Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

This short message tells the story of what Pastor Chris Teien's dad gave up to get custody of him and what Jesus gave up to pay for our salvation. This was originally shared during a Good Friday message in 2021 

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 had an “aha moment” when something about God, Scripture, or your own life suddenly became clearer? In this Palm Sunday message from John 12, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the different ways people responded to Jesus as He moved toward the cross.

Mary worshiped extravagantly. Judas calculated what he could gain. Crowds celebrated Jesus while expecting Him to fulfill their plans. The disciples did not fully understand what was happening until later. Their stories challenge us to examine our own expectations, hesitations, response to Jesus’ invitation, and willingness to openly declare our faith.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: EXAMINE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Many people expected the Messiah to overthrow Rome and give them political freedom and prosperity. Mary also had expectations when Lazarus died, but she discovered that Jesus was working according to a greater plan than she understood. Sometimes deeper faith begins when we trust God even when His plan does not match our expectations. (John 12:1–3, 12–16)

2: CONFRONT YOUR HESITATIONS

Some people hesitate to fully follow Jesus because they fear what others will think, feel unworthy, or are unsure what following Him may cost. Judas followed Jesus outwardly while holding tightly to his own selfish interests. Genuine faith is willing to trust Jesus even when following Him requires sacrifice, humility, or surrender. (John 12:4–8)

3: RESPOND TO JESUS’ INVITATION

Jesus invites people into a real relationship with Him. Mary responded with extravagant worship, giving something extremely valuable because Jesus was worth more to her than what she sacrificed. Following Christ is more than observing Him from a distance. He invites us to trust Him, spend time with Him, follow Him, and offer our lives in worship. (John 12:1–8; Revelation 3:20)

4: MAKE YOUR DECLARATION ABOUT JESUS

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, people shouted, “Hosanna!” and recognized Him as Israel’s King. Lazarus also became a living testimony of what Jesus had done, and people came because they heard his story. Our lives should also point toward Christ. We can openly declare that Jesus is Lord, tell what He has done for us, and help others discover Him for themselves. (John 12:9–19)

BE ENCOURAGED

Sometimes we understand what God was doing only after we look back. The disciples themselves had moments when something Jesus said or did finally made sense later. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you those deeper moments of understanding as you read God’s Word and reflect on your own life. Examine your expectations, work through your hesitations, respond to Jesus’ invitation, and be willing to declare that you belong 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]

What defines who you are? Your career, family, accomplishments, failures, church, or something deeper? Guest speaker Bryan Fagerstrom shares part of his own journey from firefighter and paramedic to pastoral ministry while exploring what it means to find our true identity in Christ.

Teaching from Philippians 3, Bryan challenges us to consider our identity from three perspectives: where we have been, who we are becoming today, and where Christ is leading us for the future.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: LOOK BACK WITHOUT LETTING THE PAST DEFINE YOU

Paul wrote about forgetting what was behind and reaching forward to what was ahead. Our stories matter, and God can use our past experiences, failures, losses, and testimonies to help others. But Christians are no longer ultimately defined by their history, career, pain, relationships, or sin. Through Christ, we are forgiven and given a new identity. (Philippians 3:12–13; Revelation 12:11)

2: EXAMINE WHAT DEFINES YOU TODAY

Paul pursued the heavenly calling of God in Christ rather than building his identity around earthly accomplishments. We need to periodically stop and examine what is consuming our time, attention, and energy. Careers, families, hobbies, achievements, and possessions can all be good gifts, but none of them can carry the weight of being our ultimate identity. (Philippians 3:14–16; Haggai 1:5–7)

3: LIVE NOW WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW

Our citizenship is in heaven, and Christians are waiting for Jesus Christ to return. Instead of building our lives primarily around an earthly legacy, we can invest in things that carry eternal significance. Compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, love, gratitude, God’s Word, and faithful service are ways Christ’s identity becomes increasingly visible through us. (Philippians 3:17–21; Colossians 3:12–17)

BE ENCOURAGED

Your career can change. Your circumstances can change. Even roles that once seemed to define your life can suddenly disappear. But your identity in Christ remains. Look back and recognize God’s grace, examine what is shaping your life today, and ask where Jesus is leading you next. God does not call us to be successful by the world’s standards. He calls us to be faithful.

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’s timing does not match your own? Pastor Chris Teien looks at several moments in the Gospel of John where Jesus seemed to delay, wait, or act differently than people expected, yet His timing proved to be exactly right.

Sometimes God answers quickly. Other times we wait much longer than we hoped. This message encourages us to keep praying, trust Jesus when we do not understand the delay, and remember that He sees circumstances we cannot see.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: TRUST JESUS WHEN HIS TIMING IS DIFFERENT FROM YOURS

Jesus’ brothers wanted Him to publicly reveal Himself at the Feast of Tabernacles, but Jesus knew it was not yet the right time. He eventually went to the festival privately and began teaching when the time was right. Following God sometimes requires patience, wisdom, and refusing to let other people determine our timetable. (John 7:1–14, 30)

2: TRUST WHAT JESUS SAYS BEFORE YOU SEE THE RESULT

A royal official pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying son. Jesus told him to go home because his son would live, and the man trusted His word. Later he discovered that the boy had recovered at the exact time Jesus spoke. God’s answers can strengthen our faith and become part of our testimony to others. (John 4:46–53)

3: TRUST JESUS EVEN WHEN THE ANSWER SEEMS TOO LATE

Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to come before Lazarus died, but Jesus deliberately waited. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. What appeared to be a devastating delay became the setting for an extraordinary demonstration of Jesus’ power and led many people to believe. (John 11:14–17, 21–27, 38–45)

4: KEEP PRAYING WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID OR UNCERTAIN

Prayer reminds us that God is God and we are not. Instead of only reacting to problems after they happen, we can pray proactively for people, opportunities, needs, and situations before us. Jesus can be trusted even when we are afraid of what comes next. (Hebrews 4:14–16)

5: JESUS MAY WAIT UNTIL YOU REALIZE YOU CAN’T FULFILL YOUR NEED

After the disciples had fished all night without success, Jesus told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. Suddenly they had more fish than they could haul in. Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of our own resources before providing in a way that makes His involvement unmistakable. (John 21:4–6)

BE ENCOURAGED

God’s timing may not always make sense while you are waiting. Keep praying, keep obeying, and keep trusting Jesus. Sometimes He answers immediately, sometimes He asks us to wait, and sometimes His answer comes after we have exhausted every solution we can think of. Looking back, you may discover that what seemed late was actually part of His perfect timing.

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 miracles still happen today? In this message from John 5:1–15, Pastor Chris Teien unpacks the story of Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda—and outlines four practical steps for experiencing the power of Jesus in your own life. Whether you're praying for healing, provision, or breakthrough, this episode encourages you to trust Jesus, take action, and share your story of transformation with others.

Key Points:

1. Be Willing to Change – John 5:6. Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to get well?” Sometimes we stay stuck in our condition because change requires responsibility. Jesus’ question still challenges us today: Do we really want healing and transformation?
2. Tell Jesus About Your Need – John 5:7. The man shared his helplessness. When we pray honestly and boldly, Jesus listens and responds in His timing.
3. Trust Jesus’ Instructions – John 5:8–9. The man obeyed Jesus without delay—he stood, picked up his mat, and walked. Trusting and acting on Jesus’ word opens the door to miracles.
4. Talk to Others About Your Experience with Jesus – John 5:15. After being healed, the man testified to the religious leaders that it was Jesus who made him well. We’re called to boldly share our story of what Christ has done.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:

• Reflection on how some people use their dysfunction as identity—and how Jesus wants to move us beyond it.
• Honest discussion about televangelist-style “miracles” versus authentic, God-glorifying healing.
• Encouragement to share your testimony like a woman who was healed after being in a coma for weeks.
• Personal story of watching someone knit through pain as a powerful witness of perseverance and grace.

Notable Quotes:

• “Do you want to get well? Because healing means your life will change.”
• “God gets the glory—whether He heals immediately, or strengthens us to walk through the pain.”
• “Don’t let your mat become your identity. Jesus calls you to get up and walk.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Pray honestly and tell Jesus what you need—don’t hold back.
2. Ask yourself if you truly want healing, and be willing to make changes if He answers.
3. Trust Jesus’ instructions, even if they don’t make logical sense.
4. Share your testimony—someone else’s faith may be sparked by your story.

Scripture References:

• John 5:1–15 – Healing at the pool of Bethesda
• James 1:6 – Ask in faith without doubting
• John 14:13–14 – Ask in Jesus’ name
• Hebrews 12 – God disciplines those He loves
• Romans 6–8 – Living free from sin
• Revelation 19:11 – The King will return in power

Keywords:
miracles, healing, John 5, Bethesda, trusting Jesus, prayer, obedience, transformation, testimony, faith

Closing Statement:
Miracles aren’t just for Bible times—they’re possible today. But often they begin when we trust Jesus enough to take the first step. Be willing to change, pray boldly, obey faithfully, and share freely. God still works wonders in the lives of those who seek Him.

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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]

Does God still intervene in people’s lives in extraordinary ways? Teaching from Jesus’ first recorded miracle in John 2, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the wedding at Cana and what it teaches us about prayer, obedience, faith, and trusting God when we face needs we cannot solve ourselves.

Christians may disagree about exactly what should be classified as a miracle rather than providence or answered prayer. What Scripture makes clear is that God is still powerful, He hears prayer, and we can bring our needs to Him while trusting His wisdom and will.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: BRING YOUR NEED TO JESUS

When the wedding celebration ran out of wine, Mary brought the problem to Jesus. The situation could have brought embarrassment and shame to the family, but she trusted that Jesus could do something about it. When we face needs, difficulties, sickness, provision problems, or circumstances beyond our control, we should pray and ask God to help. He may not answer exactly as we expect, but we can trust that He hears us. (John 2:1–5; James 4:2–3)

2: DO WHATEVER JESUS TELLS YOU

Mary told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus instructed them to fill six large jars with water, and they obeyed even though they could not yet see how that would solve the problem. Faith does not mean demanding that God perform a miracle. It means praying, trusting that He can act, and faithfully doing what we already know He wants us to do. (John 2:5–8)

3: TRUST JESUS WITH THE RESULT

Jesus quietly transformed the water into wine, and what He provided was better than what had been served before. He did not perform the sign to draw attention to Himself at the party. John tells us that through this sign Jesus revealed His glory and His disciples believed in Him. God’s work in our lives should ultimately strengthen faith and bring glory to Him. (John 2:9–11)

A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON MIRACLES

Scripture gives us reason to believe that God can work beyond what we could accomplish ourselves, but we should also be discerning. Creation itself displays God’s extraordinary power, and the transformation of a sinner into a new creation in Christ is something worth celebrating. At the same time, Scripture warns that signs can be counterfeited, so experiences should never become more authoritative than God’s Word. (John 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:9)

We should not demand signs from God or assume that someone was not healed because they lacked enough faith. Instead, we can confidently pray in Jesus’ name, seek His will, and trust Him with the outcome. Whether we describe His intervention as a miracle, providence, or an extraordinary answer to prayer, our response should be gratitude and praise. (Matthew 12:39; John 14:11–14)

BE ENCOURAGED

When you need God to do something you cannot do yourself, pray. Bring the need to Jesus, obey what He has already shown you, and trust Him with the result. He may answer differently or later than you hoped, but He is not an absent God. When He provides, heals, protects, changes a life, or answers prayer, give Him the glory and let that experience strengthen your 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]

Who are you influencing toward Jesus? Teaching from John 1:29–51, Pastor Chris Teien looks at the powerful chain of influence that helped some of Jesus’ first disciples discover and follow Him.

John the Baptist pointed people toward Jesus. Andrew followed Jesus and then immediately found his brother Simon Peter. Philip went and told Nathanael. One faithful person influenced another, and those people went on to influence many more. God can use the same kind of influence through ordinary Christians today.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: INFLUENCE OTHERS WITH YOUR CONVINCING TESTIMONY

John the Baptist was convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and his confidence influenced others to investigate Jesus for themselves. Our testimony can have similar influence when we honestly explain how we came to faith, why we believe Jesus is who He claimed to be, and how following Him has changed our lives. People also watch whether our actions support what we say we believe. (John 1:29–39)

2: INFLUENCE OTHERS THROUGH CONFIDENT FAITH

After spending time with Jesus, Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah.” Philip later invited a skeptical Nathanael with the simple words, “Come and see.” We do not have to argue people into faith. We can confidently tell them what we know, invite them to investigate Jesus, and trust God to work through that influence. (John 1:40–51)

WAYS GOD CAN USE YOUR INFLUENCE

Sometimes God works through mass evangelism, where one person proclaims Christ to many people. Often He works through personal evangelism between friends and family members who already know and trust each other. He can also use conversations with people we have just met, and He can work directly through His Word as people read Scripture and encounter the truth about Jesus.

The method may be different, but the goal remains the same: point people toward Christ rather than toward ourselves.

BE ENCOURAGED

You may never know how far your influence will reach. John the Baptist pointed Andrew toward Jesus. Andrew brought Peter. Philip invited Nathanael. Those relationships became part of something much bigger than any of them could have imagined.

Think about the people God has already placed around you. Live your faith genuinely, tell your story confidently, share helpful resources, invite someone to come and see, and trust God to use your influence to help another person move closer to 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]

Is work simply something we have to endure, or can it actually be one of God’s gifts? Pastor Chris Teien looks at the biblical value of work and how God can use our jobs, abilities, opportunities, and resources to bless us and help us bless others.

Whether you are employed, raising children, volunteering, retired from a career, or serving in another way, meaningful work gives us opportunities to develop skills, serve people, glorify God, and make a difference.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: GOD BLESSES US WITH WORK

Work existed before sin entered the world. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to work it and care for it. Sin made work more difficult, but work itself remains a good gift from God. Having something worthwhile to accomplish can bring purpose, satisfaction, and opportunities to serve others. (Genesis 2:15; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13)

2: GOD BLESSES PEOPLE BY GIVING THEM SKILLS

God gives people different abilities and can develop new skills throughout our lives. Scripture describes Bezalel and others receiving wisdom, ability, and craftsmanship for the work God gave them. Pay attention to what you can learn through your job and the opportunities God places before you. (Exodus 35:30–35)

3: GOD BLESSES PEOPLE BY GIVING THEM OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities allow us to discover abilities, gain experience, serve others, and sometimes step into things we never thought we could do. Instead of automatically saying no because you feel unqualified, consider whether God may be giving you an opportunity to learn, grow, or serve. (Genesis 12:1–4; 1 Thessalonians 5:14)

4: GOD BLESSES PEOPLE THROUGH YOUR QUALITY WORK

The quality of our work can become part of our Christian witness. People notice workers who are dependable, honest, diligent, and willing to go the extra mile. Whatever our job may be, Christians are called to work willingly as though we are ultimately serving Christ rather than merely working for another person. (Colossians 3:23–24)

5: GOD BLESSES YOU WITH REWARDS

Hard work can bring many kinds of rewards, including financial provision, satisfaction, relationships, experience, and opportunities for greater responsibility. Scripture also reminds us that the Lord sees faithful service and that our ultimate reward comes from Him. This is not a guarantee that faithful Christians will become wealthy, but we can trust God to see and value work done faithfully for Him. (Colossians 3:24; Proverbs 14:23)

6: GOD BLESSES WHEN YOU GIVE BACK TO HIM

The resources we receive through our work can also become opportunities for generosity. Instead of seeing everything we earn as something to keep for ourselves, we can honor God with what He has provided and use our resources to support ministry and help people in need. Generosity is a response to God’s provision, not a formula for getting rich. (Proverbs 3:9–10)

BE ENCOURAGED

Your work matters to God. Look for work worth doing, develop the skills He has given you, take advantage of worthwhile opportunities, and do your work with excellence and integrity. Then use whatever God provides to bless others and honor Him. Whether your work happens at a business, in your home, at church, or as a volunteer, it can become an act of worship and a place where God works through you.

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 God expect from Christians who have already received His mercy and grace? Guest speaker Tim Engrav teaches from Romans 12:1–2 about our personal responsibility to offer ourselves to God and allow Him to transform the way we think and live.

Salvation is received through faith in Jesus, not earned through religious activity or good works. But because Christ has saved us, we are called to respond with lives of obedience, gratitude, service, and growing devotion to Him.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: OFFER YOURSELF TO GOD AS A LIVING SACRIFICE

Paul urges believers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer their bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God. Biblical sacrifice is not simply performing religious rituals. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that God wants obedience and genuine devotion from the heart.

Our sacrifice may involve our time, energy, resources, service, relationships, or willingness to put someone else’s needs ahead of our own. Church attendance, communion, giving, and ministry service have meaning when they flow from love for God rather than becoming empty routines. (Romans 12:1; Psalm 40:6; 1 Samuel 15:22)

2: BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

Christians are called not to conform to the patterns and values of the world. Simply avoiding certain behaviors is not enough. Pride, selfishness, jealousy, stubbornness, and other sinful attitudes can remain within us even when our outward behavior looks religious.

We need the Holy Spirit to continually renew our minds, redirect our thinking, and help our lives increasingly reflect Christ. Our words should be honest, our actions should demonstrate integrity, and the people around us should increasingly be able to see Jesus through the way we live. (Romans 12:2; Romans 8:5)

LIVING OUT OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN CHRIST

Tim offers several practical ways to apply Romans 12:1–2:

Spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your attitudes and responses.

Make regular time for Scripture and devotional reading so God’s truth continues shaping your mind.

Pay attention to what you allow to influence you through entertainment, media, conversations, and other voices.

Consider where God may be asking you to sacrifice your time, abilities, or resources to serve Him and others.

Stay connected with other believers who can pray with you, encourage you, and help you remain centered on Christ.

Be prepared for people to notice when your life no longer follows the values of the surrounding culture.

SALVATION COMES BY GRACE

Our responsibility to live faithfully does not mean that we earn salvation through sacrifice or obedience. Paul reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, and that we are justified freely by His grace through Jesus Christ. We offer ourselves to God because we have been forgiven, not in order to earn His forgiveness. (Romans 3:22–26)

BE ENCOURAGED

Christ has given us the gift of eternal life, and that gift changes the way we live. Ask where you can offer yourself more fully to God, what influences may be shaping you away from Him, and where the Holy Spirit wants to renew your thinking.

You will not do this perfectly, but you can keep growing. Let God transform your mind, use your life for His purposes, and help you become a faithful representative of Christ wherever He has placed you.

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]

Why does being part of a local church matter? Pastor Chris Teien explains how God can use the church to help us grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, serve with our gifts, encourage one another, and make an eternal difference.

Watching sermons and listening to Christian podcasts can be helpful, but they cannot replace being known, loved, challenged, and involved in a local church family. Jesus loves the church, gave Himself for the church, and calls believers to participate in its life and mission.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH LOVING THE CHURCH

Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for her. Being committed to a local church gives us opportunities to grow in our faith, develop Christian friendships, use our spiritual gifts, serve others, and help people come to know Christ. Connection usually requires more than simply attending a service. It grows as we spend time with people, participate in groups, serve, and allow others to know us. (Ephesians 5:25)

2: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF OTHERS

Every church builds on foundations laid by believers who came before. Jesus Christ is the only true foundation, but generations of faithful Christians invest their time, resources, prayers, and service so future believers can continue the work. We should build carefully with eternity in view and invest ourselves in things that will have lasting spiritual value. (1 Corinthians 3:10–15)

3: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH PARTICIPATING AT CHURCH

Church is not intended to be a spectator activity. Scripture tells believers not to give up meeting together, but to encourage one another. Participation brings opportunities for accountability, encouragement, prayer, mentoring, friendship, service, and growth. Church members can use their gifts, support ministry, pray for one another, give generously, and help carry the work of the church together. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

4: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH PROMOTING THE CHURCH

God works through the church to display His wisdom and bring the gospel to the world. When we value our church family, we should want other people to experience it too. Invite people, tell them what God is doing, support the ministry, help create a welcoming environment, and be willing to invest your life in helping the church reach and disciple more people. (Ephesians 3:10)

BE ENCOURAGED

A healthy local church can become one of God’s great blessings in your life. Love the church, build faithfully on what others have established, participate instead of simply observing, and help other people discover the community and hope you have found there.

No church is perfect because churches are filled with imperfect people. But Jesus loves His church. Find a faithful local church where you can worship, grow, serve, give, build relationships, and help point people toward 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]