Library
575 messages
7mZac Poonen · Jan 13
1h 8mZac Poonen · Dec 10
57mZac Poonen · Sep 3
50mZac Poonen · Aug 26
57mZac Poonen · Aug 20
1h 6mZac Poonen · Aug 14
59mZac Poonen · Aug 12
1h 15mZac Poonen · Jul 22
31mZac Poonen · Jul 1
56mZac Poonen · Jun 23
58mZac Poonen · Jun 11
57mZac Poonen · Jun 11
1h 4mZac Poonen · May 25
58mZac Poonen · May 22
57mZac Poonen · May 22
59mZac Poonen · May 22
1h 4mZac Poonen · May 19
1h 1mZac Poonen · May 19
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 10
58mZac Poonen · May 9
1h 15mZac Poonen · May 7
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 7
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 7
58mZac 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.
7mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jan 13, 2015 · 7m
The message uses Mary's costly anointing of Jesus' feet to illustrate that the greatest sacrifice is giving one's body, eyes, and tongue to God. The speaker emphasizes making sacrifices and serving the Lord when the opportunity arises, as chances may pass. True spiritual impact comes from making sacrifices in secret, which God will repay openly, allowing the aroma of Christ to emanate from one's life and home.
1h 8mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Dec 10, 2014 · 1h 8m
This message focuses on the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. The speaker emphasizes that transformation is not a single event but a daily commitment requiring consistent effort and focus on Christ's character. The core message is that believers must actively pursue Christlikeness through daily living.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 3, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that the Church is called the Body of Christ because Jesus Christ was the first manifestation of God's glory on earth. The primary purpose of the Church is not merely to perform good works or preach, but to reveal what God is like, mirroring Christ's own life. Furthermore, the speaker warns against a misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that true believers must be fully dedicated to holiness, as partial commitment allows sin and unholy influences to pollute the inner life.
50mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 26, 2014 · 50m
The central message is that Christian maturity requires continuous, steady growth in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, which is necessary to avoid spiritual stagnation. The speaker cautions against misunderstanding justification by faith as a license to sin, emphasizing that this doctrine must motivate believers toward perfection. True growth is achieved by living in fellowship with Christ, allowing one to discern God's will even in unscriptural situations.
57mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 57m
The sermon explores the concept of the 'fear of God,' defining it not as terror, but as profound reverence and awe for God's holiness. It emphasizes that true fear of God leads to a life of obedience and a desire to please Him, which is a source of deep encouragement for the believer.
1h 6mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 14, 2014 · 1h 6m
The speaker urges Christians to possess the same level of fervent dedication and pursuit of God that people show when seeking visas to the United States. He contrasts this with the moderate approach of some Christians, using the example of Paul's radical commitment to Christ, which was far more intense than the lukewarm stance of others. True discipleship requires a wholehearted commitment to Christ that permeates every aspect of life, resulting in the 'sweet Aroma of Christ' wherever one goes.
59mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 59m
This message explores the concept of offering a sacrifice that is as fragrant as perfume. The speaker draws parallels between the costly, fragrant offering and the believer's life, suggesting that our lives should be pleasing to God. It encourages a life of devotion and pleasing aroma to God.
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.
31mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2014 · 31m
The speaker explains that humanity faces a constant struggle between a downward pull toward the 'dust' (the physical, earthly desires) and an upward pull toward the heavenly, which is facilitated by the Holy Spirit. He warns that yielding to earthly desires, whether through sin, twisting scripture to justify sin, or over-relying on reason, leads to a downward slope. True holiness requires recognizing that God gave us the Bible not for comfort in sin, but to make us holy.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 23, 2014 · 56m
Jesus came to address the root of sin, which the Old Covenant could only manage by cutting off the visible 'fruit' of sin. The speaker explains that the true origin of sin lies in the heart, stemming from pride, as seen in the fall of the angel described in Ezekiel 28. True spiritual progress requires allowing Jesus to deal with this internal root, rather than remaining satisfied with superficial religious observance or outward good works.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 11, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that God desires believers to grow spiritually and diligently seek Him with all their hearts, as this is the purpose for which we are on earth. The speaker emphasizes that spiritual growth requires active pursuit, comparing it to running a race with a clear aim, and encourages listeners to embrace the purpose for which Christ has laid hold of them. True commitment requires voluntary cooperation, contrasting it with the automatic obedience of celestial bodies.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jun 11, 2014 · 57m
The speaker warns that subtle deviations from God's established standards, no matter how small, can lead a church or individual far from the true path over time. He emphasizes that true preservation requires constant self-examination against Scripture and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, rather than judging others. The message uses the analogy of yeast in bread to illustrate how small compromises can corrupt the whole, urging vigilance against spiritual drift.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 25, 2014 · 1h 4m
The central message is that true obedience and holiness must be rooted in a fervent, all-consuming love for Christ, not merely adherence to commandments. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest commandments are to love God and love neighbor, and this love must be the foundation for discipleship. He argues that the focus should be on finding people who desire to follow Jesus wholeheartedly here on earth, rather than those who are only concerned with going to heaven.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 58m
The speaker warns that Satan tries to convince people that obeying all of God's commands is impossible. He emphasizes that living in the fear of the Lord means hating sin and constantly striving to maintain a blameless conscience before God and others. He stresses the urgency of addressing sin immediately and warns against hardening one's heart or becoming complacent with one's conscience.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that God desires compassion and justice toward our neighbor, rather than mere ritualistic sacrifice or adherence to strict rules. The speaker uses examples from Micah 6 and the Pharisees' legalism to illustrate that true righteousness comes from a compassionate heart, not from keeping external rules. He urges listeners to examine their own tendency to be legalistic with others, remembering that God's law originates from a heart of compassion.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 59m
True spiritual growth is not measured by Bible knowledge or church attendance, but by a deep, passionate love for righteousness and hatred for iniquity, mirroring Jesus' life. The speaker emphasizes that genuine, lasting joy comes from centering one's life on God's kingdom and will, rather than personal desires or grievances. This requires understanding the fundamental choice between a life centered on self (leading to death) and a life centered on God (leading to life).
1h 4mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 19, 2014 · 1h 4m
This message continues a series on foundational Christian truths, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount. The speaker emphasizes that following Jesus requires walking a narrow way, which demands self-denial, contrasting it with an easy Christian life. He stresses that true discipleship involves embodying the virtues listed in the Beatitudes, and that believers should rejoice when persecuted for righteousness rather than seeking sympathy. Ultimately, the message calls for genuine conversion and consistent commitment to the narrow path.
1h 1mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 19, 2014 · 1h 1m
The sermon distinguishes between imputed righteousness (being declared righteous by Christ's work) and imparted righteousness (the ongoing process of living righteously by the Holy Spirit). While forgiveness is necessary, it is insufficient; believers must actively pursue holiness and mercy to avoid spiritual pride. True Christian life requires balancing the truth of imputed righteousness with the daily choice to live according to God's will, which manifests in one's relationships and actions.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 10, 2014 · 1h 0m
The speaker argues that the Book of Job was likely written before Genesis because it details events unconnected to the Abrahamic lineage, suggesting it predates the time when God began dealing only with Israel. He emphasizes that God's initial focus in scripture is on the character of an individual—a godly man or woman—rather than a nation. Furthermore, he stresses that spirituality is independent of wealth, social class, or physical attributes, as exemplified by Job, who was both rich and deeply spiritual.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 9, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that true Christian service must flow as an overflow from genuine worship of God, not the other way around. The speaker emphasizes that worship must always precede service, citing Jesus' teaching to the devil and the pattern of 'worship and serve.' Furthermore, he teaches that God dwells not in the mind or emotions, but in the deepest part of man—the spirit.
1h 15mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2014 · 1h 15m
The sermon emphasizes that God's sanctification covers the entire person—spirit, soul, and body—and cautions against theological extremes in any area, including physical healing. Drawing from scripture, the speaker argues that God's care for the body is evident throughout the Old Testament through promises of healing and blessing, urging believers to maintain a balanced understanding of God's will.
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.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 7, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message is that human ways, including traditions and self-reliance, are insufficient compared to God's ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8. The speaker warns against letting cultural traditions or natural abilities (like intelligence or music) hinder one's relationship with God, emphasizing that the flesh must be completely crucified. True understanding requires profound respect for God, characterized by waiting for Him when He is near.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 6, 2014 · 58m
The sermon emphasizes that God's divine power has granted believers everything necessary for a godly life, making excuses for not living right no longer acceptable. True Christian living is demonstrated by how one's life testifies against surrounding darkness, sin, or temptation. Furthermore, the speaker clarifies that material blessings like health and wealth are given to both the righteous and the unrighteous, but the true gift—God's nature—is what distinguishes a believer.