Enjoy the WELL Life in Christ - Pastor Chris Teien

It’s easy to forget when someone makes a life changing sacrifice for you. Listen to this 20 minute message to be reminded of Jesus sacrifice on the old rugged cross and be encouraged that when you are saved you become His beloved. Pastor Chris Teien 

Many people go through life with a deep sense of regret over something they did or did not do. This Palm Sunday we remember those people with high expectations who praised Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. Days later the mob would regretfully cry out for Jesus to be crucified. Peter swore he would not deny Jesus and but then regrettably swore three times that he didn't know Jesus. Peter was one of Jesus closest disciples but he went as far as saying "I never knew the man." Jesus came back and helped Peter undo that regret and He can do the same for us. Jesus offers forgiveness and a fresh start to those who want Him too. Pastor Chris Teien 

Drawing from the imagery of Olympic running the writer of Hebrews in the Bible reminds us that, just like the other Christ-followers who have lived before we did, we are all in a spiritual race. Sin holds us back, Saints from the past are cheering us onward and our Savior is waiting to celebrate with us when we cross the finish line. This message will show you the strategy to run a better race and encourage you to not give up. Pastor Chris Teien 

Jesus calls us to be disciples that grow disciples. Are you that kind of Christ-follower? Do you feel up to the task of sharing Jesus with the hope that you will be given the opportunity to help a new believer learn how to follow Jesus? If you are really good at this, then this message will encourage you. If you don’t know how to begin or what you would do to teach new believer or immature Christian this message will inspire you. We will share some easy-to-use tools to help you get started carrying out Jesus commission to make disciples and teach them to obey Jesus teaching. Matthew 28:19. Pastor Chris Teien

Some people are surprised to learn that worship is much more than just attending church or singing worship songs. In John 4:23 Jesus shares about true worship and tells us that God the Father is watching for this: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” Listen and be encouraged to worship the way God desires and experience the power and joy that brings. Pastor Chris Teien

Why do we go to church? The Covid shutdowns showed us all that internet church can be inspiring and convenient. And that there are churches far away from home that have even better music and messages we can comfortably watch online so why do we need to be bothered with the authentic local church? Then again we have had TV Church available for over 50 years and that didn’t fully meet our needs. Is there more to church than being a spectator and downloading information? Watch or listen to be encouraged to see The Incredible Value of the Local Authentic Church. Pastor Chris Teien 

Some people just get us so angry that we want to cause them to feel some of the pain and problems they have caused us. We might even stay awake at night planning what we are going to do to get our revenge.  I Corinthians 13:5-6 lists five reasons why Christians are to choose to forgive instead of retaliate because love: "... does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."  And if vengeance is due - God says we are to leave that to Him to deal with. Mishandling your anger towards others can often harm you more than anyone else. That's what this weekends encouraging message topic is about. Listen and be encouraged to act in love and put aside the anger and hate. Pastor Chris Teien 

Deep down we all really do want to be loved but often feel unworthy. I Corinthians 13:7 lists four things Christian love always does: “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” How is that even possible? What does that look like? Watch or listen and be encouraged to see what Christian love is supposed to do. Pastor Chris Teien

Last week we saw in 1 Corinthians 13:4 that “Love is not Proud.” And this Super Bowl Sunday is a great weekend to focus on how pride can keep us from God’s best for our lives. Repeatedly the Bible shows that God hates sinful pride. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humility honors God and makes us better team players. Humility is one of the most important qualities we need to model and teach kids in team sports. Watch or listen and be encouraged to see how Pride trips you up Humility leads you to Success. Pastor Chris Teien 

God gives us instructions for the ways we should and should not show love in 1 Corinthians 13 and at least three things can mess that up. They are Boredom, Anger and Misunderstanding. That’s the focus of this Bible based, encouraging message this weekend at River Rock Church that you won’t want to miss. Pastor Chris Teien