Well Faith with Chris Teien

James 2:1–13 | What do someone’s clothes, car, or last name tell you about their worth? Less than you might think. Pastor Chris Teien explains how first impressions can lead to favoritism and why faith in Jesus should shape the way we welcome and treat people.Through everyday examples and James’s contrast between rich and poor visitors, discover how to look beyond appearances, examine your motives, and show mercy. Learn why treating everyone with dignity goes hand in hand with wise discernment, and why every person needs the same saving grace found in Christ.IN THIS MESSAGE1. LOOK BEYOND APPEARANCEJames challenges believers who give special attention to a well-dressed visitor while dishonoring someone in dirty clothes. Clothing, possessions, and connections cannot determine a person’s worth or need for Jesus. Welcome people with Christlike care while exercising discernment based on character rather than outward impressions. (James 2:1–4; Romans 15:7; John 7:24)2. VALUE PEOPLE BEYOND THEIR STATUSWealth does not measure spiritual maturity, and poverty does not make someone less important. James exposes the contradiction of honoring influential people while neglecting those God values. Trust God rather than pursuing relationships for personal advantage, and use whatever resources you have to do good and help others. (James 2:5–7; 1 Timothy 6:17–19)3. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR WITHOUT FAVORITISMThe royal law calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, including people outside our familiar circles. Favoritism violates that command, and doing other good things does not excuse it. Obedience cannot earn salvation, but the grace we have received should move us to care for the people God places around us. (James 2:8–11; Luke 10:25–37)4. SPEAK AND ACT WITH MERCYJames calls us to take our words and actions seriously and show mercy to others. Remembering that God saved us through His mercy challenges harsh judgments and selective compassion. Every person needs forgiveness and new life through Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again. (James 2:12–13; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9–13)BE ENCOURAGEDWho might you overlook because they seem different, unfamiliar, or unlikely to offer you anything in return? Make room for a conversation, offer a sincere welcome, and seek to understand their story. Ask God to expose favoritism in your heart and help you reflect His mercy. If you have not trusted Jesus for salvation, receive the grace He offers and begin following Him.26.1004de I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at https://Well.faith, learn more at https://ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at https://Rockwell.church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at [email protected].

Do you know what the Bible says but struggle to put it into practice? In James 1:19-27, Pastor Chris Teien considers the difference between hearing God’s Word and responding to it. A riding mower that could not move until its transmission was engaged offers a memorable picture of faith that stays in neutral.James calls us to receive God’s Word humbly, do what it says, and let it shape our words and our care for others. Pastor Chris also explains why obedience cannot earn salvation. New life begins through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again.IN THIS MESSAGE#1 BE READY TO RECEIVE GOD’S WORDCome to Scripture ready to listen, willing to be corrected, and slow to dismiss what challenges you. James urges us to put aside sin and humbly accept the Word God has planted in us. (James 1:19-21; Psalm 119:18; Hebrews 3:15)#2 RESPOND BY DOING WHAT IT SAYSHearing or studying the Bible is only the beginning. James compares someone who hears without acting to a person who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what needs attention. Look carefully at the passage, consider what it teaches about God, and take a specific step of obedience. (James 1:22-25; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 139:23-24; John 8:31-32)#3 LET GOD’S WORD RESHAPE HOW YOU LIVEGod’s Word affects how we speak, how we care for people in distress, and how we resist the world’s influence. Pastor Chris encourages practical acts of care, even when we cannot meet every need. These actions express a faith shaped by God’s grace; they do not make us right with Him. (James 1:26-27; Romans 12:2)As you read the Bible, ask what God wants you to believe, change, or do. If you have not placed your faith in Jesus, receive the salvation He offers as a gift. Then follow Him and put His Word into practice. (John 3:16-18; Ephesians 2:8-9)SCRIPTUREPrimary passage: James 1:19-27
Supporting passages: Psalm 119:18; Psalm 139:23-24; John 3:16-18; John 8:31-32; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 3:15; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:18Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19870818
26.0927de 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].

Temptation often promises satisfaction, freedom, or relief, but giving in can produce guilt, damaged relationships, and lasting consequences. Teaching from James 1:9-18, Pastor Chris Teien explains the difference between trials and temptation, where temptation begins, and how believers can resist its deceptive promises.God does not tempt us to do evil. Temptation draws upon desires within us and invites us to meet legitimate needs in sinful ways or at the wrong time. This message encourages us to recognize temptation early, understand where sin leads, and trust that God’s provision is better than anything temptation offers. When we have failed, Jesus offers forgiveness, restoration, and freedom from condemnation.IN THIS MESSAGE#1 KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONTrials place our faith under pressure, but God can use them to develop endurance and strengthen our trust in Him. Temptation entices us to respond to pressure by disobeying God. Eternal life is not earned by surviving enough trials, but perseverance demonstrates a living faith grounded in love for Christ. (James 1:9-13)#2 RECOGNIZE WHERE TEMPTATION BEGINSTemptation often works through our own desires, thoughts, and vulnerabilities. Not every desire is sinful, but desire becomes dangerous when we dwell on sinful possibilities or seek satisfaction outside God’s will. Believers should guard their hearts, avoid settings that support sin, resist the devil, and remain humble about their weaknesses. (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:12; James 1:14; James 4:7)#3 UNDERSTAND WHERE TEMPTATION LEADSDesire that is welcomed and pursued gives birth to sin, and sin ultimately produces death. Sin can destroy relationships, opportunities, families, and spiritual effectiveness. Yet those who belong to Jesus are not left without hope. Salvation rests upon Christ’s perfect work, and believers who fall can confess their sins, receive forgiveness, and pursue restoration. (Romans 6:23; Romans 8:1; James 1:15; 1 John 1:8-9; 1 John 3:6)#4 TRUST GOD’S PROVISION INSTEAD OF TEMPTATION’S PROMISESTemptation offers attractive substitutes that fail to deliver what they promise. God is good, generous, faithful, and unchanging. He provides a way to endure temptation and gives His people everything necessary to accomplish His purposes. Because God gave His own Son for us, we can trust His character and choose obedience instead of taking the bait of sin. (Proverbs 3:26; Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:16-18)Resist temptation by trusting that God’s provision is better than sin’s promises. When temptation appears, look for the way of escape God provides, turn your thoughts toward Christ, and choose the path that honors Him. If you have already fallen, confess your sin and receive the forgiveness and cleansing God offers through Jesus.SCRIPTUREPrimary passage: James 1:9-18Supporting passages: Proverbs 3:26; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 4:1-4; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:1, 32; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; James 4:7; 1 John 1:8-9; 1 John 3:6Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19835471 Helping you understand and apply God’s Word as you follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more about Pastor Chris Teien at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell Church at Rockwell.church. Find more sermon audio and transcripts at Well.faith. If this message encouraged you, let us know at [email protected].

Trouble is not a matter of if, but when. When hardship arrives, it can expose what we trust, weaken our confidence, or become an opportunity for God to strengthen our faith. In this message from James 1:1–12, Pastor Chris Teien explains why believers can face trials with joy without pretending that pain is pleasant. Through practical stories about physical training, ministry preparation, and a difficult bicycle climb, he shows how God develops endurance, provides wisdom, and reminds us that our value is not measured by our circumstances or net worth.In This Message1) Let God Strengthen Your FaithTrials are not good in themselves, but they can become opportunities for joy because God uses tested faith to develop endurance. Like resistance strengthens the body, pressure can strengthen believers as they continue trusting and obeying. Mature faith grows through Scripture, spiritual disciplines, and repeatedly choosing to do what is right when life is difficult. (James 1:1–4; Psalm 23:1)2) Ask God for the Wisdom You NeedWisdom is more than knowledge. It is the God-given ability to apply truth to a real situation. When believers do not know how to respond, they should ask their generous God with faith in Him alone, trusting that He can answer through Scripture, faithful teaching, and mature Christians. (James 1:5–8)3) Remember God Does Not Measure Your Value by Your Net WorthNeither poverty nor wealth determines a believer’s standing before God. Those with little are honored by God, while those with much must remember that money and achievements quickly fade. God does not value wealthy people more or overlook those who have less. (James 1:9–11)4) Look Forward to God’s Blessing as You PersevereGod blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Believers can persevere because God has promised the crown of life to those who love Him. That hope points beyond present pressure to the life God gives through His Son. (James 1:12; 1 John 5:11–12)Main IdeaBecause God uses trials to strengthen and mature our faith, believers can meet hardship with confident joy, ask Him for wisdom, remember that their value is not determined by wealth, and keep persevering in hope of His promised blessing.ScripturePrimary passage: James 1:1–12Supporting passages: Psalm 23:1; Galatians 2:9; 1 John 5:11–12Illustrations

• Strengthening the body through exercise and resistance illustrates how tested faith develops endurance.
• Pastor Chris describes preparing for ministry licensing and ordination, including answering 126 questions about the Christian faith.
• While overwhelmed by an evangelism paper, Pastor Chris insulated and sheetrocked his garage while working through the subject in his mind.
• A professional Colorado firefighter trained on a stair machine with a heavy backpack so he would be ready to run miles into mountain fires.
• Pastor Chris repeatedly rode a difficult bicycle hill until he gained the strength and patience to climb it without stopping.
• A flat tire illustrates that Christian joy does not mean feeling happy about trouble.

Key Quotes

• “This does not say if troubles come your way. It says when troubles come your way.”
• “Our joy is not found in the pain.”
• “Endurance is the ability to remain under pressure without abandoning faith.”
• “Perseverance is more than passive waiting. It’s continuing to trust and obey while the pressure remains.”
• “Your endurance, when it grows, makes you stronger, makes you more useful, helps you to be more usable in the hands of God.”
• “Remember God does not measure your value by your net worth.”

Search TopicsJames 1, Book of James, authentic faith, Christian trials, tested faith, spiritual endurance, perseverance, Christian joy, wisdom from God, divided loyalty, poverty and wealth, net worth and identity, crown of life, James the brother of Jesus, trusting God in hardship, growing through trials, Christian maturity, eternal life in JesusFull Episode & Transcripthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19805175 
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

Usually, we receive communion together as a church family. This episode is a clip from a communion service at Rockwell Church that may encourage you to remember what Jesus has done, examine your heart, and spend time in personal prayer.Drawing from Lamentations 3 and 1 Corinthians 11, Pastor Chris Teien explains why we can wait on the Lord, place our hope in Him, examine our ways, and return to Him. The guided prayer includes time for confession, thanksgiving, trusting God with anxiety, restoring relationships, and considering whether our priorities are pleasing to Him.Communion reminds believers of the body and blood of Jesus Christ and proclaims His death until He comes again. Although the Lord’s Supper is ordinarily shared with other believers as the church gathers, this recording can help you prepare your heart for communion or guide your personal Scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. (Lamentations 3:24–25, 40–41; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)Read the companion article and watch the video:
https://christeien.com/?p=250235#RockwellChurch218 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

Why do you work? Some people struggle to work faithfully, while others work constantly without knowing what they are trying to accomplish. In this Labor Day message, Pastor Chris Teien explains how ordinary work can become an act of worship and service. Whether you are employed, retired, studying, volunteering, leading others, or caring for your family, God can give purpose to what you do.In This Message1. Acknowledge Work as God’s Gift (Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13)Work existed before sin entered the world. Although sin made labor more difficult, God originally gave Adam meaningful responsibility in the Garden of Eden. Every honest kind of work can contribute to the well-being of others, and we should recognize, enjoy, and celebrate the fruit of our labor.2. Offer Your Best Work to Christ (Proverbs 27:18; Colossians 3:23–24)Faithful workers care about their employer’s interests and perform their responsibilities with honesty and excellence. Even when a supervisor fails to notice or reward good work, God sees what is being done. Christians should work willingly because Christ is ultimately the Master they are serving.3. Use Your Influence to Serve (Proverbs 29:2, 7; Mark 10:43–45)Authority and influence should be used to help people rather than exploit them. Godly leaders recognize good work, correct without humiliating, take responsibility for their mistakes, protect vulnerable people, and help others reach their potential. Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is expressed through service.4. Use Your Income to Bless Others (Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 19:17; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8)Income allows us to provide for our families, support the work of God, and care for people in need. Christian giving should be planned, generous, and cheerful, not motivated by pressure. Scripture does not promise that giving will make someone rich, but it teaches that God sees generosity and faithfully provides what His people need.Main IdeaGod does not give us the ability to work and earn merely so we can accumulate more. He provides through our work so we can care for our families, support His church, and become a blessing to others.ScriptureGenesis 2:15; Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 27:18; Proverbs 29:2, 7; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Mark 10:43–45; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8; Colossians 3:23–24; 1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10.Illustrations• An old lumber mill illustrates the planning, workers, resources, and clear purpose required to produce something useful.• An Iowa farmer viewed farming and his relationships with workers, vendors, and landowners as his ministry.• A longtime Virginia choir director and football coach demonstrates the lasting influence of faithful work.• Walking through a cemetery prompted reflection on how people use their limited time and what they will be remembered for.• Building a deck provided the satisfaction of seeing and celebrating the tangible fruit of completed work.• Restaurant employees who know the food they serve illustrate how firsthand knowledge can make someone a better worker.• Temporary factory work and repetitive tasks illustrate the importance of working for Christ even when a job is monotonous.• A high-school decision to take easy classes illustrates the long-term value of avoiding shortcuts and continuing to learn.• Receiving an unexpected $70 settlement check after giving someone $60 illustrates God’s surprising provision.• Preparing dinner for his wife after she began working nights illustrates how unpaid work can serve and bless a family.Key Quotes“Work is a gift from God.”“Offer your best work to Christ.”“Even if they don’t see that I’m doing my absolute best, God sees.”“Use your work to serve others.”“It’s not that we have to give. It’s that we get to give.”“What kind of financial seeds are you planting?”Search TopicsWorking with Purpose, Christian work ethic, biblical view of work, Proverbs and work, Ecclesiastes and work, Colossians 3:23, working for the Lord, Christian leadership, servant leadership, workplace ministry, purpose in retirement, quiet quitting, honoring God at work, serving others through work, Christian giving, biblical generosity, supporting the church, providing for your family, Pastor Chris Teien, Rockwell Church.Full Episode and Transcripthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19725615
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

Good friendships do not happen automatically. They require honesty, wisdom, faithfulness, and a willingness to help one another grow. This message challenges us to stop focusing only on finding better friends and begin asking, “What kind of friend am I?”Pastor Chris Teien shares four qualities of a godly friend from Proverbs. True friends tell the truth with love, offer wise counsel, remain faithful during difficult seasons, and encourage one another toward spiritual growth. Jesus provides the greatest example of friendship because He demonstrated His love by laying down His life for us.Outline1. Tell the Truth A sincere friend cares enough to speak honestly, even when the truth may be difficult to hear. Biblical correction should always be offered gently, humbly, and lovingly, with the goal of restoration and growth. (Proverbs 27:5–6; Proverbs 12:15; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1)2. Give Wise Counsel Heartfelt counsel is one of friendship’s greatest gifts. A wise friend listens carefully, admits when they do not know the answer, considers the facts, prays with you, and points you toward biblical truth. (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2)3. Remain Faithful A loyal friend stays present when trouble comes. Faithful friendships require continued care and investment, especially during seasons of crisis, grief, disappointment, or need. (Proverbs 27:10; Proverbs 17:17)4. Help Each Other Grow Godly friends sharpen, encourage, and motivate one another toward greater wisdom, love, good works, and faithfulness to Christ. Jesus is the greatest friend because He laid down His life to save sinners. (Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8)TakeawayConsider the friendships God has placed in your life. Ask whether you are speaking the truth in love, offering thoughtful counsel, remaining faithful during difficult times, and helping others grow closer to Christ. Do not merely look for a good friend. Ask God to help you become one.Illustrations

• Friendships are like plants that must be continually watered if they are going to remain alive and healthy.
• A “2:00 AM friend” is someone you can call during a crisis who will pray with you, come to help, or remind you that you do not have to face the situation alone.
• Pastor Chris describes helping a longtime friend evaluate an older Jeep Grand Wagoneer and honestly advising him that it was better suited for a project than as safe family transportation.

Key Quotes

• “Do not simply ask what kind of friend you want. Ask what kind of friend you are.”
• “A sincere friend tells you what you may not want to hear because they want something good for you.”
• “Jesus is the greatest friend because He laid down His life so that sinners could be made right with God.”

Search Topicsbiblical wisdom about friendship, Christian friendship sermon, how to be a good friend, building lasting friendships, Proverbs on friendship, qualities of a godly friend, speaking the truth in love, wise Christian counsel, loyal friends in difficult times, iron sharpens iron, Jesus the greatest friend, growing together in ChristFull Episode & Transcript:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/1968964526.0823de 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

Money does more than pay bills. It reveals what we value, whom we trust, and whether we see ourselves as owners or stewards. In a world filled with quick-profit promises and endless financial advice, Scripture offers wisdom that has endured for thousands of years.Pastor Chris Teien shares biblical financial wisdom from Proverbs and the New Testament. Because everything belongs to God, believers are called to manage every resource for His glory. That means acquiring money honestly through diligent work, managing it generously and carefully, using debt cautiously, and treasuring God above every possession. Financial faithfulness is not a path to salvation or a guarantee of wealth. It is an expression of worship and trust in Christ, whose righteousness alone delivers us from eternal death.In this Message:1. Acquire HonestlyGood planning, hard work, integrity, and growing skill normally lead toward provision, while laziness, empty talk, dishonest gain, and hasty shortcuts lead toward loss. Biblical wisdom also recognizes that injustice can keep diligent people from enjoying the fruit of their work, calling those with means to notice and help. (Proverbs 21:5; 10:4; 12:11; 14:23; 22:29; 13:23; 16:8; 20:14)2. Manage GenerouslyGod gives resources to be stewarded, not hoarded. Honor Him first, give cheerfully, care for people in need, save patiently, know the condition of what you own, and avoid consuming everything you receive. Debt may sometimes be necessary, but it should be approached cautiously because the borrower becomes servant to the lender. (Proverbs 3:9; 11:24; 6:6; 21:20; 27:23; 28:27; 22:7; 22:26-27; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)3. Treasure God UnreservedlyWealth has limited value and can never secure eternity. A godly reputation, contentment, and dependence on God are better than riches that produce dishonesty or turmoil. At death every earthly asset stays behind, but through Christ believers receive the lasting riches of grace and righteousness. (Proverbs 30:7-9; 15:16; 22:1; 11:4; 2 Corinthians 8:9)TakeawayReview your finances as a steward before God. Ask whether your income is earned honestly, whether your spending reflects wise planning, whether your giving is cheerful and generous, whether your debt is limiting your freedom, and whether your heart treasures Christ above money. Choose one concrete act of faithfulness, then carry it out with prayer and integrity.Illustrations

• The $20-a-Day Difference: Spending $20 more than you earn each day produces roughly $7,000 of debt in a year, while saving $20 each day produces roughly $7,000 in savings. Small daily choices accumulate into significant consequences.
• A Retiree Who Keeps Learning: Ken continues learning technology after retirement and uses those skills to serve the church through video and audio ministry. His example shows that faithful people can keep developing useful skills in every season of life.
• A Channel of God’s Blessing: A businessman viewed his ability to earn money as a channel through which God could bless others. He enjoyed God’s provision, but he also gave quietly and generously whenever serious needs arose.

Key Quotes

• “God entrusts us with resources so we will faithfully manage them for His glory.”
• “Work faithfully, spend carefully, save patiently, borrow cautiously, pay what you owe, and avoid shortcuts.”
• “Money cannot deliver us from death. Jesus’ righteousness is what delivers us and makes us truly rich.”

Search Topicsbiblical financial wisdom, Christian money management, Proverbs about money, biblical stewardship principles, how Christians should handle money, generosity and giving, Christian teaching on debt, hard work in Proverbs, saving money biblically, contentment and wealth, putting God first in finances, true riches in ChristFull Episode & Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19654668

26.0816de 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

Eternity may feel distant, but none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. This message offers sober hope and practical wisdom for facing death without fear, using your life faithfully, and making certain your confidence rests in Jesus Christ rather than wealth, plans, or religious effort.Drawing from Proverbs and the wider testimony of Scripture, this sermon calls us to live wisely because life is brief and eternity is certain. We should face our future honestly, reject the false security of riches, recognize that eternal life is found only in Christ, and continue walking with Jesus in faithful obedience. Salvation is not earned by good works or careful planning. It is received through faith in Jesus, whose righteousness, sanctification, and redemption secure all who belong to Him.In This Message: 1. Face Your FutureLife is temporary, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and every person will face death and judgment. Wise believers plan humbly, number their days, and make sure they are ready to meet Christ while using whatever time God gives them for His glory. (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-15; Psalm 90:12; Proverbs 14:32; Hebrews 9:27; John 11:25-26)2. Forsake False SecurityMoney can solve some temporary problems, but it cannot save a soul, prevent every hardship, or endure forever. Instead of exhausting ourselves to accumulate earthly wealth, Jesus calls us to store up treasure in heaven and place our confidence in Him. (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 23:4-5; Matthew 6:19-21)3. Find the Path of LifeMany paths appear right, including paths of morality, religion, and self-improvement, but they cannot give eternal life. Jesus alone is the way to the Father, and in Him believers receive righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and the sure promise of life. (Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 15:24; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:11-12)4. Follow Jesus FaithfullyThe righteous path grows brighter as believers mature in Christ. Keep walking in Him, growing in faith, reflecting His love, sharing your testimony, and trusting God to complete the work He began in you. (Proverbs 4:18, 26-27; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:6-7)TakeawayPrepare for eternity by asking three honest questions: Am I trusting Jesus Christ alone for salvation? Am I using my time, abilities, and resources for what will matter forever? Am I walking faithfully with Christ on the path He has set before me? Make needed plans, share your testimony with your family, put practical affairs in order, and live each day ready to meet the Lord.Illustrations

• The memorial service of Elsie, like her husband Dwayne’s, was placed on YouTube as a lasting testimony of faith in Christ, showing how believers can leave behind more than possessions.
• The long-running musical I Do, I Do traced fifty years of marriage but presented life without God or eternal hope, illustrating how a full earthly life can still miss its ultimate purpose.
• Winnebago travelers could drive wherever they wanted to seek specialized medical care, yet even extensive resources and mobility could not provide the security that only Christ gives.

Key Quotes“The worst thing is not dying. The worst thing is dying without Jesus.”“Do not live as if tomorrow is guaranteed. Plan wisely, but be ready to meet Christ.”“The right path is found only in Jesus Christ.”Search Topicshow to prepare for eternity, Christian view of death, biblical wisdom for life, assurance of salvation in Jesus, living with eternal purpose, what happens after death, storing treasure in heaven, Jesus the only way to salvation, how to number your days, following Jesus faithfully, Proverbs on life and death, preparing spiritually for deathFull Episode & Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/1962178126.0809de 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

What will matter when your life is spent? Careers, possessions, recognition, and experiences may be valuable, but none of them can provide lasting satisfaction. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien explores how biblical wisdom helps us invest our lives in priorities that endure.Drawing from Proverbs 27, 28, and 31, Pastor Chris explains that a life that counts is shaped by what we pursue, who we are becoming, and how faithfully we fulfill the responsibilities God has given us. Lasting contentment begins when we stop expecting temporary things to do what only God can do. God calls us to pursue eternal priorities, develop godly character, confess and turn from sin, and faithfully steward our relationships, work, resources, and opportunities.In this Message1. Pursue Lasting PrioritiesHuman desire continually asks for more, but possessions, success, recognition, and experiences cannot satisfy the eternal longing God has placed within us. Contentment grows when we recognize God as enough, receive His gifts gratefully, resist living for human applause, and faithfully care for everything He has entrusted to us. (Proverbs 27:20–23; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Luke 16:10)2. Build Godly CharacterIntegrity produces a quiet confidence before God, while hidden sin creates guilt and fear. Biblical wisdom is more than knowing what God has said. It means obeying Him, choosing wise influences, confessing sin, turning from it, receiving God’s mercy, and maintaining a tender heart toward Him. (Proverbs 28:1, 6–7, 13–14; John 14:15; 1 John 1:9)3. Play Your Part FaithfullyThe qualities described in Proverbs 31 extend beyond one particular role. God calls every believer to be trustworthy, diligent, generous, wise, kind, and devoted to Him. Beauty, possessions, and earthly success fade, but godly character and faithful service produce an influence that lasts. (Proverbs 31:10–31; Colossians 3:23)TakeawayAsk yourself three honest questions: What am I pursuing? Who am I becoming? Am I faithfully fulfilling the part God has given me? Identify anything temporary that has begun to compete with God, confess any sin that is hindering your walk with Christ, and recommit your time, relationships, abilities, and resources to serving Him faithfully.Illustrations• Reading Proverbs is not like opening fortune cookies and keeping only the sayings that immediately sound helpful. Biblical wisdom requires careful thought, understanding, and application.• An advertisement can take us from not knowing something exists to believing we must have it immediately, illustrating how quickly human desire begins demanding more.• The Proverbs 31 woman bringing food from afar is humorously compared to buying blueberries from Chile at Walmart, helping listeners distinguish the timeless principles of the passage from its ancient setting.Key Quotes“Contentment begins when we stop expecting temporary things to do what only God can do.”“Integrity gives us the courage to stand for what is right because we know where we stand before God.”“Beauty does not last, but godly character lasts.”Search Topicschoosing what lasts in life, how to live a life that counts, biblical wisdom for daily life, Christian contentment, pursuing eternal priorities, developing godly character, living with integrity, confession and repentance, faithful Christian stewardship, lessons from Proverbs 27, wisdom from Proverbs 28, applying Proverbs 31Full Episode & Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/1958811426.0802de  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