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103 messages
57mRelating to Christ as Our Bridegroom — Zac Poonen — June 19, 2026
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
51m6. Four Things That Happened on the Cross — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
57mRivers of Life Flowing Through Us -- Zac Poonen -- March 29, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 29
53mBeing Filled with the Spirit and Building Christ's Body — Zac Poonen — March 22, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 22
20mBe Wise and Be Filled With the Spirit — Zac Poonen — August 10, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
54mThe Holy Spirit Shows Us How Jesus Lived — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
1h 1mElders: Remain Under the Authority of Christ -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 6
1h 7mThe Three Promises of the New Covenant -- Zac Poonen -- May 11, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 13
51mWhat Genuine Reverence for God Produces — Zac Poonen — May 04, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 5
29mThe Presence of the Lord When We Break Bread — Zac Poonen — May 03, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 4
1h 31mBrothers Q&A — Zac Poonen — April 30, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 1
56m7: The Three Floors of the Christian Life — Zac Poonen — April 20, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25
1h 14m5: God Breaks Our Pride to Bless Us — Zac Poonen — April 19, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25
56m3: Godliness With Contentment — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25
1h 1m2: Fulfilling God's Plan for Your Life — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25
41mYou Are Very Valuable to God — Zac Poonen — September 1, 2024
Zac Poonen · Sep 2
1h 15mGeneral Q&A — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
Zac Poonen · Aug 27
1h 11m3. Submitting to Christ’s Authority in His Body — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
Zac Poonen · Aug 26
1h 5m2. The Holy Spirit Reveals the Hidden Life of Jesus — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
Zac Poonen · Aug 26
1h 0mAvoiding The Cross is like Worshipping Satan — Zac Poonen — April 5, 2024
Zac Poonen · Apr 6
56mGod Speaks Through Trees and Clay — Zac Poonen — November 1, 2023
Zac Poonen · Nov 2
1h 19mGlobal Online Youth Meeting 2023 Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 22
52mWe Walk by Faith and Not by Sight - Zac Poonen - October 15, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 17
1h 28m7. RLCF Family Conference 2023 Q&A — Zac Poonen — September 24, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28
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.
103 messages
River of Life Christian Fellowship · Zac Poonen · holy spirit
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.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
6. Four Things That Happened on the Cross — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 51m
The speaker emphasizes that the true measure of a church is not its size, but whether it is gathered by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus. He recounts his own experience leaving a Baptist church and starting a new work with his wife, stressing that the focus must be on holiness and a right relationship with God rather than institutional affiliation or money. The message calls for a crucial decision regarding adherence to the Spirit's guidance over established doctrine.
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.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Being Filled with the Spirit and Building Christ's Body — Zac Poonen — March 22, 2026
Zac Poonen · Mar 22, 2026 · 53m
The speaker shares his personal testimony of conversion, emphasizing that his draw to Christ was not based on self-interest but on the wonder of His love displayed on the cross. He urges listeners to read the Bible not as a storybook, but as a living word that draws them into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of the fellowship of believers, as the Lord desires to build His body through His people.
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.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Holy Spirit Shows Us How Jesus Lived — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 54m
The speaker emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's primary ministry is to guide believers into understanding the life of Jesus Christ, which is revealed through scripture. He contrasts this divine revelation with mere study, noting that the Old Testament consistently points to Jesus in every book. The speaker encourages deep meditation on scripture, illustrating how Jesus opened the scriptures to the disciples to reveal truths about himself.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Elders: Remain Under the Authority of Christ -- Zac Poonen -- August 4, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 6, 2025 · 1h 1m
The speaker emphasizes that true church growth and ministry must be founded on divine revelation concerning the identity of Christ, rather than mere academic knowledge or perceived need. He argues that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is based on Christ's authority, not geographical need, citing Jesus' ministry primarily within Israel as evidence. The central message is to seek revelation from the Holy Spirit to build a church that adheres strictly to God's standards.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Three Promises of the New Covenant -- Zac Poonen -- May 11, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 13, 2025 · 1h 7m
The speaker emphasizes that merely confessing sins and expecting salvation is insufficient; believers must embrace the full blessing of the New Covenant, which includes the ability to hear God's voice daily. He warns against complacency, arguing that true discipleship requires a passionate, wholehearted life for Christ, not just a desire to avoid regret in eternity. This commitment must be fueled by a continuous desire—a deep 'thirst'—for the Holy Spirit, which is a continuous experience, not a one-time event.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What Genuine Reverence for God Produces — Zac Poonen — May 04, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 5, 2025 · 51m
The central message is that pleasing God requires only faith, which is simply believing that the Creator loves us unconditionally, regardless of our imperfections. The speaker uses the analogy of earthly parents' unconditional love to contrast with the overwhelming goodness of God. He emphasizes that God's love is so profound that even our best efforts pale in comparison, leading to the gift of the Holy Spirit.
29mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Presence of the Lord When We Break Bread — Zac Poonen — May 03, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 4, 2025 · 29m
The central message is that the greatest aspect of the Christian life is experiencing the tangible, daily presence of Christ, which is facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The speaker warns against confusing the Spirit's work with mere outward signs, emphasizing that true presence prevents sin and leads to genuine obedience. He urges listeners to pray for the Holy Spirit to make Christ's presence real, both in worship and in daily life, allowing the Scriptures to burn the heart rather than just the mind.
1h 31mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Brothers Q&A — Zac Poonen — April 30, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 1, 2025 · 1h 31m
The speaker advises that while not all scripture passages hold equal weight, meditating on passages, especially when connecting the Old Testament to the New Testament (where Jesus quotes the Old), is highly beneficial. He uses the example of John 7:38 and Ezekiel 47 to illustrate that understanding the progressive nature of receiving the Holy Spirit requires careful study, emphasizing that the Spirit's work flows from the innermost being. He also notes that meditation helps one understand that spiritual growth involves being filled with the Spirit while remaining grounded in reality.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
7: The Three Floors of the Christian Life — Zac Poonen — April 20, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25, 2025 · 56m
The speaker argues that a truly godly life is inherently exciting, contrasting this with the boredom experienced by many Christians who have compromised in secret areas. He draws parallels between spiritual growth and the steady, unstoppable progression of dawn's light, emphasizing that true growth is continuous and visible. Ultimately, the message urges believers to move beyond merely following religious 'laws' toward living by the Spirit, which removes the veil and allows the likeness of Christ to manifest in one's life.
1h 14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
5: God Breaks Our Pride to Bless Us — Zac Poonen — April 19, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25, 2025 · 1h 14m
The central message is that Christian living must be characterized by living according to God's will, following the pattern of 'from God, through God, to God.' Jesus exemplified this by living his entire life to fulfill the Father's will, which required him to be fully connected to the human race. Practically, this means that every aspect of life, including eating and drinking, must be done for the glory of God, requiring constant dependence on the Holy Spirit and self-discipline.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3: Godliness With Contentment — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25, 2025 · 56m
The central message is that true godliness is revealed in Christ and is characterized by contentment. The speaker warns against using godliness as a means for financial gain, emphasizing that genuine godliness leads to a profound contentment with one's lot. A key evidence of this contentment is the ability to always give thanks, which is presented as a promise associated with being filled with the Holy Spirit.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
2: Fulfilling God's Plan for Your Life — Zac Poonen — April 18, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25, 2025 · 1h 1m
The speaker emphasizes that believers should live lives characterized by peace and fearlessness, drawing parallels between Jesus' teachings and the necessity of understanding original language meanings in scripture. A major focus is on the comprehensive nature of Christ's suffering, noting that He bore not only our sins but also our sicknesses, which He experienced fully to identify with humanity. This leads to the conclusion that true spiritual growth requires linking the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the daily 'way of the cross'—a willingness to be tempted and afflicted.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
You Are Very Valuable to God — Zac Poonen — September 1, 2024
Zac Poonen · Sep 2, 2024 · 41m
Satan attempts to make us feel worthless, but God created humanity uniquely, forming us from dust and breathing life into us, which demonstrates our immense value. The speaker emphasizes that we are valuable to God regardless of our achievements, and this security comes from knowing that Jesus promises not to leave us as orphans, but instead to send the Holy Spirit as our constant Helper.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
General Q&A — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2024 · 1h 15m
The speaker discusses developing faith, emphasizing that it comes from hearing and meditating on God's Word, particularly the New Testament. He advises starting with simple faith in Christ's forgiveness and warns against seeking great things in faith before mastering the small things. Regarding sin, he affirms that overcoming specific sins is possible through the Holy Spirit's help and persistent effort, contrasting this with being a mere robot by emphasizing the value of free will and genuine love.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3. Submitting to Christ’s Authority in His Body — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
Zac Poonen · Aug 26, 2024 · 1h 11m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian life requires submission not only to Christ's direct guidance but also to the local church's authority, viewing the body metaphorically. The speaker contrasts self-pity with true sorrow for others and stresses that even knowledgeable or morally upright Christians still require the anointing of the Holy Spirit to serve. Ultimately, one must be connected to the head (Christ) and obedient to the body (the local church) to be a functional member.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
2. The Holy Spirit Reveals the Hidden Life of Jesus — Zac Poonen — August 24, 2024
Zac Poonen · Aug 26, 2024 · 1h 5m
The speaker advises listeners to start their day by spending time in prayer with God, treating it as a habit, and to sing songs to Jesus. Drawing from Hebrews 8, he emphasizes that knowing God starts with the least, like a child, rather than intellectual prowess. He concludes by encouraging believers to adopt the mindset of a little child—one that simply enjoys God without concern for status or cleverness—to progress deeper into the Kingdom of Heaven.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Avoiding The Cross is like Worshipping Satan — Zac Poonen — April 5, 2024
Zac Poonen · Apr 6, 2024 · 1h 0m
The speaker encourages the audience to adopt a heart reflecting God's immense love, rather than one of judgment, drawing parallels between idol worship and viewing God with a frown. He emphasizes that true Christian joy stems from the realization of God's boundless love, citing John 17:23 as a profound comfort. Furthermore, he discusses the need for believers to allow the Holy Spirit to root and ground them in love so that Christ can dwell completely at home in their hearts, drawing from Ephesians 3.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Speaks Through Trees and Clay — Zac Poonen — November 1, 2023
Zac Poonen · Nov 2, 2023 · 56m
The sermon uses Jeremiah 17:7-8 to illustrate that true strength and blessing come from trusting in the Lord, symbolized by a tree planted by water. The speaker emphasizes that this 'water' represents the Holy Spirit, which must be sought deeply and persistently, even when spiritual life feels dry. The core message is a challenge to believers to move beyond mere attendance to cultivate a deep, unseen root system connected to the Holy Spirit to maintain constant freshness and fruitfulness.
1h 19mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Global Online Youth Meeting 2023 Q&A -- Zac Poonen -- October 21, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 22, 2023 · 1h 19m
The speaker addresses common concerns regarding spiritual growth, emphasizing that struggling to naturally read the Bible or pray is normal for new believers, comparing it to the effort needed to teach children good habits. He stresses that maintaining a clear conscience, reading scripture, and praying are vital aspects of a serious Christian life. Regarding assurance of salvation, he advises believers to root their faith in God's Word and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, noting that belief in scripture and the Spirit are key components.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight - Zac Poonen - October 15, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 17, 2023 · 52m
The central message is that pleasing God requires living by faith, not by what our senses perceive. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but comes by hearing God's Word, specifically by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to the heart while reading the New Testament. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of making daily time to read the Bible and to act on what the Spirit reveals through the Word.
1h 28mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
7. RLCF Family Conference 2023 Q&A — Zac Poonen — September 24, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 28, 2023 · 1h 28m
The speaker advises parents to diligently teach their children obedience, respect for elders, and the fear of God. Regarding the Holy Spirit, he emphasizes that the qualification for receiving the Spirit is genuine thirst and faith, not perfection or external experiences. True desire should be to glorify God in one's life, rather than seeking power for public testimony.