Enjoy the WELL Life in Christ - Pastor Chris Teien

 Psalm 32     Making resolutions

1.      In what and for whom is this happiness? (Psalm 32:1-2)

• True happiness is forgiveness for transgression.
• True happiness consists in having our sin covered.
• True happiness consists in the Lord not counting our sin against us.
• True happiness is the possession of the confessing Christian.

2.      The deceit of concealed sin (Psalm 32:3)

3.      The consequences of keeping silent (Psalm 32:3-4)

4.      How does God bring true happiness to believers?

Through conviction by His Spirit and His Word.

Genuine conviction will lead to sincere confession.

 ·         Secret sin (Ps. 90:8)

 ·         Private sins (Matt. 18:15)

·         Public sins     

5.      You forgave my sin! (Psalm 32:5)

Conclusion:  Let us resolve sincerely to confess our own sins and gladly encourage and forgive others as they do the same (Isa. 29:15; Prov. 28:13).

Challenge:  Just as David needed Nathan, we also need others to help us see the sins in our lives.  This week, ask a respected friend to help you identify a stumbling block in your life.
 
Originally shared at  River Rock Church     Oct 11th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

People are so angry today. While the emotions that lead us to get angry are not always sinful, angry actions may lead us into sin, pain and regret. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” and even Jesus expressed his anger at time. Get some help with what to do when we get angry, why we get angry and ways to stop being angry. Pastor Chris Teien. 

“U-Turn Towards Peace”   Luke 12:13-15

Purpose: To encourage believers to break free from the habit of focusing on other people’s wrongs and to promote peace by focusing on their own contribution to a conflict.

1.      Our natural reaction to conflict is to blame others and focus on their wrongs (Lk. 12:13; Gen. 3, 37; 1 Sam. 18-19)

2.      The blame game always makes conflict worse (Lk. 12:15; Ps. 73:21-22)

3.      You can change the course of a conflict with a prompt you-turn (Lk. 12:15; Matt. 7:1-5)

4.       Genuine reconciliation and lasting change require a transformed heart (Lk. 12:15; Matt. 15:18-19; James 4:1-3; Ezek. 36:25-27)

 Conclusion: Make a “you-turn” by confessing the sinful desires in your own life and by receiving the incredible gift of forgiveness and peace won on the cross.

 Challenge: Making a “you-turn” means that you are going to go in another direction.  Lay out a practical plan for the route that you will take, with God’s help, as you go in this new direction.

Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Oct 4th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

We all make many mistakes and sometimes that leads to regret and a lifetime of guilt. The Bible shows us example of King David: a man after God’s own heart, who fell into sin and eventually was overwhelmed with guilt. Jesus can help us find victory over guilt and live with more compassion for others. Pastor Chris Teien

“Reunite for Peace”  Ephesians 4:1-16

A. Unity has an irresistible power. 

 What is the nature of Christian unity?

People do not CREATE unity— GOD does (Eph. 4:3; 2:22). 

Christian unity is “being one in spirit and purpose” to LOVE Jesus Christ and MAKE HIM KNOWN to others (John 17:23; Phil. 2:2; Rom. 15:5-6).

B. Five commitments needed to cultivate, maintain and demonstrate unity:

#1 A commitment to LOVE Jesus Christ above all things and to SACRIFICE 

all of our mini-agendas for His sake (Eph. 4:1, 15-16; Matt. 22:37; Gal. 2:20).

#2 A commitment to sound DOCTRINE which never sacrifices the TRUTH, but 

always prioritizes it in a spirit of GRACE (Eph. 4:4-6, 13, 15, 16; Phil. 3:15).

#3 A commitment to develop Christ-like CHARACTER especially HUMILITY and 

SUBMISSION (Eph. 4:2; Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:8).

#4 A commitment to respect and pursue God-given DIVERSITY and accept one another as Christ has accepted us (Eph. 4:11; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Col. 3:11; Rom. 15:7).

"Unity is not the same as UNIFORMITY. The church at its best should be like an ORCHESTRA, with many different instru­ments blending together under one conductor to play complementary parts in one glorious composition."

#5 A commitment to strive earnestly and prayerfully to pursue PEACE resolve conflict, and preserve relationships despite personal differences (Eph. 4:3; Prov. 19:11; Luke 6:27-28; Rom. 12:18; Gal. 6:1).

C. The evidence and fruit of unity:

#1 A HARMONY of shared lives, with people regularly meeting, eating, praying, worshiping, and reaching decisions together (Acts. 1:14; 2:46; Rom. 12:16; 1 Pet. 3:8).

#2 No worldly DISCRIMINATION based on race, gender, age, or economic status (Gal. 3:26-29).

#3 A commitment to seek genuine UNDERSTANDING and AGREEMENT rather than an imposed uniformity (Phil. 2:1-4).

#4 People feel a FREEDOM to respectfully DISAGREE with one another (Phil. 3:15).

#5 Work PRODUCTIVELY toward common kingdom goals and invest our spiritual and material resources far more effectively (Acts 4:32-37).

#6 DURABLE relationships (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:12-15).

#7 Enhance our WITNESS for Christ (John 17:23; 13:34-35).

Conclusion: True Christian unity can provide a POWERFUL and APPEALING witness to the world.

Challenge: What will you do today, by God’s grace, to cultivate, maintain, and demonstrate unity in your marriage, family, workplace, or here at church?

Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Sept 27th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien 
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries  

Pastor Chris Teien shares three things worry is not from Matthew 6: Worry is not expected, effective or directed. Listen and be encouraged to pray, trust and give your worries to Jesus. More at https://riverrockchurch.com

 “Finding Real Peace” Colossians 1:15-20

1. People are hungry for peace! (Jer. 6:14) 
2. Real peace is a PRIORITY to God  (Col 1:15-19; Matt. 5:23-24).
3. Real peace is EXPENSIVE (Col 1:20; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-11; 1 Pet. 5:6; Matt. 7:3-4; Phil. 2:3-4; Eph. 4:32).
4. Real peace requires an ALLY (Col. 1:19-20; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 1:18-20).
5. Real peace is found only at the CROSS  (Col. 1:20; Acts 4:12).
6. Real peace has ETERNAL consequences (Col. 1:20; John 6:47; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; John 13:34-35; Luke 6:27-36).
    

Conclusion: Conflict is an OPPORTUNITY to show others how to find real peace!

Challenge: Think of someone in your life with whom you need to make peace.  Throughout this study, commit to prayer the steps you need to take to go to that person.

Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Sept 20th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

While all stress isn’t bad, too much stress can cause you to burnout. People, Paychecks and Priorities among many areas of life that can lead you to become stressed out. The God who created you and knows how much stress you can handle has given us wisdom found in His Word. Listen as Pastor Chris Teien shares how Jesus can help us find victory over stress and burnout. More at https://riverrockchurch.com

Jesus told us to store up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy them.  Pastor Dan Jetto shares an encouraging message from Matthew 6 about the three practices that Jesus says His Father will reward. Listen to discover how we can experience these promised rewards. 

Hear what the Bible has to say about overcoming life’s difficulties. Can the struggle really make you stronger or does it just wear you out? Are true followers of Jesus given an easier life? Pastor Chris Teien shares the encouraging reasons and ways God can use the hard things you are going through for your good and to possibly to help those around you. Part of the Victory in Jesus series at River Rock Church.