Library
493 messages
25mZac Poonen · Jan 5
1h 0mZac Poonen · Dec 30
1h 15mZac Poonen · Oct 3
59mZac Poonen · Aug 27
57mZac Poonen · Aug 27
50mZac Poonen · Aug 27
1h 0mZac Poonen · Aug 21
31mZac Poonen · Aug 20
1h 1mZac Poonen · Aug 12
1h 0mZac Poonen · Aug 12
58mZac Poonen · Jun 18
41mZac Poonen · Jun 18
1h 11mZac Poonen · Jun 8
34mZac Poonen · May 24
58mZac Poonen · May 22
57mZac Poonen · May 21
12mZac Poonen · May 21
21mZac Poonen · May 20
57mZac Poonen · May 9
56mZac Poonen · May 9
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 7
59mZac Poonen · May 7
57mZac Poonen · May 7
1h 1mZac Poonen · May 6
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.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jan 5, 2015 · 25m
The speaker continues the study of what Jesus taught, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7. He emphasizes that these teachings were primarily for disciples, not just the masses, and that true disciples take them seriously. The session begins by defining 'poor in spirit' as someone who is constantly aware of their spiritual need, comparing this need to a beggar's daily physical need, and noting that such a person is the one who finds life and possesses the Kingdom of Heaven.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Dec 30, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message is that the ultimate ambition for a Christian life, whether on Earth or in heaven, must be to please God. The speaker emphasizes that this ambition should remain consistent, meaning one's life direction should not change drastically upon entering heaven. He cautions against merely attending services or feeling moved by sermons, stressing that true pleasing of God comes from daily decisions and how one lives in all areas of life, including work and family.
1h 15mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · Oct 3, 2014 · 1h 15m
The speaker emphasizes that God's work requires people who are broken and submissive to Him, noting that true preparation for ministry happens through testing in one's home and workplace. He draws from 2 Timothy 2:2, suggesting that 'faithful' implies being 'full of faith,' and argues that genuine faith is cultivated through periods of brokenness. Ultimately, the message assures that God uses every trial to deliver the righteous, even when the experience feels crushing.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2014 · 59m
To remain consistently filled with the Holy Spirit, one must actively desire it, which requires valuing God above all else. This desire must be coupled with faith, meaning one trusts God to work in their life. Furthermore, maintaining this spiritual life requires keeping one's conscience clear by immediately confessing sin, and practicing humility by going down in the world rather than defending oneself.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that true Christian living requires adopting the attitude of Christ, who emptied himself of divine equality to become helpless in human form. The speaker argues that this means living in complete dependence upon God, rather than relying on personal resources, influence, or even spiritual authority. Following Christ means embracing helplessness before God, mirroring how Jesus willingly surrendered his power.
50mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2014 · 50m
The central message is that true discipleship requires adopting the mindset of Christ, which involves emptying oneself and becoming 'nobody' in one's own eyes. The speaker argues that this self-emptying is the first step in following Jesus, contrasting it with merely performing visible miracles. This humility is necessary because God works mightily in those who reduce themselves to zero, a state that even frightens the devil.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 21, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message is that true spiritual authority comes not from one's own power or ability to overcome sin, but from recognizing and rejoicing in God's authority over us. The speaker contrasts worldly desires for authority with Christ's example of servant leadership, emphasizing that true humility involves willingly serving others without self-abasement. He stresses that the greatest victory is trusting and obeying God's command, rather than relying on personal spiritual prowess.
31mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 31m
The central message is that pride is the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth, and the cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate antidote to pride. The speaker warns against comparing oneself to others, judging others' faith practices, or assuming one's own understanding of scripture is superior. True humility involves recognizing that God is the only judge and focusing on following Christ rather than merely admiring Him.
1h 1mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 1h 1m
The speaker discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit, referencing the title 'Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus from the Dead' in Romans 8:11. He emphasizes that true Christian life requires voluntarily laying down one's earthly life, similar to Christ, and that the Holy Spirit dwells permanently in the heart of those who are willing and humble. Maintaining this permanent residence requires immediate confession of sin and constant humility.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes that Christians must view themselves as ambassadors for Christ, requiring constant growth and seriousness in their calling. True spiritual growth, as commanded in Scripture, involves growing in grace and knowledge, which requires self-examination before God's light. This growth is directly proportional to humility, as God gives grace to the humble, and any continued defeat by sin suggests a lack of true grace.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 18, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that understanding the full purpose of God requires accepting all facets of truth, much like the seven colors of a rainbow must combine to make white. This principle applies to the church, where believers must accept doctrines and people who are different from themselves to reflect the complete glory of God. Ultimately, humility is presented as the necessary thread that allows one to accept all these diverse elements.
41mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 18, 2014 · 41m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering others as more important than oneself, suggesting that true spiritual life involves humility and focusing outward. The message implies that self-absorption hinders one's connection to God and proper discipleship.
1h 11mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 1h 11m
The central message is that God looks for humility and a contrite spirit in those who build His church, rather than outward displays of piety or worldly achievements. The speaker emphasizes that true closeness to God is marked by profound humility, citing Jesus washing the disciples' feet as an example. Furthermore, believers must align their thinking with God's way, recognizing that "my thoughts are not your thoughts."
34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 34m
The central message is that true Christian life requires continuous progression toward Christ's likeness, moving from glory to glory, rather than becoming complacent after initial blessings. The speaker emphasizes that the 'full gospel' is not merely forgiveness of sins, but the pursuit of gaining the glory of Jesus Christ. This requires humility, acknowledging that all blessings come from God, and reading scripture slowly to grasp its deeper implications.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 58m
The core message emphasizes that God requires justice, kindness, and humility in our daily interactions, going beyond mere religious observance. Specifically, we must treat others fairly, as if we wish to be treated ourselves, and we must be honest by acknowledging our own failures without blaming others. True repentance involves addressing how we treat people, especially those who can offer us nothing.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that Christians must actively strive to conform their lives to the likeness of Christ, which involves daily self-examination and growth in humility, compassion, and purity. Paul urges believers to obey God's word even when the preacher is absent, emphasizing that this diligent effort is what it means to 'work out their salvation with fear and trembling.' True devotion is characterized by fearing God's word, not man.
12mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 12m
The central message is that parents must raise their children to be wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ, reflecting the character of God—especially humility—in their homes. True discipleship requires parents to continually seek wisdom from God, acknowledge their own spiritual poverty, and model God's character rather than being satisfied with mere salvation for their children. The highest spiritual goal is to know the eternal God and become like Him.
21mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 20, 2014 · 21m
The sermon discusses two ways to receive Christ into one's life: by receiving an apostle, or by becoming like a little child. The speaker emphasizes that true conversion requires adopting the childlike qualities of helplessness, humility, and dependence on God, rather than self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the message extends to parents, urging them to receive their children in Jesus' name, accepting them unconditionally, and warning against causing their children to stumble through ungodly behavior.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 9, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that true Christianity focuses on inner reality rather than outward appearance, contrasting the superficiality of 'dead works' with the deep transformation provided by grace through Christ. The speaker emphasizes that believers must guard against legalism, which focuses on external rules, and instead cultivate an inner life characterized by love, humility, and a desire for spiritual unity in all relationships, including marriage.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 9, 2014 · 56m
The root of sin is identified as pride, which manifests as rebellion against authority, rather than just acts like murder or theft. The speaker argues that failing to submit to God's established authority—whether in marriage, parenting, teaching, or employment—places one in fellowship with the devil. True spiritual life requires humility, contentment, and submission to God's established order.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message emphasizes that true holiness is marked by profound humility, which is exemplified by Christ's willingness to give everything for the Father and the Church. The speaker urges listeners to assess their own willingness to sacrifice everything God asks, comparing this commitment to the selfless example of Christ and the Apostle Paul. Ultimately, the message warns that those who prioritize personal gain or secular pursuits over God's work will only receive a fraction of the grace and blessing they could otherwise receive.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2014 · 59m
The central message is that true Christian life requires humility, self-denial, and a focus on serving others rather than self-gain or pride. The speaker emphasizes that achieving this is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, contrasting this with the impossibility of such obedience in the Old Testament. He urges believers to build the church, recognizing that true devotion is demonstrated by being broken by God's word and seeking the good of the community over personal honor or benefit.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that being 'poor in spirit' is the master key to possessing the Kingdom of Heaven, leading to a life characterized by heavenly purity, joy, and acceptance. This spiritual poverty is illustrated by the perpetual dependence of a beggar on daily handouts, meaning one must approach God daily with the acknowledgment that yesterday's grace was only for yesterday. True prayer and spiritual life are thus defined by constant dependence on God, contrasting with the self-sufficiency that leads to spiritual independence.
1h 1mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 6, 2014 · 1h 1m
The central message is that true spiritual victory comes not from the authority we claim over sin or the enemy, but from resting in God's supreme authority and presence. The speaker warns against the danger of pride, which often follows perceived victories, noting that God's work is deep and thorough, unlike superficial self-improvement. Ultimately, believers should rejoice in God's sustaining power over them, rather than their own accomplishments.