Library
864 messages
1h 9mSantosh Poonen · Jun 29
1h 3mSantosh Poonen · Jun 8
54mSantosh Poonen · May 26
59mSantosh Poonen · May 4
56mSantosh Poonen · Apr 20
56mSantosh Poonen · Apr 13
54mSantosh Poonen · Mar 22
49mSantosh Poonen · Mar 15
37mSantosh Poonen · Feb 23
51mSantosh Poonen · Feb 23
52mSantosh Poonen · Feb 8
1h 0mSantosh Poonen · Jan 25
53mSantosh Poonen · Jan 18
40mSantosh Poonen · Jan 7
54mSantosh Poonen · Jan 5
14mSantosh Poonen · Dec 15
1h 0mSantosh Poonen · Dec 8
53mSantosh Poonen · Dec 1
55mSantosh Poonen · Nov 17
1h 15mSantosh Poonen · Nov 11
1h 4mSantosh Poonen · Nov 11
1h 5mSantosh Poonen · Nov 11
38mSantosh Poonen · Nov 5
58mSantosh Poonen · Nov 3
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 9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jun 29, 2015 · 1h 9m
The speaker warns against the danger of being distracted by external cultural battles, arguing that focusing too much on these issues can distract from the core Christian mandate of love. He emphasizes that the greatest danger is becoming lukewarm, failing to hear the voice of the Spirit amidst the noise of the world's opinions. The message calls for personal conviction and repentance, urging the church to prioritize love and spiritual focus over political or social disagreements.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jun 8, 2015 · 1h 3m
The message emphasizes that true discipleship requires a 'Shepherd mentality,' meaning one must be willing to lay down one's life and risk personal safety for the benefit of others, much like Jesus. The speaker warns against the 'ravenous wolf' mentality—a self-serving, biting disposition—and contrasts it with the selfless care of the Good Shepherd. Following Jesus must result in a visible desire to lead others to be disciples.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 26, 2015 · 54m
The central message is that Christian life requires a passion to run hard after God until death, mirroring Paul's testimony. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual maturity involves opening the 'eyes of the heart' to see beyond mere intellectual understanding. Ultimately, believers are called not just to experience faith, but to be instrumental in opening the eyes of others, serving the body of Christ.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 4, 2015 · 59m
The central message emphasizes the critical importance of honesty and repentance, contrasting it with the danger of hypocrisy, which is likened to Adam and Eve covering their shame with fig leaves. The speaker argues that true spirituality begins with an honest acknowledgment of one's shortcomings, citing the repentant thief on the cross as an example. This honesty is presented as the foundation for God's work and the path to salvation.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 20, 2015 · 56m
The central message warns against the danger of 'bearing leaves without fruit,' which describes hypocrisy—maintaining a outward appearance of piety while living sinfully in private. The speaker argues that God raises the standard of righteousness to perfection, and pretending to meet this standard is futile. True Christian life requires genuine transformation from the root up, rejecting pretense and transactional relationships with God.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 13, 2015 · 56m
The sermon warns against being like those who bear leaves without fruit, referencing Matthew 7 where Jesus teaches that people will be known by their actual fruit, not just their claims. The speaker emphasizes that true sustenance comes only from the 'Tree of Life' and the 'River of Life,' cautioning that mere intellectual or emotional understanding of God is insufficient without this deep, secret relationship. The incident of Jesus cursing the fig tree illustrates that outward appearance (leaves) cannot substitute for true, fruitful reality.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 22, 2015 · 54m
The speaker contrasts the temporary joys of worldly pursuits with the enduring joy found in dwelling in God's presence. He emphasizes that the Christian life is not just about initial forgiveness but a continuous, progressive journey of drawing closer to Christ. This process involves becoming more like Jesus step-by-step, which is the true, exciting reality of the believer's life.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 15, 2015 · 49m
Jesus taught that there is a narrow gate leading to life, contrasting it with a broad way leading to destruction. The speaker warns against false prophets who will dilute this message by promoting tolerance, which can lead to widening the gate. True salvation requires adhering strictly to the narrow path Jesus established, as deviating from it leads away from abundant life.
37mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 23, 2015 · 37m
The speaker encourages the congregation to remember the power of their testimony, drawing parallels to the persecution faced by Christians throughout history. He emphasizes that believers overcome the accuser not by physical strength, but through the blood of the Lamb and the powerful confession of their faith. Therefore, the word of our testimony is mightier than the sword, and we should use it to proclaim God's love and our walk with Jesus.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 23, 2015 · 51m
The message explores the profound implications of asking God for anything in Jesus' name, drawing heavily from John 14 and John 16. The central theme is that true access to God's provision and favor is rooted not just in asking, but in a deep, reciprocal love for Jesus. This love is presented as the basis for the Father's love, leading to the desire to keep His commandments.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 8, 2015 · 52m
The sermon emphasizes that genuine Christian love must be outwardly manifest, moving beyond mere belief to tangible actions within the community. Drawing from Matthew 7:11-12, the speaker argues that understanding Scripture is summed up in loving God and neighbor, and that God's goodness far surpasses any earthly standard of goodness. He concludes by asserting that God is intentional in every word of Scripture, even when apparent inconsistencies are pointed out, because He intends to reveal Himself to those who approach Him with childlike faith.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 25, 2015 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of deep meditation on scripture, comparing it to chewing tough meat until it's fully digested rather than swallowing it whole. He warns against the common tendency to skip difficult passages or rely solely on others' interpretations, stressing that true understanding must come directly from the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the goal is to hear and internalize the words of Jesus Christ above all else.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 18, 2015 · 53m
The speaker emphasizes that deep intimacy within a local church community inevitably exposes our faults, which should not cause fear but rather be embraced for transformation. He draws parallels to Paul's experience with the law, noting that vulnerability in fellowship reveals unChristlike aspects that the Holy Spirit can then address. The discussion transitions to Matthew 7:1, cautioning against judging others, suggesting that while the immediate penalty may not be physical, we will ultimately have to give account before God.
40mCFC India
Santosh Poonen · Jan 7, 2015 · 40m
The speaker emphasizes that God prepares believers for ministry through testing in private settings, specifically at home and work, rather than just on Sunday. He draws from 2 Timothy 2:2, stressing that passing on the gospel requires entrusting it to men who are not only faithful but also full of faith. Ultimately, the message is that true faith is cultivated through brokenness, drawing parallels to Isaiah 53 to counter the devil's narrative that suffering means God is against us.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 5, 2015 · 54m
The speaker challenges the congregation to consider what truly defines their church, arguing that mere gathering or building is insufficient. Drawing from a quote by A.W. Tozer, he asserts that for Christianity to be rejuvenated, it must move beyond established religious routines and instead be led by a prophetic voice—a call to every member to be a leader. Ultimately, he emphasizes that the entire body of Christ is called to be the prophet, speaking one voice in the world.
14mNCCF Church
Santosh Poonen · Dec 15, 2014 · 14m
The central message is that Christians must love lavishly, mirroring the extravagant love of God demonstrated in the parables of Luke 15. This lavish love requires us to extend grace and celebration to those who repent, and it should guide our interactions with others, including those who are judgmental or outside the immediate circle. Furthermore, the sermon challenges the congregation to be as shrewd in their generosity and care for one another as the
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 8, 2014 · 1h 0m
The speaker expresses profound gratitude for the experience of knowing Christ, acknowledging the danger of taking spiritual blessings for granted. The message centers on maintaining a sense of wonder regarding God's love, calling for a deep, overflowing experience of the Holy Spirit. It concludes with a plea to focus on the spiritual feast provided by God rather than the temporary attractions of the world.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 1, 2014 · 53m
The sermon warns against the 'love of money,' identifying it as the root of much evil and a conflict with serving God. Drawing from the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, the speaker emphasizes that God rejoices immensely over the repentance of a single sinner. He concludes by quoting Matthew 6:24, stating clearly that one cannot serve both God and wealth.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 17, 2014 · 55m
The speaker expresses deep gratitude for his wife's quiet, exemplary service, noting that the burden of ministry often falls to the wives behind the scenes. He reflects on the strength found in unity and the spiritual warfare that targets the church. The sermon concludes with a prayer emphasizing humility, acknowledging dependence on God's care, and committing to live without seeking human praise.
1h 15mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 11, 2014 · 1h 15m
The central message is that true Christian life involves making Jesus preeminent in everything, which means presenting one's entire body as a living and holy sacrifice to God. While victory over sin is possible through grace, believers still live in temptation, requiring constant surrender. This worship is not limited to Sunday services but should be a continuous lifestyle of devotion.
1h 4mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 11, 2014 · 1h 4m
The central message is that believers should focus on Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of spiritual authority and life. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship involves pointing people to Jesus rather than impressing them with doctrine or personal gifting. He encourages fathers and mothers to model their journey toward Christ by admitting mistakes and seeking forgiveness, showing that following Jesus is accessible even when imperfect.
1h 5mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
transcribingSantosh Poonen · Nov 11, 2014 · 1h 5m
The message centers on the relationship between acknowledging one's brokenness and developing genuine faith in Jesus Christ. It encourages attendees to prioritize Jesus above all other aspects of life, making Him the absolute first place in every area.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 5, 2014 · 38m
The speaker draws lessons from the rebuilding of the Temple in Ezra, emphasizing that God moves supernaturally to fulfill His word, requiring only dependence on Him, not on man's efforts. He also stresses the importance of willing and cheerful giving, noting that God values the heart and sacrifice according to one's ability, rather than the quantity of the gift.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 3, 2014 · 58m
The speaker warns that the devil seeks to defile every aspect of life—marriage, family, and the church—but the primary source of defilement is not external. Citing Mark 7, he emphasizes that what defiles a person are not external things entering them, but rather the things that proceed out of the man. True purity must come from within.