Joy is not something we stumble into by accident. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien walks through the story of the Magi in Matthew 2 and shows how true joy is found by those who intentionally pursue Jesus, even when the path is uncertain. This episode invites listeners to step out in faith, follow the light God gives, and offer Christ their very best.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18395519

Key Points:

1. Take the first step toward Jesus
   The Magi acted on what they knew, not on what they could fully see. Faith moves forward with limited information, trusting God to guide each next step. Scripture: Matthew 2:1–2, Psalm 119:105
2. Do not let fear or comfort keep you from Him
   Fear, insecurity, and comfort can quietly keep us from obedience. While Herod resisted Jesus and religious leaders stayed comfortable, the Magi kept moving. Joy grows when faith turns knowledge into action. Scripture: Matthew 2:3–6, James 4:8, Isaiah 55:6
3. Follow the light God gives you
   God often reveals direction gradually. As we respond faithfully, He provides clarity along the way. Remaining close to Christ keeps us fruitful and steady even in uncertainty. Scripture: Matthew 2:9–10, John 15:4–5, James 1:22
4. Offer Jesus your best, not what is left over
   True worship costs something. The Magi brought their treasures, bowed in humility, and trusted God with their resources. When we place Christ first, God uses our surrender to accomplish His purposes. Scripture: Matthew 2:11–12, John 5:24, Romans 15:13

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris shares his own journey of stepping away from career security to pursue full-time ministry, reflecting on the joy that comes from trusting God with the unknown and moving forward in obedience.

Notable Quotes:
Joy is rooted in God’s presence, promises, and purposes.
Faith moves forward with the light it has.
You experience joy when obedience turns belief into action.

Actionable Takeaways:
Reflect on where fear or comfort may be slowing your obedience.
Identify one step God is prompting you to take toward Him.
Commit to following Scripture even when the future feels unclear.
Offer your time, resources, and heart to Christ intentionally this week.

Scripture References:
Matthew 2:1–12 – The Magi pursue and worship Jesus
Psalm 16:11 – Joy found in God’s presence
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord as strength
Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word as guidance
James 4:8 – Drawing near to God
Isaiah 55:6 – Seeking the Lord
John 15:4–5 – Abiding in Christ
James 1:22 – Living out the Word
John 5:24 – Crossing from death to life
Romans 15:13 – Hope, joy, and peace through trust in God

Keywords:
joy worth pursuing, Magi, Christmas faith, spiritual obedience, following God, Christian joy, faith journey, worship, biblical encouragement

Challenge:
Ask God what step of faith He is calling you to take, then move forward this week trusting Him with the outcome.

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: connect@christeien.com

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/18408186

Key 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 decisions

Scripture 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.

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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: connect@christeien.com

Fear has a way of shrinking our faith and silencing our witness, especially when life feels uncertain. In this message from Luke 2, Pastor Chris shows how godly joy is rooted in God’s grace, anchored in His promises, and strong enough to overcome fear. Through the Christmas story of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, listeners are invited to rediscover a joy that steadies the heart and fuels faithful living.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18351796

Key Points:

1. God works through difficult circumstances
   God used inconvenience, hardship, and humble settings to accomplish His redemptive plan. Luke 2:1-7 reminds us that God is often working even when timing feels wrong and life feels unsettled.
2. Fear reveals where trust is being tested
   The shepherds’ reaction shows how fear can surface when God moves unexpectedly. Fear focuses on what could go wrong, while joy rests in what God has already done. Luke 2:8-9; Psalm 34:4.
3. Godly joy is grounded in good news
   The angel’s message points to the gospel that brings lasting joy for all people. True joy flows from knowing the Savior has come and that God is for us. Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16.

(overall message ends here)
Godly joy does not remove difficulty, but it gives confidence, peace, and courage in the middle of it.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris shares practical reflections on fear in everyday life, including the fear of sharing faith and the fear of uncertainty, showing how perspective changes when we trust God’s presence and purposes.

Notable Quotes:
Fear focuses on what could go wrong, but joy anchors us in what God has already done.
God is often glorified through humble people and difficult circumstances.
Joy grows when we retell what God has done.

Actionable Takeaways:

Reflect honestly on where fear is showing up in your life
Anchor your joy in God’s grace rather than your circumstances
Take a small step of obedience even when fear is present
Share what God has done in your life and allow joy to grow

Scripture References:
Luke 2:1-20 – The birth of Jesus and the shepherds’ response
Psalm 34:4 – God delivers from fear
Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good
John 3:16 – The gift of salvation through Christ
James 1:2 – Joy in the midst of trials

Keywords:
godly joy, overcoming fear, Luke 2 sermon, Christmas message, faith over fear, Christian encouragement, sharing the gospel, joy in Christ

Challenge:
This week, name your fear before God, receive His peace, and intentionally live and speak with joy that points others to Christ.

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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: connect@christeien.com