Library
138 messages
13mJeremy Utley · Aug 11
31mJeremy Utley · Jul 25
43mJeremy Utley · Jun 17
22mJeremy Utley · May 23
13mJeremy Utley · May 18
22mJeremy Utley · Apr 18
11mJeremy Utley · Apr 13
8mJeremy Utley · Apr 5
23mJeremy Utley · Mar 22
15mJeremy Utley · Mar 9
15mJeremy Utley · Feb 23
13mJeremy Utley · Feb 2
22mJeremy Utley · Jan 18
24mJeremy Utley · Jan 5
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 15
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 8
10mJeremy Utley · Dec 1
14mJeremy Utley · Nov 3
18mJeremy Utley · Oct 27
12mJeremy Utley · Oct 17
23mJeremy Utley · Oct 4
14mJeremy Utley · Sep 15
25mJeremy Utley · Sep 1
19mJeremy Utley · Aug 16
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.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 11, 2022 · 13m
The speaker uses examples from the Gospel of Luke, particularly the healing of the demon-possessed man, to discuss the proper attitude toward ministry and discipleship. He contrasts instances where Jesus commanded silence with the instance where he told the man to proclaim God's works. The central message is that believers should not be discouraged by lack of appreciation, but rather should be proactive in sharing the testimony of God's power, embracing an offensive witness rather than clinging defensively to a comfortable environment.
31mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 25, 2022 · 31m
The central message is that while people often come to Jesus for temporary needs like healing, provision, or relief from difficulty, the true purpose of coming to Him is discipleship and salvation from sin. The speaker warns against mistaking past blessings or answered prayers for evidence of true discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus requires a commitment to His kingdom even when it brings hardship.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Jeremy Utley · Jun 17, 2022 · 43m
The sermon uses Simeon's devotion in Luke's Gospel as an example of pursuing Christ, emphasizing that true discipleship involves an expectant heart. The speaker outlines three ways new covenant believers must remain on the lookout for Jesus, starting with maintaining a genuine expectation of Christ's return, which should evoke profound joy rather than surprise.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 23, 2022 · 22m
The sermon addresses how Christians should navigate disagreements in conviction within the body of Christ. While the ultimate goal is to reflect Jesus Christ, differences in conscience are inevitable. When one's convictions are stronger than another's, the speaker advises living according to the conviction the Lord has given, even if it means appearing 'weak' in comparison. The core message emphasizes maintaining personal conviction rather than conforming to the perceived strength of others.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 18, 2022 · 13m
The central message is that Christians should live in a way that reflects an anticipation of Christ's return, as if it were imminent. The speaker urges listeners to examine their hearts to see if they are truly 'looking for' the Lord's return, suggesting that this focus should change how they approach every single day, viewing each day as a day of salvation. Proof of this readiness includes a desire to live for Christ today and being willing to shed worldly attachments, like Bartimaeus.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 18, 2022 · 22m
The central ambition for Christians is not achieving outward success or gathering crowds, but rather being an exact reflection of Jesus by pleasing God the Father. The speaker draws parallels from Jesus' life, noting that his true desire was to please his Father, not to perform miracles. Therefore, our ambition should be to live in a way that pleases God in all areas of life, recognizing that worldly distractions can hinder this primary goal.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 13, 2022 · 11m
The sermon uses Psalm 54 and accounts of David's life to illustrate a godly response to enemies. While David praises God for deliverance, the speaker challenges the tendency to wish punishment on enemies, contrasting it with the New Covenant call to forgive, as exemplified by Jesus. Ultimately, the message shifts focus to God's desire for the wicked to repent and live rather than to die.
8mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 5, 2022 · 8m
The speaker argues that approaching the Lord's Table should encompass both personal piety and a deep care for the community. While self-examination is necessary, the Christian's longing should mirror Jesus' desire to share the meal with his disciples, emphasizing that communion is a communal act. True devotion involves a passion for the church's purity and unity, reflecting the interconnectedness of loving God and loving one's neighbor.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 22, 2022 · 23m
The church is built by every individual member working according to their God-given gifts, not just by designated leaders. Each believer has a responsibility to contribute to the body's growth, which requires an eager desire to serve and speak. The secret to effective contribution, particularly prophecy, is cultivating a life of deep listening to the Lord, moving beyond mere ritualistic Bible reading.
15mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 9, 2022 · 15m
The speaker reflects on six reasons God allows affliction, ultimately arguing that the most undervalued reason is the opportunity to grow in sympathy for others. He draws parallels to Jesus's teaching that loving God requires loving one's neighbor, suggesting that indifference to others proves a lack of love for God. The message concludes by emphasizing that Jesus deeply valued sympathy, even humbling himself to experience human weakness, which should challenge the listener's own valuation of compassion.
15mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 23, 2022 · 15m
Disappointment is a natural part of the Christian life, and a disciple's response should be to reset their hope completely on the grace found in Jesus Christ. When disappointment or temptation returns, it is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to obey again. True transformation into Christ's likeness requires diligently practicing the fundamentals of faith, much like an athlete mastering their basic skills.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 2, 2022 · 13m
The central message is that waiting for the Lord's return requires an expectant heart, moving beyond mere patience. The speaker contrasts this with the 'evil slave' who is complacent, self-indulgent, and neglects others. True readiness, like the 'faithful and sensible slave,' involves actively caring for the household, providing sustenance, and having a sense of timing guided by the Lord.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 18, 2022 · 22m
The speaker argues that while God's love is foundational, it is insufficient to achieve God's ultimate purpose. He posits that God's pleasure is superior to God's love, citing instances like Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son; I am happy with him." The central message is that Christians should strive not only to know that God loves them but to live lives that bring Him pleasure.
24mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 5, 2022 · 24m
The speaker warns that deception will be rampant in the last days, often taking the form of 'half-truths' rather than outright lies. He cautions against accepting common definitions in modern Christianity for concepts like worship and discipleship. True worship, he argues, is presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, while true discipleship involves more than just Bible study; it requires a deeper commitment to Christ's will.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 15, 2021 · 11m
The sermon explores what it means to 'despise the shame of the cross,' drawing parallels from Jesus' suffering to teach believers to prioritize God's pleasure above all else. Jesus despised the shame associated with physical discomfort, loss of self-respect, and injustice, ultimately enduring the greatest shame—the displeasure of the Father. The central message is that true discipleship involves training oneself to value God's pleasure so highly that earthly comforts, rights, and self-regard become insignificant.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 8, 2021 · 11m
The speaker emphasizes that true devotion requires a humble acknowledgment of total dependence on God's prompting. Drawing from passages like Psalm 27 and the story of Peter walking on water, he argues that even when scripture commands us to seek God's face, our ability to do so hinges entirely on God speaking that word afresh to our hearts. The central message is that our obedience and desire to follow God are dependent upon His continuous, personal command.
10mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 1, 2021 · 10m
The central message is that Christians must strive to reflect Jesus by cultivating gentleness in both personal and communal life. Drawing from 1 Peter 3 and Philippians 4, the speaker emphasizes that gentleness is an imperishable quality, applicable not only to women but also to men, and is essential in relationships, especially within the home. He concludes that true gentleness is a reflection of Christ's own character and a sign of drawing near to God.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 3, 2021 · 14m
The central message is that God is not looking for our ability, but for our availability. The speaker uses examples from the Bible—the widow of Zarephath, Sarah, and the people giving offerings—to illustrate that God uses those who are willing to be available, even when they feel destitute or incapable. The key takeaway is to focus on willingness and trust in God's promises rather than personal limitations.
18mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 27, 2021 · 18m
To prophesy in a God-honoring way, one must be motivated by a self-forgetful love for the Lord and one's brothers, rather than personal honor. Furthermore, prophecy must be rooted in faith, not mere ideas, and should be delivered with a spirit of fear and reverence. The ultimate goal is to proclaim Christ crucified, relying on the Spirit's power rather than human wisdom.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 17, 2021 · 12m
The central message is how to combat weariness by focusing on three key actions: praying at all times, considering the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, and ultimately coming into relationship with Him. The speaker emphasizes that true strength comes not from finding answers or solutions, but from drawing near to Christ, which requires laying aside the 'cloak' of discouragement or perceived burdens.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 4, 2021 · 23m
The sermon uses Peter's repeated failures in the Garden of Gethsemane to illustrate how God works with imperfect people. Jesus repeatedly brings Peter into situations where he fails, first by asking him to keep watch, and later by finding him asleep again. The central message is that God's purpose in our lives is to lead us into circumstances that reveal our own inability, stripping away our self-reliance and insistence on our own ability, leaving us speechless and dependent on Him.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 15, 2021 · 14m
The central message is that a life marked by God's word accomplishing its purpose is characterized by overflowing joy and peace. This peace stems from reconciliation with God through repentance and from actively extending abundant forgiveness to others, mirroring Christ's heart. Furthermore, true discipleship requires letting go of grudges and being humble enough to receive correction.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 1, 2021 · 25m
The central message is that true Christian assurance comes from more than just knowing facts or reciting doctrines; it is a present, lived reality. Drawing from Hebrews 10:19 and Revelation 12:11, the speaker emphasizes that believers overcome the enemy not only by the blood of Jesus but also by the 'word of their testimony.' This testimony must be a current declaration of knowing God and being convinced of His ability to guard what we have entrusted to Him, reflecting the authority of a disciple living in God's presence.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 16, 2021 · 19m
The central message is the profound seriousness of causing others to stumble, drawing parallels from scripture passages like 2 Corinthians, Jude, and Revelation. The speaker emphasizes that this sin is taken extremely seriously by God, citing Jesus's warning regarding stumbling little ones. He applies this principle broadly to modern issues of conscience, urging believers to avoid setting stumbling blocks for others in their personal lives, family, and the church.