Library
865 messages
53mZac Poonen · Oct 6
1h 49mZac Poonen · Oct 4
51mZac Poonen · Sep 30
1h 10mZac Poonen · Sep 25
24mZac Poonen · Sep 21
1h 7mZac Poonen · Sep 19
1h 16mZac Poonen · Sep 14
1h 6mZac Poonen · Sep 6
38mZac Poonen · Aug 8
56mZac Poonen · Aug 4
1h 11mZac Poonen · Jul 25
51mZac Poonen · Jul 18
41mZac Poonen · Jul 11
1h 8mZac Poonen · Jul 3
52mZac Poonen · Jun 27
40mZac Poonen · Jun 20
1h 2mZac Poonen · Jun 15
1h 30mZac Poonen · May 29
28mZac Poonen · May 23
1h 5mZac Poonen · May 19
1h 39mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 10mZac Poonen · May 1
1m 49sZac Poonen · Apr 20
55mZac Poonen · Apr 11
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.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 6, 2022 · 53m
Jesus' words in John 14 emphasize that true love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments, which requires diligent study of scripture. When believers realize the impossibility of keeping these high standards through sheer willpower, they must turn to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promises as a Helper. This need for help, rather than seeking mere supernatural experiences, is the true sign of a heart desiring to obey Christ.
1h 49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Oct 4, 2022 · 1h 49m
The speaker emphasizes that a solid Christian life, family, and church are built by diligently practicing the teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, and 7). He warns that many churches are shaky because they preach an incomplete picture of Christ's full counsel. True righteousness, which qualifies one for the kingdom of heaven, must surpass mere adherence to the letter of the law, exemplified by moving from 'do not kill' to 'do not get angry.'
51mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 30, 2022 · 51m
The speaker argues that while the Bible is valuable, the most crucial element for the Christian life is being filled with the Holy Spirit, not mere knowledge of scripture. He draws from Matthew 11:25, emphasizing that God reveals truth to the humble, like babies, rather than those who are highly educated. True spiritual understanding comes through divine revelation, which changes one's life, unlike studying the Bible which can only puff up knowledge without transforming the heart.
1h 10mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Sep 25, 2022 · 1h 10m
The speaker discusses various aspects of biblical study, including comparing Old Testament and New Testament speaking styles, and recommending the NASB translation for accuracy over older versions like KJV. He emphasizes that true rejoicing comes not from one's own authority or works for God, but from recognizing what God has done for us. Finally, he advises on prayer, suggesting meditation on the Lord's Prayer rather than mere rote repetition.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 21, 2022 · 24m
The speaker argues that many modern church systems are like 'old wine skins'—structures that have lost their original fervor and are filled with traditions not found in God's Word. He contrasts this with the 'new wine skin' pattern found in the New Testament, emphasizing that proper church structure involves appointed elders, no salaried preachers, and adherence to apostolic teaching. Following this pattern requires following Paul's teachings alongside Jesus's, as both are necessary for a complete understanding of the New Covenant life.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 19, 2022 · 1h 7m
The sermon emphasizes the total sovereignty and power of God, drawing heavily from Daniel 4:35. The speaker argues that true understanding of God's sovereignty—that all inhabitants of the earth are 'zero' in God's presence, and God acts according to His will in heaven and on earth—is crucial for believers. He warns against pride, citing Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, and stresses that believers must accept God's ultimate control, even when suffering, rather than questioning His ways.
1h 16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 14, 2022 · 1h 16m
The speaker reviews several personal truths learned over 63 years, emphasizing that holiness comes through looking to Jesus, and that the New Covenant is superior to the Old. He explains that the purpose of the law, including the tenth commandment, was not to lead to holiness but merely to act as a mirror, revealing sin and driving people to the Lord through the Holy Spirit.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 6, 2022 · 1h 6m
The sermon explores Romans 8, focusing on the future glory of creation and humanity. It emphasizes that creation is currently subjected to futility due to sin, but it anticipates a glorious rebirth when Christ returns. The speaker also teaches that humanity is composed of spirit, soul, and body, and that true sanctification involves making all three parts holy, a process that will culminate in freedom from sickness and death.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 8, 2022 · 38m
The speaker traces the concept of 'covenant' from biblical history, citing examples like the rainbow after the flood, the covenant with Abraham (circumcision), and the covenant with Israel (shedding blood). He argues that Jesus established the New Covenant at the Last Supper, where breaking bread symbolized his body being broken for sin. The central message is a warning that many Christians treat the elements of worship, like breaking bread, as mere empty rituals without understanding the profound commitment and reality of the covenant established by Christ.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 4, 2022 · 56m
The sermon contrasts the curses incurred by sin in Genesis, distinguishing between sins that harm only the self (Genesis 3) and those that harm others (Genesis 4), arguing the latter are more serious. The speaker then pivots to Galatians 3, emphasizing that Christ became a curse for humanity by enduring crucifixion, which was required by Mosaic Law. Ultimately, Christ's perfect life, including being tempted in every way we are, allowed him to overcome sin through the power of the Holy Spirit and grace.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
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.
51mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 18, 2022 · 51m
The central message is that the most crucial element for Christian life is not extensive biblical knowledge, but rather the illumination and revelation of the Holy Spirit. The speaker argues that true spiritual understanding, which changes one's life, comes through revelation, not merely through studying scripture or intellectual understanding. He emphasizes that all believers, regardless of education, need this divine revelation to truly follow Christ.
41mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jul 11, 2022 · 41m
The speaker argues that humanity's distorted sense of values stems from choosing the 'knowledge of good and evil' over the 'tree of life,' which is represented by Jesus Christ. True understanding of God's values, leading to eternal life, is not found merely through deep scriptural knowledge or adherence to rituals, but through a personal relationship with Jesus. The speaker warns that valuing things highly in the world, such as money or even religious knowledge, can be detestable to God.
1h 8mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · Jul 3, 2022 · 1h 8m
The message emphasizes that truly knowing God the Father is not merely intellectual understanding but a transformative experience that satisfies the hungry and thirsty heart. The speaker draws a parallel between Adam's choice in the Garden of Eden and humanity's current distorted sense of values, urging the congregation to open their hearts to receive God's revelation.
52mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 27, 2022 · 52m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian life requires a deep commitment, likened to a marriage vow, which is formalized through a 'Covenant' with Christ. He explains that covenants always involve an agreement and, fundamentally, death. He traces this concept from the covenant with Noah (signified by the bow) to the Old Testament rituals involving blood, ultimately concluding that the only way to restore humanity's broken relationship with God is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
40mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 20, 2022 · 40m
The central message is that humanity's sense of values has been distorted since the Fall, leading people to prioritize the 'knowledge of good and evil' over the 'tree of life,' which is eternal life found in Jesus. True understanding of God's values comes not from accumulating biblical knowledge or adhering to rituals, but from coming to Christ. The speaker warns against mistaking religious knowledge or good works for genuine eternal life.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 15, 2022 · 1h 2m
The speaker encourages young people to remember Jeremiah 29:11, affirming that God has a good plan for their future, not one of calamity. He emphasizes that laying a strong foundation during youth is crucial for a life built to last, using the examples of Joseph and Jesus Christ. These figures demonstrated faithfulness, deep study of scripture, and integrity even when facing adversity.
1h 30mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2022 · 1h 30m
The speaker emphasizes the critical importance of having a correct understanding of faith, stating that misunderstanding it can jeopardize one's eternity. He introduces the topic, 'The Marks of True Faith: A Good Conscience,' noting that a clear conscience is presented as a key indicator of genuine faith, drawing from 1 Timothy 6:12.
28mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 23, 2022 · 28m
The speaker discusses the biblical understanding of human personality, arguing that man is composed of body, soul, and spirit, contrasting this with the common belief of only body and soul. He uses the analogy of the three-part tabernacle to illustrate that the spirit is a hidden, deeper reality. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to study scripture deeply to access this spiritual dimension, leading to freedom from anxiety and discouragement by living from the spirit rather than the soul.
1h 5mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 19, 2022 · 1h 5m
The speaker distinguishes between being religious and being truly spiritual, using Psalm 119 to illustrate that God's word brings light and understanding to the simple. He warns that mere religiosity, like counterfeit currency, can lead to eternal loss, contrasting it with genuine spirituality. True spirituality requires understanding the eternal truths revealed through scripture, rather than just following external rules or human understanding.
1h 39mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2022 · 1h 39m
The service emphasizes praising God for His unwavering love, goodness, and faithfulness, drawing heavily on hymns and scripture readings. The message encourages the congregation to keep their focus on God's unchanging nature and His promises, particularly in times of trial. It concludes by focusing on the privilege of hearing God's word, referencing Psalm 19 as a testament to God's self-revelation through creation and scripture.
1h 10mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · May 1, 2022 · 1h 10m
The message emphasizes the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, noting that the New Covenant offers not only forgiveness of sins but also the power to overcome sin. It contrasts the Old Covenant's individual walk with God to the New Covenant's reality of fellowship, both with God and with one another, which is exemplified by the relationship between Christ and the Church.
1m 49sCFC India
Zac Poonen · Apr 20, 2022 · 1m 49s
True understanding of scripture goes beyond mere knowledge or intellectual belief; it must become a personal revelation that fundamentally changes one's life. This transformation should affect one's attitudes toward sin, the world, money, and even enemies. Without this life change, all scriptural knowledge is ultimately useless.
55mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Apr 11, 2022 · 55m
The central message is that believers must change their mindset regarding God's commandments, viewing them not as burdensome rules, but as profound expressions of God's immense love. The speaker compares this understanding to realizing that obedience is a path to unimaginable freedom, like a rocket escaping Earth's gravity. He urges the audience to see the law as a gift for eternal life, rather than a burden.