Library
138 messages
17mJeremy Utley · Sep 27
14mJeremy Utley · Jul 20
25mJeremy Utley · Jul 11
20mJeremy Utley · Apr 26
17mJeremy Utley · Apr 19
12mJeremy Utley · Mar 28
29mJeremy Utley · Feb 1
11mJeremy Utley · Jan 19
28mJeremy Utley · Dec 26
9mJeremy Utley · Dec 20
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 5
11mJeremy Utley · Nov 28
18mJeremy Utley · Nov 7
19mJeremy Utley · Oct 31
28mJeremy Utley · Oct 17
29mJeremy Utley · Oct 3
12mJeremy Utley · Sep 5
31mJeremy Utley · Aug 15
16mJeremy Utley · Aug 8
21mJeremy Utley · Jul 18
21mJeremy Utley · May 2
9mJeremy Utley · Apr 25
17mJeremy Utley · Apr 11
17mJeremy Utley · Apr 4
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.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 27, 2017 · 17m
The sermon warns against two dangerous attitudes in the Christian life: believing God doesn't love you, and conversely, believing you deserve favor because of your longevity or effort. Drawing from the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, the speaker emphasizes that those who are established in faith can become complacent, thinking they deserve more reward than others. The central message is to remain humble and recognize that God's grace is freely given, regardless of how long one has been following Him.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 20, 2017 · 14m
The central message is the necessity of actively clinging to God's promises rather than merely acknowledging them. The speaker uses the contrast between Orpah and Ruth to illustrate this, noting that while Orpah returned to her own people, Ruth remained devoted to Naomi and her God. He warns that the enemy's tactic is not outright doubt, but a subtle tendency to move away from God's promises, which is functionally the same as doubting them.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 11, 2017 · 25m
The central message is that Christian obedience, while sometimes burdensome, should be fueled by the desire to see God's smile and pleasure. The speaker emphasizes that keeping oneself in God's love is key, and this connection—seeing God pleased with one's obedience—will make following commandments feel refreshing rather than a heavy cross. He encourages the congregation to proactively seek this light of favor.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 26, 2017 · 20m
The speaker discusses two primary ways Satan deceives wholehearted disciples, drawing parallels from Joshua's victories and the Gibeonites' deception. The first deception is the temptation to do as much good as possible, which can lead Christians to focus on their own extensive to-do lists rather than solely on what God has specifically prepared for them. True discipleship requires a posture of listening to Jesus's teaching rather than being overwhelmed by the world's perceived needs.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 19, 2017 · 17m
The speaker argues that the pursuit of holiness is not merely about eliminating sin or strife, but must culminate in the fullness of love, which is described as the perfect bond of unity. True spiritual growth requires believers to actively increase and abound in love for one another, moving beyond just an 'elimination plan' to embody Christ's love. He concludes by contrasting judgment with mercy, emphasizing that compassion is the true mark of a godly life.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 28, 2017 · 12m
The central message is that God places us in specific times and places to make us 'grope for him' and find Him. This process of longing and seeking God is necessary for spiritual growth, much like physical growth requires discomfort. The speaker emphasizes that recognizing our own shortcomings is not a cause for discouragement, but rather a sign of God's loving discipline, which prompts us to yearn for Christ's likeness.
29mNCCF Church
transcribingJeremy Utley · Feb 1, 2017 · 29m
The central goal for Christians is to become an exact reflection of Jesus Christ. This transformation happens both individually through personal purity and corporately by functioning fully within the local church.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 19, 2017 · 11m
The central message is the urgent need for immediate obedience to God's commands, emphasizing that delay is dangerous. Drawing from the Israelites' grumbling in the wilderness, the speaker warns against postponing obedience, noting that conviction from the Holy Spirit requires an immediate response. True obedience involves actively filling the void left by sin or wrong attitudes with positive action, rather than just eliminating the negative behavior.
28mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 26, 2016 · 28m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian preparation involves both God's work in us and our personal effort. Drawing parallels from David being prepared as a shepherd, he argues that even seemingly menial tasks are perfect preparation for God's calling. Furthermore, he advises that preparation requires praying not just for present needs, but also for the future, using the disciples' inability to cast out a demon as an example of being ill-equipped.
9mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 20, 2016 · 9m
The speaker argues that the true understanding of God's grace is proven by the continuous, increasing fruitfulness of one's life, mirroring the gospel's constant bearing of fruit. This fruitfulness is not static; it requires a deliberate process of self-denial, echoing Jesus' teaching that one must
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 5, 2016 · 11m
The speaker encourages the audience to live as visible lights in a dark world by refusing to grumble or dispute, recognizing that God is watching our conduct. He emphasizes that true Christian effort requires more than just personal diligence; it necessitates asking God to work in our will and desire, as promised in the New Covenant. Ultimately, the message calls for actively praying for God to stir our hearts and give us the desire to do His will.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 28, 2016 · 11m
The central message is that Christians are called to reflect the life of Jesus Christ in all circumstances, which requires an abundance of grace. The speaker emphasizes that true devotion to God is not found in ideal or planned circumstances, but rather in depending on Him even when life is inconvenient or difficult. Therefore, believers must intentionally invite the God of all grace into every circumstance, regardless of how imperfect it seems.
18mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 7, 2016 · 18m
True maturity in the Christian life progresses beyond simply being a son or daughter, or even being a soldier for Christ, to embracing the heart of a servant. The speaker distinguishes between a 'service mindset,' which focuses on activity and checking off tasks, and a 'servant heart,' which is a continuous, voluntary position of lowliness. This servant heart is demonstrated by proactively seeking out tasks that others avoid, making it a constant determination of mind rather than just an act of service.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 31, 2016 · 19m
The message draws from Isaiah 62, comparing the church to Zion, which is called to shine brightly so the nations will see God's righteousness. The core exhortation is to adopt the attitude of a watchman, who must pray and cry out day and night until God establishes His purpose. This requires a devoted, persistent faith, much like Daniel, and maintaining the mindset of a soldier who is focused on the spiritual battle rather than being entangled in everyday concerns.
28mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 17, 2016 · 28m
The central message is how to maintain a sense of neediness in one's spiritual life, which is crucial for spiritual growth. This is achieved by regularly entering God's presence, which reveals our own corruption, and by constantly comparing oneself to Jesus Christ. The speaker also highlights that receiving rest from Jesus involves a two-part transaction: bringing burdens to Him and then willingly taking His yoke to learn from Him.
29mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 3, 2016 · 29m
The speaker shares a burden concerning the church, emphasizing that while God alone can build it, believers have a responsibility to actively participate in building the Body of Christ. He draws from scripture to argue that the church's unity and perfection are central to revealing God's mystery to the world. Ultimately, he calls for a zealous and wholehearted commitment to this calling.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 5, 2016 · 12m
The central message is a warning to be extremely careful when giving advice or when feeling spiritually elevated, emphasizing the need to constantly look inward. The speaker draws from scripture to caution that even those who feel mature enough to guide others are susceptible to falling, and the best way to help others is by first diligently examining and cleansing one's own heart. This principle of self-examination applies not only to giving advice or judging others but also to one's own spiritual walk within the church.
31mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 15, 2016 · 31m
The speaker encourages those seeking God's will by emphasizing that believers can know what God desires for them, rather than wandering in spiritual darkness. He cites scripture, particularly Isaiah 30:21, assuring listeners they will hear God's direction. Furthermore, he advises trusting God completely, acknowledging Him in all ways, and being transformed by renewing one's mind according to God's will.
16mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 8, 2016 · 16m
The central message is that while God has the power to write His law on our hearts, Christians must take personal responsibility for cultivating a heart that desires what pleases God. This involves actively guarding what fills our minds—our thoughts, entertainment, and conversations—rather than passively waiting for transformation. True spiritual health requires cooperation with God's work, much like needing to change diet alongside working out at a gym.
21mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 18, 2016 · 21m
The sermon emphasizes that Christian life requires endurance through trials, drawing from James 1 and Hebrews 12. Discipline from the Lord should not be taken lightly; instead, believers should examine it to root out pride and seek God's purpose. True discipline is more than mere punishment for sin, encompassing difficult circumstances and conviction as God works to perfect the believer.
21mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 2, 2016 · 21m
The sermon uses the life of Joshua conquering the Promised Land to illustrate how believers can inherit God's promises. Key lessons include making things right when neglecting a command (like circumcision after crossing the Jordan), having the faith to obey seemingly ridiculous instructions (like marching around Jericho), dealing ruthlessly with sin within the community (as seen with Akhan), and executing strategic obedience even after setbacks. The overarching theme is that victory comes through faith, patience, and obedience to God's specific commands.
9mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 25, 2016 · 9m
The central message is that merely coming to Jesus is insufficient; one must actively 'come and drink' of the water of life. The speaker emphasizes that true faith requires an expectation that Jesus will meet our needs, moving beyond a mere ritualistic visit. If we come to Christ but leave thirsty, it suggests a failure to fully trust in the provision He offers.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 11, 2016 · 17m
The central message is that God's promised rest is not automatically permanent; it must be actively maintained through diligent obedience. Drawing from Joshua 23, the speaker argues that while God can deliver believers from known enemies, they must remain vigilant in obeying God's commandments to avoid being ensnared by worldly compromises. Maintaining this rest requires constant faithfulness to God's ways.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 4, 2016 · 17m
The sermon explores the depth of loyalty God desires from His people, drawing heavily from Hosea and the Book of Joel. The speaker emphasizes that God values genuine, persistent loyalty over mere outward sacrifices or temporary resolutions to return. True loyalty, according to the speaker, means crying out to God in times of potential separation or struggle, demonstrating a desire to remain close to Him before falling, which is rooted in believing in His keeping power.