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194 messages
1h 8mLiving Constantly at Rest in God - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 7
52mGivers and Takers, and the Pathway to the Throne - Santosh Poonen - June 17, 2018
Santosh Poonen · Jun 18
45m"Imitate Me As I Imitate My Father" - Santosh Poonen - December 10, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Dec 11
38mLearning Humility from Infants - Olu Talabi, Ajay Chakravarthy - December 3, 2017
River of Life Christian Fellowship · Dec 4
45mDepending on the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 19, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 20
38mKnowing the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 5, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 6
49mHumility in Serving God - Santosh Poonen - June 11, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jun 13
56mThe Journey of the God-Seekers - Santosh Poonen - February 26, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Feb 27
51mYes, But it is Not I - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2016
Santosh Poonen · Aug 10
55mDon't Worry, Be Humble - Santosh Poonen - November 16, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Nov 17
49mGod's Purpose in Breaking Us - Santosh Poonen - August 31, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Aug 31
34mSession 5: One Who is Poor in Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24
1h 1mAfraid? Of What? - Santosh Poonen - February 23, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Feb 24
1h 11mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
50mThe Crown of Righteousness - Santosh Poonen - April 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 8
58mThe Importance of Dying to Our Own Will - Zac Poonen - March 10, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
58mHumility and Trembling at God's Word - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
58mThe Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 12
53mGod's "China Cabinet" - Santosh Poonen - September 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 17
47mMeeting Needs Within the Church Family - Santosh Poonen - January 22, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21
1h 10mReverence for God Leads to True Humility - Zac Poonen - September 18, 2011
Zac Poonen · Apr 20
1h 1mThe Way of Brokenness - Zac Poonen - September 18, 2011
Zac Poonen · Apr 20
48mThe Cross and Unity - Zac Poonen - March 28, 2012
Zac Poonen · Apr 20
1h 10mSatan's Tactics with Jesus (Satan's Tactics: Part 3) - Zac Poonen - March 20, 2011
Zac Poonen · Apr 20
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 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Living Constantly at Rest in God - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 7, 2018 · 1h 8m
The speaker contrasts the typical classroom setting with the intimate, family-like atmosphere of sharing God's word. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes not from mere religious knowledge or ministry activity, but from increasing in love and humility. Ultimately, he draws parallels between Christ's life—marked by profound humility—and the believer's calling to rest in God's provision and fellowship, mirroring God's rest after creation.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Givers and Takers, and the Pathway to the Throne - Santosh Poonen - June 17, 2018
Santosh Poonen · Jun 18, 2018 · 52m
The central message emphasizes that the Father's pleasure is to give the kingdom to the 'little flock,' which is characterized by a pure heart. True spiritual insight and connection with God do not come from academic study or overcoming sin alone, but from having a pure heart that offers one's life to the Lord with all its brokenness. The sermon contrasts the disciples' desire for earthly status and authority with Jesus' teaching that greatness in the Kingdom is found in serving and sacrificing one's life for others.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
"Imitate Me As I Imitate My Father" - Santosh Poonen - December 10, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Dec 11, 2017 · 45m
The speaker emphasizes that sin fundamentally stems from a lack of heavenly perspective, drawing strength from promises like Revelation 3:21. He focuses heavily on Matthew 18, arguing that children represent the opposite of worldly values like greatness or wealth, and that becoming like a child—humble and dependent—is essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Furthermore, he stresses the extreme seriousness of adults modeling Christ's life, warning that actions that cause children to stumble carry severe spiritual consequences.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Learning Humility from Infants - Olu Talabi, Ajay Chakravarthy - December 3, 2017
CFC Messages · Dec 4, 2017 · 38m
The central message is that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is achieved not through works or status, but through profound humility, exemplified by a little child or infant. Jesus taught that one must humble oneself completely, mirroring the dependence of a child on the Father. This humility is so vital that God gives grace to the humble, and God reveals divine truth to those who are humble rather than to the proud.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Depending on the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 19, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 20, 2017 · 45m
The central message is that to truly enter and be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must adopt the childlike mentality—being unbothered by the things the world values. This requires a deep, exclusive focus on knowing God, casting aside all other attachments, including self-righteousness or worldly achievements. Becoming a new creature in Christ means recognizing and knowing no one or nothing according to the flesh.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Knowing the Father Like an Infant - Santosh Poonen - November 5, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Nov 6, 2017 · 38m
Jesus taught the disciples that the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a child, emphasizing that true understanding comes from humility rather than perceived knowledge or status. The speaker urges listeners to move away from relying solely on the words of preachers and instead learn to observe God speaking through everyday circumstances, including family members and the world around them. This requires adopting the humble perspective of a child.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingHumility in Serving God - Santosh Poonen - June 11, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Jun 13, 2017 · 49m
This message emphasizes that true service to God must be rooted in humility. The speaker teaches that when we serve out of a desire for recognition or status, our service becomes tainted. Instead, genuine service flows from a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingThe Journey of the God-Seekers - Santosh Poonen - February 26, 2017
Santosh Poonen · Feb 27, 2017 · 56m
The sermon warns against becoming sign-seekers, cautioning that focusing on signs rather than God Himself leads to spiritual decline. True god-seeking involves a journey characterized by becoming humble and dependent on God, maintaining no compromise in faith, embracing the role of an intercessor, receiving true revelation of God, and finally responding with genuine worship.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Yes, But it is Not I - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2016
Santosh Poonen · Aug 10, 2016 · 51m
The message emphasizes that true guidance comes from the Holy Spirit, especially for those newly born again. Drawing from Isaiah 30, the speaker warns that self-reliance leads to spiritual damage, as God cannot pour out grace on those who are too self-sufficient. Instead, God waits patiently for individuals to come to Him in humility and brokenness, promising that they will eventually behold and hear the Spirit's direction for their lives.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Don't Worry, Be Humble - Santosh Poonen - November 16, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Nov 17, 2014 · 55m
The speaker expresses deep gratitude for his wife's quiet, exemplary service, noting that the burden of ministry often falls to the wives behind the scenes. He reflects on the strength found in unity and the spiritual warfare that targets the church. The sermon concludes with a prayer emphasizing humility, acknowledging dependence on God's care, and committing to live without seeking human praise.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God's Purpose in Breaking Us - Santosh Poonen - August 31, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Aug 31, 2014 · 49m
The speaker warns against the danger of making spiritual experiences, such as brokenness or righteousness, into public performances. He draws parallels from church history, noting that zeal can devolve into legalism and outward appearance. Ultimately, he cautions that even deep spiritual work can become ineffective if the goal shifts from pleasing God to gaining recognition from others.
34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Session 5: One Who is Poor in Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 34m
The central message is that true Christian life requires continuous progression toward Christ's likeness, moving from glory to glory, rather than becoming complacent after initial blessings. The speaker emphasizes that the 'full gospel' is not merely forgiveness of sins, but the pursuit of gaining the glory of Jesus Christ. This requires humility, acknowledging that all blessings come from God, and reading scripture slowly to grasp its deeper implications.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Afraid? Of What? - Santosh Poonen - February 23, 2014
Santosh Poonen · Feb 24, 2014 · 1h 1m
Jesus contrasts the blessings of the Old Covenant with the blessings of the New Covenant, emphasizing that true fortune comes from being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, and hunger for righteousness. Specifically, the speaker highlights that being persecuted for the sake of righteousness is a sign of great fortune, a concept that reverses the old understanding of earthly prosperity as God's favor.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 11m
The speaker advises that approaching the Bible with humility, like a child, allows it to be a 'Tree of Life,' whereas a critical attitude treats it as a 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.' He uses Jesus' submission to his Father and to imperfect people like Joseph and Mary as an example of required submission in life, including to imperfect leaders. Furthermore, he teaches that sympathy must be Christ-like, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty through verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28, showing how even the worst events can work for good.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Crown of Righteousness - Santosh Poonen - April 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 8, 2013 · 50m
The speaker reflects on Paul's testimony of being the chief of sinners, emphasizing that God's mercy and patience can be demonstrated through an individual's life. He cautions that desiring God's physical presence requires spiritual readiness, as all pretense and outward appearances will be stripped away. Ultimately, true accountability comes from recognizing that God sees the heart and motives, not just outward piety.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Importance of Dying to Our Own Will - Zac Poonen - March 10, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 58m
The central message is that true spirituality is not demonstrated by intellectual knowledge, emotional excitement, or public displays of faith, but by the yielding of one's will to God's will. The speaker warns against the deception of equating Bible knowledge or emotional fervor with genuine spiritual life, pointing to Matthew 7:14 which describes the narrow way. True discipleship requires denying one's own will in daily life, not just on Sunday.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Humility and Trembling at God's Word - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 58m
The central message emphasizes that building God's house—which encompasses one's personal life, family, and the church—requires profound humility and a contrite spirit. Drawing from Isaiah 66, the speaker argues that God looks upon those who are humble and tremble at His word. True humility involves recognizing others as more important than oneself, mirroring the attitude of Christ, and maintaining a perpetual awareness of one's own spiritual need, like a beggar waiting at a gate.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 12, 2013 · 58m
The sermon emphasizes that true strength comes not from worldly displays of power, but from spiritual maturity, self-control, and humility. A strong man is willing to admit when he is wrong, apologize, and acknowledge that he does not know everything, mirroring the childlike willingness to confess error. The foundation for a strong life, like a building, is a deep understanding of sin and genuine repentance.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God's "China Cabinet" - Santosh Poonen - September 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 17, 2012 · 53m
The speaker cautions against the misconception that God's pleasure in using a person or ministry is determined by worldly success or recognition. He emphasizes that God can use anyone, even those He is not pleased with, to accomplish His purpose, citing examples like Pharaoh, Balaam, and Judas Iscariot. True measure of God's favor lies in the heart and life of the individual, not the visible ministry.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Meeting Needs Within the Church Family - Santosh Poonen - January 22, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Apr 21, 2012 · 47m
The message emphasizes that understanding the church as a holy family requires treating fellow believers with deep care and reconciliation, even when disagreements arise. Drawing from Paul's instructions to Timothy, the speaker argues that this bond is deeper than earthly relationships, necessitating humility to restore broken connections. Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond earthly attachments and fully experience the unity God creates within the local church.
1h 10mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Reverence for God Leads to True Humility - Zac Poonen - September 18, 2011
Zac Poonen · Apr 20, 2012 · 1h 10m
The central message emphasizes that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, which is the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit's guidance. The speaker contrasts mere knowledge (which is like filling a room with furniture) with wisdom (which builds the house), arguing that reverence for God allows the Spirit to bring necessary truths to mind at the right time. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of fellowship, noting that Christianity is defined by deep community rather than the size of a building.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Way of Brokenness - Zac Poonen - September 18, 2011
Zac Poonen · Apr 20, 2012 · 1h 1m
The central message is that the Kingdom of God means seeking God's government to rule one's life, not just engaging in missionary work. True participation in God's body requires a willingness to be broken down, much like mud being molded, to become part of the unified body of Christ. This process of being broken is necessary for spiritual growth, mirroring Christ's own life of yielding to the Father's will.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Cross and Unity - Zac Poonen - March 28, 2012
Zac Poonen · Apr 20, 2012 · 48m
True Christian unity is not achieved through spiritual gifts or mere adherence to doctrine, but by crucifying our own self-will, which is the root of all enmity. Jesus demonstrated this perfect unity with the Father by consistently submitting to the Father's will, even in Gethsemane. Following this model, believers find unity with God and with one another by saying 'no' to our own desires and embracing the Father's will.
1h 10mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Satan's Tactics with Jesus (Satan's Tactics: Part 3) - Zac Poonen - March 20, 2011
Zac Poonen · Apr 20, 2012 · 1h 10m
The sermon examines Satan's tactics using examples from Eve, Job, and Jesus, emphasizing that God's ultimate purpose in all trials is for our good. The speaker stresses that true spiritual growth comes not from intellectual understanding or preaching, but from being humbled by recognizing one's own insignificance before God, leading to repentance. The greatest mark of a holy person is humility, which is often gained through trials, as seen with Paul's thorn in the flesh.