Well Faith with Chris Teien

Chris Teien

Be encouraged to understand God’s Word, grow in faith, and follow Jesus in everyday life. Well Faith with Chris Teien offers Bible-centered sermons and practical guidance to help you trust God and put your faith into practice. Hear current messages from Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, selected sermons from earlier pastoral ministry, and occasional guest speakers. New episodes are shared weekly. Replay messages are marked with an asterisk (*). Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church.

  1. 22h ago

    When First Impressions Get It Wrong

    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 MESSAGE 1. LOOK BEYOND APPEARANCE James 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 STATUS Wealth 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 FAVORITISM The 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 MERCY James 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 ENCOURAGED Who 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  2. Sep 27

    Putting God’s Word into Practice

    James 1:19–27 | Have you ever been challenged by a sermon, then returned to everyday life without changing anything? Pastor Chris Teien explains how to receive God’s Word with a teachable heart, understand Scripture in context, and take a specific step of obedience. James shows how faith should shape our words, our care for others, and our choices. Obedience does not earn salvation. New life begins through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. Putting God’s Word into practice is our response to His grace. IN THIS MESSAGE 1. BE READY TO RECEIVE GOD’S WORD Come to Scripture ready to listen and willing to be corrected. Pastor Chris explains how anger, excuses, and sinful influences can make us resistant to God’s Word, and why a humble, teachable heart matters. (James 1:19–21) 2. RESPOND BY DOING WHAT IT SAYS Being moved by a message is not the same as acting on it. Learn practical ways to read the Bible in context, understand what it teaches about God, and identify something to believe, confess, change, or do. (James 1:22–25) 3. LET GOD’S WORD RESHAPE HOW YOU LIVE Authentic faith affects our speech, our care for vulnerable people, and the influences we allow into our lives. Even when you cannot meet someone’s every need, a meal, a ride, or time spent together can be a meaningful way to put God’s Word into practice. (James 1:26–27) BE ENCOURAGED God’s Word can make a difference in your everyday life. This week, read James 1:19–27 and choose one practical way to respond: listen before speaking, change an attitude, or help someone in need. Ask God to help you follow through and grow as you put His Word into practice. 26.0927de 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  3. Sep 20

    Why Temptation Is So Hard to Resist

    James 1:9–18 | Temptation rarely looks dangerous at first. Like bait on a hook, it appeals to something we want while hiding what giving in may cost us. Pastor Chris Teien explains where temptation begins, how desire can lead us into sin, and why we can trust God’s provision instead of temptation’s promises. God does not tempt us to do evil, and we do not have to give in. This message offers practical encouragement for resisting temptation and points to forgiveness and restoration in Jesus when we have fallen. IN THIS MESSAGE 1. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIALS AND TEMPTATION Trials put our faith under pressure, but God can use them to strengthen our trust in Him. Temptation draws us toward disobedience, and James makes it clear that God is never the source of an invitation to sin. (James 1:9–13) 2. RECOGNIZE WHERE TEMPTATION BEGINS Temptation appeals to our own desires and vulnerabilities, making the bait different for each of us. Learn why guarding your thoughts, avoiding opportunities to indulge sinful desires, and recognizing your weaknesses matter when resisting temptation. (James 1:14) 3. UNDERSTAND WHERE TEMPTATION LEADS James describes a progression: desire gives birth to sin, and sin leads to death. Taking temptation seriously means looking beyond its immediate appeal to its consequences, while remembering that forgiveness and cleansing are available through Jesus when we confess our sins. (James 1:15; 1 John 1:8–9) 4. TRUST GOD’S PROVISION INSTEAD OF TEMPTATION’S PROMISES Temptation makes promises it cannot keep, but God remains good, generous, and unchanging. Remembering His gifts and trusting His character helps us choose obedience, and He provides a way to endure temptation without giving in. (James 1:16–18; 1 Corinthians 10:13) BE ENCOURAGED You do not have to take the bait. Identify one temptation you keep returning to and take a practical step this week to stop feeding it. Remove an easy opportunity to give in, ask a trusted believer for support, and look for the way out God provides. If you have fallen, confess your sin and turn back to Jesus. His forgiveness gives you reason to get up and keep following Him. 26.0920de 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  4. Sep 13

    What to Do When Life Tests Your Faith

    James 1:1–12 | What do you do when hardship leaves you unsure of your next step? Pastor Chris Teien explains how to face trials with joy without pretending that pain is pleasant. Discover how God uses tested faith to develop endurance, gives wisdom when you do not know what to do, and reminds you that your worth is greater than your circumstances or bank balance. This opening message in the James: Authentic Faith series offers encouragement to keep trusting God under pressure and allow Him to strengthen your faith through difficult seasons. IN THIS MESSAGE 1. LET GOD STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH You do not have to enjoy suffering to recognize that God can work through it. James explains how tested faith develops endurance and why continuing to trust God through difficulty helps us grow toward spiritual maturity. (James 1:1–4) 2. ASK GOD FOR THE WISDOM YOU NEED Knowing facts is different from knowing how to respond when life gets complicated. God invites you to ask for wisdom, and He gives generously without finding fault. Come to Him with a heart willing to trust His guidance and act on it. (James 1:5–8) 3. REMEMBER GOD DOES NOT MEASURE YOUR VALUE BY YOUR NET WORTH Financial struggles do not make you less valuable, and financial success does not make you more important. James reminds us that wealth is temporary, while our identity and standing before God give us a reason for confidence beyond what we own. (James 1:9–11) 4. LOOK FORWARD TO GOD’S BLESSING AS YOU PERSEVERE The pressure you face today is not the whole story. James points to God’s promised crown of life for those who love Him, encouraging believers to persevere with an eternal perspective. Eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, not earned by enduring enough hardship. (James 1:12; 1 John 5:11–12) BE ENCOURAGED You do not have to have every answer to keep trusting God. Bring one difficult situation to Him in prayer this week, ask for the wisdom you need, and take the next faithful step. Your circumstances do not determine your worth, and God can use this season to strengthen your faith. 23.0913de 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  5. Aug 30

    Your Work Matters to God

    Proverbs | Does your work make a difference, even when nobody seems to notice? Whether you are employed, retired, studying, volunteering, or caring for your family, your everyday efforts matter to God. Pastor Chris Teien shares how to find purpose in your work, serve Christ through ordinary responsibilities, and use what you earn to bless others. Drawing from Proverbs and supporting Scriptures, this message explores four ways to honor God through your work. Your job title, paycheck, and recognition do not tell the whole story of what your efforts can accomplish. IN THIS MESSAGE #1 RECEIVE WORK AS GOD’S GIFT Work was part of God’s good design before sin made it difficult. Meaningful responsibilities give us opportunities to contribute, care for others, and enjoy the fruit of our efforts. Recognize the value of honest work, including work that happens outside paid employment. (Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13) #2 OFFER YOUR BEST WORK TO CHRIST When your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated, remember whom you ultimately serve. Work honestly and willingly, caring about your responsibilities and the people affected by them. God sees your faithfulness even when others overlook it. (Proverbs 27:18; Colossians 3:23–24) #3 USE YOUR WORK TO SERVE OTHERS Whatever authority or influence you have, use it to help people thrive. Recognize good work, correct without humiliating, own your mistakes, and protect vulnerable people. Jesus shows us that meaningful leadership begins with serving others. (Proverbs 29:2, 7; Mark 10:43–45) #4 USE YOUR INCOME TO BLESS OTHERS What you earn can provide for your family, support God’s work, and meet someone else’s need. Plan to give generously and cheerfully, trusting God’s care rather than treating giving as a way to get rich. Your income can accomplish good beyond what you purchase for yourself. (Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 19:17; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8) BE ENCOURAGED Your everyday work offers opportunities to honor God and help people. This week, choose one responsibility to approach with renewed care, one person to encourage or serve, or one practical way to share what God has provided. Even an ordinary task can become a meaningful expression of your faith. Series: Summer in Proverbs 26.0830de  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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  6. Aug 23

    How to Be the Kind of Friend People Need

    Proverbs 27 | When life gets difficult, what kind of friend can people count on you to be? Pastor Chris Teien explores four qualities of meaningful friendship: speaking truth with love, offering wise counsel, remaining faithful through hardship, and helping one another grow. This practical message challenges us to move beyond thinking about the friends we want and ask, “What kind of friend am I?” Discover ways to strengthen your friendships and reflect the love of Jesus, who laid down His life so sinners could be forgiven and made right with God. IN THIS MESSAGE 1. BE A FRIEND WHO TELLS THE TRUTH Real friendship includes the courage to say what someone needs to hear, even when it is uncomfortable. Offer correction gently and humbly, with the goal of helping your friend grow. Loving honesty also requires a willingness to receive correction yourself. (Proverbs 27:5–6; Galatians 6:1) 2. BE A FRIEND WHO GIVES WISE COUNSEL Helpful counsel begins with listening carefully rather than rushing to give an answer. Consider the facts, admit when you do not know, pray with your friend, and point toward biblical truth. Test the advice you give and receive against God’s Word. (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 18:13) 3. BE A FRIEND WHO REMAINS FAITHFUL A dependable friend stays involved when life becomes painful or complicated. Your presence through grief, disappointment, or practical need can matter more than having the perfect words. Be someone others can count on when trouble comes. (Proverbs 27:10; Proverbs 17:17) 4. BE A FRIEND WHO HELPS OTHERS GROW The people closest to us influence who we are becoming. Godly friends sharpen one another through encouragement, honest conversations, and examples of faithfulness. Choose your companions wisely and look for ways to strengthen their walk with Christ. (Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) Jesus demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for us while we were still sinners. His friendship gives us both the example of sacrificial love and the opportunity to receive forgiveness through faith in Him. (John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8) BE ENCOURAGED You can strengthen a friendship through one thoughtful action this week. Check on someone going through a hard season, listen without rushing to offer advice, or encourage a friend in their faith. Ask God to help you become a truthful, wise, faithful friend who helps others grow. 26.0823de 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  7. Aug 16

    Timeless Financial Wisdom

    Proverbs | What do your money habits reveal about what you value and whom you trust? Pastor Chris Teien explores four principles for handling money: acquire honestly, manage generously, use debt cautiously, and treasure God unreservedly. Discover how biblical wisdom can shape your earning, spending, saving, and giving. Everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and managing it faithfully is an expression of worship and trust. This message offers practical guidance without promising that obedience will make you wealthy. Financial success cannot secure eternal life; salvation is found in Jesus Christ. IN THIS MESSAGE 1. ACQUIRE HONESTLY Earn through diligent work, thoughtful planning, and integrity rather than dishonest gain or promises of easy money. Proverbs also recognizes that injustice can prevent hardworking people from enjoying the fruit of their efforts, reminding us to notice and help those facing hardship. (Proverbs 13:23; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 21:5) 2. MANAGE GENEROUSLY Honor God with what you have while planning wisely for everyday needs and the future. Generosity and careful management belong together: give cheerfully, save patiently, pay attention to your resources, and avoid spending everything you receive. (Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 21:20; Proverbs 27:23) 3. USE DEBT CAUTIOUSLY Borrowing creates obligations that can limit your future choices, and cosigning makes you responsible for someone else’s debt. Consider the consequences before making a commitment, spend carefully, and faithfully repay what you owe. (Proverbs 22:7; Proverbs 22:26–27) 4. TREASURE GOD UNRESERVEDLY Money can provide temporary security, but it cannot secure eternity. A good reputation, contentment, and dependence on God are worth more than possessions gained at the expense of your faith and integrity. Treasure Christ above wealth and remember what will last when earthly assets are left behind. (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 30:7–9) BE ENCOURAGED You can honor God with the resources you have today. Review one area of your finances and choose a practical step: plan your spending, begin saving, give toward a need, or address an obligation you have been avoiding. Ask God for wisdom and contentment as you manage what He has entrusted to you. 26.0816de 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

  8. Aug 9

    How to Prepare Wisely for Eternity

    Proverbs | If tomorrow is not guaranteed, how can you live wisely today and face eternity with confidence? Pastor Chris Teien explains why lasting hope rests in Jesus Christ rather than money, plans, or religious effort. Discover how preparing for eternity can shape your priorities and help you use the time God gives you faithfully. Drawing from Proverbs and supporting Scriptures, this message offers an honest look at death alongside the hope of eternal life. Salvation is not earned through good works or careful preparation. It is received through faith in Jesus, who gives lasting security to those who belong to Him. IN THIS MESSAGE 1. FACE YOUR FUTURE Tomorrow is not promised, and wisdom begins with acknowledging that our time is limited. Plan humbly, make the most of your days, and consider whether you are ready to meet the Lord. Jesus offers resurrection hope to those who believe in Him. (Proverbs 27:1; Psalm 90:12; John 11:25–26) 2. FORSAKE FALSE SECURITY Money can meet earthly needs, but it cannot save your soul or provide security beyond death. Resist making wealth your greatest pursuit, and invest your time and resources in what matters to God. Jesus calls us to store up treasure in heaven. (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 23:4–5; Matthew 6:19–21) 3. FIND THE PATH OF LIFE A path can seem right without leading to eternal life. Morality, religious activity, and self-improvement cannot replace faith in Jesus Christ. He alone is the way to the Father, and eternal life is found in Him. (Proverbs 14:12; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:11–12) 4. FOLLOW JESUS FAITHFULLY Preparing for eternity also means living faithfully today. Continue growing in Christ, reflecting His love, and sharing your faith with others. Trust God to complete the work He began in you as you keep walking with Jesus. (Proverbs 4:18; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:6–7) BE ENCOURAGED You can face the future with hope because Jesus has overcome death. Ask yourself, “Am I trusting Christ for salvation, and am I using my life for what will matter forever?” This week, take one meaningful step: share your faith with a family member, put an important practical matter in order, or make time for someone who needs your care. Let your hope in Christ guide how you live today. 26.0809de 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 wellfaith24@gmail.com.

About

Be encouraged to understand God’s Word, grow in faith, and follow Jesus in everyday life. Well Faith with Chris Teien offers Bible-centered sermons and practical guidance to help you trust God and put your faith into practice. Hear current messages from Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, selected sermons from earlier pastoral ministry, and occasional guest speakers. New episodes are shared weekly. Replay messages are marked with an asterisk (*). Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church.