Library
138 messages
17mJeremy Utley · Aug 11
13mJeremy Utley · Jul 28
14mJeremy Utley · Jul 21
20mJeremy Utley · Jul 14
17mJeremy Utley · May 19
28mJeremy Utley · May 18
22mJeremy Utley · Apr 21
11mJeremy Utley · Apr 14
16mJeremy Utley · Mar 31
26mJeremy Utley · Mar 23
12mJeremy Utley · Mar 10
20mJeremy Utley · Mar 3
26mJeremy Utley · Feb 15
17mJeremy Utley · Feb 3
19mJeremy Utley · Jan 27
25mJeremy Utley · Jan 18
17mJeremy Utley · Jan 13
18mJeremy Utley · Dec 21
14mJeremy Utley · Dec 16
22mJeremy Utley · Nov 2
12mJeremy Utley · Sep 30
32mJeremy Utley · Sep 7
14mJeremy Utley · Aug 12
30mJeremy Utley · Aug 10
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.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 11, 2021 · 17m
The central message is that Christian life requires becoming an exact reflection of Jesus, achieved through personal purity and functioning within the local church. The speaker emphasizes that true 'rest' is not about outward circumstances but about inner triumph through obedience, exemplified by Peter walking on the stormy sea. Furthermore, the greatest difficulty is not the circumstance itself, but the temptation within it, which presents an opportunity to declare God's goodness and sovereignty.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 28, 2021 · 13m
The central message is the urgent need for believers to remain diligent in their walk with God, recognizing that spiritual decline can be a gradual 'drifting' rather than a sudden 'fall.' The speaker emphasizes that the most critical question is not 'Have I fallen away?' but rather, 'Am I falling away?' He urges the audience to pay close attention to the Word heard, to prioritize the present day, and to focus on the essential relationship with Christ above all other concerns.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 21, 2021 · 14m
The central message is to accept all of God's dealings without grumbling or disputing, remembering that taking issue with God's plan is a sign of pride that hinders receiving grace. Instead of wishing for different circumstances—whether concerning oneself, others, or situations—one must gain a revelation to see every challenge as a divinely appointed pathway for God's glory and personal growth in Christ.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 14, 2021 · 20m
The central message is to avoid the errors exemplified by Judas Iscariot, which involves misplaced ambition and a failure to heed warnings. The speaker cautions against reducing discipleship to mere rules or cold orthodoxy, emphasizing instead the 'law of the spirit'—a living, sensitive connection to Christ. Furthermore, one must guard against seeking recognition or status, remembering that true service is done as unworthy servants.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 19, 2021 · 17m
The speaker outlines three 'ancient paths' for Christian growth: dwelling in the 'lap of love,' striving to be conformed to the image of Christ by daily self-denial, and maintaining a zealous commitment to repentance. He emphasizes that true discipleship involves actively taking up the cross daily and that a godly response to conviction is what the Lord desires.
28mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 18, 2021 · 28m
The speaker reviews several miracles performed by Jesus, such as casting out demons, healing the sick, and miraculous catches. However, he concludes that the greatest miracle is not a physical healing or provision, but rather the simple call to discipleship, exemplified by Jesus calling Levi to follow him. He urges the audience to treasure the calling to be a disciple above all other potential miracles.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 21, 2021 · 22m
True devotion to Jesus Christ goes beyond mere sentimental attachment or enjoyment of His presence. The speaker uses the account of Peter fishing on the shore to illustrate that devotion must manifest as obedience to Christ's calling, shifting from being a fisherman to a shepherd. Ultimately, true devotion involves prioritizing Christ's will and purpose above personal desires or comfort.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 14, 2021 · 11m
The central message is that Christian work, even secular employment, has eternal significance if done correctly. To earn reward from the Lord, one must serve with a good attitude—characterized by friendly, helpful, and cooperative feelings—and with the motive of pleasing God, not people. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that spiritual battles in the workplace are internal, against self-will and selfishness, requiring the strength of the full armor of God.
16mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 31, 2021 · 16m
The central message is that Christians must strive to be a reflection of Jesus, which is best exemplified through profound humility. The speaker draws parallels between Jesus's willingness to endure the cross and his ultimate service, noting that his humility is evident in both his divine glory and his earthly ministry. This enduring, humble path is presented as the ultimate model for Christian living, even when facing mockery or opposition.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 23, 2021 · 26m
The sermon encourages the congregation not to grow weary in ordinary days, asserting that these mundane times are the extraordinary way God accomplishes His purpose. The speaker emphasizes that to continue in God's word, one must progress deeply into both the love of God and the steadfastness of Jesus Christ. True spiritual growth, like Jesus's ministry, is found not in dramatic moments but in humble, steadfast obedience within the daily grind.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 10, 2021 · 12m
The central message is that true discipleship requires more than just believing or studying scripture; it demands actively obeying the specific word or command God is giving at the present moment. The speaker uses analogies like the uphill marathon and the manna to illustrate that hoarding knowledge without immediate obedience will ultimately spoil, emphasizing that the most important command is to heed the Lord's next step.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 3, 2021 · 20m
The central message is that true discipleship requires acknowledging the impossibility of keeping God's standards, rather than adopting an attitude of familiarity or complacency. The speaker uses examples from Israel (Exodus 24 and Joshua 24) and the New Testament (Peter, Ephesus) to illustrate how people fall away when they treat God's commands as manageable. The key is to maintain a sense of awe and recognize that fulfilling God's will is beyond human capability.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 15, 2021 · 26m
The speaker discusses the concept of 'mourning' as a vital component of the disciple's journey toward abundant life, drawing from Jesus' words to the mourning. He contrasts mere 'life' (forgiveness) with 'abundant life,' which signifies a deep, Spirit-filled reality characterized by freedom from fear and bitterness. True commitment to this abundant life is measured by one's passion for entering into it, which can be assessed by one's attitude toward conviction of sin.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 3, 2021 · 17m
The central message is that true worship in spirit means striving to be pleasing to God, which is exemplified by Jesus' life before his ministry. The speaker argues that the current circumstances, like being 'shelter in place,' should not be seen as a hindrance but rather as a divine 'disciple development program.' This period offers a unique opportunity for believers to learn how to seek God's pleasure privately, mirroring how Jesus learned to please the Father before His public ministry.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 27, 2021 · 19m
The central message is the necessity of continuously beholding God's kindness, rather than focusing only on His severity or judgment. The speaker contrasts the outcomes of Judas (who saw God as a hard master) and Peter (who saw the look of love) after their respective failures. He urges the audience to emulate the gardener in the parable, choosing to give grace and another year of nurturing rather than immediate judgment, applying this to relationships with backsliders and family.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 18, 2021 · 25m
The central message is that God's power is best displayed through human brokenness, not through remaining intact or being scattered. The speaker draws from scripture to argue that while we naturally fear brokenness, God desires to use our broken pieces as the canvas for His surpassing greatness. Therefore, Christians must learn to treasure their weakness and brokenness as part of their discipleship.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 13, 2021 · 17m
The central message is to resist a transactional approach to faith, where one approaches God only when needing something or having a task. Drawing from the example of Mary choosing the 'good part,' the speaker emphasizes that simply sitting at Jesus' feet and drawing near to Him is sufficient. Furthermore, the sermon warns against looking upon others—whether fellow believers or unbelievers—with contempt, urging instead to adopt the humble, needy posture of the publican.
18mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 21, 2020 · 18m
The central message is to find contentment and joy in God's quiet, unseen work in our lives, rather than becoming anxious about visible signs of progress. The speaker contrasts the danger of complacency with the danger of paranoia regarding spiritual growth, using Jesus' early life and the example of saints to illustrate that God's work often happens quietly over time. True discipleship involves being content and joyful in the process, trusting God's timing even when progress feels slow or unmeasurable.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 16, 2020 · 14m
The speaker advises that when preparing to share at a church meeting, one must resist the temptation to share what sounds clever or intellectually stimulating. Instead, the focus should be on what Christ has truly accomplished in the speaker's life. A key test is to ask what has quenched the speaker's own spiritual thirst and provided comfort, mirroring the principle that one must first receive living water from Jesus to be able to give it to others.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 2, 2020 · 22m
The sermon centers on the profound privilege of 'receiving' Jesus, drawing parallels from Zacchaeus and Levi. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest opportunity to receive Christ is by receiving children in Jesus' name, which signifies living in the light of His mercy and welcome. This act is not based on obligation, personal connection, or mere compassion, but on recognizing the grace shown to us by Christ.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 30, 2020 · 12m
The central message is that true Christian life requires adopting Jesus' mindset, which is characterized by deep humility and a willingness to embrace the cross. The speaker emphasizes that genuine humility goes beyond mere performance or thought; it must be rooted in the heart and is achieved through obedience—taking up Christ's yoke. This obedience is exemplified by viewing the cross not as a burden to dread, but with the same passionate anticipation Jesus had.
32mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 7, 2020 · 32m
The Lord builds the church, but He equips it through every individual member functioning properly, like the joints of a body. The speaker warns against neglecting one's personal spiritual life—one's 'own vineyard'—while focusing on ministry or serving others. To care for one's own vineyard, one must examine the fruit of love, the soil of humility, and other aspects of personal devotion.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 12, 2020 · 14m
The speaker cautions against developing a jealous or critical heart when witnessing the ministry or spiritual gifts of others. Drawing parallels from Jesus's hometown reception and the disciples' reaction to miracles, he emphasizes that believers must receive God's word and the works of others' lives as if it came directly from the Lord. Ultimately, the message urges believers to prioritize seeking the approval of God over seeking the notice or praise of men.
30mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 10, 2020 · 30m
The speaker uses the biblical example of Kiriath Arba, which was renamed Hebron after a great victory by Caleb, to warn that spiritual victories are not permanent without vigilance. He argues that if believers become complacent, the enemy (the 'giants') can reclaim areas of life that God has already given victory in. The central message is a call to remain watchful, diligent, and obedient to keep the path of righteousness growing brighter.