Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

How can you stand firm in your faith while treating people with humility and respect? Drawing from 1 Peter 3–5, Pastor Chris Teien explores how Christian character shapes our influence at home, at work, in church, and in the community.

Discover how to pursue peace, respond to opposition without fear, explain your hope in Jesus, and serve others faithfully. Whatever your responsibilities, your words and example can help people see what following Christ looks like.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. PURSUE PEACE WHILE DOING WHAT IS RIGHT

Peter calls believers to show compassion, love one another, and respond to insults without retaliation. Pursuing peace requires intentional choices, especially when relationships are strained. Keep doing what is right and seek reconciliation wherever possible. (1 Peter 3:8–12; Psalm 34:12–16; Romans 12:18)

2. STAND FIRM WITHOUT GIVING IN TO FEAR

Opposition can make us hesitant to speak or act on our convictions. Peter directs believers to honor Christ as Lord rather than allow fear to govern their response. Give His authority greater weight than the approval of others as you choose faithfulness. (1 Peter 3:13–15; Isaiah 8:12–13)

3. SHARE THE HOPE OF CHRIST WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT

Be ready to explain why you trust Jesus, and consider how your manner affects the person listening. Clear truth, gracious speech, and a good conscience belong together. Prepare to share the gospel while listening carefully and treating others with dignity. (1 Peter 3:15–16; Colossians 4:5–6)

4. CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS OVER COMPROMISE

Peter reminds believers that suffering for doing good is better than suffering for wrongdoing. Christ’s sacrifice brought us to God and gives us reason to keep following Him when obedience is costly. Hold to biblical truth without using opposition as an excuse for harshness or sinful behavior. (1 Peter 3:17–18; 1 Peter 4:12–16)

5. LEAD WITH HUMILITY AND INTEGRITY

Peter instructs church elders to care willingly for God’s people and lead by example rather than domination. Those principles also challenge us to examine how we use influence in other relationships. Serve with humility, take responsibility for your conduct, and seek the good of those in your care. (1 Peter 5:1–6; Mark 10:42–45)

BE ENCOURAGED

Your next conversation or decision is an opportunity to reflect Christ. Pursue peace where a relationship is strained, prepare to explain your hope in Jesus, or serve someone whose needs you have overlooked. Ask God for courage to remain faithful and wisdom to respond with gentleness and respect.

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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]

How should Christians respond when life feels unfair, authority is frustrating, relationships are difficult, or people treat us badly? Teaching from 1 Peter 2:13–3:9, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers can honor God even when circumstances are not ideal.

Peter wrote to Christians living under pressure and persecution. Instead of teaching them to win through retaliation, anger, or control, he showed them how respectful conduct, faithful relationships, and blessing others can become a powerful witness for Christ.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1: WIN BY RESPECTING AUTHORITY

Peter tells believers to submit to human authority for the Lord’s sake and to live such honorable lives that their conduct answers foolish accusations. That does not mean agreeing with everything authorities do or remaining silent when something is wrong. Christians can speak up, appeal decisions, work for change, and obey God when human authority contradicts His Word while still acting with respect and integrity. (1 Peter 2:13–17; Romans 13:1; Acts 5:29)

2: WIN BY SERVING AT HOME

It is easier to appear Christlike around people who only see us occasionally. Our closest relationships reveal much more about our character. Peter challenges wives to demonstrate a pure and reverent life that can influence even an unbelieving husband, and he commands husbands to treat their wives with understanding and honor as equal partners in God’s gift of life. God cares about our character, our relationships, and the way we treat the people closest to us. (1 Peter 3:1–7)

3: WIN BY BLESSING OTHERS

Peter calls all believers to unity, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility. Instead of repaying evil with evil or insults with insults, Christians are called to respond with blessing. Winning in God’s eyes does not always mean defeating the other person. Sometimes it means responding in a way that reflects Jesus even when you have been treated unfairly. (1 Peter 3:8–9)

BE ENCOURAGED

You cannot control every authority figure, family member, coworker, or person who treats you unfairly. You can choose how you respond. Respect authority without compromising your faith, serve the people closest to you with love and honor, and refuse to let someone else’s bad behavior determine yours. Ask God to help your relationships reflect Jesus so that even difficult circumstances can become opportunities to point someone 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]

What is competing for your heart and attention? Teaching from Matthew 5:8, guest speaker Dr. Ken Castor explores Jesus’ promise that the pure in heart will see God and challenges us to pursue God Himself rather than temporary satisfaction or even His blessings.

Discover how distractions can shape your priorities and why a renewed heart requires more than better time management. Jesus offers forgiveness and transformation, inviting us to seek Him wholeheartedly and let His truth guide our everyday lives.

This replay features a guest message originally shared by Dr. Ken Castor in 2019.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. RECOGNIZE THE DISTRACTIONS THAT PULL YOU AWAY FROM GOD

Technology, entertainment, busyness, and worry can consume attention that belongs to Christ. Consider what regularly fills your thoughts and whether it helps you pursue Him. Recognizing those influences is a practical beginning to refocusing your heart on God. (Matthew 5:8; Philippians 4:8)

2. PURSUE GOD INSTEAD OF TEMPORARY FULFILLMENT

Possessions, achievements, experiences, and recognition cannot provide the lasting fulfillment we seek. Jesus’ teaching directs us toward God and His kingdom. Examine whether you are seeking closeness with Him or simply hoping He will provide the things you want. (Matthew 5:3–10; Matthew 6:33)

3. ASK CHRIST TO GIVE YOU A PURE HEART

A renewed heart begins with God’s work within us. Bring your sin and divided priorities to Christ, receive His forgiveness, and draw near with a willingness to change. Trust Him to transform your desires as you respond to His grace. (Ezekiel 36:26; 1 John 1:9; James 4:8)

4. KEEP YOUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS EVERY DAY

Following Christ calls for intentional attention to His Word and a willingness to set aside what hinders you. Make room for Scripture, prayer, and choices that strengthen your devotion to Him. Keep returning your focus to Jesus when distractions begin to take over. (Hebrews 12:1–2; Philippians 4:8)

BE ENCOURAGED

Identify a distraction that has been consuming your attention, and make room to read Scripture and pray without it. Bring your divided priorities honestly to Christ and ask Him to renew your heart. Let your desire for His gifts lead you back to the Giver. As Dr. Castor reminds us, “Don’t pursue blessing. Pursue God.”

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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]

Do you ever wonder whether you have something meaningful to contribute to God’s work? Teaching from 1 Peter 2:4–12, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers are living stones built together on Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone. Your place among God’s people gives you opportunities to worship, serve, and share the hope of the gospel.

Discover how God’s mercy shapes your identity and purpose. As you build your life on Christ, invest in His church, and reflect His character, your everyday words and actions can help others see His goodness.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. BUILD YOUR LIFE ON CHRIST, THE SURE FOUNDATION

Peter describes Jesus as the chosen and precious Cornerstone, even though people rejected Him. Those who trust Him have a secure foundation for their faith and future. Examine what you are relying on, and let Christ’s truth guide how you build your life. (1 Peter 2:4–8; Matthew 7:24–27; Acts 4:11–12)

2. DISCOVER YOUR PLACE AS A LIVING STONE

God brings believers together into a spiritual house where they offer worship through Jesus Christ. Your faith is personal, but your place in His church connects you with others. Use your gifts and opportunities to serve alongside fellow believers and strengthen their faith. (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19–22)

3. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST

Peter calls believers a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession. His mercy has brought us into a relationship with Him and given us a shared identity. Let belonging to Christ shape your confidence more deeply than past failures, achievements, or other people’s opinions. (1 Peter 2:9–10)

4. LIVE AS SOMEONE SENT TO REFLECT GOD’S GREATNESS

God’s people are called to declare His praises and live honorably among those who do not yet believe. Your witness includes both speaking about Jesus and choosing conduct that reflects Him. Resist sinful desires, treat people with care, and look for opportunities to explain the hope you have in Christ. (1 Peter 2:9–12; Matthew 5:16)

BE ENCOURAGED

If you belong to Christ, you have a meaningful place among His people. Offer your help where your church has a need, encourage someone in their faith, or begin a conversation about Jesus. Ask God to help your words and actions reflect the mercy He has shown you. Your contribution matters as you serve alongside others.

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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]

How do you grow in holiness without trying to earn God’s acceptance? Teaching from 1 Peter 1:13–2:3, Pastor Chris Teien explains how the grace we receive through Jesus Christ motivates us to leave behind sinful desires, honor God, and grow through His Word.

Discover how remembering Christ’s sacrifice changes your priorities and everyday choices. Holy living is a response to salvation, grounded in God’s grace and strengthened by the Holy Spirit as we learn to reflect His character.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LEAVE BEHIND YOUR OLD DESIRES

Peter calls believers to prepare their minds for action and set their hope on the grace of Jesus Christ. As God’s children, we are called to resist former sinful desires and pursue holiness in every area of life. Consider which habits or attitudes need to change as you follow Him. (1 Peter 1:13–16; Leviticus 19:2)

2. LIVE WITH REVERENT AWE OF GOD

Your salvation was purchased with the precious blood of Christ rather than silver or gold. Remembering that cost gives you reason to approach God with reverence and take your choices seriously. Honor Him through your conduct, priorities, and treatment of others. (1 Peter 1:17–21; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

3. GROW THROUGH GOD’S WORD

Peter urges believers to put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and to crave spiritual nourishment like newborn babies crave milk. Make room for Scripture with a desire to understand and apply it. God uses His Word to strengthen your faith and help you grow in obedience. (1 Peter 2:1–3; Psalm 119:103; Matthew 4:4)

BE ENCOURAGED

Read 1 Peter 1:13–2:3 and notice an attitude or habit God calls you to put away. Ask the Holy Spirit for help, and take a practical step to respond to what you learn. When you fall short, confess your sin and keep following Christ. Let gratitude for His grace motivate your growth.

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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]

What helps you keep following Jesus when distractions, setbacks, or discouragement slow you down? Teaching from Hebrews 12:1–2, Pastor Chris Teien shares five biblical principles for running with endurance: embrace the race before you, remove what hinders you, persevere, focus on Christ, and keep eternity in view.

Discover how purposeful choices and confidence in Jesus help you continue faithfully through changing seasons. Your race may look different from someone else’s, but you can take the next step with hope in the Savior you follow.

This replay was originally preached by Pastor Chris Teien in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, in 2021.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. RUN THE RACE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

The race of faith begins with receiving Jesus Christ and continues through daily trust and obedience. Give attention to the responsibilities and opportunities before you rather than comparing your course with another person’s. Follow Christ faithfully where He has placed you. (Hebrews 12:1; Romans 6:23; John 1:12)

2. REMOVE ANYTHING THAT HOLDS YOU BACK

Hebrews calls believers to lay aside both the sin that entangles them and other weights that hinder their progress. Examine your habits, priorities, and use of time honestly. Turn from sin and make practical changes that support wholehearted devotion to Christ. (Hebrews 12:1; Colossians 3:5–10)

3. PERSEVERE THROUGH EVERY SEASON

Faithfulness requires endurance when obedience is difficult or results are slow. Keep seeking God’s strength and continue doing good rather than allowing weariness to determine your choices. Steady obedience matters through both demanding seasons and ordinary days. (Hebrews 12:1; Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 6:9)

4. KEEP YOUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS

Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of faith, whose endurance gives us reason to keep going. Return your attention to Him when failure, circumstances, or comparison begin to dominate your thinking. Let knowing Christ and following His example guide your next step. (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 3:12–14)

5. RUN FOR THE ETERNAL PRIZE

Earthly recognition fades, but serving Christ has lasting value. Paul’s picture of disciplined running and his testimony of finishing the race encourage us to live with eternity in view. Invest your effort in what honors God and helps others follow Him. (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 4:7–8)

BE ENCOURAGED

If you have become distracted or discouraged, begin by returning your attention to Jesus. Lay aside something that is hindering your faith, seek support where you need it, and renew your commitment to the responsibilities before you. Your past failures do not have to determine your next choice. Ask God for strength to keep following Christ with endurance.

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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]

Where do you find hope when the world feels unstable and following Jesus becomes difficult? Teaching from 1 Peter 1:1–9, Pastor Chris Teien explores the living hope believers receive through Christ’s resurrection and the lasting security of belonging to Him.

Discover how your identity in Christ, the promise of an eternal inheritance, and God’s work through trials can steady your faith. Peter acknowledges the grief hardship brings while giving believers reason to love Jesus, trust His promises, and persevere with joy.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST

Peter addresses believers whose relationship with God gives them an identity deeper than their circumstances. Chosen according to God’s foreknowledge and set apart through the Spirit, they are called to obey Jesus Christ. Let belonging to Him shape your confidence when other voices challenge your faith or worth. (1 Peter 1:1–2)

2. REJOICE IN YOUR LIVING HOPE

God’s mercy has given believers new birth into a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection. Your inheritance cannot perish, spoil, or fade, and God guards His people through faith. Remember these promises when temporary losses make the future feel uncertain. (1 Peter 1:3–5)

3. TRUST GOD THROUGH LIFE’S TRIALS

Peter recognizes that trials bring genuine grief. Yet tested faith is precious to God, and its lasting value reaches beyond what you can see today. Bring your pain honestly to Him while trusting that hardship does not cancel His care or your future in Christ. (1 Peter 1:6–7)

4. LOVE AND TRUST JESUS EVEN THOUGH YOU CANNOT SEE HIM

You can love and believe in Jesus without seeing Him face to face. Faith rests on His trustworthy promises, and knowing Him gives believers a joy that can coexist with present sorrow. Keep drawing near through His Word and prayer as you look forward to the fulfillment of your salvation. (1 Peter 1:8–9; John 20:29)

BE ENCOURAGED

Read 1 Peter 1:1–9 and hold on to a promise that speaks to your present concerns. Bring your anxiety or grief honestly to God, thank Him for the living hope you have through Jesus, and share that encouragement with someone else. The uncertainty around you does not erase the future He has promised.

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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]

Do you feel pressure to say you’re fine when you are overwhelmed or discouraged? Drawing from Psalm 34:18, Matthew 11:28–30, and 2 Corinthians 12:9, Pastor Chris Teien explores how Scripture speaks honestly about suffering and how Jesus welcomes people who are weary, burdened, and struggling.

David, Elijah, Paul, and even Jesus expressed deep distress. Discover why acknowledging your pain is compatible with faith, how to bring your burdens to Christ, and where to find strength when your circumstances remain difficult.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE NOT OKAY

Scripture records the anguish, discouragement, and weakness of faithful people. Their experiences remind us that struggling does not mean we must hide our pain or pretend our faith has removed every difficulty. Bring your concerns honestly to God, who is near to the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 119:25–28; 2 Corinthians 1:8; Matthew 26:38)

2. BRING YOUR BURDENS TO JESUS

Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. Believers still experience weakness and struggles with sin, but those who belong to Christ are no longer under condemnation. Approach Him honestly, confess what needs to change, and trust His welcome rather than withdrawing in shame. (Matthew 11:28–30; Romans 7:14–25; Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:17)

3. FIND STRENGTH AND RESTORATION THROUGH GOD’S GRACE

God’s help does not always come through the immediate removal of hardship. His sufficient grace sustains us, and His power is displayed through weakness. Seek His strength and peace as you learn to depend on Him through the difficulties you cannot resolve on your own. (Isaiah 40:29–31; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:7)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can be honest about your struggles and still hold on to hope in Christ. Tell God what is weighing on you, and let a trusted person know how you are really doing. Read Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 and receive support rather than carrying everything alone. His grace gives you reason to keep turning toward Him.

25.0928der I'm Not Okay: Bringing Our Brokenness to 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]

Where can you turn when depression leaves you feeling discouraged or alone? Drawing from Psalm 13 and 2 Corinthians 1:3–9, Pastor Chris Teien explores Scripture’s honest accounts of anguish and offers encouragement for those struggling and those who want to support them.

Depression should never be dismissed as simply a lack of faith. This message encourages a compassionate response that makes room for prayer, supportive relationships, qualified counseling, and appropriate medical care. Discover how to seek help and offer Christ’s comfort without shame or simplistic answers.

This replay was originally preached by Pastor Chris Teien in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, in 2019.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. UNDERSTAND DEPRESSION WITH BIBLICAL COMPASSION

Job, Moses, David, and Paul expressed deep anguish, reminding us that faithful people can experience profound distress. Their accounts help us take suffering seriously without assuming every experience is the same. Respond with patience and compassion rather than judgment or pressure to appear fine. (Job 3; Psalm 13:2; Numbers 11:10–15; 2 Corinthians 1:8–9)

2. SEEK GOD’S HELP THROUGH WISE AND PRACTICAL STEPS

Bring your struggles honestly to God and remain open to help through trusted relationships, counseling, and appropriate medical care. Scripture and prayer can sustain your faith as you seek support. Seeking professional help is consistent with trusting God and does not mean your faith has failed. (Isaiah 41:10; Jeremiah 31:3; Philippians 4:8)

3. ENCOURAGE OTHERS WITH CHRIST’S COMFORT

Supporting someone who is depressed begins with listening and a willingness to remain present. Offer practical help, pray with sensitivity, and encourage appropriate support rather than rushing to explain or fix their pain. God can use the comfort you have received to help you care for others. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14–24)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not have to hide your struggle or face it alone. Tell a trusted person how you are doing and take a step toward appropriate support. If you are helping someone else, listen patiently and offer something concrete, such as a meal, companionship, or help arranging an appointment. Keep pointing toward the hope of Christ while making room for the care and time recovery may require.

If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services. In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are considering suicide or need crisis support.

19m1013der Keys to Conquering Depression

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 know whether a spiritual teaching or experience is trustworthy? Teaching from 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to evaluate spiritual claims through Scripture, recognize what honors Christ, and hold firmly to what is good.

Discover how to exercise discernment without accepting everything you hear or becoming cynical about God’s work. An authentic walk with Jesus includes sincere worship, careful examination, and a willingness to let biblical truth correct your assumptions.

This replay was originally preached by Pastor Chris Teien in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, in 2018.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LIVE AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LIFE

Jesus calls us to worship the Father in spirit and truth. Examine whether your faith is shaping your everyday choices or becoming a pattern of outward religious activity. Seek God sincerely and allow His Word to guide your relationships, priorities, and service. (John 4:23–24; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–24)

2. TEST EVERY SPIRITUAL CLAIM BY SCRIPTURE

Confidence, popularity, or an impressive experience does not establish that a claim is true. Follow the example of the Bereans by examining what you hear against Scripture. Test teachings and spiritual claims carefully, reject what is false, and hold on to what is good. (Acts 17:10–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22; 1 John 4:1)

3. FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT

The Holy Spirit’s work is consistent with the Scripture He inspired and directs us toward Christ. Consider both the biblical content of a teaching and the character it encourages. Remain receptive to God’s work while refusing claims that contradict His Word. (1 Corinthians 14:1; Galatians 5:22–23; 2 Peter 1:20–21)

BE ENCOURAGED

When a spiritual claim raises questions, take time to examine it carefully. Read the relevant Scriptures in context and seek help from a trusted, biblically grounded believer where needed. Ask God for a teachable heart, wisdom to recognize what is true, and courage to act on it. Keep returning to His Word as you follow Jesus.

18.0218der Living for God with Authenticity and Discernment

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]