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

Leading with Wisdom | Proverbs 1-2

What does it mean to lead with wisdom in a world overflowing with information? In this opening message from Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien explores the difference between knowledge and wisdom, the importance of the fear of the Lord, and why true wisdom ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Whether you are leading a family, a business, a ministry, or simply seeking God's direction for your life, Scripture teaches that wisdom begins with God, grows through obedience, and is fully revealed in Christ. Drawing from the lives of Solomon and David, this message challenges believers to seek God's wisdom, apply His truth, and trust His direction in every area of life.  Full Transcript & Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19309020 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19309020] Sermon Outline I. Wise Leaders Recognize Their Need for Wisdom Proverbs 1:1-6; 1 Kings 3:9-12 Solomon understood that leadership required more than ability, experience, or resources. He asked God for wisdom, demonstrating that wise leaders recognize their dependence upon the Lord and seek His guidance before making important decisions.  II. Wise Leaders Live in the Fear of the Lord Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. It is not terror but a reverent submission to God that results in obedience, humility, and godly decision-making.  III. Wise Leaders Continually Pursue and Apply God's Wisdom Proverbs 2:1-6 Wisdom is not acquired accidentally. It must be sought, treasured, and applied. God's people are called to listen, search, ask, and pursue wisdom diligently through His Word.  IV. Wisdom Finds Its Fulfillment in Christ 1 Corinthians 1:24,30; Colossians 2:1-3 The wisdom described throughout Proverbs ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is the wisdom of God and the source of true spiritual understanding. In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Memorable Quotes > "Knowledge is learning. Wisdom is the God-given ability to rightly apply that knowledge." > > "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom." > > "Solomon had wisdom, but he still had to choose whether he would obey it." > > "Christ is wisdom personified, wisdom in the flesh." Reflection Questions 1.  In what area of life do you most need God's wisdom today?  2.  How does the fear of the Lord influence your decisions and priorities?  3.  Are you intentionally pursuing wisdom, or relying primarily on your own understanding?  4.  What is the difference between knowing God's truth and applying God's truth?  5.  How does understanding Christ as the wisdom of God shape the way you read Proverbs?  Application Biblical wisdom is more than knowledge. It is faithfully applying God's truth to everyday life. Consider an area where you need God's direction. Bring it before the Lord in prayer, seek His wisdom through Scripture, and commit yourself to obeying what He reveals. The fear of the Lord remains the foundation of true wisdom. As believers grow in their knowledge of Christ and submission to His Word, they learn not only what is right but also how to live in a way that honors God and benefits others.  Scripture References Proverbs 1:1-7; Proverbs 2:1-6; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 14:12; 1 Kings 3:9-12; Psalm 111:10; 2 Samuel 5:19; James 1:5; James 1:22; James 3:13; 1 Corinthians 1:24-31; Colossians 2:1-3. 26.0607de Chris Teien, Pastor of Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, shares biblical preaching and practical encouragement through the WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast, along with occasional guest speakers. New messages are shared every week to encourage you in your faith and help you apply God's Word to your life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church

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

Life is filled with challenges that tempt us to give up. Hebrews 12:1–4 calls us to stay strong in faith by fixing our eyes on Jesus. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien shares encouragement to let go of distractions, endure hardship, and keep moving forward with hope and courage.  Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335680 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335680] Key Points: 1. You are being watched – Your faith inspires others, just as the heroes of Hebrews 11 encourage us today. 2. Let go of what holds you back – Lay aside sin, pride, and even good things that can weigh you down. 3. Stay strong in Christ – The race of faith begins with salvation and continues with daily focus on Jesus. 4. Keep your eyes on the Champion – Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him and now strengthens us to endure. Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:  Pastor Chris shares about an icy day with a church truck hood flying open, a vivid reminder that the examples of others can give us courage in unexpected struggles. He also talks about everyday weights like sports, possessions, or personal pursuits that can distract us from God’s call. Notable Quotes:  “Don’t quit, because Jesus has already endured the cross for you.”  “Even good things become hindrances when they take the place of God’s best.”  “Your faith is not just about you—it encourages others who are watching.” Actionable Takeaways: * Reflect: Am I trying to please people or to honor Christ? * Apply: Identify one weight or distraction you need to set aside this week. * Grow: Fix your eyes on Jesus daily through prayer and Scripture. * Act: Share your story to encourage someone else’s faith. Scripture References:  Hebrews 12:1–4, John 3:16, John 3:36, Romans 6:23, 1 John 2:16, 1 John 5:11–13 Keywords: faith, endurance, don’t quit, Hebrews 12, perseverance, focus on Jesus, Christian strength, staying strong Challenge:  Stay strong in the race of faith. Don’t quit. Fix your eyes on Jesus and keep moving forward with endurance and hope. 17m0826de Chris Teien, Pastor of Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, shares biblical preaching and practical encouragement through the WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast, along with occasional guest speakers. New messages are shared every week to encourage you in your faith and help you apply God's Word to your life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church

Stop Striving and Start Abiding: Seven Secrets of the Vine*

Many Christians spend their lives striving to become more fruitful, only to find themselves weary, discouraged, and frustrated. In this message from John 15, Pastor Chris Teien explains Jesus' invitation to stop striving and start abiding. Discover how remaining connected to Christ produces lasting fruit, greater joy, and a more effective Christian life. Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335522 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335522] Key Points 1.  The Father Is Working Out His Plan Through Jesus (John 15:1)  God is the gardener, Jesus is the true vine, and believers are the branches. The Father lovingly directs and cares for His people as He accomplishes His purposes.  2.  Pruning Produces Greater Fruitfulness (John 15:2-3)  Pruning may seem painful or destructive, but God removes distractions, unhealthy patterns, and unproductive areas so that believers can become more fruitful.  3.  Abiding Is the Key to Fruitfulness (John 15:4-5)  Jesus never commands believers to produce fruit. Instead, He commands them to remain in Him. Fruit is the natural result of abiding in Christ.  4.  Fruitless Branches Face Loss (John 15:6)  The warning of fruitless branches reminds believers of the importance of remaining faithful and useful in God's service.  5.  The Connected Get What They Need (John 15:7-8)  When believers abide in Christ and His words remain in them, they experience God's provision, guidance, and power.  6.  Abiding Leads to Joy (John 15:9-11)  Jesus desires His followers to experience His joy and to have that joy made complete.  7.  Love Is the Greatest Fruit (John 15:12-17)  A life connected to Christ will increasingly display Christlike love toward God and others.  Personal Stories from Pastor Chris • Visiting a church in South America with grapevines growing in the courtyard. • A testimony from high school about choosing Christian radio over secular music and how God used that decision as a season of spiritual growth and pruning. Notable Quotes • "We are striving to produce fruit when maybe if we were just abiding, we'd do better." • "Jesus instructed His followers to focus their attention on abiding rather than production." • "Apart from Me you can do nothing." Actionable Takeaways • Ask God to reveal areas of life that need pruning. • Spend consistent time abiding in Christ through prayer and Scripture. • Focus on relationship with Jesus rather than merely religious activity. • Allow God to produce fruit through you instead of striving in your own strength. Scripture References John 15:1-17 Romans 1:13 John 4:35-38 Romans 6:22 Colossians 1:10 Hebrews 13:15 Galatians 5:22-23 John 6:37 John 10:27-29 1 John 5:11-12 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Hebrews 9:27 Keywords Abide in Christ, John 15, Fruitfulness, Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Discipleship, Pruning, Vine and Branches, Faith, Well Faith Podcast Challenge This week, spend intentional time abiding in Christ each day. Ask God to reveal one area He wants to prune so that you can become more fruitful for His glory. 21.0515de 7 Secrets of the Vine Chris Teien, Pastor of Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, shares biblical preaching and practical encouragement through the WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast, along with occasional guest speakers. New messages are shared every week to encourage you in your faith and help you apply God's Word to your life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church

When the Holy Spirit Empowers Ordinary People

What are you spending your life pursuing? Are you merely surviving, or are you living for something greater? David’s mighty men were ordinary people who became courageous warriors through God’s power and faithfulness. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien explores the connection between David’s mighty men and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Through 2 Samuel 23 and Acts 2, believers are challenged to courageously follow Christ with faithfulness, sacrifice, and boldness in a world that often pressures people to stay silent. Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19231900 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19231900] Key Points: #1 Courage to STAND (2 Samuel 23:8-12) David's mighty men stood firm when others ran away because they trusted God to give victory. God still uses ordinary people today who are willing to stand faithfully in difficult moments. The Holy Spirit empowers believers with courage and boldness to live for Christ.  * a. God uses ordinary people (1 Samuel 22:1-2) * b. The Holy Spirit gives boldness (Acts 2:1-4) * c. Ordinary believers can live courageously (Acts 4:13) #2 Faithfulness to the MISSION (2 Samuel 23:13-15) The Christian life requires devotion and perseverance. Pastor Chris reminds listeners that following Jesus may involve sacrifice, hardship, and pressure, but faithful believers continue serving because the mission matters more than comfort.  * a. Real devotion costs something (Luke 9:23) * b. Spirit-filled believers endure hardship (2 Timothy 2:3-4) * c. Faithfulness continues under pressure (Acts 5:41) #3 Worship Through SACRIFICE (2 Samuel 23:16-17) David poured out the water from Bethlehem as an offering to the Lord because he recognized the costly devotion of his mighty men. This act points forward to Jesus Christ, who poured out His own life for our salvation. Believers are called to pour out their lives in worship, service, and obedience to God.  * a. David honored their costly devotion * b. God pours out His Spirit (Acts 2:17) * c. Believers pour out their lives for Christ (Philippians 2:17) * d. Jesus showed the greatest sacrifice (John 15:13) Personal Stories from Pastor Chris: Pastor Chris reflects on Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by soldiers who gave their lives serving others. He compares their loyalty and courage to the devotion seen in David’s mighty men and challenges believers to live courageously for the Kingdom of God.  Notable Quotes:  “Are you spending your life just surviving, or are you spending your life for something greater?” “Sometimes when you’re faithful to show up, then God shows up.” “The question isn’t are you extraordinary. The question is, am I willing to let God use my life?” Actionable Takeaways: *  Ask God for courage to stand faithfully when pressure comes.  *  Spend intentional time in prayer and God’s Word this week.  *  Look for opportunities to serve others and share Christ boldly.  *  Evaluate whether your life is centered on comfort or on God’s mission.  *  Surrender your time, gifts, and resources to the Lord as worship.  Scripture References: 2 Samuel 23:8-17, 1 Samuel 22:1-2, 1 Chronicles 12:18, Acts 2:1-4, 17, Acts 4:13, Acts 5:41, Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Philippians 2:17, John 15:13 Keywords: Pentecost, Holy Spirit, David’s Mighty Men, courage, sacrifice, Christian living, spiritual boldness, discipleship, faithfulness, worship Challenge: This week, stop merely surviving and ask God to help you courageously spend your life for something greater through the power of the Holy Spirit. 26.0524de Spend Your Life for Something Greater Chris Teien, Pastor of Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, shares biblical preaching and practical encouragement through the WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast, along with occasional guest speakers. New messages are shared every week to encourage you in your faith and help you apply God's Word to your life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church

Trusting God with What Comes Next

In this message from Genesis 28 and 32, Pastor Chris Teien looks at Jacob’s uncertain journey and reminds listeners that God is present even when the future feels unclear. Whether facing graduation, career changes, family decisions, fear, or regret, we can trust God to guide, shape, and provide for us one step at a time.  Links: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19191831 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19191831] Key Points:  God transforms your uncertainty with His presence - Genesis 28:10-15  God receives your response of faith - Genesis 28:16-22  God uses every season for His purpose - Romans 8:28  God shapes your character through the journey - Genesis 32:24-28  God teaches you to depend on Him - Philippians 1:6 Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:  Pastor Chris reflects on graduating before modern technology, learning unexpected skills through different jobs and volunteer opportunities, and how God uses ordinary seasons to prepare us for what comes next. Notable Quotes:  “Nobody knows what comes next, but we can trust that God is going to get us through.”  “God does not always tell you every detail. He guides you down a path.”  “It does not mean everything will be easy, but it does mean God will get you through.”  Actionable Takeaways:  Trust God with the next step, even when you cannot see the whole path.  Stay faithful in ordinary opportunities, because God may be preparing you through them.  Do not compromise spiritually while waiting for God’s plan.  Draw close to God through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience. Scripture References:  Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob’s dream at Bethel  Genesis 32:24-28 - Jacob wrestles and receives a new name  Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust the Lord with all your heart  John 1:51 - Jesus as the connection between heaven and earth  James 4:8 - Come close to God  Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Keep your vows to God  Psalm 15:1, 4 - Keep promises even when it hurts  Romans 8:28 - God works all things together for good  Philippians 1:6 - God finishes the work He begins Keywords:  trusting God, Jacob, Genesis 28, Genesis 32, God’s guidance, graduation sermon, uncertainty, faith, spiritual growth, Well Faith Podcast Challenge:  Ask God to help you trust Him with what comes next, then take the next faithful step He puts in front of you. Listen & Subscribe: wellfaith.buzzsprout.com  #RockwellChurch218 26.0517de Chris Teien, Pastor of Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, shares biblical preaching and practical encouragement through the WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast, along with occasional guest speakers. New messages are shared every week to encourage you in your faith and help you apply God's Word to your life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church