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1h 3m3. Christian Husband-Wife Relationship — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
1h 18m2. Subject to Authority and Having Authority — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22
44mBeing like a Child in Humility — Zac Poonen — April 12, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 13
56mBeing Poor in Spirit and Valuing Others — Zac Poonen — December 3, 2025
Zac Poonen · Dec 4
1h 6mMarriage Questions & Answers — 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
46mChildren's Questions & Answers — Zac Poonen — August 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11
57mBe Content with the Way God Made You — Zac Poonen — May 07, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 8
53m6: God Humbles Us to Give Us Grace — Zac Poonen — April 19, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25
56mGodliness with Contentment Brings Great Spiritual Profit -- Zac Poonen -- October 2, 2024
Zac Poonen · Oct 3
46mThe Triumphant Spirit of a True Christian -- Zac Poonen -- September 8, 2024
Zac Poonen · Sep 8
1h 2mFollowing Jesus Who Died to Self Every Day — Zac Poonen — October 4, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 5
1h 12mElders: Follow Jesus' Example as Your Leader -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 27
47mGrace Strengthening the Heart — Zac Poonen — September 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 18
1h 4mUnderstanding the New Covenant — Zac Poonen — May 3, 2023
Zac Poonen · May 7
1h 15mBuilding a Godly Family Life — Zac Poonen — April 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
49mEnter Into God's Rest — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26
38mGod's Glory is His Goodness Which We Must Manifest to Others — Zac Poonen — April 2, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 3
1h 23mGlobal Online Meeting Q&A — Zac Poonen — January 7, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jan 8
47mBecome Like A Baby - To Enter God’s Kingdom — Zac Poonen -- September 7, 2022
Zac Poonen · Sep 8
1h 8m6. Building the Church as a Body -- Zac Poonen -- July 24, 2022
Zac Poonen · Jul 26
1h 13m5. Pride and Humility -- Zac Poonen -- July 23, 2022
Zac Poonen · Jul 26
1h 11m3. The New Covenant -- Zac Poonen -- July 23, 2022
Zac Poonen · Jul 25
40mThe Marks of Heavenly Wisdom -- Zac Poonen -- April 6, 2022
Zac Poonen · Apr 7
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.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3. Christian Husband-Wife Relationship — Zac Poonen — April 17, 2026
Zac Poonen · Apr 22, 2026 · 1h 3m
The speaker addresses single individuals, noting that marriage is not essential for fulfilling God's will, and advises young women to guard themselves against sin by being discerning rather than overly friendly. For married couples, he encourages seeking a life together that reflects 'the days of heaven upon earth,' emphasizing that humility is key. Ultimately, the message stresses that true victory over sin comes from being under God's grace, which is lost when pride takes root.
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.
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.
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.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Marriage Questions & Answers — Zac Poonen — August 2, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 1h 6m
The speaker addresses marital struggles by emphasizing that a failure to love others often stems from a failure to love God wholeheartedly, which requires breaking the self-love habit. He defines true faith as helpless dependence on God, contrasting it with arrogant self-sufficiency. Regarding marital intimacy and disagreements, he asserts that sexual desire does not decrease with spiritual closeness and advises couples to humble themselves and obey God's design. Finally, he counsels that in household disagreements, like tidiness or parenting styles, patience and self-denial are more important than being 'right,' as anger is worse than disorder.
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.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Children's Questions & Answers — Zac Poonen — August 1, 2025
Zac Poonen · Aug 11, 2025 · 46m
The central message is to emulate the character of Jesus Christ, particularly by learning from the innocence and humility of a child. The speaker emphasizes that true Christian living involves shedding adult pride, forgiving easily, and consistently obeying parents and God. He encourages the audience to strive for holiness, mirroring Jesus' perfect example in all aspects of life.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Be Content with the Way God Made You — Zac Poonen — May 07, 2025
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2025 · 57m
The central message is that godliness is a means of great gain only when accompanied by contentment. Contentment means being joyful and accepting everything God has allowed in one's life, recognizing that God has established boundaries for all things, including human limitations. The speaker uses the Book of Job and the natural order of creation to illustrate that accepting God's established boundaries leads to a godly life.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
6: God Humbles Us to Give Us Grace — Zac Poonen — April 19, 2025
Zac Poonen · Apr 25, 2025 · 53m
The speaker uses Paul's experience in the third heaven to illustrate that true spiritual experiences are not something that can be boasted about or shared in detail, as God restricts what is revealed. He then contrasts this with the tendency to share exaggerated testimonies, suggesting such claims are often false. The message emphasizes that God is a God of encouragement, not discouragement, and applies this principle to parenting and church building, where one must recognize the 'perfect fit' God intends.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Godliness with Contentment Brings Great Spiritual Profit -- Zac Poonen -- October 2, 2024
Zac Poonen · Oct 3, 2024 · 56m
The central message is that true godliness, as taught in 1 Timothy 6, is only a means to great gain when it is accompanied by contentment. The speaker emphasizes that discontentment—whether regarding finances, gifts, circumstances, or even a spouse—renders godliness counterfeit. Contentment means praising God for what He has provided in the present moment, recognizing that perfection is only attainable at Christ's return.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Triumphant Spirit of a True Christian -- Zac Poonen -- September 8, 2024
Zac Poonen · Sep 8, 2024 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes that true believers must deeply experience the reality of Romans 8, understanding that nothing—including death, tribulation, or any earthly suffering—can separate them from God's love in Christ. The speaker warns that the greatest danger is not the devil or death, but pride, which was the root of sin. He urges the congregation to seek humility from Jesus, recognizing that God's grace, which is the most powerful force, is what saves from sin.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Following Jesus Who Died to Self Every Day — Zac Poonen — October 4, 2023
Zac Poonen · Oct 5, 2023 · 1h 2m
The central message is that following Jesus requires a daily commitment to deny oneself and take up the cross, which means constantly confronting the 'self.' The speaker emphasizes that the Christian life is a marathon race, not an escalator, requiring continuous forward movement through self-denial. A key practical application discussed is overcoming the sin of getting offended, as this stems from an inflated sense of self-worth rather than recognizing one's identity solely in Christ.
1h 12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Elders: Follow Jesus' Example as Your Leader -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 27, 2023 · 1h 12m
The central message is that the greatest spiritual achievement is not miraculous power, but rather following Jesus' example by enduring the cross. The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires laying aside all encumbrances and enduring, mirroring Jesus' humility in being baptized and submitting to others. This submission is necessary to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which is presented as more valuable than worldly accolades or spiritual gifts.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Grace Strengthening the Heart — Zac Poonen — September 17, 2023
Zac Poonen · Sep 18, 2023 · 47m
The speaker distinguishes between 'mercy,' which covers past sins, and 'grace,' which provides help for future situations. He emphasizes that God gives grace specifically to the humble, citing passages from Proverbs, James, and 1 Peter. The message concludes by discussing how God allows persistent struggles, like Paul's 'thorn in the flesh,' not to punish, but to strengthen faith through persistent prayer and trust in God's unseen plan.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Understanding the New Covenant — Zac Poonen — May 3, 2023
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2023 · 1h 4m
The speaker urges Christians to read the Word of God carefully and take sin and reverence for Christ seriously, warning against becoming too familiar with Jesus. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires a foundation of the 'fear of God' before fully embracing grace, comparing this to a child who appreciates a king's favor after years of poverty. The central message is to live with deep reverence, humility, and a serious commitment to one's calling, understanding the profound gifts of the New Covenant.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building a Godly Family Life — Zac Poonen — April 23, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 1h 15m
The speaker emphasizes that believers should adopt the childlike humility of Jesus's followers, contrasting this with the pride of the Pharisees. He draws a parallel between God's fatherly discipline and a grandfather's care, asserting that God disciplines us as a loving father, not a distant grandfather. Ultimately, the message encourages trusting God's sovereignty through all circumstances, viewing difficulties as opportunities for Him to draw us back to Him.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Enter Into God's Rest — Zac Poonen — April 22, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 26, 2023 · 49m
The sermon centers on finding true rest in God amidst the constant unrest of life, comparing it to Jesus's invitation in Matthew 11:28-30. True rest is found not in a period of calm, but in following Jesus's gentle and humble yoke, which requires surrender to His will. This inner rest is a divine gift that allows believers to remain calm and centered even when surrounded by life's storms.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God's Glory is His Goodness Which We Must Manifest to Others — Zac Poonen — April 2, 2023
Zac Poonen · Apr 3, 2023 · 38m
The central message is that God's glory is actually His goodness, which believers must manifest to others. Humility, exemplified by a newborn baby, is key to receiving God's grace, as sin cannot rule over those who are humble. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual life involves meditating on Scripture and prioritizing God's kingdom and goodness over worldly knowledge or achievements.
1h 23mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Global Online Meeting Q&A — Zac Poonen — January 7, 2023
Zac Poonen · Jan 8, 2023 · 1h 23m
The speaker emphasizes that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous, encouraging listeners to confess sins immediately to God and apologize to people promptly. He stresses that true change comes from humility, as God gives grace only to the humble. Furthermore, he advises that forgiveness must be a matter of the will, not merely feeling, and that God's forgiveness is complete, meaning He will not remember our sins.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Become Like A Baby - To Enter God’s Kingdom — Zac Poonen -- September 7, 2022
Zac Poonen · Sep 8, 2022 · 47m
Jesus taught that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must become like a little child, emphasizing humility and complete dependence. The speaker contrasts this with the human tendency toward pride, which stems from the desire to be like God, a sin originating with Lucifer. True faith, therefore, requires adopting the helpless, dependent posture of a baby, recognizing that apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
6. Building the Church as a Body -- Zac Poonen -- July 24, 2022
Zac Poonen · Jul 26, 2022 · 1h 8m
The central message is that all human achievements, statuses, and glories are nothing before God, as illustrated by the story of Nebuchadnezzar. True value is found only in Jesus Christ, and the church must reflect this understanding by embracing humility and recognizing that every member is a 'zero' before God. The speaker warns that the desire to be recognized or to lead a church for personal glory will result in building only a useless congregation, not the true Body of Christ.
1h 13mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
5. Pride and Humility -- Zac Poonen -- July 23, 2022
Zac Poonen · Jul 26, 2022 · 1h 13m
The speaker discusses the nature of sin, arguing that the origin of sin in the universe was not in Adam's actions but in the thought of a high archangel, described in Isaiah 14 as the 'star of the morning.' He emphasizes that sin originates in the mind, not through action or word, and warns that neglecting one's thoughts will lead to a life that becomes formless and empty, mirroring the initial state of the earth.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
3. The New Covenant -- Zac Poonen -- July 23, 2022
Zac Poonen · Jul 25, 2022 · 1h 11m
The speaker emphasizes that understanding the Old Testament is crucial because it provides lessons from the mistakes of others, preventing us from repeating those errors. He stresses that God is almighty but does not despise anyone, contrasting this with the devil who despises all. True spiritual growth is marked by decreasing judgment of others and increasing humility, which is evidenced by bearing fruit in one's life. Finally, he warns against self-condemnation, reminding listeners that they are bought with Christ's blood and have inherent value before God.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Marks of Heavenly Wisdom -- Zac Poonen -- April 6, 2022
Zac Poonen · Apr 7, 2022 · 40m
The sermon emphasizes that wisdom, which is superior to mere knowledge, is the greatest requirement for all areas of life, including personal, family, and church life. Wisdom is acquired through enduring trials, which test and build faith to produce endurance and completeness. Believers are encouraged to recognize their lack of wisdom and ask God for it in faith, knowing that He gives it generously and without reproach.