Library
479 messages
1h 27mZac Poonen · Jan 23
48mZac Poonen · Jan 10
54mZac Poonen · Jan 6
52mZac Poonen · Dec 2
48mZac Poonen · Oct 25
1h 11mZac Poonen · Oct 25
1h 6mZac Poonen · Oct 18
21mZac Poonen · Oct 11
56mZac Poonen · Oct 11
1h 1mZac Poonen · Sep 29
21mZac Poonen · Sep 24
56mZac Poonen · Sep 20
1h 0mZac Poonen · Sep 19
1h 3mZac Poonen · Sep 16
1h 29mZac Poonen · Sep 13
1h 4mZac Poonen · Sep 12
51mZac Poonen · Sep 9
1h 21mZac Poonen · Sep 6
56mZac Poonen · Sep 2
48mZac Poonen · Aug 30
34mZac Poonen · Aug 26
1h 5mZac Poonen · Aug 23
1h 1mZac Poonen · Aug 17
31mZac Poonen · Aug 16
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 27mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jan 23, 2022 · 1h 27m
The central message is that Jesus Christ defeated Satan on the cross, rendering him powerless over believers who live under Christ's headship. The speaker emphasizes that while we are freed from the debt and power of sin, we must not live in the fear of death, as this fear is a form of slavery Satan exploits. Satan cannot attack a Christian or their family if they walk in the light and keep the door to darkness shut.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jan 10, 2022 · 48m
The central message warns believers against modern deceptions, urging them to focus on the core truth of Christianity rather than being distracted by current events or controversies. Drawing from Matthew 24, the speaker emphasizes that the primary sign of the end times is deception itself. Ultimately, he directs listeners to Romans 8:29, asserting that every believer's predetermined destination is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jan 6, 2022 · 54m
The speaker warns that the greatest danger to the church is spiritual decline, citing the example of Ephesus where the elders failed to maintain the fervor Paul preached. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires a radical, wholehearted commitment to Christ's kingdom above all personal desires, as this is what truly frightens the devil. Believers must live in a way that demonstrates this unwavering focus on God's will.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Dec 2, 2021 · 52m
The sermon contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant, emphasizing that true spiritual greatness comes not from external gifts or ministry prowess, but from having the Holy Spirit dwelling within one's heart. The speaker urges the congregation to focus on 'being' more Christ-like in daily life and conversation rather than merely 'doing' impressive spiritual works. Ultimately, the greatest value lies in possessing the Spirit within, which allows one to relate to God with intimacy, as exemplified by the cry of 'Abba, Father.'
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 25, 2021 · 48m
The speaker discusses the importance of setting a good example in marriage, particularly for raising children, as children learn primarily through observation. He emphasizes that parents must be strict and teach obedience and respect from an early age, noting that good parenting habits are more crucial than religious affiliation. The message concludes by citing Proverbs 22:6, stressing that parents must actively train their children in the right way, as this is a law like gravity.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 25, 2021 · 1h 11m
The central message emphasizes that true Christian life goes beyond merely confessing sins (1 John 1:9) to actively walking in the manner of Jesus (1 John 2:6). The speaker warns that many believers are more concerned with avoiding physical death than spiritual death, comparing this lack of vigilance to a failure to learn basic life skills. Ultimately, he stresses that the foundation of the Christian life must be built on prioritizing Christ above all worldly concerns, as exemplified by Jesus' prayer for His devoted disciples.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 18, 2021 · 1h 6m
The central message is that all Christians are called to be witnesses of what the Lord has done in their lives, regardless of natural gifting. The speaker urges listeners not to be complacent, comparing a lukewarm Christian life to a beautiful house without electricity. To truly witness, one must be filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers one to share the gospel without needing to be prompted. Furthermore, the sermon stresses the urgent need to witness to one's immediate family before it is too late.
21mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 11, 2021 · 21m
The speaker emphasizes that the New Covenant church is defined by living under Jesus Christ through the Bible, not by following old covenant practices or the teachings of men. He stresses that the church is the people, not a building, and that leadership in the New Covenant is communal, requiring multiple appointed elders rather than a single pastor. The qualifications for an elder include having a good testimony, being a man of one wife, and having children who love the Lord.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 11, 2021 · 56m
The speaker discusses two core principles governing the universe: sacrifice and submission to authority. He emphasizes that true sacrifice, like that of Christ, must cost something, and that the most perfect life, exemplified by Jesus, was one of complete submission to the Father's will, regardless of convenience. This principle requires believers to continually yield their own will to God's will in every area of life.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 29, 2021 · 1h 1m
The sermon uses Malachi's critique of Israel's poor offerings to warn Christians against giving God what costs them nothing. The speaker argues that accepting Christ and making small, easy offerings can lead to a dangerous complacency, suggesting that true devotion requires giving sacrifices that represent a genuine cost or sacrifice. The message concludes with the promise that God's name will be great through a people who offer pure, acceptable worship.
21mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 24, 2021 · 21m
The sermon explores Romans 7, focusing on the difficulty of keeping the law, particularly the tenth commandment against coveting. Paul describes a struggle between his inner will, which aligns with God's law, and his flesh, which is prone to unconscious sin. The central message is that while we recognize our inability to overcome sin on our own, freedom is found only through Christ, who sets us free little by little, much like the conquest of Canaan.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 20, 2021 · 56m
The central message is that Christians should never become discouraged by past failures but must instead press on toward maturity and perfection in their faith. Drawing from Philippians 3, the speaker emphasizes that acknowledging imperfection is only the first step; the crucial action is to maintain a passionate commitment to growth, much like a student aiming for a high degree. This attitude requires embracing correction from others as a gift, viewing it as guidance toward Christlikeness.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 19, 2021 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes that claiming to be a 'new covenant church' requires understanding its core implication: the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which was unprecedented under the old covenant. He warns against counterfeits, such as those taught in some charismatic circles, and stresses that true assurance of salvation and the Spirit's work must come from a personal, undeniable witness from God. Furthermore, he distinguishes between the initial filling, continuous experience, and the lifelong process of growing into Christ's likeness, urging leaders to maintain a constant dependence on God.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 16, 2021 · 1h 3m
The most important commandment is to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind, which supersedes all other religious observances. The speaker argues that true Christian life requires prioritizing God above all else, noting that worldly tensions often stem from failing to love God completely. This principle should guide everything from marriage to parenting.
1h 29mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2021 · 1h 29m
The speaker advises developing a lifelong thirst for God by consistently reading the Bible with an open heart, seeking a challenge from God's word daily. To maintain this hunger, one must confess sins and forgive others, as these simple acts keep the 'fire burning' in the heart. He also addresses questions on baptism and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that belief is paramount and that the Spirit's work is sovereign, like the wind, and not dictated by ritual.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 12, 2021 · 1h 4m
The speaker emphasizes that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a transformative experience that goes beyond mere behavioral improvement, requiring a deep, internal change of heart devoted to God. He stresses that this experience is not for everyone but is specifically for those who are desperately thirsty for more than their current comfortable Christian life. True desire for the Spirit is what draws one to Christ, just as one seeks forgiveness for sin.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 9, 2021 · 51m
The central message is that through the New Covenant, believers have the unprecedented privilege of dwelling in God's constant presence, mirroring Jesus' life. This access was made possible by the rending of the veil at Jesus' death, allowing Christians to live an unshakeable life by keeping the Lord continually before them. The speaker urges listeners to move beyond merely accepting Jesus as a savior to understanding him as our baptizer in the Holy Spirit and our forerunner into God's immediate presence.
1h 21mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 6, 2021 · 1h 21m
The speaker argues that Christians often remain trapped in the 'old covenant' mindset, ignoring the freedom proclaimed by Christ on Calvary and Pentecost. He emphasizes that true freedom requires rejecting the love of money, which he calls an invisible idol. Citing Luke 16:13, he concludes that one cannot serve both God and wealth, suggesting that devotion to money inherently leads to hating God.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 2, 2021 · 56m
The sermon contrasts the Pharisees, who had correct doctrines but corrupt inner lives, with the need for believers to live according to their faith. The central message emphasizes that merely knowing doctrine or having a good external appearance is insufficient; one must actively 'work out' what God is already working in them through the Holy Spirit. This involves proving oneself to be a blameless child of God by eliminating grumbling and complaining, thereby being a light in a crooked generation.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 30, 2021 · 48m
The central message is the necessity of seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit to gain the boldness required to witness for Christ publicly, regardless of ridicule. The speaker urges listeners to move beyond a merely 'good' Christian life to one characterized by shameless devotion to Jesus. True spiritual growth is demonstrated by being willing to confess Christ even when it brings shame.
34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 26, 2021 · 34m
The central message is that Christian witness should be primarily demonstrated through one's life, rather than just what is spoken. The speaker emphasizes that believers must strive to keep their conscience clean daily, acknowledging both their conscious and unconscious areas of unchrist-likeness. This self-examination is necessary because God will manifest the fragrance of Christ through those who diligently work on their inner selves.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 23, 2021 · 1h 5m
The speaker argues that grace is often misunderstood, asserting that it is not merely unmerited favor but a condition under which sin cannot rule. He uses Jesus' life on earth as an example, noting that Jesus lived by example, not by exercising his divine power. True grace, according to the speaker, is received by the humble, as scripture teaches that God opposes the proud. Therefore, overcoming sin requires embracing humility and acknowledging that one's ability to live righteously is dependent on God's grace.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 17, 2021 · 1h 1m
The central message emphasizes that building the church requires more than just listening to sermons; genuine fellowship is crucial. Drawing an analogy from the body's joints, the speaker argues that individual parts must function together in love for the body to grow. He advocates for incorporating shared, fun activities alongside spiritual teaching to foster true community.
31mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 16, 2021 · 31m
The sermon emphasizes that participating in the Lord's Table requires two things: first, having the Holy Spirit open our eyes to recognize Jesus's presence in our midst, and second, possessing an earnest desire for fellowship with the Lord. The speaker stresses that the bread and cup symbolize Christ's broken body and shed blood, and participation requires self-examination regarding our attitude toward sin, ensuring we are ready to proclaim His death until He returns.