A collection of New Covenant teaching, gathered from publicly available YouTube sermons by Zac Poonen and related CFC messages.
111 messages · search and filter these
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Sep 20, 2020
The speaker advises Christians on how to approach earthly authorities and scripture with humility and meekness. He emphasizes that when studying God's word, one must approach it like a child, setting aside preconceived notions and biases to hear what the Holy Spirit intends. The core message is to receive teaching with a spirit of inquiry and submission, rather than a critical or argumentative mindset.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Aug 17, 2020
The central message is that the life pleasing to God is characterized by perpetual thanksgiving and praise, regardless of circumstances. The speaker emphasizes that true praise must come from a heart determined to worship God no matter what—whether things are good or difficult. This requires the Holy Spirit to search our hearts to ensure our praise remains steadfast, mirroring the unwavering praise of Jesus even before his crucifixion.
39mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jul 22, 2020
The central message is that the believer's ultimate focus in all aspects of life, regardless of circumstances, should be to glorify God the Father. Drawing from Jesus' prayer in John 12:28, the speaker emphasizes that this must be a deep, heartfelt conviction, not just a spoken statement. He warns against self-centered motives, urging the audience to make God's glory the primary concern in every decision.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jul 9, 2020
The central message emphasizes that believers are new creations in Christ, leaving the old life and its sins behind. The speaker urges listeners to renew their minds by reckoning that they are no longer the same person, constantly putting off the old self and putting on Christ. This transformation is a daily process requiring the Holy Spirit's help to live in the new life offered by Jesus.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jun 10, 2020
The message emphasizes that outward prosperity or worldly success is no guarantee of acceptance with God; true security comes from being complete in Christ. The speaker encourages listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit to confirm that God cares for them, reminding them that as God's children, they are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. The core message is to cry out for the Spirit of comfort, which assures believers of God's care and guides them toward true repentance.
34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · May 25, 2020
The speaker emphasizes that the gospel message must be lived out, not just preached. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, he argues that the Thessalonians became followers of the apostles *because* they observed that the apostles' lives matched the powerful words they preached about Jesus. True discipleship requires that our daily lives demonstrate the truth of our faith, moving beyond mere theory or words alone.
17mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Apr 29, 2020
The central message is that God's Word is a powerful, living, and active discerner capable of revealing the true thoughts and intents of our hearts. To truly hear God's Word, we must approach it with humility and an open agenda, seeking to know the Lord Jesus. Because the heart is deceitful, we must pray for the Word to pierce through our self-deceptions and expose the true state of our condition, as God looks at the heart, not just outward actions.
12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Apr 8, 2020
The sermon emphasizes that one cannot be devoted to both the Lord Jesus and the things of this world, drawing parallels to Lot's wife who was spiritually attached to the world even after escaping destruction. The speaker stresses that God examines the heart, and believers must maintain singular devotion to Christ. Additionally, the message highlights the necessity of forgiveness, using Joseph's life to illustrate how God can help us overcome bitterness and affliction through grace.
34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Mar 30, 2020
The speaker urges the audience to seek the Lord and call upon Him while they are alive, emphasizing that there will be a time when God cannot be found. He draws from Isaiah 55:6 and 2 Corinthians 6:2 to stress the urgency of seeking God's presence. Furthermore, he advises believers to take diligent time to ensure their calling and election are solid by adding virtue, knowledge, and temperance to their faith.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Mar 19, 2020
The speaker uses the analogy of an eagle stirring its nest to illustrate how God tests our professed faith during times of chaos. He emphasizes that fear is a natural consequence of sin, but true security comes from experiencing the perfect love of God, which casts out fear. Ultimately, the message urges believers to remain diligent, keep their 'garments clean' by living in the light and peace of Christ, regardless of current worldly disruptions.
20mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Mar 1, 2020
The speaker encourages the congregation to perceive the invisible work of Jesus Christ in building His church, which may not appear strong or visible to the world. He emphasizes that the true church is characterized by childlike faith, humility, and is not defined by worldly greatness but by its commitment to Christ. Believers are challenged to actively participate in this ongoing, divinely-backed work.
15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Feb 25, 2020
The central message is the necessity of maintaining boldness and standing firm for Jesus Christ, regardless of the audience or pressure. The speaker draws parallels from Abraham's boldness, Peter and John's courage after receiving the Holy Spirit, and the danger of falling away, emphasizing that this boldness is sustained by constantly walking with the Lord. True discipleship requires unwavering commitment even when tested.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Feb 4, 2020
The central message is that while God is able to do all things, the actual realization of God's plan in our lives is unlocked by faith. The speaker uses passages from Luke 1, Mark 10, and Mark 9 to emphasize that believing what God has said for us is crucial. He warns against unbelief, noting that wavering faith prevents us from receiving from the Lord.
17mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jan 6, 2020
The speaker urges the congregation to individually and corporately 'cleave' or remain devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ with a single heart. He emphasizes that true faith requires more than just hearing doctrine; it demands personal, lived experience of Jesus' life and ministry. For the church body, the goal is to glorify God together with one mind and one mouth, avoiding division.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Dec 9, 2019
The central message is that the goal of the Christian life is to know Jesus and be transformed into His likeness, which involves learning about Him and following His commandments. The speaker emphasizes that after hearing and believing God's Word, the believer's task is to teach and live out what they have learned, drawing strength from the Holy Spirit. He concludes by focusing on John 4:34, interpreting Jesus' statement, "My meat and my food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish it," as the ultimate sustenance for Christian life.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Oct 28, 2019
The speaker draws from Romans 8:14, emphasizing that those led by the Spirit of God are the true sons of God. He distinguishes between being a 'child of God' by faith and being 'the Son of God,' suggesting the latter implies a maturity characterized by continuous growth in obedience to the Father's will. The central message is the necessity for believers to actively desire to hear God's voice daily and live in obedience to the Spirit's guidance, mirroring Christ's life of maturing devotion.
15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Oct 21, 2019
The speaker emphasizes that believers should not delay in responding to God, especially regarding repentance, because the time is now. He encourages replacing grumbling and complaining with honest prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, drawing parallels to Israel's complaints in the wilderness. Ultimately, the goal of trials is to yield a peaceful fruit of righteousness, and we should approach God with confidence and faith rather than complaint.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Oct 6, 2019
The sermon centers on Micah 6:8, emphasizing that God requires three things from us: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. The speaker argues that outward religious acts, like sacrifices, are secondary to the condition of the heart. True devotion is found in an obedient heart that seeks to walk daily with the Lord Jesus Christ, which brings comfort and strength through the Holy Spirit.
15mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Sep 30, 2019
The central message emphasizes that the essential test of Christian life is patient endurance, continuing to walk faithfully with Christ even when circumstances or feelings are difficult. The speaker draws heavily from Romans 2:7 and James 5:7-11, urging the audience to obey and continue in God's calling through patience, using the examples of the farmer and the prophets who endured suffering.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Aug 27, 2019
The speaker warns that the greatest threat to a believer's joy and peace is not the devil, but self-rebellion and sin against God. Using the story of Balaam, he illustrates how a prophet, initially walking with God, eventually departed from the right path by succumbing to unrighteous desires. Balaam's ultimate sin was not just departing from God, but actively standing against God's people, serving as a warning against spiritual compromise.
31mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jul 24, 2019
The central message emphasizes that true greatness in God's kingdom is found not in worldly recognition or authority, but in humble service, mirroring Christ's example. The speaker draws parallels between Jesus teaching humility (Matthew 18:4) and finding rest through following the 'ancient path' of humility (Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 11:29). Ultimately, one must adopt the mindset of a servant, whose worth is found in serving Christ regardless of recognition.
21mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jul 15, 2019
The central message emphasizes that sustaining the Christian life requires continuous filling with the Holy Spirit, as natural strength is insufficient. The speaker draws from John 6 to illustrate that while outward appearance might suggest wellness, true life and zeal come only from the Spirit. Therefore, believers must continually go back to the Lord to receive this divine power to persevere faithfully to the end.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · Jul 15, 2019
The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of both following and abiding in Jesus, drawing from Luke 9:23 and John 15:5. The speaker warns against the danger of becoming a 'mixed multitude'—those who join the faith without genuine commitment to follow God's specific laws and will. True discipleship requires a complete denial of one's own will and a constant, moment-by-moment abiding in Christ, rather than merely professing belief.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Olu Talabi · May 20, 2019
The sermon emphasizes the principle that what a person sows in life will ultimately be what they reap, drawing heavily from Galatians 6:7-8. It warns against being deceived into thinking that mere belief or church attendance guarantees God's blessings; true reward comes from sowing obedience, humility, and love for Christ in secret. The speaker encourages the congregation to wait patiently for the visible fruit of their private devotion, such as secret prayer, fasting, and giving, as God promises to reward such faithfulness openly.