Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

How do you keep trusting God when your prayers seem unanswered and His presence feels distant? Teaching from Luke 1:5–25, Pastor Chris Teien explores the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, whose faithful lives included years of disappointment and waiting.

This Christmas message reminds us that uncertainty does not place us beyond God’s care. Discover how His promises give us reason for hope and how faithful obedience helps us respond to Him while the outcome remains unclear.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. THE SILENCE OF GOD IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF GOD

Zechariah and Elizabeth lived faithfully before God while carrying the sorrow of having no children. Their circumstances did not mean God had forgotten them or that their faith had failed. Bring your disappointment honestly to Him and continue following His Word in the responsibilities before you. (Luke 1:5–7)

2. GOD’S PROMISES ARE STILL TRUE

The angel announced that Zechariah’s prayer had been heard and that Elizabeth would bear a son. John would prepare people for the coming of the Lord, fulfilling a purpose beyond his parents’ hopes. Ground your confidence in what God has actually promised in Scripture, trusting His wisdom with answers you cannot predict. (Luke 1:8–17)

3. HOPE IS REKINDLED THROUGH OBEDIENCE

Zechariah struggled to believe the announcement, yet God fulfilled His word. His experience invites us to examine how we respond when trusting God challenges our understanding. Receive His instruction with humility and act on what Scripture makes clear as you wait for what remains unresolved. (Luke 1:18–25)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can keep praying honestly and living faithfully through a quiet season. Bring one unanswered request to God, remember a way He has shown His faithfulness, and take one clear step of obedience. Ask a trusted believer to pray with you. Let your hope rest in God’s character as you entrust the timing and outcome to Him.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

How can gratitude grow when life is difficult or circumstances remain unresolved? Teaching from Psalm 103, Pastor Chris Teien explores how remembering God’s blessings, forgiveness, enduring love, and sovereign rule gives us lasting reasons to praise Him.

This Thanksgiving message invites you to look beyond immediate concerns and reflect on God’s character and care. Discover how recalling His mercy can renew your perspective, strengthen your faith, and shape your everyday response to Him.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. THANK GOD FOR HIS PERSONAL BLESSINGS

David calls his soul to praise the Lord and remember His benefits. He celebrates God’s forgiveness, healing, redemption, compassion, and sustaining care. Take time to recognize His goodness and give thanks for the ways He has provided for you and drawn you to Himself. (Psalm 103:1–5)

2. THANK GOD FOR HIS COMPASSIONATE FORGIVENESS

The Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. David celebrates His mercy and the removal of our transgressions. Through Christ, we can come honestly before God, confess our sin, and respond with gratitude for the forgiveness He provides. (Psalm 103:6–12)

3. THANK GOD FOR HIS ENDURING LOVE

God knows our frailty and shows compassion like a father caring for his children. Our lives are brief, yet His steadfast love endures toward those who fear Him. Let His faithful care strengthen your trust and encourage you to pass on His truth to the next generation. (Psalm 103:13–18)

4. THANK GOD FOR HIS SOVEREIGN RULE

David declares that the Lord’s throne is established in heaven and His kingdom rules over all. He calls angels, heavenly servants, and all God’s works to join in praise. Remembering His authority gives us reason to worship and entrust our uncertainties to Him. (Psalm 103:19–22)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can begin cultivating gratitude by remembering what God has done. Read Psalm 103 and name a specific reason to thank Him for His provision, forgiveness, love, and rule. Bring Him your concerns alongside your praise, and share one reminder of His goodness with someone else. Keep practicing thankfulness as you trust Him through changing circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

How can you keep making a difference when the world around you feels dark? Guest Pastor Dan Erickson explores Jesus’ call in Matthew 5:14–16 to let your light shine through faithful words, choices, and service.

Through biblical teaching and stories of Christian witness, discover how ordinary believers can offer hope in difficult circumstances. This message encourages you to resist despair, support fellow Christians, and trust God with the impact of your obedience.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. THE CALL TO SHINE AS LIGHTS

Jesus calls His followers the light of the world and instructs them to let their good works direct attention toward the Father. Your treatment of others, integrity, and willingness to serve can make your faith visible. Look for opportunities to reflect Christ in your family, workplace, and community. (Matthew 5:14–16)

2. DARKNESS IS NOTHING NEW

Paul encouraged believers to shine like stars amid a crooked generation. Spiritual opposition and moral confusion have challenged Christians throughout history. Remain grounded in God’s truth and pursue conduct that reflects Jesus when surrounding influences pull you in another direction. (Philippians 2:15)

3. GOD USES FAITHFUL PEOPLE TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Stories of Christian courage and costly obedience remind us that one person’s faithfulness can reach beyond what they see. Use the opportunities before you to serve, encourage, and share the gospel. Keep investing in the Lord’s work, trusting that your labor in Him has lasting value. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

4. THE UNSHAKABLE LIGHT OF CHRIST

John presents Jesus as the source of life and light that darkness cannot overcome. Our hope rests in Him when circumstances appear discouraging. Keep your confidence in Christ and let His faithfulness strengthen you to continue loving and serving others. (John 1:4–5)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can shine Christ’s light through one faithful action today. Encourage someone who is discouraged, meet a practical need, or explain the hope you have in Jesus. Pray for fellow believers and support someone serving in a difficult situation. Trust God to use your obedience, even when you cannot see its full effect.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What happens when God shows mercy to people we think deserve judgment? Teaching from Jonah 4:1–11, Pastor Chris Teien looks at Jonah’s anger after Nineveh repented and God chose not to destroy the city.

Jonah obeyed God’s command, but his heart still did not reflect God’s compassion. Through Jonah’s attitude and God’s object lesson with the plant, this message challenges us to examine our prejudices, learn from what God allows in our lives, and extend His compassion to people we may find difficult to love.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: EXAMINE YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS

Jonah should have celebrated when the people of Nineveh repented, but instead he became angry. He wanted justice for Israel’s enemies rather than mercy. God reminded Jonah that He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. Ask whether resentment, prejudice, fear, or past hurt has caused you to write off people God still cares about. (Jonah 3:10–4:4; Exodus 34:6)

2: EMBRACE GOD’S OBJECT LESSONS

God gave Jonah a plant for shade and then allowed it to die. Jonah cared deeply about something that made him comfortable while showing little compassion for an entire city. Sometimes God uses disappointment, loss, or uncomfortable experiences to reveal what matters too much to us and teach us to care more about what matters to Him. (Jonah 4:5–9)

3: EXTEND GOD’S COMPASSIONATE HEART

God cared about the people of Nineveh even though Jonah considered them enemies. He wanted Jonah to understand that people mattered more than his comfort or preferences. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ and carry His message of reconciliation to people from every background, including those we may not naturally understand or care for. (Jonah 4:10–11; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20)

BE ENCOURAGED

God can change people you may think will never change. Ask Him to give you His compassion for people you find difficult, different, or even hostile toward your faith. Do not allow resentment, prejudice, or personal comfort to keep you from participating in what God wants to do. Someone you see as an enemy today could someday become your brother or sister in Christ.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Have you ever needed a second chance after making a bad decision? Teaching from Jonah 3:1–10, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the God who forgives, restores, and gives people another opportunity to obey Him.

Jonah had already run from God and suffered the consequences, but God spoke to him again. This time Jonah went to Nineveh and delivered the message he had been given. The people responded with repentance, fasting, and humility, and God showed them mercy.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: EMBRACE GOD’S SECOND CHANCES

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. His previous failure did not have to become the end of his story. God forgives and restores His servants, although our choices can still carry consequences. When God gives you another opportunity to do what is right, receive it with gratitude and move forward faithfully. (Jonah 3:1–2)

2: ACT IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL

This time Jonah obeyed and went to Nineveh. He could not change his previous rebellion, but he could change the direction he took next. Jonah faithfully proclaimed the message God gave him, and the same principle applies to us. When God gives you an opportunity to serve, speak, encourage, or share the gospel, take the step of obedience and trust Him with the results. (Jonah 3:3–4; 1 Corinthians 9:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:4)

3: WITNESS TRANSFORMATION AND MERCY

The people of Nineveh believed God. From the greatest to the least, they humbled themselves, fasted, and turned from their evil ways. Their response reminds us that people we think will never change may be closer to responding to God than we realize. Fasting can also be a helpful way to set aside distractions and seek God seriously during times of repentance, crisis, or spiritual need. (Jonah 3:5–10)

BE ENCOURAGED

Your worst mistake does not have to define the rest of your story. If God gives you another opportunity, take it. You cannot change the past, but by His grace you can change the direction you take next. Obey what God is asking you to do and never underestimate what He can accomplish through one faithful step.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What do you do when you have reached the end of your own resources and do not know how you are going to make it through? Teaching from Jonah 2, Pastor Chris Teien looks at Jonah’s prayer from inside the great fish and what it teaches us about trusting God in desperate circumstances.

Jonah’s trouble was largely the result of his own disobedience, yet he still cried out to God and discovered that the Lord had not abandoned him. This message encourages you to pray first, remember God’s past faithfulness, recognize His sovereignty, and thank Him even while you are still waiting for the answer.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: CRY OUT TO GOD IN YOUR DISTRESS

Jonah found himself in a situation he could not fix. From inside the fish, he called to the Lord, and God heard him. Prayer should not merely be the last resort after every other option has failed. Whether your trouble comes from circumstances beyond your control or from choices you regret, bring your need honestly to God. (Jonah 2:1–2)

2: RECOGNIZE GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND REMEMBER HIS FAITHFULNESS

Jonah knew the sailors had physically thrown him into the sea, yet he also recognized that God was ultimately at work through what happened. As he remembered sinking beneath the waves, he could also see that God had preserved his life. When you do not know how your present situation will turn out, remember the times God has already provided, guided, protected, and carried you through. (Jonah 2:3–7)

3: THANK GOD BEFORE THE ANSWER IS COMPLETE

Jonah offered grateful praise while he was still inside the fish. He recommitted himself to obeying God and declared, “Salvation comes from the Lord.” Only after that did God command the fish to release him. Sometimes faith means thanking God while you are still waiting, trusting that He hears you and will accomplish His purposes in His way and timing. (Jonah 2:8–10)

BE ENCOURAGED

If you are in a desperate season, cry out to God. Tell Him what you need, confess what needs to change, remember how He has helped you before, and thank Him while you wait. You may not yet see how the situation will turn out, but the God who heard Jonah from the depths still hears His people when they call on Him.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What do you do when God is calling you to something difficult, uncomfortable, or bigger than you think you can handle? Teaching from Jonah 1, Pastor Chris Teien looks beyond the familiar story of the great fish to the deeper issue of recognizing God’s call and responding faithfully.

Jonah knew what God wanted him to do, but he ran in the opposite direction. His story challenges us to examine what God may be asking of us, stop allowing fear or reluctance to control our decisions, and trust Him even when obedience leads through difficult circumstances.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: RECOGNIZE GOD’S CALL IN YOUR LIFE

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but God’s call is not always a dramatic lifelong assignment. Sometimes He calls us to a career or ministry, and other times He calls us to one act of service, one conversation, or one step of faith. Pay attention to the opportunities God puts in front of you and be willing to say yes, even when you feel inadequate. (Jonah 1:1–2; Isaiah 6:8)

2: STOP RUNNING AWAY FROM GOD’S PLAN

Jonah deliberately headed in the opposite direction from Nineveh. Fear, prejudice, comfort, insecurity, or competing priorities can also cause us to resist what God wants. Running from God’s direction may bring unnecessary difficulty, while obedience opens the door to opportunities we could never create on our own. (Jonah 1:3–10)

3: TRUST GOD IN THE STORMS AND SURRENDER TO HIS DISCIPLINE

Jonah eventually recognized that the storm was connected to his disobedience and took responsibility for what he had done. Even then, God was not finished with him. The great fish that looked like judgment also became God’s means of preserving Jonah’s life and redirecting him toward His purpose. God’s discipline can be uncomfortable, but it is also evidence that He has not given up on us. (Jonah 1:11–17; Hebrews 12:5–6)

BE ENCOURAGED

God may call you to something large or something that seems insignificant. Either way, faithfulness matters. Do not let fear, comfort, past failure, or the opinions of others keep you from taking the next step. Ask God what He wants you to do, trust Him with what you cannot control, and be ready to say yes.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Can a life marked by unbelief and self-destructive choices be changed? Guest speaker Trevor Rubenstein shares how encountering Jesus’ words in Luke 15 helped lead him from atheism to faith in Christ.

Raised in a Jewish home, Trevor describes his journey to faith and his work sharing the gospel through Chosen People Ministries. Through personal testimony and biblical examples, this message explores God’s transforming grace and challenges believers to help others hear the good news of Jesus.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. GOD TRANSFORMS LIVES

Scripture describes those who belong to Christ as new creations. Trevor’s testimony illustrates how God’s grace can change a person’s direction and purpose. Keep your hope grounded in Jesus as you pray for people whose circumstances or choices seem difficult to change. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

1. GRACE BRINGS REDEMPTION AND A NEW BEGINNING

Jesus’ story of the lost son reveals the joy of being welcomed home after rebellion. Trevor shares how this passage helped him recognize his sin, his need for God’s mercy, and God’s desire to reconcile him through Jesus. Turn to Christ and receive the forgiveness and new life He offers through faith. (Luke 15:11–32)

1. GOD USES UNLIKELY PEOPLE

Paul once persecuted Christians, yet his encounter with Jesus led him to proclaim the faith he had opposed. Nineveh’s response to Jonah likewise shows the possibility of repentance among people others might dismiss. Share God’s truth with humility and hope, trusting Him to work in hearts. (Acts 9:1–20; Jonah 3:4–10)

1. PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR THE GOSPEL

Paul explains the connection between hearing the message of Christ and responding in faith. Pray for people who do not know Jesus and look for opportunities to explain the gospel clearly. Your conversations, invitations, prayers, and support for missions can help others hear the good news. (Romans 10:9–15)

1. GOD’S PURPOSES REACH BEYOND OUR OWN COMMUNITY

God’s promised kingdom directs our attention beyond temporary powers and familiar circles. Trevor points to the spread of the gospel among the nations and shares about his ministry among Jewish people through Chosen People Ministries. Pray for gospel workers and consider how you can help make Christ known both nearby and around the world. (Daniel 2:44; Genesis 12:3)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can participate in God’s work through one person and one faithful step. Pray for someone who needs Jesus, listen to their story, and look for an opportunity to share the hope you have in Him. Encourage a missionary or support gospel ministry beyond your community. Remember what Christ has done in your life as you invite others to know Him.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Have you failed in a way that makes you wonder whether Jesus can still use you? Teaching from John 21:15–25, Pastor Chris Teien looks at how Jesus restored Peter after his three denials and called him back to faithful service.

Peter’s story reminds us that failure does not have to define the rest of our lives. Jesus offers grace, forgiveness, restoration, and renewed purpose. This message encourages you to face failure honestly, keep following Christ through difficulty, use what God has given you, and resist comparing your calling with someone else’s.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS’ GRACE RESTORES US AFTER FAILURE

Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him, giving Peter the opportunity to affirm his love after denying Jesus three times. Rather than casting Peter aside, Jesus met his failure with grace and restoration. We can confess our sins honestly, receive God’s forgiveness, and ask Him to help us move forward in obedience. (John 21:15–17; Ephesians 2:8–9; Isaiah 43:25; 1 John 1:9)

2: JESUS’ GRACE RECOMMISSIONS US FOR SERVICE

Jesus did more than forgive Peter. He gave him responsibility: “Feed my lambs” and “Take care of my sheep.” God can continue using people who have experienced failure, disappointment, or painful consequences. Use the gifts God has given you, and consider how He might use what you have learned to encourage someone facing a similar struggle. (John 21:15–17; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

3: JESUS’ GRACE CALLS US TO FOLLOW HIM DESPITE OUR STRUGGLES

Jesus told Peter that following Him would not always be easy. Peter would face suffering, yet Jesus still gave him the same command: “Follow me.” Faithfulness sometimes means continuing when serving is difficult, uncomfortable, or costly. Do not allow hardship, fear, disappointment, or the pull of this world to cause you to stop following Christ. (John 21:18–19; Matthew 16:24; 2 Timothy 4:10; Romans 8:18)

4: JESUS’ GRACE HELPS US STAY FOCUSED ON OUR PERSONAL CALLING

When Peter asked Jesus about John’s future, Jesus redirected him to his own responsibility: “You must follow me.” God has placed you in relationships, circumstances, and opportunities where you can serve Him in ways someone else cannot. Resist comparison, stop allowing the past to define you, and keep moving forward in the work Christ has entrusted to you. (John 21:20–22; Philippians 3:13–14)

BE ENCOURAGED

Your worst failure does not have to become your permanent identity. Bring your sin and disappointment honestly to Jesus, receive His grace, and ask what faithful obedience looks like now. Take one step back into service, encourage someone through an experience God has brought you through, and keep your attention on Christ instead of comparing your life with someone else’s.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What does it really mean to believe in the power of Jesus’ name? Teaching from John 20:29–31, Pastor Chris Teien explains why faith in Christ is more than simply adding His name to the end of a prayer.

John wrote his Gospel so that people would believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and have life in His name. This message explores what it means to trust Jesus when you cannot see the outcome, pray with confidence, depend on Him through uncertainty, and live every part of your life under His authority.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: BELIEVE IN JESUS EVEN WHEN YOU CANNOT SEE

Thomas believed after seeing the risen Jesus, but Jesus said there is blessing for those who believe without seeing. Biblical faith is not wishful thinking. It is confidence in God’s character and promises even when you do not yet know how He will work. Keep trusting Christ when the answer, provision, or next step is still unclear. (John 20:29–31; Hebrews 11:1)

2: THERE IS LIFE AND SALVATION IN JESUS’ NAME

John explains that believing in Jesus brings life through His name. Scripture presents Jesus as Lord, Savior, King, and the One before whom every knee will ultimately bow. Salvation is found in Him, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (John 20:31; Philippians 2:9–11; Romans 10:9–13)

3: PRAY IN JESUS’ NAME WITH CONFIDENCE

Praying in Jesus’ name is more than adding certain words to the end of a prayer. It means coming to God through Christ, trusting His authority, and asking in a way that seeks His will and His glory. Bring your needs to God honestly, keep praying, and trust Him with both the answer and the timing. (John 14:13–14; 1 John 5:14–15; Philippians 4:6–7)

4: TRUST JESUS WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT

Following Christ often requires moving forward without knowing exactly how circumstances will turn out. Pastor Chris shares personal examples of waiting on God for provision and direction. When the future feels uncertain, keep doing what is right, pray for wisdom, and trust that Christ can guide and provide in ways you may not expect. (Matthew 7:7–8; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19)

5: LIVE YOUR WHOLE LIFE IN JESUS’ NAME

The power of Jesus’ name is not limited to moments of prayer. Scripture calls believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Consider how you use your time, relationships, abilities, work, money, and opportunities. Ask whether your choices reflect trust in Christ and contribute to what matters eternally. (Colossians 3:17)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not have to see every answer before you trust Jesus. Bring Him your needs, your uncertainty, and your future. Pray with confidence, stay close to His Word, and keep taking faithful steps even when you cannot see what comes next. The same Jesus who saves you is able to guide, provide, strengthen, and transform your life.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]