Library
558 messages
1h 2mZac Poonen · Sep 13
47mZac Poonen · Sep 7
57mZac Poonen · Sep 3
58mZac Poonen · Aug 27
57mZac Poonen · Aug 21
58mZac Poonen · Aug 18
57mZac Poonen · Aug 18
1h 5mZac Poonen · Aug 13
51mZac Poonen · Aug 13
58mZac Poonen · Aug 12
1h 1mZac Poonen · Aug 12
58mZac Poonen · Aug 12
1h 15mZac Poonen · Jul 22
1h 15mZac Poonen · Jul 21
59mZac Poonen · Jul 17
55mZac Poonen · Jul 17
49mZac Poonen · Jun 25
1h 4mZac Poonen · Jun 13
48mZac Poonen · Jun 8
1h 15mZac Poonen · May 29
59mZac Poonen · May 24
59mZac Poonen · May 22
56mZac Poonen · May 22
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 21
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.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2014 · 1h 2m
The central message is that Christian life should be lived in alignment with God's specific, pre-planned will, rather than making self-directed plans. This requires a life of inner rest and dependence on the Holy Spirit, mirroring Jesus' focused ministry. True fulfillment comes from completing the work God has specifically assigned, rather than accumulating worldly experience or activity.
47mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 7, 2014 · 47m
The speaker distinguishes between religiosity, which he equates with the work of the devil, and spirituality, which is the work of the Holy Spirit. He uses the Pharisees and Jesus as examples, noting that while the religious outwardly appeared devout, Jesus demonstrated true spirituality. True spirituality is characterized by a genuine reliance on the Holy Spirit's word, which acts like a diagnostic scan revealing truth. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that true Christianity is tested not by external acts, but by one's attitude toward sin.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 3, 2014 · 57m
The central message emphasizes that true unity—whether in marriage, church, or personal life—is only possible when believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and adhere to God's Word. The speaker warns that people can be deceived by false teachings, the lure of money, or personal desires, as these things can make us think we are growing spiritually when we are not. True spiritual growth requires constant reliance on the Spirit and recognizing the truth over superficial appearances.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2014 · 58m
The speaker contrasts the 'law of Moses' with the 'law of the Spirit,' emphasizing that the latter is life found in Christ Jesus, not a written code. True understanding of the gospel requires living out the Spirit's life, which sets believers free from the law of sin and death, preventing self-condemnation. Following Christ's example means living visibly according to the Spirit's life, rather than merely understanding doctrine or admiring Jesus from a distance.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 21, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that Christians must bear witness to Christ through their entire way of life, not just by speaking about Him. Drawing parallels from Israel's failures and the calling of the early church, the speaker emphasizes that being a witness means living so visibly for Christ that neighbors and colleagues see the transformation in one's life. This calling is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the responsibility to meet the needs of others, even when feeling inadequate, is a divine command.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that the church's primary witness to the world is not merely through speaking the word, but through living a life that reflects God's goodness. Drawing from Acts 14 and John 20, the speaker emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses through their very lives. A true church, marked by the presence of Jesus, should exhibit a life that testifies to God's reality, lest it become merely an imitation lacking the essential 'fire' of the Spirit.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 57m
The sermon uses Genesis 1 to illustrate that life, like creation, is a process of gradual, divine restoration following the fall into sin. Sin creates an internal vacuum that people try to fill with worldly things like sex, money, or power. True restoration comes only when this vacuum is filled with God, which happens through the gentle work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, leading to a gradual transformation into the image of Christ.
1h 5mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 13, 2014 · 1h 5m
The speaker cautions against seeking spiritual experiences based on personal testimonies, emphasizing that true understanding must come from diligent study of Scripture. He uses the example of the Bereans, who were praised for examining the Scriptures daily, to illustrate that believers must test all claims against God's Word. The central message is that one must understand the true meaning of Jesus' name—which signifies salvation from sin—rather than treating prayer as a mere mantra or relying on tradition.
51mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 13, 2014 · 51m
The message emphasizes that partnership with God requires active preparation and a deep commitment to His will. Key aspects include cultivating a heart of obedience, understanding the reality of the Holy Spirit's work, and living in a state of readiness. True partnership means aligning one's life and desires with God's divine purpose.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 58m
The speaker interprets Joel's prophecy regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, noting that this event began on Pentecost. He emphasizes that the spiritual inheritance promised to God's sons and daughters is crucial, warning that earthly achievements and possessions will be worthless compared to this spiritual calling. The ultimate goal should not merely be reaching heaven, but being saved from sin and being with Jesus.
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.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 58m
The speaker contrasts the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing that while the Old Testament is instructive, the New Covenant through Christ is superior because the Holy Spirit dwells within believers. He advises that instead of focusing on the sin of others, a true New Covenant believer should focus on confessing and seeking deliverance from their own sin, particularly concerning their own deceitful tongue and hypocrisy.
1h 15mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jul 22, 2014 · 1h 15m
The central message is that the Christian life's goal is not merely the forgiveness of sins, but attaining the 'glory of Christ.' This pursuit requires constant effort, as illustrated by Paul's resolve to press on toward that goal. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that living this life requires continuous dependence on the Holy Spirit, which is accessed through faith—believing God is more eager to grant the Spirit than the believer is to receive it.
1h 15mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 21, 2014 · 1h 15m
The central message is that the Christian life's purpose extends beyond mere forgiveness of sins; it is about gaining the 'glory of Christ.' This pursuit requires constantly pressing forward toward this goal, remembering that one must not become complacent by dwelling on past achievements. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that living this life is impossible without continuous dependence on and filling by the Holy Spirit, which requires faith—believing God is more eager to grant what He has promised than we are to receive it.
59mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jul 17, 2014 · 59m
The speaker uses the symbolism of the Old Testament Tabernacle to illustrate key truths about God's presence in the New Covenant. He argues that merely following external patterns, such as those used by various church movements, is insufficient for true Christian identity. The true mark of a genuine gathering of believers is not adherence to ritual or structure, but the tangible presence of God—the 'fire'—which results in people being convicted and worshipping Him.
55mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jul 17, 2014 · 55m
The central message is that God's eternal purpose for humanity is to be a testament to His kingdom, which requires reflecting the true Christ. The speaker emphasizes that merely having an external experience of the Holy Spirit (like those in the Old Testament) is insufficient; true fullness comes when the Spirit dwells *within* the believer's heart, a possibility opened by Jesus' sacrifice. This internal filling empowers believers for boldness and witness.
49mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 25, 2014 · 49m
The speaker emphasizes that the power to witness for Christ comes from continuously seeking the Holy Spirit's filling to overcome sin. He advises living according to one's current conscience, not the standard of others, and cautions that grace to overcome sin is maintained through humility, not by retaining gifts. True ministry is characterized by an intimate relationship with God, not just supernatural gifts.
1h 4mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 13, 2014 · 1h 4m
The speaker argues that many modern Christian teachings are incomplete, comparing them to a portrait of Jesus missing vital pieces. He emphasizes that true Christian life must follow the Word of God completely, not just partially. He stresses that believers should prioritize following Jesus in the present life rather than just securing a place in heaven, and that the church must model Christ's example by rejecting materialism and financial dependence.
48mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 48m
The speaker discusses the Holy Spirit's power, emphasizing that it is for witnessing and overcoming sin, requiring a clear conscience and continuous seeking. He distinguishes between the grace to overcome sin, which is tied to humility, and the anointing for service, which is not diminished by sin. Furthermore, he advises that ministry must be rooted in love, and cautions against allowing outright unbelievers on church worship teams, stressing the importance of spiritual values over natural ability.
1h 15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2014 · 1h 15m
The sermon emphasizes that the primary promise of the New Covenant is salvation from sin through Jesus. It explores the Holy Spirit through three biblical metaphors: baptism (immersion), a well of water providing personal satisfaction, and a river flowing out to bless others. The central message is that receiving the Spirit leads to a life of spiritual satisfaction, enabling believers to overflow and bless others, all based on the principle that we receive according to what we believe.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 59m
Building the Church as the Body of Christ requires more than mere intellectual knowledge of scripture; it demands the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The speaker contrasts a mere 'congregation' (like a pile of bricks) with the true 'Body' (a connected structure), emphasizing that true unity involves mutual connection and submission to local leadership. The identifying mark of this body is a sacrificial love, exemplified by the parts of the body caring for one another.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 59m
The speaker warns that many Christians are missing their true inheritance in Christ, being satisfied with mere forgiveness rather than the full life offered by the new covenant. He emphasizes that true spiritual life requires more than just cleansing from past sins; it demands justification, where Christ's righteousness clothes us, leading to an internal transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit. This internal work, which the law could never achieve, is the ultimate purpose God desires for believers.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 56m
The speaker outlines three essential characteristics of God's house: the foundation of the Bible and obedience to God's word, the constant fire of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of reaching out to others rather than focusing on self-benefit. He emphasizes that the 'house' today is the church and its relationships, which must be renovated through forgiveness, reconciliation, and outward focus, mirroring the principles of the Jubilee.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message is that true belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ must fundamentally change one's daily life and values, distinguishing genuine faith from mere intellectual assent. The speaker warns that simply being born into a Christian family or reciting prayers is insufficient; one must genuinely experience the Holy Spirit to make Christ a living reality in the heart. This spiritual reality is what truly validates the resurrection and should govern all aspects of life.