864 messages · search and filter these
53mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 15, 2016
This message focuses on the concept of perfect redemption as part of a larger theme encouraging believers to press on toward perfection. It likely discusses the theological understanding of salvation and the ongoing process of sanctification required in Christian life.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 7, 2016
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of both encouragement and strong exhortation in spiritual growth, noting that true growth requires confronting areas needing improvement. He challenges the younger generation to surpass the current generation in devotion to Jesus, drawing heavily on John 14:12. The core message is that believers are called to do 'Greater Works' than Jesus, which is understood to be facilitated by the sending of the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascends to the Father.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Oct 24, 2016
The central message is that the greatest calling is to follow Jesus, not to build or preach, and that every believer has a responsibility to lead others into that following in their daily lives. The speaker argues that God intentionally designs different local expressions (churches) to fulfill specific functions, viewing this necessary separation not as negative division, but as part of God's divine order, similar to how the body's organs have distinct roles.
1h 48mCFC Bangalore Live
Santosh Poonen · Oct 9, 2016
This session focuses on the critical need for anointed shepherds within the church. The message emphasizes that true spiritual leadership requires divine anointing and preparation. It calls for believers to recognize and support those called to shepherd the flock.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Oct 3, 2016
Jesus warns his disciples that they will be sent out as sheep among wolves, advising them to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. The speaker cautions that the 'wolves' are not necessarily external sinners but rather religious systems or influences within the church that mimic true faith. True power comes not from outward eloquence or worldly systems, but from the indwelling life of Christ, requiring constant spiritual discernment.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 27, 2016
The speaker emphasizes that effectiveness in ministry is dependent on faithfulness in small, inner areas, using the analogy of using time and money as tests of faithfulness. He contrasts the tendency to focus on external works with Jesus' call for 'Shepherds,' and draws a parallel from Isaiah's experience. Isaiah's transformation from proclaiming woes to accepting God's message is shown by first confronting his own sinfulness before being commissioned to speak God's word.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 5, 2016
The speaker discusses two key promises in the New Testament: first, that believers will be saved from sin through Jesus' name, and second, that Jesus will shepherd His people. He warns that focusing only on the first promise without embracing the second—the shepherding care of Christ—can leave believers struggling and lacking in spiritual growth. True transformation requires moving into the shepherding aspect of God's promise.
1h 9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 19, 2016
The sermon uses the analogy of zeroes to illustrate the concept of spiritual growth and the impact of God's Word. It emphasizes that true spiritual life is not about accumulating knowledge or achievements, but about the transformative power of God's truth working in the believer's life. The message encourages the audience to be filled with the Word so that their lives reflect God's reality.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 19, 2016
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of receiving the power of the Holy Spirit for Christian life, drawing parallels from the disciples' experience in Acts 1. He cautions against focusing on minor scriptural details and instead urges the audience to actively seek this promised power. The core message is that believers must not waste time without earnestly seeking the Holy Spirit's power for ministry and witness.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 18, 2016
This message explores the paradox of Christian life, suggesting that our capacity to truly live for Christ is rooted in our willingness to die to self. The core message emphasizes that following Christ requires a radical surrender of self-will, leading to a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the Christian life is a journey of daily crucifixion to self for the sake of resurrection life in Christ.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 10, 2016
The message emphasizes that true guidance comes from the Holy Spirit, especially for those newly born again. Drawing from Isaiah 30, the speaker warns that self-reliance leads to spiritual damage, as God cannot pour out grace on those who are too self-sufficient. Instead, God waits patiently for individuals to come to Him in humility and brokenness, promising that they will eventually behold and hear the Spirit's direction for their lives.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 2, 2016
Jesus teaches that true devotion requires more than just following rules; it demands compassion and mercy, as exemplified by his interactions with sinners. The analogy of new wine and new skins illustrates that the new covenant life cannot be contained by old ways of thinking or practice. Believers must embrace a radical transformation to live out the reality of the new covenant relationship with Christ.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jul 14, 2016
The sermon discusses the 'final exam' of life, suggesting that our ultimate accountability is not based on our earthly achievements but on our relationship with Christ. Key themes include the necessity of living a life of genuine repentance and the importance of spiritual readiness for eternity. The message encourages listeners to examine their current spiritual state.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jun 23, 2016
The speaker uses the analogy of a soccer match to illustrate that Christians often adopt a defensive mindset, merely surviving rather than aggressively attacking. He urges the audience to stop playing defense against the devil and instead adopt an offensive posture, remembering that the true church's authority comes from Christ's confession, allowing believers to attack the gates of hell. The central message is to move from merely surviving to actively winning the spiritual battle.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jun 23, 2016
The speaker cautions against assessing one's spiritual life solely by personal feelings, warning that this self-centered focus can lead to complacency. Drawing from Jude, he emphasizes that believers must actively 'contend earnestly for the faith,' which requires more than just maintaining a private relationship with Jesus. True discipleship involves caring for the community and the needs of others, not just oneself.
18mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 31, 2016
The speaker warns that the devil's greatest weapon is not his overt power, but his deception, which can lead people to believe they are living holy lives individually rather than communally. He emphasizes that the church's primary calling is to maintain a simple and pure devotion to the true Jesus, warning against 'another Jesus' or spiritual counterfeits that mimic Christ's name but lack true spirit. This purity of devotion must be maintained within the local church setting.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 25, 2016
This video appears to be a worship or praise session rather than a doctrinal sermon. The focus is on expressing gratitude to God through song, suggesting a time of joyful acknowledgment of God's blessings.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 9, 2016
The sermon encourages women, particularly wives and mothers, by drawing from Luke 16 and Matthew 25, emphasizing that faithfulness in small, seemingly insignificant acts is highly valued by God. The speaker argues that the work of God is built on sacrifice, citing Jesus's death and David's life as examples. Ultimately, the message is one of encouragement, assuring listeners that God sees and counts their faithfulness in the little things, regardless of external recognition.
1h 10mCFC India - Zac Poonen
Santosh Poonen · Apr 30, 2016
The speaker discusses the unique message of the Christian life, contrasting it with mere forgiveness of sins or even the pursuit of victory over sin. He argues that the ultimate goal is not simply overcoming personal struggles, but recognizing that Jesus is the Savior, not just the forgiver. He warns that focusing on personal victory can lead to spiritual pride and missing the true destination of discipleship.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 26, 2016
The central message emphasizes that a godly life requires constant dependence on God the Father, mirroring Jesus' own life. The speaker warns against the danger of self-sufficiency, which is rooted in sin, and points to John 5:26 as proof that life and ability to function must be received from God. This principle of dependency is presented as the secret to overcoming sin and living a life of continuous victory.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 12, 2016
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian identity is defined not by outward performance or visible roles within the church, but by one's core being in Christ and the body. The speaker contrasts carnal desires (driven by the body), soul-driven living (religious adherence), and true spirituality, arguing that believers must dwell in the 'heavenlies'—a spiritual reality that remains constant regardless of physical or emotional circumstances. Ultimately, true worship must be offered in spirit and truth, acknowledging that God is spirit.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 28, 2016
The central message is that being a Christian means more than just admiring Jesus's deeds; it requires emulating the *manner* of his life. The speaker emphasizes that believers must walk in the same manner Jesus walked, which is a commandment. Furthermore, the standard is not just how Jesus lived on earth, but how he *is*—a reality of peace and authority that believers are called to reflect in their current lives.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 13, 2016
The speaker uses the analogy of a boxer, Buster Douglas, to illustrate the importance of having a deep, motivating 'why' during life's trials. He emphasizes that while Jesus' sacrifice provides forgiveness, true Christian life requires believers to run the race with perseverance. The ultimate motivation to endure hardship and overcome sin is found in faith and focusing on the ultimate victory in Christ.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 29, 2016
The central message is that the walk of discipleship must be characterized by joy, which is not based on perfect performance but on the reality of being redeemed by God's grace. True joy comes from understanding that our standing before God is based on Christ's cleansing blood and justification, not on our own merits or past failures. Therefore, believers should rejoice because they are God's inheritance and their ultimate home is in heaven.