Don’t Quit: Staying Strong in the Race of Faith*

Leading and Serving Through Faithful Preparation

Planning for the future is wise, but faithful leadership and service begin with preparation that honors God. Pastor Chris Teien explores how the book of Proverbs teaches believers to prepare wisely, make godly decisions, and trust the Lord to establish their steps. Discover how biblical wisdom can equip you to lead and serve faithfully wherever God calls you.  In This Message 1. Plan Your Route Wise preparation begins by establishing the right priorities before pursuing the next opportunity. This message explores how Proverbs encourages thoughtful planning, seeking wise counsel, counting the cost, and trusting God to direct each step, using examples from Joseph and Jesus' teaching on careful preparation. (Proverbs 24:27; Proverbs 6:6-8; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 16:9; Genesis 41:33-36; Luke 14:28-30) 2. Prepare for the Journey Preparation means thinking carefully before moving forward rather than reacting impulsively. Through Proverbs, the examples of Noah and the wise builder, this section shows the importance of recognizing danger, making thoughtful decisions, and obeying God's instructions before challenges arise. (Proverbs 14:15; Proverbs 22:3; Genesis 6:13-22; Matthew 7:24-27) 3. Carry What You Need Every believer carries something into life's journey, and Scripture calls us to carry what strengthens rather than what weighs us down. This message highlights the importance of integrity, confession, forgiveness, and perseverance while looking to the examples of Daniel's faithfulness and the call to lay aside sin as we follow Christ. (Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 28:13; Daniel 1:8; Hebrews 12:1-2) 4. Stay Ready Wise leaders remain alert, self-controlled, and prepared for whatever lies ahead. Proverbs and the New Testament warn against anything that clouds judgment while encouraging believers to live under the control of the Holy Spirit with spiritual vigilance. (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 31:4-5; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8) Preparing wisely is not about controlling the future but about faithfully following God's wisdom today. As we trust His direction and apply His Word, He equips us to walk confidently wherever He leads. 26.0628der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

Wisdom for Leading Your Family Well: Biblical Parenting

Leading others begins long before giving instruction. Drawing from the book of Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien explains how parents, grandparents, mentors, and every believer can influence others through a godly example, intentional teaching, and a lasting legacy of faith. Discover how ordinary faithfulness can help shape lives for generations to come. In This Message 1. Lead Through Your Example Godly leadership begins with a life that pursues the Lord rather than perfection. Solomon teaches that children and those around us learn by watching our character, priorities, and daily choices. Even when we fail, humility, repentance, and renewed faithfulness continue to point others toward Christ. (Proverbs 20:7; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 9; Joshua 24:15) 2. Teach God's Truth Intentionally God's Word is meant to shape the heart before it shapes behavior. Through intentional conversations, faithful instruction, and consistent example, believers can weave biblical truth into everyday life and help others build a foundation that endures. Teaching God's truth is not limited to parents but is the calling of everyone God gives the opportunity to influence. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6) 3. Build a Legacy of Faith A lasting legacy is built by pursuing God's wisdom, trusting Him wholeheartedly, and putting Him first throughout life. Solomon's instruction reminds us that the greatest inheritance we can leave is not possessions or worldly success but a life that encourages others to worship God, continue learning His truth, and faithfully follow Him. (Proverbs 4:1-9; Proverbs 3:5-10; Judges 2:10; 3 John 4) Faithful leadership is not measured by having a perfect family but by consistently pointing people toward Christ. As we seek God's wisdom, teach His truth, and live lives that honor Him, God can use our influence to build a legacy of faith that reaches far beyond our own generation. 26.0621der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

Leading Through Wise Influences and Avoiding Compromise

Every day we are shaped by the voices we choose to follow and the paths we choose to walk. Drawing from the book of Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom helps believers recognize godly influences, resist compromise, guard their hearts, and lead others by faithful example. Discover how wise decisions made today can shape a lifetime of following Christ. In This Message 1. Listen to Wise Voices God calls His people to seek wisdom from His Word and from faithful believers who have walked with Him. Solomon teaches that wise people are willing to learn, receive correction, and surround themselves with influences that encourage godliness. Every believer is both learning from others and leaving an influence on those around them. (Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:4) 2. Avoid Harmful Influences Sin often appears attractive by promising acceptance, success, or personal gain, but its path ultimately leads to regret and destruction. Solomon warns believers not to give in to sinful pressure or compromise, reminding us that today's choices determine tomorrow's destination. (Proverbs 1:10-19) 3. Choose the Right Path The righteous path is not chosen by accident but through deliberate decisions to follow God's wisdom. Looking at examples from Scripture and Christian history, this message demonstrates that a faithful life is built one decision at a time as believers continue trusting Christ and following His Word. (Proverbs 4:14-19; Psalm 1:1-2; Genesis 13:10-13) 4. Guard Your Heart Because the heart determines the direction of life, it must be carefully guarded. Solomon calls believers to protect their hearts by watching their words, fixing their eyes on God's path, avoiding corrupt influences, and allowing Christ to shape them from the inside out. (Proverbs 4:20-27; Proverbs 27:19; Luke 6:45; Ephesians 3:17) Godly leadership begins with the influences we choose to follow and the condition of our own hearts. As we seek God's wisdom, reject compromise, and faithfully walk His path, He uses our lives to influence others for His glory. 26.0614der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

Leading with True Wisdom

True wisdom is more than knowing the right answers. Drawing from Proverbs and the New Testament, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God gives wisdom to those who seek Him, fear Him, and faithfully apply His truth in everyday life. Discover why leading with biblical wisdom begins with a right relationship with Christ and grows through a lifelong pursuit of His Word. In This Message 1. Recognize Your Need for Wisdom Wise leaders understand that knowledge alone is not enough. Solomon's example reminds us to seek God's wisdom for life's decisions, trusting Him to provide understanding that helps us rightly apply His truth. Godly leadership begins with humility and a willingness to depend on the Lord rather than ourselves. (Proverbs 1:1-6; 1 Kings 3:9-12; James 3:13; Proverbs 14:12) 2. Live in the Fear of the Lord The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom because it recognizes God's rightful authority over every area of life. A heart that reveres God desires to obey Him, seek His direction, and honor Him in every decision. Apart from the Lord, even life's greatest accomplishments ultimately lack lasting significance. (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13) 3. Pursue and Apply God's Wisdom Biblical wisdom is not gained by accident but through a continual pursuit of God's truth. Solomon encourages believers to seek wisdom with diligence, while James reminds us to ask God for it, and Paul points us to Christ as the source of all wisdom. God's wisdom is meant to be lived out through faithful obedience, not merely admired or understood. (Proverbs 2:1-6; James 1:5; Colossians 2:2-3; James 1:22) God continues to give wisdom to those who seek Him with humble and obedient hearts. As we pursue Christ, honor the Lord, and apply His Word each day, He equips us to lead others with discernment, faithfulness, and lasting influence. 26.0607der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]

Don’t Quit: Staying Strong in the Race of Faith*

The Christian life is not a sprint but a lifelong race that requires endurance, perseverance, and unwavering focus on Christ. Drawing from Hebrews 12, Pastor Chris Teien encourages believers to keep running faithfully by laying aside anything that hinders their walk, fixing their eyes on Jesus, and pressing on through every challenge. Discover how God equips His people to finish the race of faith with confidence and hope. In This Message 1. Know You Are Being Watched The lives of faithful believers from Scripture remind us that we are not the first to face hardship or opposition. God sees our faithfulness, the people around us are influenced by the way we live, and our perseverance can encourage others to keep following Christ. (Hebrews 12:1; Hebrews 11; Daniel 6) 2. Get Rid of What Slows You Down Following Christ requires laying aside sinful habits, unhealthy distractions, and even good things that keep us from God's best. As we pursue the race God has given us, we are called to remove whatever hinders our spiritual growth and faithfully move forward despite past failures. (Hebrews 12:1; 1 John 2:16) 3. Enter the Race Through Faith in Christ The race of faith begins by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through His death and resurrection, God offers forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life to everyone who places their trust in Him. (John 3:16; John 3:36; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-13) 4. Focus on the Champion Jesus is the perfect example of faithful endurance, having completed the race before us through His obedience, sacrifice, and victory over sin and death. By keeping our eyes fixed on Him instead of comparing ourselves to others, we find the strength to persevere and faithfully finish the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:2; Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 5; John 13) 5. Don't Expect the Race to Be Easy Scripture reminds believers that following Christ includes hardship, opposition, and perseverance. Like the apostle Paul, we are called to remain faithful through every trial, looking forward to the eternal reward that awaits all who finish the race in Christ. (Hebrews 12:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8) No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, God invites you to keep moving forward in faith. As you trust Him, lay aside every hindrance, and keep your eyes on Jesus, He will strengthen you to endure and finish the race He has set before you. 17m0826der Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com [https://ChrisTeien.com] and Rockwell.church [https://Rockwell.church]  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith [https://well.faith]