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217 messages
57mRelating to Christ as Our Bridegroom — Zac Poonen — June 19, 2026
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 6mDisciplining Ourselves to Fulfill God’s Plan for Our Lives -- Zac Poonen -- May 6, 2026
Zac Poonen · May 8
1h 2m8. The Great Mystery of the Church — Zac Poonen — April 19, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
1h 18mRLCF Men's Conference 2026 Q&A Session #1 — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
1h 15m4. From God, Through God and to God — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
1h 18m2. Subject to Authority and Having Authority — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
49m1. First Steps to Be a Man of God — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
44mBeing like a Child in Humility — Zac Poonen — April 12, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 13
57mRivers of Life Flowing Through Us -- Zac Poonen -- March 29, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 29
1h 7mStudy Scripture Carefully and Submit to Spiritual Authority — Zac Poonen — March 4, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 5
56mBeing Poor in Spirit and Valuing Others — Zac Poonen — December 3, 2025
Zac Poonen · Dec 4
59sDeath to Self is only a passage to #resurrection of Christ! https://youtu.be/unZdyQdHhrU #zacpoonen
Zac Poonen · Nov 22
1h 5mHow to Prosper in Everything We Do — Zac Poonen — October 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Oct 2
36mRaising a Godly Family — Zac Poonen — August 31, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 31
1h 30mBrothers' Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- August 13, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 14
20mBe Wise and Be Filled With the Spirit — Zac Poonen — August 10, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
1h 6mHow God Prepares Us to Serve Him — Zac Poonen — August 3, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
1h 8mA Solid Grip on the Christian Life — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
1h 3mWe Must Decrease for Christ to Increase — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
57mImportant Principles in the Body of Christ — Zac Poonen — August 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
1h 0mSome New Covenant Principles — Zac Poonen — August 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
24mElders: Train the Next Generation to Continue the Work -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 6
23mElders: Listen to God - Like Melchizedek Did -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 6
1h 8mWorshipping God in Spirit and Truth — Zac Poonen — May 14, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 15
August 3 | Daily Devotion | Repentance Is The Mark Of Being Truly Born Again | Zac Poonen
Zac Poonen · 10m · CFC Daily Devotions
Repentance is the defining mark of a truly born-again Christian. Without genuine repentance—a turning away from sin with changed behavior—one's claim to conversion is hollow and superficial.
217 messages
River of Life Christian Fellowship · Zac Poonen · discipleship
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Relating to Christ as Our Bridegroom — Zac Poonen — June 19, 2026
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2026 · 57m
The central message distinguishes between merely preaching the gospel (Mark 16) and making disciples (Matthew 28:19). The speaker emphasizes that true commitment means desiring to be with Christ wherever he is—on earth or in eternity—rather than focusing solely on a heavenly destination. This deep relationship, likened to a bridegroom and bride, requires being filled daily with the Holy Spirit to truly follow Jesus.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Disciplining Ourselves to Fulfill God’s Plan for Our Lives -- Zac Poonen -- May 6, 2026
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2026 · 1h 6m
The speaker urges believers to encourage one another daily because sin is deceitful and can fool us into thinking we are spiritually free. He emphasizes that true spiritual progress requires continually asking God for light to see sin's deceptions, using the example of expecting gratitude. Ultimately, he stresses that building a life on Christ's teachings requires actively obeying the difficult standards laid out in the Sermon on the Mount, not just acknowledging them.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
8. The Great Mystery of the Church — Zac Poonen — April 19, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 2m
The central message is that true Christian hope involves not only seeing Christ at His return but also being transformed to be like Him. This transformation requires a daily, deliberate process of crucifying the self and embracing the life of Christ, which is superior to any earthly miracle. The speaker emphasizes that this purification is the proof of genuine hope and that believers are called to run the race by looking unto Jesus.
1h 18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
RLCF Men's Conference 2026 Q&A Session #1 — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 18m
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.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
4. From God, Through God and to God — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 15m
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.
1h 18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
2. Subject to Authority and Having Authority — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 18m
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.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
1. First Steps to Be a Man of God — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 49m
The speaker draws from Ezekiel 22 to emphasize the need for a man willing to build a 'wall of separation' between the church and the world. He argues that the defining characteristic that separates humanity from animals is the conscience, which is given by the Spirit. Therefore, to be a man God desires, one must prioritize guarding their conscience above their mind or body, warning against treating the cleansing power of Christ's blood casually.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Being like a Child in Humility — Zac Poonen — April 12, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 13, 2026 · 44m
The central message is that to enter God's kingdom, one must be like a child, emphasizing that worldly knowledge or cleverness is irrelevant. Jesus taught that true entry requires conversion—a complete change of attitude—rather than just intellectual understanding of doctrine. The speaker stresses that this childlike humility and radical change are what qualify one for the kingdom.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Rivers of Life Flowing Through Us -- Zac Poonen -- March 29, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 29, 2026 · 57m
Jesus invites all who are deeply thirsty to come to him and drink, emphasizing that this invitation requires a deep, life-altering commitment, not just intellectual agreement. This commitment transforms the believer's life from merely being satisfied (a cup) to becoming a source of continuous blessing for others (a well). The process involves being born again and continually allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through one's life to benefit the community.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Study Scripture Carefully and Submit to Spiritual Authority — Zac Poonen — March 4, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 5, 2026 · 1h 7m
The central message emphasizes that true Christian life requires constantly listening to God's word, which is described as proceeding continually from God's mouth. Drawing from Isaiah 50:4, the speaker stresses that a disciple must wake up daily with the intention of hearing and obeying the Father's guidance, rather than just seeking information. He advises listeners to treat their spiritual mentors with deep respect and to make daily listening to God a non-negotiable habit.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Being Poor in Spirit and Valuing Others — Zac Poonen — December 3, 2025
Zac Poonen · Dec 4, 2025 · 56m
The speaker emphasizes that merely hearing Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount is insufficient; true discipleship requires actively obeying everything taught. He warns that building life on understanding without obedience results in collapse during life's trials, comparing it to building on sand. The core message stresses that the prerequisite for building on the rock is being 'poor in spirit,' which means recognizing oneself as having no inherent worth before God.
59sRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Death to Self is only a passage to #resurrection of Christ! https://youtu.be/unZdyQdHhrU #zacpoonen
Zac Poonen · Nov 22, 2025 · 59s
The speaker emphasizes that daily life presents constant opportunities to die to one's own will and desires. He assures the audience that choosing this path of 'death' is not miserable because it is always followed by a resurrection, contrasting this with other philosophies that view self-denial as a miserable existence.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
How to Prosper in Everything We Do — Zac Poonen — October 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Oct 2, 2025 · 1h 5m
The speaker emphasizes that true prosperity in all areas of life comes from delighting in the law of the Lord, as stated in Psalm 1. He warns against following the advice of wicked people and stresses that mere reading of scripture is insufficient; one must cultivate a deep, joyful delight in God's word. Spiritual growth comes not from academic knowledge but from allowing the heart to respond to God's word through meditation and consistent study.
36mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Raising a Godly Family — Zac Poonen — August 31, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 31, 2025 · 36m
The sermon warns against treating God with casualness, comparing it to offering substandard gifts, and stresses that our reverence for God must exceed our respect for earthly authorities. Furthermore, it emphasizes that God takes note of our family life, specifically the covenant between husband and wife, because the purpose of union is to raise godly offspring. Parents are ultimately responsible for guiding their children into discipleship.
1h 30mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Brothers' Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- August 13, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 14, 2025 · 1h 30m
The speaker advises against seeking validation from others, emphasizing that true spiritual security comes from the knowledge that God accepts us as we are, regardless of our perceived perfection. He stresses that the inner life matters more than external conformity and points to 1 Corinthians 11:31 as a guide for self-judgment aimed at Christ's likeness. Additionally, he advises parents to guide their children's education and careers, considering future needs and ensuring daughters are educated for self-sufficiency.
20mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Be Wise and Be Filled With the Spirit — Zac Poonen — August 10, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 20m
The sermon emphasizes that true wisdom, as taught in Ephesians 5, is not intellectual but comes from understanding and walking in the will of the Lord. This wisdom is achieved by being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit, which requires the believer to constantly take up their cross and deny self. This process of spiritual growth is likened to increasing capacity, moving from a cup to a river, demanding persistent thirst for God's life.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
How God Prepares Us to Serve Him — Zac Poonen — August 3, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 1h 6m
The speaker emphasizes that God's promise to never leave or forsake us is unconditional, encouraging listeners not to be discouraged by failure but to keep getting up. He draws parallels between Christian growth and learning to write, stressing that falling down is not a failure; refusing to get up is. The message highlights that in the New Testament, God's blessing is found in tribulation and trial, using the example of Joseph to show that severe suffering can be God's method of preparation for greater service.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
A Solid Grip on the Christian Life — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 1h 8m
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a 'solid grip' on the Christian life, using the analogy of a hand grip that strengthens with more fingers. He draws heavily from scripture, particularly Matthew 12, to discuss Jesus' authority and the concept of 'future forgiveness.' The central message is that believers should emulate Christ by practicing forgiveness, even for sins that have not yet occurred, understanding that forgiveness can be an act of grace independent of the offender's repentance.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
We Must Decrease for Christ to Increase — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 1h 3m
The central message is that true discipleship requires believers to actively decrease in prominence so that Christ may increase. Drawing from Paul's experience and John 10, the speaker argues that any desire for personal recognition or being seen is a hindrance to Christ's glory. He emphasizes that a genuine man of God longs to be inconspicuous, allowing Christ to be the focus.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Important Principles in the Body of Christ — Zac Poonen — August 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 57m
The central message emphasizes that true discipleship requires living consistently with one's professed faith, mirroring the manner of Christ. This requires constant self-examination regarding attitudes toward women, money, and circumstances. Furthermore, believers must pursue total cleansing from sin—addressing both external actions (flesh) and internal thoughts/motives (spirit)—with the same urgency as treating a deadly illness.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Some New Covenant Principles — Zac Poonen — August 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes that the New Covenant requires more than just forgiveness; it demands a progressive transformation into Christlikeness, likened to the sun rising brighter until noon. He contrasts mere forgiveness (the 'gate') with true salvation (the 'way'), arguing that a Christian's life must show continuous, visible growth in overcoming sin, not just repeated instances of being forgiven. The ultimate goal is to become fully Christ-like, which is best observed by one's spouse and family.
24mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Elders: Train the Next Generation to Continue the Work -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 6, 2025 · 24m
The speaker discusses the 'fear of the Lord' as a profound reverence, citing Isaiah 11:2, which describes Jesus delighting in this reverence. He emphasizes that this reverence is the beginning of wisdom, distinguishing true wisdom from mere knowledge. Furthermore, he advises believers to avoid judging others based solely on what they see or hear, instead promoting investigation and caution, and stresses the importance of recognizing one's limitations and allowing others to balance one's ministry.
23mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Elders: Listen to God - Like Melchizedek Did -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 6, 2025 · 23m
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.'
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Worshipping God in Spirit and Truth — Zac Poonen — May 14, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 15, 2025 · 1h 8m
The sermon explains that true worship, as described in Romans 12:1, involves presenting one's entire body as a living and holy sacrifice, which is worship in the spirit and truth. Drawing parallels to the Old Testament burnt offering, the speaker argues that this requires a deep, tangible dedication of one's life, going beyond mere emotion or intellect. Ultimately, worshiping in the spirit means offering every part of oneself—including one's senses and thoughts—to God's will.