Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

What does servant leadership actually look like? Teaching from John 13:1–20, Pastor Chris Teien looks at Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and explains why biblical leadership begins with humility, service, and genuine care for others.

Jesus knew His time was short, knew Judas would betray Him, and knew His disciples still had much to learn. Yet instead of demanding to be served, He took the role of a servant. This message challenges leaders, parents, teachers, employers, ministry workers, and every follower of Christ to lead by serving.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: SERVANT LEADERS RECOGNIZE THE RIGHT TIME TO SERVE

Jesus understood what was about to happen and used the moment to teach His disciples something they desperately needed to learn. Good leadership involves knowing when to instruct, encourage, correct, challenge, or simply serve. Ask God for wisdom to recognize what the people around you need in the moment. (John 13:1–2)

2: SERVANT LEADERS ACT ON WHAT THEY KNOW

Jesus knew who He was, where He came from, and where He was going. That confidence allowed Him to humble Himself and wash His disciples’ feet. Servant leadership is not weakness. It is using your position, abilities, and resources to help other people succeed and meet real needs. (John 13:3–5; Matthew 20:26–28)

3: SERVANT LEADERS COMMUNICATE CLEARLY

Peter did not understand why Jesus was washing his feet, so Jesus explained what He was doing. Effective leaders do more than give instructions. They help people understand the reason behind the work, the values that matter, and the purpose they are pursuing together. (John 13:6–11)

4: SERVANT LEADERS MODEL THE ATTITUDE THEY WANT OTHERS TO FOLLOW

Jesus did not simply tell His disciples to serve. He showed them. He willingly performed a task normally reserved for a servant and then told them to follow His example. Your actions often teach more powerfully than your words. Be willing to do the humble work you hope others will value. (John 13:12–16)

5: SERVANT LEADERS HELP OTHERS GROW

Leadership is not simply accomplishing tasks yourself. It includes investing in people, bringing others alongside you, teaching what you know, and preparing them to serve effectively. Look for someone you can encourage, train, or give an opportunity to grow in ministry or leadership.

6: SERVING OTHERS BRINGS REAL REWARD

Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Serving others can bring joy, deeper relationships, opportunities to influence people for Christ, and eternal reward. God sees the acts of service that may go unnoticed by everyone else. (John 13:17; Matthew 25:21; Proverbs 11:25)

BE ENCOURAGED

Servant leadership does not mean doing everything yourself or refusing to lead. It means leading with the heart of Jesus. Ask God to show you one need you can meet, one person you can encourage, and one way you can use your influence to help someone else grow. Serve faithfully, but also remember to spend time with Jesus Himself so that your service flows from your relationship with 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]

Where is God calling you to be a witness for Jesus? Guest speaker Jake Grass shares his journey from 18 years as an Aldi District Manager to full-time ministry with Mesabi Range Youth for Christ and challenges believers to become part of the story God is writing in the lives of others.

Teaching from Acts 1:8 and sharing from his own experience, Jake explains how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary Christians to represent Christ where God has placed them. This message is an invitation to surrender your plans to God, invest in the next generation, and trust Him as you step out in faith.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: YOU ARE CALLED TO BE CHRIST’S WITNESS

Jesus told His followers that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit and become His witnesses. You do not have to have a ministry title to represent Jesus. God can use your workplace, family, neighborhood, church, and relationships as places where others encounter Christ through you. (Acts 1:8)

2: SURRENDER YOUR PLANS TO GOD

Jake shares how God led him from a long career in business into full-time ministry. Following Jesus sometimes means releasing plans, comfort, or security and trusting God with what comes next. Offer your life to Him and remain open to the direction He provides. (Romans 12:1–2)

3: INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION

Youth for Christ has ministered to young people on the Iron Range for decades. Reaching the next generation requires Christians who are willing to build relationships, show up consistently, share the gospel, and help young people discover what it means to follow Jesus. (Matthew 28:18–20)

4: TRUST GOD WHEN HE CALLS YOU FORWARD

Stepping into something new can bring uncertainty, but obedience gives us an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness. Instead of waiting until every detail is guaranteed, prayerfully take the next step God places before you and trust Him to provide what you need.

5: LET GOD USE YOUR STORY

Your experiences, abilities, relationships, successes, and struggles can become part of how God reaches someone else. You may never know how one conversation, invitation, prayer, or act of faithfulness will influence another person’s relationship with Christ.

BE ENCOURAGED

Ask God where He wants you to be His witness right now. Consider a young person you could encourage, a ministry you could support, or someone who needs to hear what Jesus has done in your life. Surrender what you are holding onto, take the next faithful step, and trust God to use your story for His purposes.

Learn more about Mesabi Range Youth for Christ at MesabiRangeYFC.org

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 should you do when doubts about your faith begin to surface? Teaching from John 10:22–42, Pastor Chris Teien explains why doubt does not have to destroy faith and how honest questions can actually lead to stronger confidence in Christ.

Jesus faced people who questioned whether He was truly the Messiah, and He pointed them toward His words, His works, and the evidence before them. This message encourages you to bring your questions to Scripture, examine the evidence, and build a faith strong enough to stand when difficult questions or circumstances arise.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: FACE YOUR DOUBTS INSTEAD OF IGNORING THEM

Doubt is not necessarily the opposite of faith. Questions about Scripture, salvation, suffering, or God’s work in your life can become opportunities for spiritual growth when you honestly pursue answers. Do not be afraid to bring your questions to God and search His Word for truth.

2: CONSIDER THE EVIDENCE THAT JESUS IS THE MESSIAH

People asked Jesus to tell them plainly whether He was the Messiah. Jesus pointed them toward the works He had done in His Father’s name. Scripture records His teaching, miracles, character, death, and resurrection so that we can consider the evidence and respond in faith. (John 10:22–26)

3: EXAMINE WHETHER YOU ARE TRULY FOLLOWING JESUS

Jesus said His sheep listen to His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him. Genuine faith is more than knowing Christian information. Look for a desire to follow Christ, obey His Word, respond to the Holy Spirit, and grow in your relationship with Him. (John 10:27)

4: REST IN THE SECURITY JESUS PROVIDES

Jesus promised eternal life to His sheep and said that no one can snatch them from His hand or the Father’s hand. Salvation rests ultimately on Christ’s faithfulness, not on your ability to hold yourself securely. That assurance should lead to gratitude, obedience, and greater confidence in following Him. (John 10:28–29)

5: BELIEVE WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT WHO HE IS

Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one,” and His opponents understood that He was making a claim to deity. Christian faith rests on the conviction that Jesus is more than a teacher or religious leader. He is the Son of God and worthy of our trust and worship. (John 10:30–33)

6: DO NOT LET DIFFICULT SCRIPTURE DERAIL YOUR FAITH

Some passages are difficult to understand at first. Instead of ignoring them or allowing confusion to undermine your faith, study the context, compare Scripture with Scripture, and use trustworthy resources to understand what the passage means. Jesus’ reference to Psalm 82 is an example of why context matters. (John 10:34–36; Psalm 82)

7: BUILD FAITH BY CONSIDERING THE EVIDENCE

Jesus invited people to consider His works even if they struggled with His claims. Many eventually believed because they compared what John the Baptist had said with what they saw in Jesus. Strengthen your faith through Scripture, prayer, sound teaching, and remembering how God has worked in your own life. (John 10:37–42)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not need to pretend that you never have questions. Bring your doubts into the light, pray about them, study Scripture, and seek trustworthy answers. Remember what Christ has already done, consider the evidence, and keep moving forward in faith. God can use honest questions to build a stronger and more mature trust in Jesus.

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 do you move forward when shame and regret keep pulling you back into the past? Teaching from John 8:1–11, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the account of the woman caught in adultery and the way Jesus responded with both grace and truth.

This passage also raises an important question because the earliest manuscripts of John do not contain these verses. Pastor Chris briefly explains why many Bible scholars still regard the account as historically credible and consistent with the character and teaching of Jesus. The message then turns to the deeper issue: how Christ responds to sinners, how we should respond to one another, and how forgiveness can lead to real change.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: SHAME CAN KEEP YOU TRAPPED IN THE PAST

Most of us have things in our past we regret. Sometimes those failures are private, and sometimes they become very public. Shame can convince us that what we did has permanently defined who we are. Scripture reminds us that failure does not have to become our final identity.

2: RESPOND TO SIN WITH GRACE AND RESTORATION

The religious leaders publicly exposed the woman and used her failure as a weapon. Christians are called to respond differently. When another believer falls into sin, the goal should be restoration rather than humiliation. Approach people gently, truthfully, and with humility, remembering your own need for grace. (Galatians 6:1–2)

3: REMEMBER THAT NONE OF US IS WITHOUT SIN

Jesus told the accusers that whoever was without sin could throw the first stone. One by one, they walked away. This does not mean wrongdoing should be ignored or that justice never matters. It reminds us to confront sin without self-righteousness and to recognize that all of us stand in need of God’s mercy. (John 8:7–9)

4: THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST

Sin has real consequences, but believers do not have to live under endless condemnation. Jesus paid the penalty for sin so that those who trust Him can be forgiven and made right with God. His grace gives us freedom to confess honestly instead of hiding in shame. (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9)

5: GRACE DOES NOT MEAN CONTINUING IN SIN

Jesus did not simply dismiss the woman’s adultery. He told her to leave her life of sin. Biblical grace forgives us and also calls us toward a different way of living. Confess what is wrong, accept Christ’s forgiveness, make things right where possible, and take practical steps to avoid returning to destructive patterns. (John 8:10–11; Romans 6:1–2)

6: HELP PEOPLE MOVE FORWARD

Some of the people who have experienced the deepest failures can become powerful examples of God’s transforming grace. Instead of continually reminding repentant people of what they once did, help them grow, rebuild, and become useful in God’s kingdom.

BE ENCOURAGED

Your past does not have to control your future. If there is sin you need to confess, bring it honestly to Jesus. Receive His forgiveness, turn away from what is wrong, and take whatever practical steps are necessary to move forward. And when someone else falls, remember how much grace Christ has shown you and become part of their restoration rather than their condemnation.

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 spiritual blindness look like, and how can Jesus help us see clearly? Teaching from John 9, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the man born blind, his remarkable healing, and the religious leaders who refused to recognize what God was doing.

The man received physical sight, but the chapter also reveals a much deeper issue. Some people who believed they could see spiritually were actually blind to the truth about Jesus. This message challenges us to examine our own condition, respond to Christ, recognize His transforming work, and boldly tell others what He has done.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS SEES YOUR CONDITION

The disciples assumed the man’s blindness must have been caused by someone’s sin, but Jesus rejected that conclusion. Instead, He said the man’s life would become an opportunity for God’s work to be displayed. Jesus also saw the spiritual condition of the Pharisees, who believed they could see while remaining blind to who He really was. (John 9:1–5, 35–41)

2: FOLLOW JESUS’ INSTRUCTIONS

Jesus made mud, placed it on the man’s eyes, and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man followed Jesus’ instructions and came back seeing. In the same way, Jesus calls us to believe, repent, follow Him, and respond to what He says rather than merely knowing about Him. (John 9:6–7; John 3:16, 36; Mark 1:14–15)

3: EVALUATE YOUR TRANSFORMATION

The man’s neighbors could hardly believe he was the same person because his life had changed so dramatically. Christians should also be able to look back and recognize the transforming work of Christ. Ask yourself when you came to faith, how Jesus has changed you, and whether you are continuing to grow spiritually. (John 9:8–15; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

4: TELL HOW JESUS HAS WORKED

The healed man did not have every theological answer, but he knew what Jesus had done for him. When questioned repeatedly, he kept telling the story. Your testimony can also point people toward Christ. Be prepared to explain how you came to faith and how Jesus has changed your life. (John 9:16–27)

5: COMMIT TO BE BOLD WHEN OTHERS MISUNDERSTAND

The religious leaders insulted the man and eventually threw him out of the synagogue because he would not deny what Jesus had done. He continued speaking boldly even when it cost him. Following Jesus may bring misunderstanding or rejection, but we are called to remain faithful and point others toward Christ. (John 9:28–34; Luke 6:22)

BE ENCOURAGED

Spiritual blindness is especially dangerous when we do not realize we have it. Ask God to help you see clearly through His Word, respond when He shows you something that needs to change, and remember how Christ has transformed your life. Then be willing to tell others what Jesus has done for you, even when they do not understand.

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 did Jesus mean when He offered “living water”? Teaching from John 4 and John 7, Pastor Chris Teien explains that Jesus was pointing to the Holy Spirit and the new life God gives to those who believe in Christ.

The Holy Spirit is not a mysterious or optional part of the Christian life. He is involved in our salvation, spiritual growth, transformation, guidance, comfort, witness, and daily walk with Jesus. This message encourages believers to understand who the Holy Spirit is and to yield more fully to His work.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS OFFERS LIVING WATER

Jesus told the Samaritan woman that ordinary water would leave her thirsty again, but the water He gives becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. Later, during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus invited anyone who was thirsty to come to Him and drink. Our deepest spiritual need cannot be satisfied by the things of this world. Jesus invites us to come to Him. (John 4:13–14; John 7:37–38)

2: JESUS REVEALS THAT LIVING WATER IS THE HOLY SPIRIT

John explains that Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit, whom those who believed in Him would receive. Believers receive the Holy Spirit when they come to Christ. The Spirit gives new life, produces spiritual fruit, comforts and guides us, empowers us to be witnesses, and fills us as we yield ourselves to His influence. (John 7:39; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13; John 3:5–6; Galatians 5:22–23; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18)

3: JESUS EXPECTS THE HOLY SPIRIT TO LIVE WITHIN YOU

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be with His followers and later live in them. The Spirit teaches and reminds, brings peace and God’s presence, convicts concerning sin and righteousness, guides into truth, and glorifies Jesus. The Christian life is meant to be lived in dependence on the Spirit rather than by our own strength. (John 14:16–17, 26–27; John 16:8–15)

BE ENCOURAGED

If you have trusted Christ, the Holy Spirit is not distant from you. He is present to transform, guide, comfort, convict, empower, and help you follow Jesus. Stay close to God’s Word, yield your choices to the Spirit’s leading, and let His work in your life point others toward 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]

What does it look like to keep following Jesus when life becomes difficult? Teaching from John 6:15–71, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the disciples facing a storm, waiting for Jesus, struggling with fear, and later hearing teaching that many people found too difficult to accept.

Following Christ does not guarantee an easy life or immediate answers. Sometimes Jesus seems distant, circumstances become overwhelming, and Scripture challenges what we expected. This message encourages you to keep trusting, keep praying, and stay with Jesus even when you do not understand what He is doing.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: DO NOT LET OTHERS PULL YOU AWAY FROM GOD’S WILL

After Jesus fed the five thousand, the crowd wanted to make Him king by force. Jesus refused because their plan was not the Father’s plan. Other people may offer opportunities, pressure, or distractions that pull you away from what God has called you to do. Do not trade God’s will for something that only looks better in the moment. (John 6:15; Matthew 14:22–23)

2: KEEP TRUSTING WHEN JESUS SEEMS DISTANT

The disciples obeyed Jesus and headed across the lake, but He did not immediately join them. While they struggled against the wind in the darkness, Jesus knew exactly where they were. There may be seasons when God seems distant, but that does not mean He has forgotten you. Pray, wait, and continue doing what you know He has called you to do. (John 6:16–18; Psalm 27:14)

3: TRUST JESUS IN THE STORMS OF LIFE

Storms can take many forms, including financial trouble, illness, conflict, loss, disappointment, or unexpected circumstances. Some storms result from bad choices, while others come while we are faithfully obeying God. Either way, Christ can use difficult experiences to strengthen faith and make us more like Him. (John 6:18–21; Romans 8:28–29)

4: KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS WHEN FEAR TAKES OVER

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus, but he began sinking when his attention shifted to the wind and waves. Fear can easily become larger than our faith when we focus only on the circumstances around us. Call out to Jesus and keep looking to Him when life feels beyond your ability to handle. (Matthew 14:28–31)

5: TRUST JESUS EVEN WHEN HIS TEACHING IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND

Many people struggled when Jesus described Himself as the bread of life and spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Instead of asking Jesus to help them understand, many simply walked away. When Scripture is difficult or confusing, stay with Christ, study carefully, and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding rather than abandoning your faith. (John 6:53–63)

6: BE CAREFUL WHO INFLUENCES YOU TO WALK AWAY

John records that many disciples stopped following Jesus after hearing His difficult teaching. It is often easier to leave when other people around us are leaving too. Do not allow someone else’s disappointment, unbelief, priorities, or lifestyle to pull you away from Christ. (John 6:64–66)

7: DECIDE THAT YOU WILL KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS

When Jesus asked the Twelve whether they wanted to leave too, Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Mature faith does not require understanding everything. It means knowing Jesus well enough to remain with Him when life becomes difficult. (John 6:67–69)

BE ENCOURAGED

You may be in a storm, waiting for an answer, struggling with fear, or trying to understand something God has allowed into your life. Keep following Jesus. Pray while you wait, remember how He has helped you before, stay grounded in His Word, and trust Him with what you cannot yet understand. When everything else feels uncertain, Jesus still has the words of eternal 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]

Can you trust Jesus to provide what you need and keep you secure in Him? Teaching from John 6:1–40, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus’ declaration that He is the Bread of Life.

Jesus cares about both physical and spiritual needs. He can take what seems small, multiply it for His purposes, and provide in ways we could not arrange ourselves. But the greater provision is eternal life through Christ, who promises not to reject those who come to Him and not to lose those the Father has given Him.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS CARES ABOUT PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS

Jesus saw the crowd, had compassion on them, taught them, healed them, and refused to simply send them away hungry. God sees what you need too. Bring those needs to Him in prayer and remember that His care reaches beyond temporary circumstances to your deepest spiritual needs. (John 6:1–5)

2: GIVE JESUS WHAT YOU HAVE

A boy offered five small barley loaves and two fish. It was nowhere near enough to feed the crowd, but Jesus used what was available. You may feel that your time, abilities, finances, or resources are too small to make much difference. Offer what you have to God and allow Him to determine what He can accomplish through it. (John 6:8–9)

3: PARTICIPATE IN WHAT GOD IS DOING

Jesus could have fed everyone without involving anyone else, but He chose to work through the boy’s gift and the disciples’ service. God often accomplishes His purposes by inviting ordinary people to participate through generosity, service, obedience, and faith. (John 6:10–13)

4: TRUST JESUS TO PROVIDE

Jesus gave thanks before the need had visibly been met, and the food continued until everyone had eaten. God does not promise that every financial problem will disappear immediately, but Scripture repeatedly calls us to pray, give faithfully, make wise choices, and trust Him with our needs. (John 6:11–13; Philippians 4:19)

5: DO NOT SETTLE FOR TEMPORARY PROVISION

The crowd was excited about receiving free food, but Jesus told them they were focusing on what would spoil. Material provision matters, but it cannot satisfy our deepest needs. Do not become so focused on what God can give you that you miss God Himself. (John 6:26–27)

6: JESUS IS THE BREAD OF LIFE

Jesus said that whoever comes to Him will never hunger spiritually and whoever believes in Him will never thirst. Eternal life is not earned by religious works. It comes through believing in the One the Father sent. (John 6:29, 35)

7: JESUS PRESERVES THOSE WHO BELONG TO HIM

Jesus promised that He would never reject those who come to Him and that He would not lose those the Father had given Him. Our confidence rests not only in our ability to remain faithful, but in Christ’s commitment to save and ultimately raise His people to eternal life. (John 6:37–40)

BE ENCOURAGED

Bring your needs to Jesus, but also remember that He is greater than anything you need from Him. Give Him what you have, participate faithfully in what He is doing, and trust Him with the results. The same Savior who provides for today promises eternal life and security to everyone who truly comes to Him in faith.

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 Jesus? In this 10-minute condensed message from John 3:16–36, Pastor Chris Teien explains the difference between simply believing that Jesus exists and truly placing your faith and confidence in Him.

Jesus offers freedom from sin and eternal life, but biblical belief is more than agreeing with facts about Christ. Genuine faith means trusting in Jesus, receiving the salvation He offers, and following Him with your life.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: TRUE FREEDOM IS FOUND IN JESUS

Jesus does not call us to freedom from Him but to freedom in Him. Through Christ, we can experience forgiveness, freedom from the power of sin, and a new life shaped by God’s purposes.

2: BELIEVING IN JESUS IS MORE THAN ACKNOWLEDGING THAT HE EXISTS

A person can believe that Jesus was a historical figure without actually trusting Him as Savior. Biblical faith means placing your confidence in Christ and relying on what He has done for you. (John 3:16)

3: GENUINE FAITH IS PERSONAL TRUST

The biblical idea of believing goes beyond simply agreeing that something is true. It means entrusting yourself to Jesus, depending on Him for salvation, and expecting Him to lead and change your life.

4: SALVATION IS A GIFT, NOT SOMETHING WE EARN

God loved the world enough to send His Son so that whoever believes in Him can have eternal life. Salvation does not come through good works, religious effort, or giving. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ. (John 3:16)

5: THE DECISION ABOUT JESUS HAS ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES

John 3:16 emphasizes God’s love and the promise of eternal life. John 3:36 adds the serious warning that whoever rejects the Son will not see life. The gospel is both a gracious invitation and an urgent message that people need to hear. (John 3:16, 36)

6: GOD CAN USE YOU TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE BELIEVE

God loves people who are far from Him and uses believers to help them hear the good news. Ask Him to show you who needs encouragement, who needs to hear your story, and where you can take a courageous step of faith in pointing someone toward Jesus. (Acts 1:8)

BE ENCOURAGED

Do not settle for merely believing facts about Jesus. Put your trust in Him. Receive the salvation He freely offers, follow Him with your life, and ask God to use you to help someone else discover the freedom and eternal life found in Christ.

This is a condensed 10-minute version of a message originally shared at Rockwell Church from John 3:16–36.

10 minutes condensed from a message on John 3:16-36 at Rockwell Church. https://rockwell.church/2024/04/14/view-how-to-experience-freedom-in-jesus-sunday-04-14-24/ 

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 tell someone about Jesus with both compassion and conviction? Teaching from John 5:19–47, Pastor Chris Teien explains why sharing the gospel should come from genuine concern for people and confidence that Jesus alone gives eternal life.

Jesus warned that every person will ultimately stand before Him, but He also made clear that those who hear His Word and believe have already crossed from death to life. This message encourages believers to understand the urgency of the gospel, recognize the evidence for Christ, and courageously help others know Him.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: REMEMBER WHAT IS AT STAKE

Jesus spoke about resurrection, judgment, and eternal life. Those who believe in Him have crossed from death to life, while those who reject Him still face judgment. Remembering eternity should give us both urgency and compassion when we think about friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors who do not yet know Christ. (John 5:21–29; Hebrews 9:27)

2: SHARE JESUS BECAUSE YOU CARE ABOUT PEOPLE

Compassion and conviction belong together. If you truly believe someone is in spiritual danger, love should motivate you to say something rather than remain silent. Ask God to help His love flow through you so that you speak about Christ with genuine concern rather than pressure or superiority.

3: POINT PEOPLE TO THE EVIDENCE FOR JESUS

Jesus reminded His critics that His claims were supported by multiple witnesses. John the Baptist testified about Him, His works demonstrated His authority, the Father testified concerning Him, and the Scriptures pointed toward Him. Christian faith is not based merely on personal opinion. (John 5:31–39)

4: DO NOT GIVE UP WHEN PEOPLE REJECT THE MESSAGE

Not everyone will respond positively when you share your faith. Some people may become uncomfortable, angry, or even distance themselves from you. Your responsibility is to faithfully communicate the truth with love and leave the results with God. (John 5:40)

5: UNDERSTAND WHY SOME PEOPLE RESIST JESUS

Jesus said some people refused to come to Him because they loved human approval more than God and because they were confident in the wrong things. People may resist Christ because of sin, pride, religious tradition, fear of others, or simply an unwillingness to change. Continue praying and looking for opportunities to point them toward Jesus. (John 5:41–47; John 3:19–21)

6: MAKE SURE YOUR OWN FAITH IS GENUINE

Before telling others about Christ, examine your own relationship with Him. Christianity is not merely knowing religious information or following rules. Ask whether Jesus truly lives in you and whether your life reflects growing trust, obedience, and love for Him. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

7: BE READY TO EXPLAIN HOW SOMEONE CAN RECEIVE CHRIST

You do not need to know every theological answer to share the gospel. Help people understand that they have sinned, that Jesus died and rose again, that they need to repent and believe, and that salvation comes through Christ rather than their own good works. Be ready to help someone take that step of faith.

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not have to force anyone to believe, and you do not have to consider yourself a failure when someone says no. Faithfulness means being available when God opens the door. Pray for people by name, look for natural opportunities to talk about Jesus, and trust the Holy Spirit with the results. Move from comfort to courage and help someone hear how they can cross from death to 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]