Hard seasons are part of life, even for believers. In this episode, Pastor Chris walks through Romans 8:18–27 and explores what he calls “A Glory and Three Groans.” Discover how creation groans for renewal, believers groan for redemption, and the Holy Spirit groans in prayer on our behalf. This message will help you anchor your hope in future glory while faithfully enduring present trials.Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/187270301. Compare Now with What Comes Next – Paul reminds us that present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). Though hardship is real, eternity reframes everything. Our future inheritance as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) gives us strength to endure today.2. Creation Groans for Renewal – Because of the fall (Genesis 3:17), creation is subjected to frustration and decay. Yet Romans 8:19–22 promises that creation itself will be liberated. Revelation 21–22 assures us that God will make all things new and remove the curse forever.3. Believers Groan for Redemption – We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit long for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). Our hope is not escape from this world, but resurrection and glorification (Philippians 3:20–21; 2 Corinthians 5:1–4). We wait patiently, confident that God is finishing what He started.4. The Spirit Groans in Prayer – In our weakness, when we do not know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:26–27). Jesus Himself also intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). We are never alone in our suffering.Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares a humorous moment at camp when he reacted to surprise by shouting “glory,” illustrating how groaning reveals the heart. He also recounts building a home that initially looked like chaos but eventually became something beautiful, mirroring how God is building future glory out of present hardship.Notable Quotes:
 “Present suffering is real, but it is not ultimate.”
 “Creation groans, believers groan, and even the Spirit groans, but glory is coming.”
 “This is not heaven. But heaven is coming.”Actionable Takeaways:
 Reflect on a current hardship and compare it with the eternal glory promised in Christ.
 Choose to remain faithful today, even when circumstances feel heavy.
 Pray honestly, trusting the Spirit to intercede when words fail.
 Share the hope of Christ with someone who is walking through suffering.Scripture References:
 Romans 8:17–27 – Suffering, glory, and the Spirit’s intercession
 2 Corinthians 11:23–28 – Paul’s endurance through hardship
 Philippians 3:20–21 – The promise of a glorified body
 Genesis 3:17 – The curse on creation
 Revelation 21:1–4; 22:3 – The removal of the curse and new creationKeywords:
 Christian hope, Romans 8, suffering and glory, resurrection, Holy Spirit intercession, future glory, biblical endurance, new creation, perseverance, faith in hard seasonsClosing Statement:
 This episode encourages listeners to fix their eyes on eternal glory, remain faithful in suffering, and trust that God is working even through life’s hardest seasons. 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]

What does it mean to live with confidence as God’s adopted child? In this message from Romans 8:12–17, Pastor Chris explains how our identity in Christ reshapes how we fight sin, follow the Holy Spirit, and rest in God’s assurance. Discover how a secure foundation in Christ leads to freedom, faithfulness, and hope through every season of life. Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18688050Key Points: 1. Break free from the old way of living (Romans 8:12–13)
 Believers are no longer obligated to live according to the flesh. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to actively put sin to death and walk in the freedom Christ provides.2. Walk daily under the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14)
 Those who are led by the Spirit are God’s children. A Spirit-led life is marked by surrender, obedience, and trust as God guides us step by step.3. Live confidently as God’s adopted child (Romans 8:15–17)
 Adoption is both a legal and relational change. Through Christ, we are welcomed into God’s family with full rights, assurance, and an eternal inheritance as co-heirs with Christ.Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris uses the illustration of the Virginia High Bridge to show how a strong foundation determines long-term stability. Just as unseen supports hold the bridge steady, a secure identity in Christ sustains believers through pressure, temptation, and hardship.Notable Quotes:
 “Our faith needs a secure foundation, because what we believe shapes how we live.”
 “The flesh offers comfort without cost, but the Spirit offers life with a fight.”
 “God doesn’t accept us because we live right. We live right because God has accepted us.”Actionable Takeaways:• Reflect on areas where old habits or sinful patterns may be weakening your spiritual foundation
 • Choose one daily practice that helps you stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading
 • Confess known sin quickly and receive God’s forgiveness with confidence
 • Live each day from your identity as God’s adopted child, not from fear or performanceScripture References:
 Romans 8:1, 10–17 – Life in the Spirit and adoption as God’s children
 Romans 6:11–14 – Dead to sin, alive in Christ
 Colossians 3:5–10 – Putting off the old self and putting on the new
 James 1:14–15 – The progression of temptation and sin
 1 John 1:8–9 – Confession and forgiveness
 Galatians 4:4–7 – Adoption and inheritance through Christ
 Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding the heartKeywords:
Christian identity, Romans 8, adoption in Christ, Holy Spirit, assurance of salvation, freedom from sin, spiritual growth, grace, discipleshipChallenge:
This week, choose to live from your identity as God’s adopted child by surrendering one area of struggle to the Holy Spirit and trusting God’s grace to guide your next step.26.0215de Living from a Secure Identity 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 message from Romans 8:5–11, Pastor Chris explores what it means to move off familiar spiritual ruts and learn a new way to live by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s words challenge believers to stop living by lists and habits of the past and instead set their minds on what brings true life and peace. This episode invites listeners to discover freedom, growth, and confidence through Spirit-led living.Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18645648Key Points:

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 joy, peace, and spiritual clarity instead of drifting on autopilot.
2. Turn away from old patterns that keep you spiritually stuck (Romans 8:7–8)
    Familiar religious routines, empty traditions, or inherited habits can become ruts that limit growth. The Spirit invites believers to move forward rather than stay stuck in the past.
3. Remember that the Spirit lives in every true believer (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 and transformation.
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 hope, endurance, and assurance of eternal 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 the 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.
 Evaluate any spiritual ruts or habits that may be keeping you stuck.
 Daily choose to renew your mind through Scripture.
 Yield your decisions and direction to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.Scripture References:
 Romans 8:4–11 – Life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh
 Galatians 5:13–25 – Walking by the Spirit and bearing spiritual fruit
 Romans 12:2 – Renewing the mind
 John 14:16–17 – The Spirit as Helper and ComforterKeywords:
 Romans 8, Holy Spirit, Christian living, spiritual growth, life and peace, renewal of the mind, walking by the Spirit, faith, discipleshipChallenge:
 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/18607101Key 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 backScripture References:
 Romans 8:1-4
 Romans 7:24-25
 Romans 5:1
 John 5:24
 John 3:16-18
 Colossians 2:14-15
 Galatians 5:16Keywords:
 Romans 8
 Living free from guilt
 No condemnation
 Grace
 Christian victory
 Holy Spirit
 Sanctified lifeChallenge:
 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 The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send 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/18567454Outline:

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 2:8-9Action 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 Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send 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/18528866Key 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 changeScripture 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 3:19Keywords:
 God’s discipline
 Enduring faith
 Hebrews 12
 Spiritual growth
 Christian perseverance
 God as Father
 Biblical discipleship
 Faith under pressureChallenge:
 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 Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: [email protected]

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/18490060Key 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 dayKeywords
 Christian endurance, Hebrews 12, running the race, faith and perseverance, fixing eyes on Jesus, spiritual growth, purpose in every season, Well Faith PodcastChallenge
 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 Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send 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/18451045Key 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, faithfulnessChallenge:
 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.26.0104de The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send 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/18422922Key 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 2:23Keywords:
 Priorities, New Year, endurance, holiness, spiritual gifts, ministry, obedience, discipleship, 1 Peter 4Challenge:
 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 Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: [email protected]

Christmas is about far more than traditions, gifts, or a moment in history. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien explains the eternal meaning of Christmas by tracing God’s long-planned rescue mission through Jesus Christ and showing how His coming offers forgiveness, transformation, lasting joy, and the promise of eternal life. Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18408186Key Points:

1. Christmas reveals God’s planned rescue mission
    God’s plan of salvation was announced centuries in advance through prophecy and fulfilled perfectly in the birth of Jesus, reminding us that God keeps His promises and works in His perfect timing.
2. Christmas points to forgiveness through the cross
    Jesus did not come only to be born, but to suffer, die, and shed His blood so that sin could be forgiven and broken lives could be made right with God.
3. Christmas invites us into eternal life with Jesus
    Through His completed sacrifice and ongoing intercession, Jesus offers believers eternal life and the assurance of being with Him forever.
4. Christmas calls for a personal response of faith
    Each person must respond by believing in Jesus, receiving Him as Savior, and choosing to follow Him daily with trust and obedience.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris uses everyday Christmas experiences, including food, traditions, and family moments, to contrast temporary pleasures with the eternal joy found in a personal relationship with Jesus.Notable Quotes:
 “Christmas is about Jesus and the eternal value of living for Him.”
 “Jesus did not just come to forgive sin, but to be with us forever.”
 “Joy is the confident assurance that God is in control, even when life feels uncertain.”Actionable Takeaways:
 Reflect on what Christmas truly means beyond traditions
 Consider whether you have personally received Christ
 Share your testimony of life before and after Jesus
 Choose daily to put Jesus first in time, priorities, and decisionsScripture References:
Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:2, Matthew 1:18–23, Matthew 1:21, Luke 19:10, Isaiah 53:3–6, Hebrews 9:22, John 1:29, John 14:1–6, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 10:12, Acts 1:11, John 11:25–26, Revelation 3:20, John 1:12, Luke 9:23, John 15:11, Revelation 22:12 Keywords:
 Christmas meaning, Jesus Christ, salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, joy in Christ, faith, gospel, hope Challenge:
This week, take a personal step toward Jesus by trusting Him, following Him more closely, or sharing the hope of Christmas with someone who needs to hear it.21m1220de The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: [email protected]