In this message from Romans 8:5–11, Pastor Chris explores how the Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer, leads us into a new way of life. Using everyday illustrations and Paul’s teaching, the message challenges believers to move off spiritual autopilot, turn from familiar ruts, and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rather than living by lists or habits from the past, we are invited to let the Spirit shape our desires, direction, and confidence as we walk in new life. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18645648

Key Points: Learning a New Way to Live - How to Live in Victory Series

1. Choose to set your mind on what brings life and peace (Romans 8:5–6)
    Our mindset shapes our direction. When our thoughts are centered on Christ and renewed by Scripture, we experience life, peace, and clarity instead of drifting through life on spiritual autopilot.
2. Turn away from old patterns that keep you spiritually stuck (Romans 8:7–8)
    Familiar routines, inherited traditions, or empty religious habits can become ruts that limit growth. The Spirit invites believers to move forward in freedom rather than remain stuck in the past.
3. Depend daily on the Spirit who lives within you (Romans 8:9–10)
    The Christian life is not lived by willpower alone. Everyone who belongs to Christ has the Holy Spirit living within them, empowering obedience, transformation, and assurance.
4. Walk with confidence knowing God’s resurrection power is at work now (Romans 8:11)
    The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is actively at work in believers today, giving endurance in hardship, confidence in weakness, and hope that reaches beyond this life.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris

Pastor Chris shares relatable illustrations about driving on autopilot, mowing straight rows by fixing your eyes on a distant point, and getting stuck in familiar ruts. These stories help connect biblical truth to everyday life and spiritual habits.

Notable Quotes
“You can’t steer a parked car.”
 “Lists are good, but lists don’t change hearts.”
 “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Actionable Takeaways
Reflect on where your mind naturally drifts during the week.
Identify any spiritual ruts or habits that may be limiting growth.
Choose daily to renew your mind through Scripture.
Yield your decisions and direction to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Scripture References
Romans 8:4–11
Galatians 5:13–25
Romans 12:2
John 14:16–17

Keywords
Romans 8, Holy Spirit, Christian living, spiritual growth, mindset, spiritual direction, renewal of the mind, walking by the Spirit, faith, discipleship

Challenge
This week, intentionally surrender one familiar habit or mindset to the Holy Spirit and ask God to guide you onto a new path that leads to life and peace.

26.0208de Learning a New Way to Live

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

Many believers struggle with guilt that keeps them stuck in the past and uncertain about what God thinks of them. In this opening message from the How to Live in Victory series, Pastor Chris walks through Romans 8:1-4 to show how Christ removes condemnation, breaks sin’s power, and leads believers into a Spirit-shaped life. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18607101

Key Points:

1. Stand on the foundation that lifts you above condemnation (v. 1)
    Romans 8:1 declares a settled verdict for those in Christ. This freedom flows out of the struggle of Romans 7 and assures believers that guilt no longer defines their standing before God.
2. Live in freedom from the power of sin (vv. 2-3)
    Through Christ, the law of the Spirit sets believers free from the law of sin and death. What the law could not do, God accomplished by sending His Son, breaking sin’s authority and shame.
3. Follow the Spirit into a sanctified life (v. 4)
    Freedom from condemnation is not an excuse to drift, but an invitation to walk according to the Spirit. God’s purpose is a transformed life shaped from the inside out.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris uses the image of a fallen tree crushing a cabin to illustrate how guilt feels different when a mess is our own fault, and how grace still restores. He also shares a humorous story about a guilty dog hiding under the table to show how shame causes believers to pull away from God.

Notable Quotes:
 “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
 “Grace gives us permission to move forward.”
 “Freedom from guilt opens the door to a Spirit-led life.”

Actionable Takeaways:

Reflect on what guilt continues to surface in your heart
 Stop hiding and bring sin honestly before God
 Trust Christ’s finished work instead of self-accusation
 Take a step forward in faith where shame has held you back

Scripture References:
 Romans 8:1-4
 Romans 7:24-25
 Romans 5:1
 John 5:24
 John 3:16-18
 Colossians 2:14-15
 Galatians 5:16

Keywords: Romans 8, living free from guilt, no condemnation, grace, Christian victory, Holy Spirit, sanctified life. 

Challenge:
This week, accept Christ’s verdict over your life and intentionally walk forward in freedom by following the Spirit instead of living under guilt.

26.0201de Living Free From Guilt

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

Encourage One Another to Finish Strong - Eyes on the Prize Series. In Hebrews 12:12-15, God reminds us that the Christian life is a shared journey, not a solo run. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien challenges believers to strengthen one another, walk with intentional faith, pursue peace and holiness, and watch over each other so God’s grace continues to shape the body of Christ. We are called to run our race faithfully and to help others run theirs well. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18567454

Outline:

1. Strengthen Tired Bodies and Weary Souls (v.12)
    Hebrews 12:12 calls believers to respond to God’s work in their lives by strengthening what has grown weak. Spiritual endurance is developed through faithfulness, discipline, and trust in God, even when the journey feels exhausting.
2. Walk Steady Paths That Lead to Healing (v.13)
    Hebrews 12:13 reminds us that our choices affect others. God calls us to live intentionally so our lives help bring healing and clarity to those who are following behind us rather than causing them to stumble.
3. Train for the Race Through Peace and Holiness (v.14)
    Hebrews 12:14 teaches that peace with others and holiness before God are marks of a life transformed by grace. Holiness is not about earning God’s approval but living out the new life He has already given us.
4. Watch Over One Another So Grace Prevails (v.15)
    Hebrews 12:15 urges the church to actively care for one another so bitterness, isolation, and spiritual drift do not take root. God designed believers to grow stronger together as we guard one another in grace.

Key Takeaways:
 Faith is meant to be lived in community, not isolation.
 Your walk with Christ influences others more than you realize.
 Peace and holiness grow as we stay connected to God and each other.
 The church runs strongest when believers encourage and protect one another.

Supporting Scripture References:
 Hebrews 12:1-15
 Isaiah 35:3-4
 Ephesians 6:10
 Proverbs 4:26
 Romans 14:19
 1 Corinthians 10:23
 1 Peter 1:14-16
 Ephesians 2:8-9

Action Step:
 Ask God this week to show you one way you can encourage someone else in their walk with Christ and one area where He is calling you to grow stronger in faith.

26.0125DE

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

Enduring faith does not grow by accident. In this episode, Pastor Chris explores Hebrews 12 and shows how God’s discipline functions not as punishment, but as loving coaching from a perfect Father. Using the imagery of athletic training and the Winter Olympics, this message helps listeners understand how God shapes His children through correction, perseverance, and trust so they can live holy, fruitful lives.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18528866

Key Points:

1. God disciplines like a good coach, not an angry judge
    Hebrews 12:5-6 shows that God’s correction flows from love, not rejection. Just as a coach understands an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, God knows how He has formed us and trains us accordingly.
2. Discipline is proof of sonship, not abandonment
    Believers are disciplined because they belong to God. Through adoption in Christ, we become sons and daughters who are cared for, corrected, and shaped by a loving Father. Scripture reminds us that discipline confirms our identity, not our failure.
3. God uses discipline to remove misplaced priorities
    Through pruning, hardship, or redirected paths, God trains His people to let go of idols and focus on what produces lasting fruit. Discipline often reveals what we depend on and teaches us to trust God more deeply.
4. Present pain produces lasting gain
    Though discipline can be painful, it yields righteousness, peace, and endurance. God uses seasons of difficulty to prepare us for future ministry, leadership, and faithfulness.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares stories from athletics, early Christian growth through Christian radio and teaching, and personal experiences where God used discipline and redirection to prepare him for ministry, endurance, and long-term faithfulness.

Notable Quotes:
 God disciplines us because He loves us, not because He is finished with us.
 Discipline is training for holiness, not punishment for failure.
 God’s correction is always preparing us for what lies ahead.

Actionable Takeaways:

Reflect on how you respond when God corrects your path
 Ask where God may be training you rather than punishing you
 Trust that current hardship may be preparation for future fruit
 Choose obedience and humility when God invites change

Scripture References:
 Hebrews 12:5-11
 Proverbs 3:11-12
 John 1:12
 Romans 8:15
 Romans 10:9-10
 Galatians 4:4-7
 1 John 5:11-13
 John 15:1-2
 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 Revelation 3:19

Keywords:
 God’s discipline
 Enduring faith
 Hebrews 12
 Spiritual growth
 Christian perseverance
 God as Father
 Biblical discipleship
 Faith under pressure

Challenge:
 Ask God this week to help you see His discipline not as something to resist, but as loving coaching meant to strengthen your faith and shape your future.

26.0118de

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

How to Find Focus and Strategy for a Winning Faith. Life is not a sprint but a race that requires endurance, focus, and purpose. In this message from Hebrews 12:1–4, Pastor Chris uses the illustration of Olympic snowboarding to show how God calls each believer to run a unique race with perseverance, fixing their eyes on Jesus and trusting Him through every stage of life.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18490060

Key Points:

1. Run the race God designed for you
    Hebrews 12 reminds us that every believer has a specific race marked out by God. Our stage of life, resources, and circumstances may differ, but faithfulness matters more than comparison.
2. Focus your heart and attention on Jesus
    Fixing our eyes on Jesus keeps us from distraction, discouragement, and envy. Christ is both the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, and our confidence grows when we stay centered on Him.
3. Remember the reward of Christ’s victory
    Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. His finished work assures our salvation and gives meaning to our perseverance today.
4. Consider the cost Christ endured so you do not lose heart
    When faith feels heavy or progress feels slow, reflecting on what Jesus endured strengthens us to keep going and resist sin with renewed resolve.

Personal Stories
 Pastor Chris reflects on different life races, including young families, middle age pressures, retirement, restarts after failure, and seasons of hardship. He shares how God continues to use believers at every stage when they remain available and faithful.

Quotes
 • If you woke up this morning and you are still breathing, God still has a purpose for your life.
 • Your race is different from everyone else’s, and that is by design.
 • Jesus created the race, ran it perfectly, and now walks with you as you run yours.

Takeaways
 • Reflect on the stage of life you are in and ask God how He wants to use you right now.
 • Identify distractions or sins that may be slowing your spiritual progress.
 • Commit to fixing your eyes on Jesus through Scripture, prayer, and daily obedience.
 • Take one intentional step this week to serve Christ with the time and resources you have.

Scripture
 Hebrews 12:1–4 – Running with perseverance and fixing our eyes on Jesus
 Hebrews 11 – Examples of faithful endurance
 James 1:2–4 – Endurance through testing
 Ephesians 2:10 – God’s purpose prepared in advance
 Philippians 1:6 – God completes the work He begins
 Psalm 16:8 – Keeping eyes fixed on the Lord
 Philippians 2:8 – Christ’s obedience unto death
 Hebrews 10:12 – Christ’s finished sacrifice
 1 Peter 2:21 – Following Christ’s example
 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Renewed inwardly day by day

Keywords
 Christian endurance, Hebrews 12, running the race, faith and perseverance, fixing eyes on Jesus, spiritual growth, purpose in every season, Well Faith Podcast

Challenge
 This week, ask God to clarify your race, remove what hinders you, and recommit to running faithfully with your eyes fixed on Jesus.

26.0111de

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

This episode launches the “Eyes on the Prize” series from Hebrews 12:1 and calls believers to run the Christian race with perseverance and renewed commitment. Using the imagery of Olympic training and spiritual discipline, Pastor Chris challenges listeners to look to the examples of faithful believers, throw off anything that hinders their walk with Christ, and pursue the race God has uniquely assigned to them.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18451045

Key Points:

1. REMEMBER the Examples Who Finished Well (Hebrews 12:1a)
    We look back to the faithful believers described in Hebrews 11, whose endurance, obedience, and trust in God encourage us to stay faithful in our own race.
2. REMOVE the Weights That Hold You Back (Hebrews 12:1b)
    Some things are not sinful, but they slow our spiritual growth and distract us from God’s purpose. We are called to lay aside anything that hinders wholehearted devotion to Christ.
3. RUN Your God-Assigned Race with Perseverance (Hebrews 12:1c)
    Each believer has a unique calling and season of life. God calls us to run our race faithfully, with endurance, purpose, and confidence in His strength.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris reflects on his father’s athletic opportunities and unexpected life turns, along with his own journey of discipline and calling into ministry, showing how perseverance shapes both character and faith.

Notable Quotes:
 “Finishing well is not about comfort or ease, but about trusting Jesus and staying faithful through every season.”
 “Some weights are not sinful, but they still keep us from becoming who God wants us to be.”
 “We run for a reward that does not fade, an eternal prize found in Christ.”

Actionable Takeaways:
 Heart-level reflection: Ask God to show you where He is calling you to persevere in this season.
 Daily-life application: Identify one habit or distraction you need to lay aside for the sake of spiritual growth.
 Spiritual step or challenge: Commit to pursuing Jesus with renewed focus and intentionality.
 Practical next step: Choose one faith-building discipline to strengthen this week.

Scripture References:
 Hebrews 12:1. Call to perseverance and disciplined faith.
 Hebrews 11. Examples of believers who finished well.
 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Running to win an eternal prize.
 2 Timothy 4:7. Finishing the race and keeping the faith.
 Galatians 6:9. Do not give up in doing good.
 1 Peter 1:6-7. Trials that refine and strengthen faith.

Keywords:
 Hebrews 12, perseverance, race of faith, finishing well, spiritual discipline, endurance, discipleship, Christian growth, spiritual focus, faithfulness

Challenge:
 Ask the Lord to help you lay aside anything that hinders your walk with Him and to strengthen you to run your God-assigned race with perseverance and devotion.

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The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

 In this New Year message from 1 Peter 4:1-11, Pastor Chris challenges believers to pursue a life shaped by God’s priorities rather than culture’s pursuit of comfort, pleasure, or success. This passage calls Christ followers to endurance, obedience, and faithful ministry so that our lives honor God and make an eternal impact.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18422922

Key Points:

#1 Let God Shape Your ATTITUDE for Endurance (1 Peter 4:1)
 Just as Christ endured suffering with purpose, believers are called to arm themselves with the same mindset. Following Jesus will sometimes bring hardship, rejection, or spiritual opposition, yet we continue forward with perseverance and trust in God’s plans.

#2 Let God Shape Your ACTIONS for God’s Will (1 Peter 4:2-4)
 Because we belong to Christ, we leave behind old patterns of sin and self-centered living. Through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, we choose obedience, holiness, and a lifestyle that reflects God’s values rather than the world’s expectations.

#3 Let God Shape Your MINISTRY for God’s Glory (1 Peter 4:5-11)
 Every believer will one day give an account before God, so we live with urgency, prayerfulness, love, and hospitality. God has given each of us spiritual gifts to serve others, and when we speak or serve, we do so in His strength so that He alone receives the glory.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 He shares reflections on how resolutions often fade, including a humorous youth-group memory about switching from donuts to fruit for two weeks. He also reflects on trying new ministry approaches, celebrating encouraging moments where God used messages and outreach to touch lives.

Notable Quotes:
 “Success in God’s eyes is shaping your life around His priorities.”
 “When you put God first, He makes enough time for the things that truly matter.”
 “In Christ you are no longer bound to sin. You have a choice to walk in freedom.”

Actionable Takeaways:
 Heart-level reflection: Ask God to reveal where your attitude needs to shift toward endurance and trust.
 Daily-life application: Choose obedience in one area where old habits still compete for your heart.
 Spiritual step or challenge: Identify and begin using your spiritual gift to serve others for God’s glory.
 Practical next step: Prayerfully evaluate what to stop, what to continue, and what to prioritize for God this year.

Scripture References:
 1 Peter 4:1-11
 Romans 6:1-14
 Ephesians 4:22-24
 Titus 2:11-13
 1 Peter 2:9 and 2:23

Keywords:
 Priorities, New Year, endurance, holiness, spiritual gifts, ministry, obedience, discipleship, 1 Peter 4

Challenge:
 Ask the Lord how He wants you to align your attitude, your actions, and your ministry with His priorities, and take one intentional step of obedience this week in response.

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

Joy is not something we stumble into by accident. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien walks through the story of the Magi in Matthew 2 and shows how true joy is found by those who intentionally pursue Jesus, even when the path is uncertain. This episode invites listeners to step out in faith, follow the light God gives, and offer Christ their very best.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18395519

Key Points:

1. Take the first step toward Jesus
    The Magi acted on what they knew, not on what they could fully see. Faith moves forward with limited information, trusting God to guide each next step. Scripture: Matthew 2:1–2, Psalm 119:105
2. Do not let fear or comfort keep you from Him
    Fear, insecurity, and comfort can quietly keep us from obedience. While Herod resisted Jesus and religious leaders stayed comfortable, the Magi kept moving. Joy grows when faith turns knowledge into action. Scripture: Matthew 2:3–6, James 4:8, Isaiah 55:6
3. Follow the light God gives you
    God often reveals direction gradually. As we respond faithfully, He provides clarity along the way. Remaining close to Christ keeps us fruitful and steady even in uncertainty. Scripture: Matthew 2:9–10, John 15:4–5, James 1:22
4. Offer Jesus your best, not what is left over
    True worship costs something. The Magi brought their treasures, bowed in humility, and trusted God with their resources. When we place Christ first, God uses our surrender to accomplish His purposes. Scripture: Matthew 2:11–12, John 5:24, Romans 15:13

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares his own journey of stepping away from career security to pursue full-time ministry, reflecting on the joy that comes from trusting God with the unknown and moving forward in obedience.

Notable Quotes:
 Joy is rooted in God’s presence, promises, and purposes.
 Faith moves forward with the light it has.
 You experience joy when obedience turns belief into action.

Actionable Takeaways:
 Reflect on where fear or comfort may be slowing your obedience.
 Identify one step God is prompting you to take toward Him.
 Commit to following Scripture even when the future feels unclear.
 Offer your time, resources, and heart to Christ intentionally this week.

Scripture References:
 Matthew 2:1–12 – The Magi pursue and worship Jesus
 Psalm 16:11 – Joy found in God’s presence
 Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord as strength
 Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word as guidance
 James 4:8 – Drawing near to God
 Isaiah 55:6 – Seeking the Lord
 John 15:4–5 – Abiding in Christ
 James 1:22 – Living out the Word
 John 5:24 – Crossing from death to life
 Romans 15:13 – Hope, joy, and peace through trust in God

Keywords:
 joy worth pursuing, Magi, Christmas faith, spiritual obedience, following God, Christian joy, faith journey, worship, biblical encouragement

Challenge:
 Ask God what step of faith He is calling you to take, then move forward this week trusting Him with the outcome.

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

 Fear has a way of shrinking our faith and silencing our witness, especially when life feels uncertain. In this message from Luke 2, Pastor Chris shows how godly joy is rooted in God’s grace, anchored in His promises, and strong enough to overcome fear. Through the Christmas story of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, listeners are invited to rediscover a joy that steadies the heart and fuels faithful living. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18351796

Key Points:

1. God works through difficult circumstances
    God used inconvenience, hardship, and humble settings to accomplish His redemptive plan. Luke 2:1-7 reminds us that God is often working even when timing feels wrong and life feels unsettled.
2. Fear reveals where trust is being tested
    The shepherds’ reaction shows how fear can surface when God moves unexpectedly. Fear focuses on what could go wrong, while joy rests in what God has already done. Luke 2:8-9; Psalm 34:4.
3. Godly joy is grounded in good news
    The angel’s message points to the gospel that brings lasting joy for all people. True joy flows from knowing the Savior has come and that God is for us. Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16.

(overall message ends here)
 Godly joy does not remove difficulty, but it gives confidence, peace, and courage in the middle of it.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares practical reflections on fear in everyday life, including the fear of sharing faith and the fear of uncertainty, showing how perspective changes when we trust God’s presence and purposes.

Notable Quotes:
 Fear focuses on what could go wrong, but joy anchors us in what God has already done.
 God is often glorified through humble people and difficult circumstances.
 Joy grows when we retell what God has done.

Actionable Takeaways:

Reflect honestly on where fear is showing up in your life
 Anchor your joy in God’s grace rather than your circumstances
 Take a small step of obedience even when fear is present
 Share what God has done in your life and allow joy to grow

Scripture References:
 Luke 2:1-20 – The birth of Jesus and the shepherds’ response
 Psalm 34:4 – God delivers from fear
 Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good
 John 3:16 – The gift of salvation through Christ
 James 1:2 – Joy in the midst of trials

Keywords:
 godly joy, overcoming fear, Luke 2 sermon, Christmas message, faith over fear, Christian encouragement, sharing the gospel, joy in Christ 

Challenge:
 This week, name your fear before God, receive His peace, and intentionally live and speak with joy that points others to Christ.

25.1214de

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]

God often brings the right people into our lives at just the moment we need encouragement. The story of Mary and Elizabeth shows how God strengthens our faith through trusted relationships and the work of the Holy Spirit. Their example reminds us that joy grows when we walk with others, listen for God’s voice, and trust his plan in uncertain times. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18314232

Key Points:

1. Joy grows when we share life with each other – Luke 1:39–45
    God sends Mary to Elizabeth for encouragement, wisdom, and confirmation. Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled welcome strengthens Mary’s faith and affirms God’s work in her life.
2. Joy flows when we remember God’s faithfulness – Luke 1:42–45
    Elizabeth reminds Mary that God is blessing her. Remembering what God has done in the past builds confidence for the future.
3. Joy deepens when we walk in the Spirit
    Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit and speaks words of truth and hope. The Spirit equips believers to encourage others and live with courage.
4. Joy glows through worship and trust – Luke 1:46–55
    Mary responds in worship as she reflects on God’s mercy and purpose. Joy becomes the natural overflow of a heart resting in God’s plan.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares how God brought key people alongside him in ministry and church planting, providing needed encouragement, resources, and partnership at just the right times.

Notable Quotes:
 “Joy is a contentment that God is in control.”
 “God often sends someone to walk with you when he calls you to something new.”
 “The Holy Spirit empowers us to encourage others and overflow with hope.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflection: Identify people God has placed in your life for support and encouragement.
 • Daily-life application: Encourage someone who may be facing uncertainty or fear.
 • Spiritual step: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and strengthen your faith today.
 • Practical next step: Share part of your story with someone who needs hope this week.

Scripture References:
 Luke 1:39–55
 Ephesians 1:13
 Ephesians 5:18
 Romans 15:13
 Acts 1:8
 Acts 9:31

Keywords:
 Mary, Elizabeth, encouragement, joy, Holy Spirit, faith, trust, hope, relationships, Luke 1

Challenge:
 Ask God to fill you with his Spirit and show you one person you can encourage so that joy can grow in both your life and theirs.

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The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]