Fear has a way of stealing our peace, but God's joy gives us the confidence to trust Him through every circumstance. In this message from Luke 2, Pastor Chris Teien explores the Christmas story and shows how God's presence, promises, and salvation replace fear with lasting joy.

The birth of Jesus reminds us that God is at work even when life is uncertain. As we trust Him through difficult circumstances, confront our fears, receive the good news of Christ, and faithfully share His message with others, we discover a joy that is stronger than fear.

In This Message: 

1. Remember That God Works Through Difficult Circumstances

Joseph and Mary experienced inconvenience, uncertainty, and hardship, yet God was accomplishing His perfect plan. Even when life doesn't unfold as we expect, God is faithfully working for our good and His glory. (Luke 2:1-7; Romans 8:28)

2. Recognize Where Fear Shows Up in Your Life

Fear can keep us from trusting God, sharing our faith, or taking the next step of obedience. God invites us to honestly bring our fears to Him and replace them with confidence in His promises. (Luke 2:8-9; Psalm 34:4)

3. Receive God's Peace and Good News

The angel's message to the shepherds was one of hope, salvation, and great joy. Through Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness, peace, and eternal life to all who believe. (Luke 2:10-12; John 3:16-18)

4. Rejoice in God's Promise of Peace and Favor

The heavenly host proclaimed God's glory and announced peace through the coming Messiah. True peace is found in a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. (Luke 2:13-14; Romans 5:1)

5. Respond to God's Leading with Obedient Faith

The shepherds immediately acted on what God revealed to them. Joy grows as we obey God's Word and take faithful steps of trust. (Luke 2:15-16; James 1:22)

6. Share What God Has Done in Your Life

After meeting Jesus, the shepherds joyfully told others what they had seen and heard. Every believer has the privilege of sharing the hope of Christ and encouraging others through their testimony. (Luke 2:17-20; Acts 1:8)

Takeaway

Don't allow fear to keep you from experiencing the joy God offers through Jesus Christ. Trust His promises, obey His leading, and boldly share the good news that brings hope to the world.

Illustrations

• Joseph and Mary's difficult journey to Bethlehem reminds us that God often accomplishes His greatest purposes through unexpected hardships.

• The shepherds' fearful encounter with the angels demonstrates how God's presence replaces fear with peace and joy.

• A police escort illustrates the difference between fearing judgment and confidently walking under God's grace and protection.

Key Quotes

"Fear focuses on what could go wrong. Joy anchors us in what God has already done."

"God's joy is stronger than your greatest fear."

"The shepherds experienced Jesus, then shared Him with others."

Search Topics

Luke 2, Christmas, joy, fear, shepherds, birth of Jesus, peace, gospel, Christian living, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

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

25.1214der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

God never intended us to follow Him alone. In this message from Luke 1, Pastor Chris Teien explores the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth and shows how God uses other believers to strengthen our faith, encourage us during difficult seasons, and prepare us for His purposes.

Throughout Scripture, God brings people together at just the right time. As we receive encouragement from mature believers, rely on the Holy Spirit, remember God's faithfulness, and invest in the lives of others, we experience the joy that comes from walking together in Christ.

In This Message: 

1. God Often Sends Encouragement at the Right Time

Mary's visit to Elizabeth was not an accident. God brought two faithful women together so they could encourage one another and confidently embrace His plan for their lives. (Luke 1:39-45; Luke 1:36)

2. The Holy Spirit Strengthens and Encourages Believers

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke words of truth and encouragement to Mary. The same Holy Spirit empowers believers today to strengthen, comfort, and build up one another. (Luke 1:41-45; Ephesians 5:18; Acts 1:8)

3. Remember God's Faithfulness in Every Season

Elizabeth reminded Mary that God always keeps His promises. Looking back on God's faithfulness gives us confidence to trust Him with whatever lies ahead. (Luke 1:45; Romans 15:13)

4. Worship God for His Grace and His Plan

Mary responded to God's goodness with joyful praise and humble worship. Gratitude grows as we recognize God's grace and trust His perfect plan for our lives. (Luke 1:46-55; Psalm 103:1-5)

5. Become an Encourager in Someone Else's Life

Just as Elizabeth invested in Mary, God calls believers to encourage, disciple, and strengthen others in their walk with Christ. We never know how God may use our words and example to prepare someone for His purposes. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:29)

Takeaway

Ask God to use you as an encourager. Be available to strengthen someone's faith, point them to Christ, and help them confidently follow God's calling for their life.

Illustrations

• Mary and Elizabeth demonstrate how God often provides encouragement through faithful relationships during life's most uncertain seasons.

• Moses and Aaron, Elijah and Elisha, Esther and Mordecai, and Priscilla and Aquila remind us that God frequently accomplishes His work through people serving together.

• The story of planting a church illustrates how God faithfully provides the right people at the right time to accomplish His purposes.

Key Quotes

"God often sends the right person at the right time."

"The Holy Spirit empowers believers to encourage one another."

"You may be the encouragement someone else has been praying for."

Search Topics

Luke 1, Mary and Elizabeth, encouragement, Holy Spirit, Christian friendship, discipleship, Christmas, spiritual growth, Christian community, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

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

25.1207der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Waiting can be one of the hardest parts of the Christian life, especially when our prayers seem unanswered. In this message from Luke 1, Pastor Chris Teien examines the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth and shows how God remains faithful even during seasons of silence, disappointment, and waiting.

God's delays are never without purpose. As we faithfully serve Him, trust His timing, continue praying, and remain confident in His promises, we discover that lasting joy is found not in getting what we want immediately, but in knowing the God who is always working for our good.

In This Message: 

1. Remain Faithful While You Wait

Zechariah and Elizabeth continued serving God with faithful obedience even though they carried the disappointment of unanswered prayers. Their example reminds us to trust God even when He seems silent. (Luke 1:5-7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

2. Trust That God Hears Every Prayer

God had not forgotten Zechariah and Elizabeth. At the perfect time, He answered a prayer they had long stopped expecting Him to answer. God's timing is always wiser than our own. (Luke 1:8-20; Psalm 27:14)

3. Believe That God Is Working Behind the Scenes

God orchestrated every detail at exactly the right moment. Even when we cannot see His hand, He is faithfully preparing people and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. (Luke 1:8-17; Malachi 4:5-6; Romans 8:28)

4. Expect God to Work in Unexpected Ways

The birth of John the Baptist reminds us that God often accomplishes extraordinary things through unlikely people and unexpected circumstances. Nothing is impossible with Him. (Luke 1:18-25; Luke 1:37)

Takeaway

Don't lose heart while you wait. Continue serving God faithfully, trust His perfect timing, and remember that He is always at work, even when you cannot yet see what He is doing.

Illustrations

• Zechariah's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve in the temple reminds us that God often works through ordinary moments to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

• A young woman praying for opportunities to share her faith demonstrates how God answers prayers by preparing both His people and the circumstances around them.

• Planting a church and watching God provide people, resources, and opportunities illustrates that God's answers often arrive in ways we never expected.

Key Quotes

"God's silence does not mean God's absence."

"God hears the prayers you stopped expecting Him to answer."

"Faithful waiting is never wasted when you trust God's timing."

Search Topics

Luke 1, Zechariah, Elizabeth, waiting on God, answered prayer, God's timing, joy, Christmas, trusting God, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18274897

25.1130der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

True thanksgiving begins long before we count our blessings. It begins by recognizing that God has chosen us, shown us mercy, and welcomed us into His family through Jesus Christ. In this message from 1 Peter, Pastor Chris Teien explains how understanding our identity in Christ produces a life marked by gratitude, worship, and faithful service.

Thankfulness is more than a holiday tradition or a response to favorable circumstances. It is the natural overflow of a heart that knows God's grace. As we remember His love, embrace our identity as His people, and faithfully live out His purposes, gratitude becomes a daily way of life.

In This Message: 

1. Be Thankful That God Chose You

Our salvation began with God's gracious initiative, not our own efforts. Before we ever sought Him, God pursued us, called us to Himself, and welcomed us into His family through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:1-2; Ephesians 1:4-5; John 15:16)

2. Be Thankful That You Belong to God's Family

Believers are not meant to follow Christ alone. God has made us His people, united us in His church, and called us to encourage, serve, and strengthen one another. (1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:19; Romans 12:5)

3. Be Thankful That God Has a Purpose for Your Life

God has chosen every believer to declare His praises and serve Him faithfully. He equips us with gifts, opportunities, and relationships so we can glorify Christ and make an eternal difference. (1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:21)

4. Express Your Gratitude Through Worship and Obedience

A thankful heart is demonstrated by more than words. Gratitude is expressed through worship, prayer, faithful obedience, and a life that continually points others to Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Takeaway

Remember who you are in Christ and whose you are. As you reflect on God's grace and His purpose for your life, let gratitude shape your worship, your service, and your witness every day.

Illustrations

• Thanksgiving traditions remind us to pause and intentionally remember God's blessings instead of rushing on to the next event.

• The adoption of the pastor's son beautifully illustrates God's gracious initiative in adopting believers into His eternal family.

• The lives of Abraham, Moses, David, Esther, Paul, and other biblical figures demonstrate that God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

Key Quotes

"Gratitude grows when we remember who we are and whose we are in Christ."

"God chose you before you ever chose Him."

"A thankful heart is the natural response to God's amazing grace."

Search Topics

1 Peter, chosen by God, thanksgiving, gratitude, election, adoption, identity in Christ, Christian living, God's grace, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18239546

25.1123der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Following Jesus does not exempt us from hardship. In this message from 1 Peter 4-5, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers can remain faithful through suffering, trust God's purposes in trials, and find strength to keep moving forward without losing heart.

God never wastes our struggles. He uses trials to strengthen our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and prepare us for the work He has called us to do. As we trust His promises, praise Him in difficult seasons, and place our lives in His hands, we can persevere with hope and confidence.

In This Message: 

1. Prepare for the Pressure of Trials

Scripture teaches that suffering is a normal part of following Christ. Rather than being surprised by hardship, believers should expect opposition and trust that God is using trials to refine their faith. (1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4)

2. Praise Christ in the Pain

When we suffer for faithfully following Jesus, we honor Him by continuing to worship, obey, and trust Him. God blesses those who remain faithful even when living for Christ is difficult. (1 Peter 4:14-16; Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10)

3. Place Your Life in God's Hands

God is faithful even when life is hard. As we continue doing what is right and entrust ourselves to Him, He strengthens our faith and accomplishes His purposes through every trial. (1 Peter 4:19; 1 Peter 5:6-7)

4. Bring Every Care to God in Prayer

The Lord invites believers to cast every burden, worry, and anxiety upon Him because He genuinely cares for His children. Prayer strengthens us to endure whatever lies ahead. (1 Peter 5:6-7; Philippians 4:6-7)

5. Stand Firm Against the Enemy

The Christian life is a spiritual battle. Believers must remain alert, resist the devil, encourage one another, and remember that God will restore, strengthen, and establish those who faithfully endure. (1 Peter 5:8-10; Ephesians 6:10-18)

Takeaway

Don't allow hardship to cause you to lose heart. Trust God's purposes, remain faithful in every season, and remember that He is using even your greatest trials to strengthen your faith and prepare you for eternity.

Illustrations

• Alexander Selkirk's years of isolation on a deserted island demonstrate how perseverance through hardship can produce strength, endurance, and hope.

• Refining gold through intense fire illustrates how God uses trials to purify and strengthen the faith of His people.

• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remind us that when believers walk through life's fiery trials, God is present with them and will never abandon them.

Key Quotes

"God is still at work, even when life is hard."

"Perseverance is trusting God when you don't understand what He is doing."

"Don't lose heart. God is using today's trials to prepare you for tomorrow."

Search Topics

1 Peter, perseverance, suffering, trials, Christian endurance, spiritual growth, trusting God, hope, Christian living, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18199675

25.1116de How to Persevere Through Life's Trials and Troubles

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Leadership is not reserved for pastors, executives, or elected officials. Every follower of Jesus has influence. In this message from 1 Peter 3-5, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers can lead with courage, integrity, humility, and conviction while remaining faithful to Christ in an increasingly challenging world.

Christian leadership begins with character before position. As we pursue peace, stand firm in our faith, graciously share the hope of the gospel, and faithfully endure opposition, God uses our lives to influence others and bring glory to Jesus Christ.

In This Message: 

1. Pursue Peace While Doing What Is Right

God calls believers to turn away from evil, actively pursue peace, and consistently do what is right. Even when others misunderstand or oppose us, our faithful character points people to Christ. (1 Peter 3:8-12; Psalm 34:12-16; Romans 12:18)

2. Stand Firm Without Giving in to Fear

Fear can silence our witness, but Christ calls us to courage. As we honor Him above every earthly opinion or consequence, we discover the confidence to faithfully live for Him. (1 Peter 3:13-15; Isaiah 8:12-13)

3. Share the Hope of Christ with Gentleness and Respect

Every believer should be prepared to explain the reason for their hope in Jesus. Our witness should always reflect truth, humility, kindness, and genuine love for those who are searching. (1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:5-6)

4. Choose Faithfulness Over Compromise

Following Christ sometimes brings opposition, but it is always better to suffer for doing what is right than to compromise biblical truth. God honors those who remain faithful under pressure. (1 Peter 3:17-18; 1 Peter 4:12-16)

5. Lead with Humility and Integrity

Whether leading in the home, the workplace, the church, or the community, Christian leadership is marked by servant-hearted humility, godly character, and a desire to faithfully care for others. (1 Peter 5:1-6; Mark 10:42-45)

Takeaway

You don't need a title to be a leader. Wherever God has placed you, lead with courage, humility, and conviction, pointing people to Jesus through both your words and your example.

Illustrations

• John Maxwell's teaching reminds us that leadership is influence, not merely a position or title.

• Working under a difficult manager at Hardee's demonstrates how faithfully pursuing peace and integrity can honor Christ even in challenging circumstances.

• Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse illustrate the importance of meeting practical needs while remaining faithful to proclaim the gospel.

Key Quotes

"Leadership begins with character before it begins with position."

"You don't need a title to influence people for Christ."

"Lead with courage, but always speak with gentleness and respect."

Search Topics

1 Peter, Christian leadership, courage, conviction, sharing your faith, apologetics, servant leadership, integrity, discipleship, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18159510

25.1109der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Life is not always fair, but followers of Jesus can still live as winners in God's eyes. In this message from 1 Peter 2-3, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers can honor Christ through respectful living, godly relationships, and gracious responses, even when facing unfair treatment or difficult circumstances.

The world's definition of winning focuses on success, recognition, and comfort. God's definition is different. As we honor authority, serve our families, and respond to others with humility and kindness, we become powerful witnesses for Jesus Christ and point people to the hope of the gospel.

In This Message: 

1. Honor Authority as an Act of Worship

God calls believers to respect those in authority and live honorable lives that reflect Christ. Even when we disagree with leaders, our respectful conduct protects the reputation of the gospel and demonstrates our trust in God's sovereignty. (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; Acts 5:29)

2. Make Your Home a Place That Honors Christ

The strongest testimony often begins at home. Peter encourages husbands and wives to honor one another, serve each other with humility, and display Christlike character that strengthens marriages and points others to Jesus. (1 Peter 3:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-33)

3. Choose Blessing Instead of Revenge

Followers of Christ are called to respond to insults, criticism, and mistreatment with kindness instead of retaliation. God uses gracious responses to display His love and open doors for the gospel. (1 Peter 3:8-12; Romans 12:17-21)

Takeaway

You don't have to win by the world's standards to be successful in God's eyes. Choose to honor Christ in every relationship, respond with grace when life feels unfair, and trust that God sees your faithfulness and will reward it in His perfect time.

Illustrations

• Competing on a high school gymnastics team demonstrates that even when we are not the best by worldly standards, we can still honor God through faithfulness, humility, and perseverance.

• Christians respectfully defending their biblical convictions through lawful and gracious means illustrate how believers can influence culture without compromising Christlike character.

• Sarah's faithful example reminds us that trusting God through difficult relationships often becomes a powerful testimony of faith.

Key Quotes

"Winning in God's eyes is more important than winning in the world's eyes."

"Your greatest witness is often seen in how you respond when life feels unfair."

"Respect, humility, and grace are powerful tools for advancing the gospel."

Search Topics

1 Peter, Christian living, honoring authority, marriage, forgiveness, responding to unfairness, biblical leadership, Christian character, discipleship, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18120185

25.1102der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

How to Stay Focused on God in a Distracted World. Distraction has become one of the greatest spiritual challenges of our time. In this guest message, Dr. Ken Castor explains how the endless demands, pressures, and temptations of modern life pull our attention away from God and how Jesus alone gives us the pure heart needed to truly see Him.

Every generation longs for peace, fulfillment, and purpose, yet many search for those things in temporary distractions instead of in Christ. Jesus calls us to pursue Him above everything else. As we surrender our distractions, seek Him wholeheartedly, and allow Him to transform our hearts, we discover the blessed life He promises.

In This Message: 

1. Recognize the Distractions That Pull You Away from God

Modern life constantly competes for our attention. Entertainment, technology, busyness, and countless other distractions can slowly shift our focus away from Christ and leave us spiritually empty. (Matthew 5:8; Philippians 4:8)

2. Pursue God Instead of Chasing Temporary Fulfillment

Many people seek satisfaction through possessions, experiences, or accomplishments, but lasting joy is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ. (Matthew 6:33; Matthew 5:3-10)

3. Ask Christ to Give You a Pure Heart

A pure heart cannot be achieved through greater effort or religious activity. Jesus alone transforms hearts, forgives sin, and enables believers to live with a renewed focus on God. (Ezekiel 36:26; 1 John 1:9; James 4:8)

4. Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus Every Day

Spiritual growth happens as believers intentionally remove distractions, meditate on God's Word, and continually pursue Christ above everything else. A focused heart leads to a life that reflects His peace, joy, and purpose. (Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8)

Takeaway

Don't spend your life chasing temporary distractions. Pursue Jesus with your whole heart, allow Him to transform your life, and discover the lasting joy and fulfillment found only in Him.

Illustrations

• The growing anxiety among today's younger generation demonstrates that constant distraction cannot satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart.

• The humorous illustration of a "blessing" being a group of unicorns reminds listeners that God's blessings are not magical shortcuts but often come through wholehearted obedience.

• Blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus illustrates every believer's need for Christ to open our spiritual eyes and give us a new heart.

Key Quotes

"Don't pursue blessing. Pursue God."

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

"Jesus is in the business of helping people see."

Search Topics

Matthew 5, Beatitudes, pure in heart, distractions, spiritual growth, following Jesus, Christian living, holiness, Ken Castor, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18111930

19.1110der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Every follower of Jesus has a place in God's plan. In this message from 1 Peter 2, Pastor Chris Teien explains how Christ is the Cornerstone, believers are living stones, and every Christian has been chosen and sent to proclaim the hope of the gospel.

It's easy to feel insignificant or wonder if your life really matters. God's Word reminds us that every believer has a purpose. As we build our lives on Christ, embrace our identity as God's people, and faithfully represent Him wherever He places us, we become part of His unfolding story of redemption.

In This Message: 

1. Build Your Life on Christ, the Sure Foundation

Jesus is the Cornerstone upon whom every lasting life must be built. While the world builds on temporary things, those who trust Christ discover a foundation that will never fail. (1 Peter 2:4-8; Matthew 7:24-27; Acts 4:11-12)

2. Discover Your Place as a Living Stone

God is building every believer into His spiritual house. Each follower of Christ has unique gifts, purpose, and value as part of God's church, working together to accomplish His mission. (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19-22)

3. Remember Who You Are in Christ

Believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's treasured possession. Our identity is no longer defined by our past but by God's grace and His calling on our lives. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

4. Live as Someone Sent to Reflect God's Greatness

God calls His people to live honorable lives that point others to Jesus. Through our words, our character, and our relationships, we demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel to the world around us. (1 Peter 2:11-12; Matthew 5:16)

Takeaway

Don't underestimate your place in God's story. Build your life on Jesus Christ, faithfully serve where He has placed you, and allow your life to point others to the hope found only in Him.

Illustrations

• The church's historic cornerstone illustrates how Jesus is the perfect foundation upon which every believer and every church must be built.

• Installing a fence that continually struck hidden rocks demonstrates the importance of beginning with a solid foundation.

• Building a stone structure reminds us that every believer is a living stone with an important place in God's kingdom.

Key Quotes

"Jesus is the Cornerstone. We are the living stones."

"Every believer has a place in God's story."

"Build your life on the foundation that will never fail."

Search Topics

1 Peter 2, Cornerstone, living stones, identity in Christ, chosen people, royal priesthood, Christian purpose, discipleship, church, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18076734

25.1026der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

God doesn't call His people to earn His love. He calls them to reflect His character. In this message from 1 Peter 1-2, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's grace transforms imperfect people into believers who increasingly pursue holiness in an unholy world.

The Christian life is not about trying harder to be good enough for God. It is about responding to His grace by becoming more like Jesus Christ. As we leave behind our old desires, live with reverent awe of God, and grow through His Word, the Holy Spirit shapes us into people who reflect God's holiness every day.

In This Message: 

1. Leave Behind Your Old Desires

Because we belong to Christ, we are no longer defined by the sinful desires that once controlled us. God calls us to pursue holiness as His beloved children, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and our lives. (1 Peter 1:13-16; Leviticus 19:2)

2. Live with Reverent Awe of God

Our salvation was purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Remembering His sacrifice motivates us to honor Him with our lives, knowing that we belong to Him and desire to please Him above all else. (1 Peter 1:17-21; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

3. Grow Through God's Word

Spiritual maturity doesn't happen by accident. As believers hunger for God's Word and consistently apply its truth, the Holy Spirit strengthens them to reject sin and grow into the likeness of Christ. (1 Peter 2:1-3; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:103)

Takeaway

Holiness is not about achieving perfection. It is about faithfully following Jesus, relying on His grace, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your life one step at a time.

Illustrations

• Changes in evangelism over the years, from postcards and door-to-door visits to today's digital culture, remind us that while methods change, God's call to holy living and faithful witness never does.

• Trading worldly ambitions for eternal priorities illustrates how Christ transforms our desires as we mature in our faith.

• A clean utensil ready for the Master's use demonstrates that God desires believers who are prepared, available, and useful for His kingdom.

Key Quotes

"God's grace doesn't leave us where it found us."

"Holiness is becoming more like Jesus every day."

"God wants to use people who are available and growing in Him."

Search Topics

1 Peter 1, holiness, God's grace, sanctification, Christian growth, holy living, spiritual maturity, Holy Spirit, discipleship, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18037753

25.1019der

Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith