Library
294 messages
55mZac Poonen · Mar 9
21mZac Poonen · Mar 4
54mZac Poonen · Feb 4
16mZac Poonen · Dec 13
2h 30mZac Poonen · Nov 18
46mZac Poonen · Sep 19
1h 0mZac Poonen · Aug 17
30mZac Poonen · Aug 7
1h 3mZac Poonen · May 31
2h 14mZac Poonen · Aug 27
1h 19mZac Poonen · Aug 22
1h 12mZac Poonen · Jun 10
1h 6mZac Poonen · Jun 10
1h 21mZac Poonen · May 27
16mZac Poonen · May 9
1h 9mZac Poonen · May 9
38mZac Poonen · Apr 25
1h 50mZac Poonen · Mar 23
1h 27mZac Poonen · Mar 8
39mZac Poonen · Mar 6
1h 10mZac Poonen · Jan 24
18mZac Poonen · Jan 19
1h 8mZac Poonen · Dec 12
28mZac Poonen · Sep 14
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.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2019 · 55m
The speaker argues that the ultimate purpose of the Holy Spirit is not merely forgiveness or salvation, but the building of the Church. He contrasts the immaturity of Christians who only focus on personal sin forgiveness with those who press on to understand God's ultimate purpose. Drawing parallels to biblical figures like Moses, the message emphasizes that God uses dedicated individuals—especially men—who are willing to stand firmly for God's glory, regardless of public opinion.
21mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Mar 4, 2019 · 21m
The sermon contrasts the Old Covenant understanding of the Sabbath with the New Covenant understanding, emphasizing that the Sabbath is a picture of rest. The speaker argues that the New Covenant principle is to prioritize worship and fellowship with God first, rather than working for Him. He stresses that understanding scripture requires careful attention to the distinction between 'created' and 'made' and warns against legalistic adherence to tradition.
54mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 4, 2019 · 54m
The central message is that Christian life requires a deep devotion to Christ, which is demonstrated both individually through purity and corporately within the local church. The speaker draws parallels from Paul's warning in Ephesus and Elijah's lament, emphasizing that while the church is a body, its spiritual health is vulnerable and requires constant vigilance. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to live lives of genuine devotion, recognizing that spiritual decline can happen even in seemingly strong communities.
16mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Dec 13, 2018 · 16m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian gatherings, like breaking bread, should always be marked by a spirit of celebration because of the resurrection of Jesus. He contrasts the initial disciples' gloom before the resurrection with the joy of the early church, urging listeners to live with the hope that nothing God cannot solve. True gloom should only exist over unconfessed sin, unresolved conflict, or unaccepted correction, not over general life circumstances.
2h 30mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · Nov 18, 2018 · 2h 30m
The speaker argues that the New Testament pattern for church leadership, established by the Holy Spirit, involves appointing elders in groups of two or more, citing Acts 13 and 14 as evidence. He contends that the practice of single-person leadership, whether in a pastor or a single high priest, is unscriptural and a human tradition. True service, like the apostles, should be done without salary, relying on God's provision.
46mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 19, 2018 · 46m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of passing down faith and spiritual truths to the next generation, drawing parallels to Psalm 78 and the relay race of ministry. He warns that complacency and taking God's warnings lightly can lead to decline, citing the example of Ephesus. The core message is to take seriously the teachings received, particularly regarding maintaining the standard of sound doctrine and commitment within the church.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 17, 2018 · 1h 0m
The central message is that the ultimate goal of ministry is to present the church as a pure virgin to Christ, drawing from 2 Corinthians 11:2. The speaker emphasizes that this requires the elder to bear a deep, protective burden, similar to Abraham's servant protecting Rebecca. He warns against spiritual deception, particularly the worship of a 'another Jesus' who is not fully God and fully man, and discusses the mystery of Christ and the church becoming one flesh, contrasting this with the spirit of harlotry and the Antichrist's deception.
30mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 7, 2018 · 30m
The speaker argues that the Old Covenant was abolished because God's ultimate plan required the Holy Spirit to dwell in man, which was impossible due to sin. He emphasizes that sin requires a definitive price, which Jesus paid on the cross. The New Covenant shifts the relationship from a governmental one to a familial one, where the church functions as the 'body of Christ'—a family where Christ is the head, requiring the cooperation of all members because no single human can perfectly manifest the glory of God.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 31, 2018 · 1h 3m
The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to maintain diligence and zeal in their Christian walk, warning against spiritual sluggishness. The speaker draws a parallel between the Old Covenant, where work was concentrated among a few leaders, and the New Covenant, where every member is called to function actively as a body. True contribution is defined not merely by practical or financial service, but by a spiritual offering—a manifestation of the Holy Spirit for the common good.
2h 14mCFC Bangalore Live
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2017 · 2h 14m
The speaker reflects on the history and blessings of the community, noting that the gathering is part of a 42nd anniversary celebration. He emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, citing scripture passages about dwelling in unity and the Lord doing great things. The message concludes with a call to give thanks for the spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and continued guidance from God.
1h 19mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 22, 2017 · 1h 19m
The central message is that Christian life is a marathon requiring constant discipline to finish the race and become partakers of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that believers must guard against falling away due to the deceitfulness of sin, such as hypocrisy, pride, and selfishness. Therefore, active fellowship within a church is crucial for mutual encouragement and exposing hidden sins before they cause a spiritual collapse.
1h 12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 10, 2017 · 1h 12m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian mission work should not be based on human need but on the absolute authority given to Jesus Christ in heaven and on earth. He argues that believers should live under the total authority of God, focusing solely on fulfilling the divine will rather than seeking personal honor or material gain. The ultimate goal is to complete the work God has planned for each individual.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 10, 2017 · 1h 6m
The speaker addresses how to grow in faith, emphasizing that since faith is a gift, it must be nurtured by hearing and meditating on the Word of Christ, not just reading it. He also discusses submission to elders, noting that true authority in the New Covenant is accepted from beneath, primarily concerning church matters. Finally, he advises that closeness to others should be based on a spiritual link established by God, not on worldly grounds.
1h 21mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 27, 2017 · 1h 21m
The central message is that Christian growth requires both individual purity and robust, functioning local church fellowship, mirroring the pattern set by the apostles. The speaker argues that simply bringing people to Christ is insufficient; the apostles actively planted churches, appointed elders, and followed up to ensure the new believers were nurtured and grew. He critiques modern church structures for being overly hierarchical and deviates from the biblical model of organic, apostolic planting and care.
16mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 9, 2017 · 16m
The sermon explores the dual meaning of the 'breaking of bread,' arguing it signifies both a personal surrender of one's will to God's plan and a corporate unity within the Church. Drawing from scripture, the speaker emphasizes that true Christian life involves allowing God to break our own will, mirroring Christ's obedience, and participating together in the shared body of Christ.
1h 9mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 9, 2017 · 1h 9m
The central message is that Christians should reflect Jesus by embodying the spirit of a father rather than merely being teachers. This involves correcting others with restoration and grace, rather than shaming them. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that understanding God as a God of encouragement, rather than condemnation, is foundational to a healthy Christian life, impacting relationships at home and in the church.
38mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Apr 25, 2017 · 38m
The sermon emphasizes that the Christian body is one, composed of many diverse members, and every gift is necessary. It warns against both inferiority complexes, where members feel useless, and superiority complexes, where members feel indispensable. The speaker encourages recognizing that every contribution, no matter how small—from teaching to simple acts of help—is vital to the body's function.
1h 50mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Mar 23, 2017 · 1h 50m
The sermon contrasts the passive listening exemplified by Mary with the active, sacrificial service of Martha, emphasizing that true devotion requires more than just activity. The speaker critiques the tendency to build religious movements based on longevity or size, arguing that true followers of Christ are often small groups. He concludes by highlighting the necessary balance between truth (Paul) and grace (Barnabas) for the full revelation of God's will.
1h 27mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Mar 8, 2017 · 1h 27m
The speaker distinguishes between a mere congregation and what constitutes a true church. A congregation is simply a gathering of people, but a church is defined by its spiritual reality and commitment to Christ. The core difference lies in the spiritual life and mission that binds the members together.
39mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Mar 6, 2017 · 39m
The central message emphasizes that true unity in the church, and even within marriage, is achieved not through perfect agreement, but through a unified spirit and heart. The speaker draws from Philippians 2 and Ephesians 4, stressing that the greatest hindrances to unity are selfishness and pride. To maintain unity, believers must be diligent to consider others as more important than themselves, mirroring the humility of Christ.
1h 10mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jan 24, 2017 · 1h 10m
The sermon contrasts the 'spirit of the harlot'—characterized by seeking worldly approval over Christ's—with the true, bridal church. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual movement, like the return from Babylon to Jerusalem, begins with prayer and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the church's purity relies on godly leadership and the teaching of fathers to their children, as the church must be a place of continual spiritual burning.
18mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Jan 19, 2017 · 18m
The speaker emphasizes that true exaltation and promotion come solely from God, not from human effort or favoritism, citing Psalm 75:6-7. He warns against self-promotion, comparing it to the Pharisee, and stresses that the church's growth and vitality depend on God lifting up the humble, not the individual's own efforts. He also cautions against superficial religious language, noting that familiarity can lead to counterfeits.
1h 8mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Dec 12, 2016 · 1h 8m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian fellowship is distinct from worldly friendship and requires freedom from sin. He warns against hypocrisy, urging listeners to live before God alone rather than performing for the approval of others. Ultimately, genuine fellowship requires honesty, even if one feels spiritually immature, as pretense hinders spiritual growth.
28mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Sep 14, 2016 · 28m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian fellowship requires both a vertical relationship with Jesus and a horizontal commitment to the body of Christ. Treating the church like a mere restaurant, where one only consumes without contributing, is insufficient; believers must actively serve like members of a family. God values willingness to serve according to one's current ability, as demonstrated by the unity found in sharing in the fellowship of Christ's body.