Library
493 messages
10mZac Poonen · Feb 10
9mZac Poonen · Feb 4
12mZac Poonen · Jan 30
51mZac Poonen · Jan 29
11mZac Poonen · Jan 26
17mZac Poonen · Jan 21
11mZac Poonen · Jan 15
14mZac Poonen · Jan 14
52mZac Poonen · Jan 9
1h 26mZac Poonen · Jan 7
1h 28mZac Poonen · Nov 24
1h 28mZac Poonen · Nov 23
1h 2mZac Poonen · Oct 5
1h 12mZac Poonen · Sep 27
1h 1mZac Poonen · Sep 20
47mZac Poonen · Sep 18
1h 9mZac Poonen · Jul 21
1h 4mZac Poonen · May 7
1h 15mZac Poonen · Apr 26
49mZac Poonen · Apr 26
21mZac Poonen · Apr 18
25mZac Poonen · Apr 17
1h 43mZac Poonen · Apr 9
38mZac Poonen · Apr 3
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.
10mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Feb 10, 2024 · 10m
The central message is that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The speaker emphasizes that humility, not outward piety or performance, is what matters to God, citing the difference between the two thieves on the cross. True exaltation comes not from worldly success or spiritual achievement, but from being humbled by God and being exalted over sin. The speaker warns that taking credit for blessings or showing any form of pride will prevent receiving God's grace.
9mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Feb 4, 2024 · 9m
The central message encourages the listener to emulate the security and simplicity of a little child to find true rest and understanding from God. The speaker argues that intellectual cleverness often leads to anxiety and criticism, whereas adopting the childlike state allows for God's revelation to enter the heart. This humility is presented as the key to knowing God deeply and living without the desire for retaliation.
12mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Jan 30, 2024 · 12m
The message warns believers not to neglect the grace of God, using the example of Esau selling his birthright for a momentary physical satisfaction. The speaker emphasizes that sin, whether addiction or otherwise, is often rooted in pride, which causes God to withdraw grace. To overcome sin, one must humble themselves, practice fasting, and combat laziness, as these are the primary areas where pride leads to spiritual decline.
51mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jan 29, 2024 · 51m
The central message emphasizes that the proper 'dress' for God's presence is humility, which must be worn toward God and one another. The speaker stresses that true humility leads to victory over sin, citing scripture like 1 Peter 5:5. He encourages continuous spiritual disciplines, including seeking more humility, meditating on God's mercy, and being continually filled with the Holy Spirit while daily taking up the cross by dying to self.
11mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Jan 26, 2024 · 11m
The sermon uses the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector to warn against self-righteousness and boasting in one's own merits. The central message emphasizes that all abilities and blessings are gifts from God, requiring constant humility and gratitude. Furthermore, the speaker stresses the critical need to be merciful to others, mirroring the mercy God has shown us, and warns parents against creating 'Pharisees' in their children through comparison or excessive focus on knowledge.
17mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Jan 21, 2024 · 17m
The speaker addresses the tendency to dwell on past failures, comparing it to a 'thorn in the flesh' that God allows to remain for humility. While God blots out sins through Christ's blood, the memory of past mistakes remains to prevent repetition and maintain humility. Instead of self-punishment, one must actively choose not to live in regret, allowing the memory to spur one toward greater spiritual progress.
11mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Jan 15, 2024 · 11m
The message emphasizes the profound importance of humility, using the example of the Centurion who recognized his unworthiness before Jesus. The speaker draws a parallel between this humility and the biblical teaching that after fulfilling all commanded duties, one becomes an 'unworthy slave.' True spiritual growth requires avoiding pride and remembering that obedience, like the military discipline of marching regardless of obstacles, is paramount.
14mCFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen · Jan 14, 2024 · 14m
The speaker emphasizes two core principles for Christian living: sacrifice and submission to authority. He argues that true sacrifice, like that of David and Jesus, involves giving up what costs us everything. Furthermore, the most perfect life, exemplified by Jesus, is one where one never does their own will but instead submits completely to the will of the Father. This submission must be constant, even when inconvenient, and it requires actively seeking God's will in every area of life.
52mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jan 9, 2024 · 52m
The central message is that believers should not fight against people, but rather remain silent and trust God, as the Lord will fight for them. The speaker draws lessons from scripture, particularly Psalm 46 and 2 Chronicles 20, emphasizing that when facing overwhelming opposition, one must seek the Lord, acknowledge their lack of power, and declare that their eyes are on God. He concludes by referencing Ephesians 6:12, advising that refusing to fight with human beings grants power against Satan.
1h 26mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · Jan 7, 2024 · 1h 26m
The service was characterized by extensive worship, focusing on themes of praise, God's mercy, and the sacrifice of Jesus. The message encouraged the congregation to draw near to God's throne of grace with a humble and honest heart, recognizing that Christ's sacrifice provides access to mercy and grace.
1h 28mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Nov 24, 2023 · 1h 28m
The speaker warns elders against the danger of pride and seeking personal honor, using Jeremiah's warning to Baruk as an example. He emphasizes that the greatest danger in Christian life is pride, and true service requires constantly seeking to be more like Christ, regardless of one's status. Furthermore, he stresses the vital need for current elders to train younger members, warning that failing to do so renders their accomplishments merely 'window dressing.'
1h 28mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Nov 23, 2023 · 1h 28m
The message warns elders against the danger of spiritual pride, cautioning that seeking personal honor or feeling uniquely chosen can lead to a fall. True spiritual focus must be on becoming more like Christ, recognizing that leadership roles are temporary and dependent on God's will. The core message emphasizes daily self-denial, taking up the cross in all relationships, and prioritizing eternal reward over earthly recognition.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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
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.
1h 1mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 20, 2023 · 1h 1m
The central message emphasizes that true faith is not intellectual knowledge but a helpless dependence upon God, like a branch depending on a tree for sap. The speaker urges the congregation to remain humble and continually seek the Holy Spirit, warning against relying on past experience or cleverness. He stresses the importance of repeatedly preaching foundational truths, as this is necessary for both the established members and the new converts.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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 9mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jul 21, 2023 · 1h 9m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life involves moving beyond mere forgiveness to embrace the fullness of the New Covenant and the Holy Spirit. He shares his personal testimony of moving from a life of spiritual defeat to one of consistent upward growth through divine filling. He distinguishes between mere understanding of scripture and true revelation, which fosters humility and deep devotion to God.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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
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
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.
21mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Apr 18, 2023 · 21m
The sermon uses the life of Solomon to warn against hypocrisy, noting that external piety can mask private unrighteousness. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest need today is for discernment, which only God can grant, as exemplified by Solomon's request for a wise and discerning heart. Finally, the speaker applies the judgment story to modern church conflict, advising believers not to divide or fight over ministries, but rather to leave and start anew if necessary.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Apr 17, 2023 · 25m
The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit reveals things that the natural person cannot understand, and that God's gifts are given freely, so preaching should never involve charging people. It also addresses spiritual immaturity, warning believers against jealousy and strife, and reminds the congregation that true Christian living requires walking like Christ, not like the world. Finally, it contrasts the worldly pursuit of honor with the humble, sacrificial service modeled by the apostles.
1h 43mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · Apr 9, 2023 · 1h 43m
The message centers on adopting the right attitude toward correction, drawing from the scripture Matthew 9:13 ("I desire compassion and not sacrifice"). The speaker emphasizes that the Lord seeks a hungry, humble heart, providing light so that believers can grow in their relationship with God, becoming better disciples and witnesses. The core message is to receive correction with an open heart to grow spiritually.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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.