Manifest God's Nature — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 1h 8m
The speaker emphasizes that men are ordained to take the lead in the church, which requires deep knowledge of God and His Word. He draws from the story of Cornelius to illustrate that God hears sincere prayer, even from non-Christians, provided there is a reverence for God. True prayer is characterized by a constant state of helplessness, not by the quantity of time spent praying, and it should be approached with intimacy, addressing God as 'Abba' in private.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Jesus' Standard of Holiness — Zac Poonen — April 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 1h 3m
The speaker advises believers to approach worship and scripture study with conscious focus, treating singing and prayer as direct communication with the Lord Jesus. He cautions against meaningless repetition in worship, referencing Matthew 6:7, and emphasizes meditating on scripture rather than just reading it. Furthermore, he corrects a common misunderstanding, pointing out that the New Testament's first promise (Matthew 1:21) is salvation from sin, not from hell, suggesting that Jesus is more accurately described as a forgiver than a savior.
1h 54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
How God Started the Work of CFC — Zac Poonen — April 12, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 18, 2023 · 1h 54m
Genuine works of God always begin with a burden and prayer, tracing historical examples from Martin Luther's Reformation to John Wesley's emphasis on holiness. The speaker argues that the full purpose of God—encompassing salvation by faith, the Holy Spirit, and a life of holiness—has been repeatedly obscured by corruption and materialism within Christianity. He advocates for a return to authentic, non-worldly Christian living, using his experience in India to illustrate the need to counter the influence of money in church leadership.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Looking at Jesus' Example — Zac Poonen — April 16, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 17, 2023 · 1h 0m
The sermon contrasts the miracles of the Old Testament with the superior provision found in Jesus Christ. The speaker argues that while Old Testament miracles were external and did not change inner lives, following Jesus—the author and perfecter of faith—is far better. The secret to the Christian life is keeping one's eyes fixed on Jesus, especially remembering what he endured on the cross, which defeated Satan.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Most Important Commandment — Zac Poonen — April 9, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 10, 2023 · 51m
The speaker argues that many Christians mistakenly focus on minor commandments, much like the Pharisees who focused on Sabbath laws rather than the core requirement. He emphasizes that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might, as this love makes keeping all other commandments manageable. Furthermore, he strongly advises that a true measure of love for God is reading through the entire Bible at least once.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
You Have a Very Important Task in Christ's Body — Zac Poonen — April 5, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 6, 2023 · 51m
The sermon emphasizes the necessity of remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, comparing this spiritual awareness to keeping a lamp fueled with oil. The speaker draws from the parable of the ten virgins and Hebrews 5:11, warning that neglecting the Spirit's promptings leads to becoming 'dull of hearing.' Ultimately, he teaches that every word proceeding from God is heard through one's conscience, and actively listening to this inner voice is key to spiritual readiness for Christ's return.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God's Glory is His Goodness Which We Must Manifest to Others — Zac Poonen — April 2, 2023
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.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Discerning the Excellent -- Zac Poonen -- February 25, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 1h 7m
The sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity, which involves discerning the difference between what is merely 'good' and what is truly 'excellent.' Drawing from Philippians 1:9-11, the speaker argues that true love, which is the foundation for this discernment, grows in knowledge and judgment. Spiritual growth requires moving beyond simply avoiding evil to actively pursuing the best and most excellent way in all aspects of life.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
6. Contentment -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 1h 4m
The speaker contrasts Old Testament faith, which focused on material victories, with New Testament faith, which requires giving thanks even when circumstances haven't changed. True spiritual growth requires not only godliness but also contentment, which means accepting the boundaries God sets for our lives, including our finances. By submitting totally to God and living contentedly, believers can resist the devil and find freedom from discouragement and debt.
26mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
9. The Church That Jesus is Building -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 26m
Jesus promised to build His church, which the gates of hell cannot overpower. The strength of the church is not measured by its size or attendance, but by the purity and quality of its members. To maintain this strength, believers must diligently guard their conscience by immediately confessing sins to God and to any person they have wronged.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
7. A Helpmeet for Christ -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 1h 2m
The central message is that the primary work of Christ on Earth is building His church, which requires believers to be willing helpmeets to their Bridegroom. This involves understanding the Great Commission—making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey all of Christ's commands. The speaker warns against superficial Christianity and emphasizes that true discipleship requires a commitment to holiness, repentance, and living according to Christ's teachings.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
2. The Works That Jesus Did-- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 59m
The central message is that true spiritual change and the ability to do 'greater works' than Jesus are achieved through the gift of the Holy Spirit, not merely through external miracles. Jesus's works encompassed his entire life, not just the three and a half years of recorded miracles. The ability to do greater works refers to an internal transformation—becoming one with Christ—which is impossible without the Spirit's indwelling.
24mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
8. Raising Godly Children -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 24m
The central message is that raising children is a sacred trust from God, requiring faith from parents, similar to how Moses' parents protected him. The speaker emphasizes that every child is a gift from God, and parents must treat their children as such, recognizing that receiving a child in Jesus' name is equivalent to receiving Christ. Furthermore, while children teach us humility, the process of raising them requires continuous prayer and discipline to overcome sin's nature.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
5. Faith When We Have Failed -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 54m
The speaker emphasizes that effective ministry requires humility, urging believers not to elevate themselves over others. A core message is that genuine faith is built by studying God's Word, as man cannot live by bread alone. Furthermore, he draws a critical distinction between falling into sin and having faith fail, asserting that the failure of faith is the more serious spiritual danger.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Exchange Christ Offers -- Zac Poonen -- March 4, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 51m
The sermon emphasizes the profound exchange that occurs when a person comes to Christ, citing 2 Corinthians 5:21 where Christ became sin for us to become the righteousness of God. The speaker urges listeners to deeply meditate on this exchange and, drawing from Hebrews 5, stresses that Jesus' prayers were heard because of a reverential fear of God. He concludes that many believers fail to overcome sin because they do not approach God with the same desperate, heartfelt cry for fellowship that Jesus demonstrated.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
4. The Faith of Jesus -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 1h 7m
True faith is not merely intellectual agreement with facts, but a deep, experiential reality that allows one to think and view life from a heavenly, God-centered perspective. The speaker emphasizes that this heavenly mindset is received through the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with the limited, earthly concerns often seen in believers' attitudes toward money and material things. To possess this faith means living in a way that reflects Christ's mindset, even in daily life.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3. Freedom From Being Orphans -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 52m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the full context of scripture, warning against memorizing verses without knowing their original setting to avoid misunderstanding. He contrasts this with the necessity of total commitment to God's will, drawing parallels between Jesus' unwavering dedication and the need for Christians to abandon their own will. The talk concludes by defining the church not as a collection of meetings or groups, but as a total, unwavering commitment to one another as the body of Christ.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
1. Secure in God Our Father -- Zac Poonen -- February 27, 2009
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2023 · 58m
The central message is that true spiritual maturity involves developing a deep concern for what grieves God, moving beyond mere personal concerns. The speaker emphasizes that a mature Christian's primary concern should be the honor of Christ's name, which is dishonored by the way believers live in their relationships, work, and families. He concludes by urging believers to cultivate a heart sensitive to God's heart, noting that unaddressed relational issues are more concerning to God than minor external disturbances.