Well Faith with Chris Teien

What are you doing with the years God has given you? Pastor Chris Teien looks at the timeline of life, the “dash” between birth and death, and how we can use each season to follow Jesus, invest in others, prepare for opportunities, live with contentment, and leave behind a faithful Christian legacy.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time to be born and a time to die. We do not control the length of our timeline, but we can choose how we use the time, abilities, relationships, and resources God places in our hands.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: EXPERIENCE THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS GOD GIVES IN CHRIST

The greatest blessings of the Christian life are not necessarily material. In Christ we receive salvation, the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, growing knowledge of God, and the hope of eternal life. We do not follow Jesus because He promises to make us wealthy. We follow Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life. (Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 3:14)

2: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH INVESTING IN CHILDREN

Children are gifts from God and opportunities to influence the next generation. Parents, grandparents, church volunteers, neighbors, and other caring adults can help children know Jesus, develop character, learn useful skills, and grow into faithful adults. Even when children are not our own, God can use our influence in their lives. (Psalm 127:3; Luke 18:15–17)

3: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS BY SEEKING GOD’S GUIDANCE AT THE CROSSROADS

Life brings seasons when we do not know what comes next. We may be choosing a career, considering training, looking for a new opportunity, or wondering how God wants to use us. Pray, stay faithful, prepare yourself, try worthwhile opportunities, and trust God to direct your path. Sometimes an opportunity becomes clear only after we have taken faithful steps forward. (Proverbs 3:5–6; Joshua 3:5; Joshua 24:15)

4: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS WITH CONTENTMENT

It is easy to spend our lives wanting something newer, better, or more impressive. Scripture teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain. Put God first, be thankful for what He has already provided, refuse to let money become your master, and remember that the things of this world are temporary. (1 Timothy 6:6–12; Hebrews 13:5)

5: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH COMMUNICATING WHO JESUS IS

Your timeline gives you opportunities to tell other people what Christ has done in your life. Scripture calls us to proclaim God’s goodness and be prepared to explain the hope we have in Jesus with gentleness and respect. Whether you are young or old, your story can point someone toward the Savior. (Psalm 71:8, 17–18; 1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 66:16)

6: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS THROUGH CONTRIBUTION

God gives us time, abilities, income, possessions, and other resources that can be used for His purposes. Honor Him with what He provides and remember that our resources are meant for more than simply increasing our comfort. Generosity allows us to participate in ministry, meet needs, and invest in things that have eternal value. (Proverbs 3:9–10)

7: EXPERIENCE BLESSINGS WHILE WAITING FOR GOD TO CALL YOU HOME

The Christian timeline does not end at the grave. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we look forward to the day when Christ transforms our mortal bodies and brings us into His presence. Knowing where we are going allows us to approach the final season of life with confidence, hope, and assurance in Jesus. (Philippians 3:20–21; 2 Corinthians 5:1)

BE ENCOURAGED

You cannot go back and rewrite the years that have already passed, but you can faithfully use the time God has given you today. Keep growing in Christ, invest in younger people, prepare for the opportunities ahead, practice contentment, tell others about Jesus, use your resources for eternal purposes, and live with confidence about where your life is ultimately going.

The goal is not simply to fill your years with activity. It is to reach the end of your timeline knowing that you trusted Jesus, invested in what mattered, and used the life He gave you for His glory.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What does the Bible actually teach about money, giving, provision, and financial blessing? Pastor Chris Teien explains why Christian generosity is not a formula for getting rich, but a response to the grace God has already given us through Jesus Christ.

God gives us abilities, opportunities, income, possessions, and resources that can be used for His purposes. As believers learn to put Christ first, give cheerfully, pray about their needs, and practice wise stewardship, they can trust God to provide what they need and use their generosity to bless others.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE BEFORE SEEKING HIS BLESSINGS

Everything begins with our relationship with Jesus. Salvation cannot be earned through giving, keeping religious rules, or doing more good than bad. Grace is God’s undeserved favor given through Christ. After salvation, believers have opportunities to serve, give, and do good works that honor God and may result in eternal reward. (John 1:16–17)

2: PUT CHRIST’S KINGDOM FIRST AND TRUST GOD TO PROVIDE

Jesus tells His followers not to live consumed by worry about food, clothing, and tomorrow. Instead, we are to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness and trust our heavenly Father to know what we need. Putting Christ first includes participating in His purposes through prayer, discipleship, service, and supporting the work of the church. (Matthew 6:31–34; John 15:5–8)

3: BECOME A PIPELINE OF BLESSING TO OTHERS

God does not provide resources merely so that we can continually increase our own standard of living. Paul teaches believers to give willingly and cheerfully, trusting God to provide enough so they can continue doing good and being generous.

The goal is not prosperity for its own sake. God can provide more resources so that believers have more opportunities to meet needs, support ministry, help others, and produce thanksgiving to God. (Proverbs 28:20; 2 Corinthians 9:6–12)

4: GIVE FREELY UNDER GRACE RATHER THAN LEGALISM

Giving a tenth appears before the Mosaic Law and became part of Israel’s law, but Christians live under the grace of Christ rather than the Old Testament legal system. The principle of generous giving remains important, but God looks at the heart rather than merely the percentage.

A tenth can be a helpful starting point, but Christian generosity is not limited to ten percent. Each believer should prayerfully decide what to give and do so willingly, faithfully, and cheerfully. Giving is an act of worship, not a payment made to purchase God’s favor. (Genesis 14:18–20; Genesis 28:20–22; Matthew 23:23; 2 Corinthians 9:7)

TRUST GOD WITH WHAT HE HAS GIVEN YOU

Money itself is not evil, but Scripture warns against the love of money. Instead of allowing possessions to control us, we can learn contentment, pray about our needs, practice wise stewardship, reduce unnecessary debt, and use what God provides for purposes that matter eternally. (Hebrews 13:5–6; Proverbs 11:24–25; Hebrews 13:15–16)

BE ENCOURAGED

Faithful giving is not a guarantee that God will make you wealthy. It is an opportunity to trust Him, worship Him, participate in His work, and bless other people.

Put Christ first. Handle what He has given you wisely. Pray about your needs. Give with a willing heart. And when God provides, thank Him and look for ways His provision can flow through you to make an eternal difference.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Get ready for a New Year and be encouraged with a short message: “Wide Open Doors in 2024” A great Sunday to put God first in your life.

1. John the Baptist prepared for the open door to Jesus (John 1:23, 34)
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2. Paul adjusted his plans for the wide open door in Ephesus  (1 Cor. 16:8-9)
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3. Jesus can keep doors wide open (Rev. 3:8)

   A. Wide Open Door to FOLLOW God

   B. Wide Open Door to FELLOWSHIP    

   C. Wide Open Door to FIGHT sin.  

   D. Wide Open Door to FORGE deeper faith

“Happiness comes with salvation. However, we must maintain this happiness. How can we keep this happiness? (1) Read the Bible daily. (2) Take time to pray daily. (3) Always think the best of all people. (4) Always look on the good side of life. (5) Accept everything that comes into your life as a gift from God.” - Croft  M. Pentz

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Christmas can easily become centered on gifts, traditions, schedules, and expectations. But the greatest gift is Jesus Himself. Pastor Chris Teien reflects on the shepherds in Luke 2 and the hope, peace, salvation, and new life that Christ brings.

We do not know what the next year, or even the next day, will bring. The shepherds did not know what was about to happen when the angels suddenly appeared. But the message they received still speaks to us today: do not be afraid, a Savior has been born, and this good news is for you.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS GIVES HOPE WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT

The shepherds were terrified when the glory of the Lord suddenly surrounded them. Their ordinary night changed without warning. Life can change just as unexpectedly for us through illness, loss, financial trouble, family struggles, or other circumstances we never anticipated. Because of Jesus, we can pray, trust God, and move forward without allowing fear to control us. (Luke 2:8–10)

2: THE SAVIOR WAS BORN FOR YOU

The angel announced that a Savior had been born “to you.” Jesus did not come only for religious people, important people, or people who already had their lives together. He came for sinners who need forgiveness and salvation. The gift of Christmas becomes personal when we believe in Jesus and receive Him as our Savior. (Luke 2:10–12; John 1:12; John 3:16)

3: JESUS BRINGS PEACE AND LIVING HOPE

The heavenly host praised God and announced peace to those on whom His favor rests. Following Jesus does not mean that life will always be easy. Christians still experience sickness, grief, uncertainty, and disappointment. But in Christ we can have peace with God, confidence that He is with us, and living hope because Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and will return. (Luke 2:13–14; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Peter 1:3)

4: RESPOND TO THE GIFT AND TELL OTHERS

The shepherds did not simply hear the message and return to their old routine. They went to see Jesus, and after seeing Him, they spread the word about what they had been told. Mary treasured what had happened, while the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God. The gift of Jesus is something to receive personally, treasure deeply, and share with others. (Luke 2:15–20)

BE ENCOURAGED

Christmas reminds us that our hope does not depend on knowing what comes next. Our hope is in the Savior who has already come.

Receive the gift of Jesus personally. Trust Him when life is uncertain. Let His peace steady you when circumstances are difficult. And like the shepherds, be willing to tell other people what you have discovered about Him.

The greatest gift of Christmas is not something we unwrap and eventually put away. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that changes this life and gives us hope for eternity.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What difference does it make that Jesus came into the world? Teaching from John 1:14–18, Pastor Chris Teien explains how the coming of Christ reveals God’s character, brings grace and truth into our lives, and gives us the opportunity to know God personally.

Christmas is more than remembering the birth of Jesus. It is celebrating that God came near, made Himself known, and opened the way for us to receive forgiveness, eternal life, hope, love, and a new purpose.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS LIVED AMONG US TO SHOW US HOW TO LIVE AND SET US FREE TO LIVE FOREVER

The Word became human and made His home among us. Jesus showed us what God is like, demonstrated perfect love and faithfulness, and lived the sinless life we could never live ourselves. Through Him, we can know God, receive eternal life, and learn how to live as His followers. (John 1:14; John 6:44–47)

2: JOHN’S LIFE PURPOSE WAS TO PREPARE PEOPLE TO MEET THE SAVIOR

John the Baptist understood that his life was not ultimately about himself. His calling was to point people toward Jesus. His example challenges us to consider our own purpose and the opportunities God has given us to prepare people to hear about Christ. (John 1:15)

3: GRACIOUS BLESSINGS OVERFLOW FROM JESUS

From Christ’s abundance, believers receive one gracious blessing after another. His grace brings salvation, hope, forgiveness, spiritual life, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. God’s blessings are not limited to material things. Some of His greatest gifts are the ways He changes us and works through us. (John 1:16)

4: LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS FLOW THROUGH JESUS

The law came through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. We could never become right with God by perfectly keeping every rule. Jesus came to save sinners, forgive us, bring us into God’s family, and teach us how to love other people with the love we first receive from Him. (John 1:17; John 3:16)

5: THE MYSTERIES OF GOD ARE REVEALED IN JESUS

No one has seen God in all His glory, but Jesus makes the Father known. Through Christ we learn what God is like, what He values, how He loves us, and how we can have eternal life. Our greatest need was not more information, money, technology, or entertainment. Our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent a Savior. (John 1:18; Colossians 2:2–3; John 17:3)

BE ENCOURAGED

Jesus did not come simply to become part of a familiar Christmas story. He came so that we could know God, receive grace, experience His love and faithfulness, and have eternal life.

Celebrate what Christ has done for you, keep growing in your relationship with Him, and look for opportunities to point other people toward the Savior just as John the Baptist did.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Christmas lights are everywhere during the holiday season, but the Gospel of John points us toward a much greater light. Pastor Chris Teien explores what Scripture means when it describes Jesus as the true Light who came into a dark world.

Just as physical light helps us see where we are going, Jesus reveals truth, exposes darkness, gives eternal life, and shows us how to live. Those who receive Him are then called to reflect His light so that others can discover the hope found in Christ.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

John tells us that life is found in Jesus and that His life is the light of mankind. We understand only a small portion of the physical world around us, but the Creator has made Himself known through Christ. Jesus reveals who God is, why we are here, how we can know Him, and where our lives are ultimately headed. (John 1:4; John 8:12)

2: THE LIGHT OVERCOMES THE DARKNESS

Jesus shines in a world affected by sin, confusion, evil, and spiritual darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome Him. Even a small amount of light changes a dark room. In a much greater way, the power and truth of Christ cannot ultimately be defeated by the darkness of this world. (John 1:5)

3: THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES CHRIST-FOLLOWERS’ LIVES

Jesus came into the world He created, yet many did not recognize or receive Him. But those who receive Him and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God. Following Jesus means no longer wandering through life without direction. His Word becomes a lamp for our feet, His truth guides our decisions, and His presence gives meaning and purpose to our lives. (John 1:9–12; Psalm 119:105)

4: THE LIGHT SHINES IN BELIEVERS’ HEARTS

God does more than shine light around us. He shines His light within us, giving us knowledge of His glory through Jesus Christ. That inner light brings confidence during difficult seasons, peace concerning our past, hope for the future, and a growing desire to walk with Christ and with other believers. (2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 1:7)

5: THE LIGHT IS MEANT TO BE SHARED

Jesus does not give us His light so that we can hide it. Christ-followers are called to let that light become visible through their words, actions, love, good works, and willingness to tell others about Jesus. Like the moon reflecting the light of the sun, our lives should point people toward the true source of the light. (Matthew 5:14–16)

BE ENCOURAGED

When you see Christmas lights, remember the true Light who came into the world. Jesus gives life, reveals truth, overcomes darkness, and shows us the way to God.

Receive His light, walk in His light, and let that light shine through your life. In a dark world, even one faithful Christ-follower can help someone else see the way toward Jesus.

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Pastor Chris shares an encouraging message about what it means to be Authentic Children of God from John 1:12-13 (Kids Christmas Program Sunday)

Rockwell  Church     Dec 10, 2023    Pastor Chris Teien
Authentic Children of God 
John 1:12-13

1. BELIEVE in His Name (John 1:12b)

2. RECEIVE Christ (John 1:12a)

3. BECOME Children of God (John 1:12c)

4. REBORN from God (John 1:13)

5. GREATEST in the Kingdom of God (Matt 18:1-6, 10-14)

6. GIFT of Eternal Life (Rom 6:20-23)

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

So many people think Jesus’ life started when he was born as an innocent infant in Bethlehem, but Scripture reveals so much more of what Jesus had done and was doing before He arrived. The backstory of Jesus shows how valuable you were to God, and how much Jesus gave up to be the eternal gift that never stops giving. In the first three verses of the book of John, we see Jesus the Word in the flesh, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” John 1:1-3 (NIV). This is the foundation of the amazing Christmas story.

Listen and be encouraged to grow deeper in your faith and closer to Jesus your Savior.

Notes:

Rockwell  Church     Dec 3, 2023    Pastor Chris Teien
Jesus before Christmas
John 1:1-3

1. Jesus existed before time 
(John 1:1, John 8:58, John 17:24)

2. Jesus coexisted with God and is God 
(John 1:1, John 17:5, John 10:29-30, 1 Corinthians 8:6)

3. Jesus was active in creation 
(Genesis 1:1, John 1:3, 10, Colossians 1:16)

4. Jesus communicated God’s will and ways through His words and actions 
(Isaiah 55:11, John 20:30-31, Hebrews 1:1-2)

5. Jesus chose to come to serve and save us 
(Philippians 2:5-12, Heb 4:15; Matthew 1:18-25)

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Thanksgiving is a special time to be thankful for all that God has done and that he plans to do and is the beginning of the holiday season where we remember our Savior. Throughout the Old Testament God gave hints and promises that Christmas was coming. And then when God decided it was the perfect time, those promises were fulfilled through Christ. Galatians 4:4 (ESV) says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” Come to Rockwell Church this Sunday at 10:15am to be encouraged to praise and thank the Lord for keeping His promises in the past and looking forward to His promises for our future. 

Rockwell Church Nov. 26, 2023 Pastor Chris Teien

"The Fulfilled Promises of Christmas"

Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth

1. The Promise of Christmas was PLANNED (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23)

2. The Promises came in the FULLNESS of Time Galatians 4:4–5)

3. The Promises are FULFILLED in Christ (John 6:38; Ephesians 1:6–8)

4. The Promises still to COME(Ephesians 1:9–10)

https://answersingenesis.org/jesus/birth/fulfilled-prophecies-at-the-birth-of-christ/

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

How do we give thanks and praise in way that pleases God and encourages the people around us? Psalm 105 has some great action steps that we are going to look at this Sunday at Rockwell Church. Come join us at 10:15am to be encouraged to give thanks & celebrate God’s faithfulness. 

NOTES:

Rockwell Church Nov. 19, 2023 Pastor Chris Teien

Give Thanks! Celebrate God’s Faithfulness

#1 GIVE Thanks to the LORD (105:1a)

#2 CALL on the LORD (105:1b)

#3 BROADCAST the LORD (105:2-3)

#4 SEEK the LORD (105:4)

#5 RECOUNT all the LORD has done (105:5)

Hope for the Heart Thanksgiving Devotional Guide

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]