The world often feels unstable, but our confidence does not have to be. In this message from Romans 8:31-39, Pastor Chris Teien explains how security in Christ gives believers courage to face uncertainty, endure hardship, and encourage others with hope.

Because of Jesus Christ, our salvation is secure, our eternal future is certain, and nothing can separate us from God’s love. As we trust His promises, rest in His grace, and persevere through trials, we can face every season with confidence.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 COURAGE BEGINS WITH KNOWING GOD IS FOR YOU

Because God gave His own Son for our salvation, believers can confidently know that He is for them. Our courage is rooted not in favorable circumstances but in God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. (Psalm 118:6; John 3:16; Romans 8:31-32)

#2 COURAGE GROWS WHEN YOUR SALVATION IS SECURE

Those who trust in Christ have been justified and declared righteous before God. No accusation or condemnation can overturn what Jesus accomplished through His death, resurrection, and continuing intercession for us. (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:33-34; 1 John 2:1)

#3 COURAGE ENDURES HARDSHIP WITH CONFIDENCE

Trials, suffering, persecution, and loss are real, but they cannot separate believers from Christ. Hardship does not mean that God has abandoned us. He remains present and faithful through every difficulty. (John 16:33; Romans 8:35-36; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

#4 COURAGE KNOWS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS

Victory is not found in our ability or strength but through Jesus Christ. Because He has conquered sin and death, believers can remain faithful and hopeful regardless of life’s circumstances. (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57)

#5 COURAGE RESTS IN GOD’S UNBREAKABLE LOVE

Nothing in life, death, the spiritual realm, the present, the future, or all creation can separate those who belong to Christ from the love of God. Our security rests forever in Him. (Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:21; Hebrews 13:8)

Live with confidence because your security is found in Christ rather than your circumstances. Trust God’s promises, stand courageously for your faith, and encourage others with the hope that can never be taken away.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Romans 8:31-39

Supporting passages: Psalm 118:6; John 3:16; John 16:33; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 1:21; Hebrews 13:8; 1 John 2:1

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18811321

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Life does not always make sense, but God is always at work. In this message from Romans 8:28-30, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God works through every circumstance to accomplish His purposes and shape believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

God does not promise that every experience will be good, but He does promise to work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. As we trust His plan, submit to His work in our lives, and rest in His faithfulness, we can follow Him confidently through every season.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 GOD IS WORKING IN ALL THINGS

God is continually at work in every circumstance of the believer’s life. Even when we cannot understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is accomplishing His purposes and will remain with us through every difficulty. (Isaiah 43:2; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11)

#2 GOD IS SHAPING YOU TO BE LIKE CHRIST

God’s ultimate purpose is not merely our comfort but our Christlikeness. Through joys, disappointments, blessings, and trials, He is transforming believers into the image of His Son and preparing them for eternal glory. (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 1 John 3:2)

#3 GOD IS FAITHFUL FROM BEGINNING TO END

The God who calls, justifies, and promises to glorify His people will faithfully complete His work. Our salvation rests not in our performance but in His grace, Christ’s finished work, and God’s unchanging promises. (John 1:12; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:30)

Trust God’s heart even when you cannot understand His plan. Walk faithfully with Him each day, knowing that He is working for your good and shaping you to become more like Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Romans 8:28-30

Supporting passages: Isaiah 43:2; John 1:12; Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Ephesians 1:11; 1 John 3:2

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18770580

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Hard seasons are part of life, but they are not the end of the story. In this message from Romans 8:18-27, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God gives believers lasting hope through suffering by reminding us of the glory to come, the promise of redemption, and the Holy Spirit’s faithful help in our weakness.

Followers of Christ are not promised an easy life, but they are promised a glorious future. As we keep our eyes on eternity, patiently endure present trials, and depend on the Holy Spirit, we can face life’s hardest seasons with confidence and hope.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 COMPARE TODAY WITH WHAT IS STILL TO COME

The hardships we experience today cannot compare with the eternal glory God will reveal in His people. Keeping our eyes on eternity gives us strength to persevere through present suffering without losing hope. (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Philippians 3:20-21)

#2 CREATION GROANS WHILE WAITING FOR RENEWAL

The world bears the effects of sin and eagerly awaits the day when Christ will make all things new. Creation’s brokenness reminds us that the present world is not all there is and points us toward God’s promised restoration. (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:19-22; Revelation 21:1-5)

#3 CHRIST FOLLOWERS GROAN WHILE WAITING FOR REDEMPTION

Believers experience suffering, weakness, aging, and loss, yet we eagerly await the redemption of our bodies and the complete fulfillment of God’s promises. Our hope rests not in what we can presently see but in what God has promised. (Romans 8:23-25; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Philippians 3:20-21)

#4 THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS

When we do not know how to pray or what to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will. We are never alone in our struggles because God welcomes us into His presence and faithfully helps His people. (John 15:7; Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 4:16)

When life is difficult, keep your eyes on Christ and the hope He has promised. Trust that God is preparing something far greater than your present trials and that His Spirit is faithfully helping you every step of the way.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Romans 8:18-27

Supporting passages: Genesis 3:17-19; John 15:7; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 4:16; Revelation 21:1-5

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18727030

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Your identity shapes the way you live. In this message from Romans 8:12-17, Pastor Chris Teien explains how every believer has been adopted into God’s family, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and given the assurance of an eternal inheritance through Jesus Christ.

God does not call us to earn His acceptance. Through faith in Jesus, we are welcomed into His family, freed from sin’s mastery, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as His children. Our confidence rests not in our performance but in God’s grace and promises.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 BREAK FREE FROM THE OLD WAY OF LIVING

Because we belong to Christ, we are no longer obligated to live according to our sinful desires. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can turn from sin and pursue the new life God has called us to live. (Romans 6:11-14; Romans 8:12-13; Colossians 3:5-10)

#2 WALK DAILY UNDER THE SPIRIT’S LEADING

The Holy Spirit guides, strengthens, and transforms every believer. As we yield to His leading and fill our hearts with God’s truth, He helps us grow in obedience and become more like Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 30:21; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 8:14)

#3 LIVE CONFIDENTLY AS GOD’S ADOPTED CHILD

God has adopted every believer into His family and given us the full rights of His children. We no longer need to live as slaves to fear because we can call God our Father and rest in the assurance of His love. (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5)

#4 LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ETERNAL INHERITANCE

As children of God, we are heirs with Christ. We can face both joy and suffering with confidence because our present trials are temporary and our future inheritance with Christ is secure. (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

Live each day with the confidence that you belong to God. Walk by the Holy Spirit, resist the pull of sin, and rest in the assurance that you are God’s beloved child with an eternal inheritance in Christ.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Romans 8:12-17

Supporting passages: Isaiah 30:21; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5; Colossians 3:5-10; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18688050

26.0215de Living from a Secure Identity

I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

The world often defines love by feelings, but God defines love through faithful action. In this message from 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Chris Teien explains how biblical love protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres as we reflect the character of Christ in our relationships.

God’s love is more than an emotion. It is a daily commitment to seek the good of others, extend grace, remain faithful, and demonstrate the sacrificial love Jesus has shown to us. As we grow in Christ, His love transforms the way we treat people at home, in the church, and throughout everyday life.

(Pastor Chris Teien originally preached this replay message in Belle Plaine, MN, in 2017.)

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS

Biblical love seeks to guard others from unnecessary harm, embarrassment, and gossip while remaining faithful to the truth. Love protects a person’s dignity, strengthens what is weak, encourages those who are vulnerable, and handles correction with grace and wisdom. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Proverbs 10:12; John 17:15)

#2 LOVE ALWAYS TRUSTS

Christian love gives others the benefit of the doubt and chooses grace over suspicion whenever possible. This does not require ignoring danger or pretending broken trust does not matter. Trust may need to be rebuilt, but love seeks truth and restoration rather than automatically assuming the worst. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Ephesians 4:32)

#3 LOVE ALWAYS HOPES

Godly love does not give up on what God can do in another person’s life. It recognizes that God’s grace is greater than failure and looks forward with hope to His transforming work. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 1:1)

#4 LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES

True love remains faithful through difficulty, disappointment, and sacrifice. Just as Christ has faithfully loved us, believers are called to continue loving others with endurance, wisdom, and commitment. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Hebrews 13:4; 1 John 4:19)

Ask God to help you love others the way He has loved you. Protect people, extend grace, remain hopeful, and faithfully persevere while trusting Christ to work in every relationship.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: 1 Corinthians 13:7

Supporting passages: Proverbs 10:12; John 17:15; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Timothy 1:1; Hebrews 13:4; 1 John 4:19

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335535

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in our own strength. In this message from Romans 8:4-11, Pastor Chris Teien explains how the Holy Spirit transforms our thinking, empowers obedience, and gives believers confidence to live with hope and purpose.

God never intended us merely to follow a list of rules. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within every believer, helping us resist sin, renew our minds, and faithfully follow God’s will. As we walk by the Spirit each day, we experience the life and peace only God can provide.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 SET YOUR MIND ON WHAT BRINGS LIFE AND PEACE

The direction of our lives is shaped by the direction of our thoughts. As we focus on God’s truth instead of sinful desires, the Holy Spirit renews our minds and leads us toward life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:16-25)

#2 TURN AWAY FROM OLD PATTERNS THAT KEEP YOU SPIRITUALLY STUCK

The Holy Spirit calls believers to leave behind their former ways of living and walk in the freedom Christ provides. Instead of returning to empty habits and sinful patterns, we are empowered to live for God’s glory. (Romans 8:7-9; Galatians 5:16-18)

#3 DEPEND DAILY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO LIVES WITHIN YOU

Everyone who belongs to Christ has received the Holy Spirit. He guides, strengthens, and transforms believers, equipping God’s children to grow spiritually and follow Jesus through His power rather than their own. (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-10)

#4 WALK WITH CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S RESURRECTION POWER

The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives within every believer and guarantees our future resurrection. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have help for today and the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:18-20)

Do not try to live the Christian life in your own strength. Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit each day, allow Him to shape your thinking, and trust His power to guide you in faithful obedience to Christ.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Romans 8:4-11

Supporting passages: John 14:16-17; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 1:18-20

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18645648

26.0208de Learning a New Way to Live

I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Guilt can keep us trapped in the past, but Jesus offers complete forgiveness and a new beginning. In this message from Romans 8:1-4, Pastor Chris Teien explains how Christ frees believers from condemnation and empowers them to live a new life through the Holy Spirit.

The gospel offers more than forgiveness for yesterday. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous and empowered to move forward in freedom. No condemnation does not mean that sin no longer matters. It means that Christ has paid sin’s penalty and the Holy Spirit now transforms those who belong to Him.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 STAND ON THE FOUNDATION THAT LIFTS YOU ABOVE CONDEMNATION

Because of Christ’s finished work on the cross, believers are no longer condemned before God. Our standing with Him is based on His grace and Christ’s righteousness rather than our performance. (John 5:24; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1)

#2 LIVE IN THE FREEDOM CHRIST HAS GIVEN YOU

Jesus has set believers free from the law of sin and death. We no longer need to live under the burden of condemnation or strive to earn God’s acceptance through our own efforts. Christ has paid our debt and broken sin’s claim over us. (Romans 6:6-7; Romans 8:2-3; Colossians 2:13-15)

#3 WALK BY THE SPIRIT INSTEAD OF THE FLESH

God’s purpose is not merely to forgive our sins but also to transform our lives. The Holy Spirit gives believers new desires and empowers us to grow in holiness and follow Christ faithfully each day. (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16)

Do not allow guilt or past failures to keep you from following Christ. Confess your sin, receive His forgiveness, stand confidently in His grace, and walk each day in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Romans 8:1-4

Supporting passages: Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 5:24; Romans 5:1; Romans 6:6-7; Galatians 5:16; Colossians 2:13-15

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18607101

26.0201de Living Free From Guilt

I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Following Jesus is not a race we run alone. In this message from Hebrews 12:12-15, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God calls believers to strengthen one another, pursue peace and holiness, and help each other remain faithful until the finish line.

The Christian life requires endurance, encouragement, and intentional growth. As we strengthen weary believers, walk faithfully, remove unnecessary obstacles, and watch over one another with grace, God uses His church to help us finish the race He has set before us.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 STRENGTHEN TIRED BODIES AND WEARY SOULS

God calls believers to respond to hardship and His loving discipline by growing stronger in faith rather than giving up. Through God’s strength and the encouragement of other Christians, we can continue serving Christ with endurance even when we become weary. (Isaiah 35:3-4; Hebrews 12:12; Ephesians 6:10)

#2 WALK STEADY PATHS THAT LEAD TO HEALING

Our daily choices influence the people around us. As we walk faithfully with Christ, we help others follow Him and remove unnecessary obstacles from their spiritual journey. God can use a steady Christian example to bring strength and healing to others. (Proverbs 4:26-27; Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:13)

#3 TRAIN FOR THE RACE THROUGH PEACE AND HOLINESS

God calls His people to pursue peace with others and live holy lives that reflect His character. Spiritual maturity grows as we continually submit our attitudes, relationships, and choices to Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16)

#4 WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER SO GRACE PREVAILS

The church is called to encourage, restore, and care for one another. By addressing bitterness before it spreads and continually pointing one another toward God’s grace, we help fellow believers remain faithful to Christ. (Hebrews 12:15; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Do not run the Christian race alone. Encourage others, pursue holiness, extend grace, and help fellow believers remain faithful as you finish the race God has set before you.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Hebrews 12:12-15

Supporting passages: Isaiah 35:3-4; Proverbs 4:26-27; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Peter 1:15-16

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18567454

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

God’s discipline is not a sign of rejection but of His loving commitment to help His children grow. In this message from Hebrews 12:5-11, Pastor Chris Teien explains how our heavenly Father uses correction, training, and difficult seasons to strengthen faith, deepen spiritual maturity, and prepare believers to serve Christ faithfully.

Not every hardship is punishment for a specific sin. Biblical discipline includes the loving training through which God corrects, instructs, and matures His children. Although that training can be painful, God uses it to produce righteousness, peace, and lasting spiritual fruit.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 GOD CORRECTS THOSE HE LOVES

Just as a good coach helps athletes improve, God lovingly disciplines His children to help them grow in faith and obedience. His correction is not intended to destroy or condemn believers but to guide them toward spiritual maturity and a life that honors Him. (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-6; Revelation 3:19)

#2 GOD’S DISCIPLINE CONFIRMS OUR IDENTITY AS HIS CHILDREN

Those who trust Christ have been adopted into God’s family and experience His loving care as their heavenly Father. Rather than viewing discipline as rejection, believers can receive it as evidence that God is actively shaping their lives for His purposes. (John 1:12; Romans 8:15-16; Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 4:4-7; Hebrews 12:7-8; 1 John 5:11-13)

#3 TRUST GOD’S TRAINING FOR FUTURE GROWTH

God uses correction, hardship, and life’s challenges to prepare His people for greater faithfulness. Like an athlete training for competition, believers grow stronger as they submit to God’s instruction and allow Him to shape their character and priorities. (John 15:1-2; Hebrews 12:9-10)

#4 LASTING SPIRITUAL GROWTH COMES THROUGH GOD’S LOVING DISCIPLINE

Discipline is rarely enjoyable in the moment, but God uses it to produce righteousness, peace, and endurance. As believers trust His wisdom and remain faithful through difficult seasons, His training prepares them for a lifetime of fruitful service. (Hebrews 12:11; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

God’s discipline is rooted in His love and directed toward our spiritual growth. Trust His correction, submit to His guidance, and remain faithful as He shapes you into a mature follower of Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Hebrews 12:5-11

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

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18528866

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

God has given every believer a race to run. In this message from Hebrews 12:1-4, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to stay focused on Jesus, persevere through life’s challenges, and faithfully live out the purpose God has prepared for you.

The Christian life is not about comparing yourself with others or remaining trapped by past failures. God calls each of us to run the race He has marked out for us. As we fix our eyes on Christ, remember His victory, and follow His example, we can persevere without losing heart.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 RUN THE RACE GOD HAS MARKED OUT FOR YOU

God has designed your life and prepared good works for you to accomplish. Rather than comparing your path, progress, or opportunities with someone else’s, faithfully pursue the course God has set before you with endurance. (Hebrews 12:1; Ephesians 2:10)

#2 KEEP YOUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS

Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. As we focus on Him rather than becoming consumed by our circumstances, failures, or distractions, we find the strength and direction needed to keep moving forward. (Psalm 16:8; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:2)

#3 REMEMBER THE VICTORY CHRIST HAS ALREADY WON

Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him and completed the work of salvation. He now sits at the right hand of God. Christ’s finished work gives every believer confidence, hope, and purpose for the race ahead. (Philippians 2:8-11; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2)

#4 PERSEVERE WITHOUT LOSING HEART

Following Christ is not always easy, but His example encourages us to endure hardship faithfully. As we remember what Jesus endured and all He accomplished for us, we gain courage to continue running with confidence. (Hebrews 12:3-4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Peter 2:21)

Do not compare your race with someone else’s. Keep your eyes on Jesus, faithfully run the course God has given you, and trust Him to use your life for His glory every step of the way.

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Hebrews 12:1-4

Supporting passages: Psalm 16:8; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:8-11; Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 2:21

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18490060

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].