Library
194 messages
46mZac Poonen · May 7
17mOlu Talabi · Apr 29
56mZac Poonen · Apr 27
14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Apr 23
31mZac Poonen · Mar 26
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Feb 27
50mAjay Chakravarthy · Jan 20
59mSantosh Poonen · Jan 6
1h 1mSantosh Poonen · Dec 16
18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Nov 27
27mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Oct 14
41mOlu Talabi · Oct 6
52mZac Poonen · Sep 16
42mZac Poonen · Sep 16
41mZac Poonen · Sep 9
31mOlu Talabi · Jul 24
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Apr 15
52mZac Poonen · Apr 7
55mSantosh Poonen · Mar 28
41mAjay Chakravarthy · Mar 18
33mZac Poonen · Mar 10
58mSantosh Poonen · Feb 25
19mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Feb 18
39mSantosh Poonen · Oct 1
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.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2020 · 46m
The speaker discusses Jesus' use of parables, noting that understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven is a gift granted by God, not something achievable through mere intelligence. He argues that true understanding comes not from cleverness or deep study, but from humility, comparing the necessary mindset to that of a little child. Pride and self-sufficiency obscure the recognition of Christ, which is the core mystery revealed.
17mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Apr 29, 2020 · 17m
The central message is that God's Word is a powerful, living, and active discerner capable of revealing the true thoughts and intents of our hearts. To truly hear God's Word, we must approach it with humility and an open agenda, seeking to know the Lord Jesus. Because the heart is deceitful, we must pray for the Word to pierce through our self-deceptions and expose the true state of our condition, as God looks at the heart, not just outward actions.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 27, 2020 · 56m
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.
14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Apr 23, 2020 · 14m
The speaker urges self-examination, drawing parallels from the Parable of the Pharisee and the Prodigal Son to warn against hypocrisy and self-serving religion. He emphasizes that true devotion to Jesus requires a costly, private love, exemplified by Mary anointing Jesus' feet, rather than seeking public recognition or material gain. The core message is to examine the 'inside' of one's cup, ensuring one's love for God surpasses all other earthly attachments.
31mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 26, 2020 · 31m
The message encourages a yearly spiritual checkup, urging believers to progress in their Christian walk by examining past failures. Drawing parallels to the temptation in Genesis, the speaker warns against the devil's lies—specifically that sin won't be punished or that one can be like God. True spiritual growth requires recognizing that Christ is the sole mediator between God and man, and our ultimate calling is to be conformed to Christ's character of humility and love, not to rule over others.
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Feb 27, 2020 · 32m
The sermon emphasizes drawing deeply from God's love, which is vast like the ocean and demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus. The speaker urges the congregation to move beyond mere intellectual understanding of God's love to a deep, heart-level realization that becomes a foundation. Key requests include praying for the spirit of love, discipline, and humility, and trusting God's provision for both spiritual and physical needs.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Ajay Chakravarthy · Jan 20, 2020 · 50m
The sermon uses the story of Saul's early life to illustrate that spiritual success requires laying aside sin and weights to run the race of faith. The speaker emphasizes that just as Elisha saw what his servant could not, believers must seek God's vision to overcome fear. The core message is to focus on Jesus and remain humble, avoiding the pitfalls of self-reliance or worldly distractions.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 6, 2020 · 59m
The central message is that true meekness, as exemplified by Jesus, leads to inheriting the 'earth' which refers not to material possessions, but to the people and nations for God's kingdom. The speaker emphasizes that this inheritance is gained through inner humility, gentleness, and brokenness, rather than through external achievements or gifts. He prays that the church's influence will grow by demonstrating this quiet, Spirit-filled meekness.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 16, 2019 · 1h 1m
The speaker emphasizes that the ultimate evidence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit is becoming holy, which involves humility and living under God's grace. He explains that sin is overcome by remaining constantly immersed in this 'waterfall of grace,' which requires the entire being, including the mind, to be surrendered. Pride is identified as the primary barrier that causes this flow of grace to stop.
18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Nov 27, 2019 · 18m
The sermon emphasizes that the way to life is the narrow way, which requires more than just performing visible religious acts or miracles. True discipleship is characterized by patience, forgiveness, and focusing on the quiet, unseen work, as exemplified by Mary over Martha. Ultimately, the speaker stresses that genuine love and service are not sustained by human zeal alone but require being broken down and drawing strength from Christ, the vine.
27mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Oct 14, 2019 · 27m
The speaker warns that the greatest danger lies with those who have been in the church and know the Lord the longest, urging constant self-examination. He uses the Centurion's faith—who felt unworthy to even have Jesus visit—as a model, contrasting it with the complacency of those who assume their long attendance guarantees salvation. The central message is to maintain genuine gratitude and recognize that salvation requires a fresh, humble faith, not just routine attendance.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Oct 6, 2019 · 41m
The sermon centers on Micah 6:8, emphasizing that God requires three things from us: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. The speaker argues that outward religious acts, like sacrifices, are secondary to the condition of the heart. True devotion is found in an obedient heart that seeks to walk daily with the Lord Jesus Christ, which brings comfort and strength through the Holy Spirit.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 16, 2019 · 52m
The speaker cautions against the sin of being a busybody, drawing from 1 Peter 4, which warns against meddling in others' affairs. He emphasizes that judging others is arrogant because we lack the full context and knowledge of the situation, citing Jesus' example of not judging by sight or hearing. The core message is to emulate Christ's reverence for God by withholding judgment until all facts are known.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 16, 2019 · 42m
The sermon addresses the question of who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, contrasting worldly notions of greatness with Jesus' teaching. Jesus taught that to enter the Kingdom, one must be converted and humble oneself like a little child, rather than striving for earthly or perceived spiritual greatness. The speaker emphasizes that true greatness in God's sight requires abandoning worldly ideas of achievement and embracing childlike humility.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 9, 2019 · 41m
The central message is that humility is the prerequisite for receiving God's grace, which in turn grants victory over sin. The speaker emphasizes that all struggles—such as anger, lust, or materialism—stem from a lack of humility and subsequent lack of grace. Furthermore, he assures the audience that God is fair and has no favorites among His children, and that God never tests anyone beyond their ability.
31mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jul 24, 2019 · 31m
The central message emphasizes that true greatness in God's kingdom is found not in worldly recognition or authority, but in humble service, mirroring Christ's example. The speaker draws parallels between Jesus teaching humility (Matthew 18:4) and finding rest through following the 'ancient path' of humility (Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 11:29). Ultimately, one must adopt the mindset of a servant, whose worth is found in serving Christ regardless of recognition.
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Apr 15, 2019 · 32m
The message encourages believers to meditate on the greatness of God to overcome feelings of smallness and weakness. Key themes include casting all cares upon God, recognizing that God has plans for welfare, and the necessity of purifying both flesh and spirit. The sermon repeatedly emphasizes that following Christ requires self-denial and taking up one's cross, referencing Matthew 16:24.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 7, 2019 · 52m
The central message is that true spiritual outpouring, or the 'rivers of living water,' comes from the innermost being of those who truly believe and trust in God, rather than from external, spectacular acts. The speaker advises against seeking a visible or spectacular ministry, urging instead to focus on quietly fulfilling God's will in everyday life, mirroring the simple, consistent service of Jesus. Following Christ means following Him in His daily life, not just in His miracles.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 28, 2019 · 55m
The sermon emphasizes that God desires 100% integrity from His people, purifying not only their actions but especially their words and motives. Drawing from Zephaniah 3, the speaker highlights that God's cleansing work removes the proud and exalting spirit, leaving behind a humble remnant whose lips are purified to call upon the Lord. The ultimate goal is a life characterized by honesty and reverence before God.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Ajay Chakravarthy · Mar 18, 2019 · 41m
The speaker compares self-life to a silent killer, warning that it can be dangerous and unknown until it strikes. He emphasizes that following Jesus requires daily self-denial, not just a one-time commitment. The sermon warns against the subtle dangers of self-satisfaction, jealousy, and seeking the approval of others, citing the example of Saul's downfall due to his own pride and desire for human recognition.
33mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 10, 2019 · 33m
The speaker emphasizes that while God easily blesses people, the most difficult task is maintaining humility afterward, as blessings often breed pride. True Christian progression, like the light of dawn, must continuously increase toward the full glory of Christ, moving from glory to glory. The 'full gospel' is not just forgiveness, but the realization that believers are called to gain the same glory that Jesus Christ possessed.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 25, 2019 · 58m
The central message is that the greatest power available to us, whether individually, in marriage, or within the church, is brokenness. The speaker emphasizes that God rebuilds us through our brokenness, referencing covenants of everlasting love. True strength comes not from self-improvement or knowledge, but from admitting our need for God's divine nature to write His law on our hearts.
19mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Feb 18, 2019 · 19m
The central message is that God is not a respecter of persons; acceptance comes from doing the will of God, not from how much one has heard or how knowledgeable they are. The speaker warns against self-righteousness and judging others, citing examples like the Roman centurion and the madman healed by Jesus. True acceptance on judgment day belongs to those who follow God's will wholeheartedly, regardless of their background or education.
39mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Oct 1, 2018 · 39m
The speaker contrasts the temporary popularity of following Jesus with the true nature of discipleship. He argues that when being Christian becomes popular, it often lacks the cost of true commitment, contrasting this with the profound meaning of Jesus' 'glorification.' True glorification, according to the speaker, is not about being lifted up by the world's standards, but rather involves going down and dying to self for God's glory.