Enjoy the WELL Life in Christ - Pastor Chris Teien

Rockwell Church exists to help people of all ages connect to Christ the ROCK and live WELL Lives through Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning and Loving. This week we are looking at why we need to give and receive encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “So encourage each other and build each other up…” And 2 Corinthians 13:11 instructs Christ-followers, “…Be Joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” Watch or listen to this message from Rockwell Church  to see how God works to provide encouragement in our Christian experience and how He enables us to be encouragers.

I filled in for a church that wasn't able to make it so I brought a portable PA speaker, a cordless mic and my Bible. I love encouraging people to connect with Christ and enjoy WELL Lives and it was a perfect time to share my 4H and animal stories. Pastor Chris Teien

It’s Memorial Day weekend – a time to remember those who have given their lives fighting for our peace and freedom. The Bible says that Christians are to be like soldiers to accomplish Jesus our commander’s mission. We protect and fight with His power, armor and weapons. We sacrifice the temporary things of this world and may even give our lives in the battle but there are eternal rewards given to the faithful. Listen and be encouraged to keep pushing onward Christian soldier! Pastor Chris Teien(*one of the most played episodes)

Our Church in Action  (Eph 2:11-22)Have we reached our destination? Do we have a culture of peace now?  #1 Our Church: the Community of the LOST. (vv 11-12)Paul reminds us of our PAST. We were LOST apart from Christ.  #2 Our Church: the Community of the REDEEMED and the RECONCILED. (vv 13-18)Our peace was purchased by the BLOOD of Christ.For Christians in conflict, the blood of Christ brings peace with GOD  and with OTHER BELIEVERSThe basis or ground for reconciliation with other believers is the presence of the  HOLY SPIRIT in all Christians. Does God want you to pray about assisting the Peacemaking Team?  #3 Our Church: a dwelling place for God? (vv 19-22) We can be confident because the FOUNDATION of the church is built on the solid foundation of Christ.  The Lord is making our church into a dwelling where GOD  lives by his SPIRIT Conclusion:  We have a great calling as Christians – to be peacemakers because of the peace we have in Christ. To be reconcilers because we’ve been reconciled. To be a people where God chooses to live by his Spirit.Challenge: Can we be a dwelling place for God? It sounds like too much for us but Eph 3:20-21 gives us confidence and hope in the God who does unthinkable things through his church.Originally shared at  River Rock Church     Nov 8th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien     Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

The Awesome Dynamic of ForgivenessLuke 15:1-32 Introduction: We’re lost … because we’ve LEFT GOD #1 We all view God as an EMPLOYER. #2 The Story of the Younger Son (vv. 12-24) The Request To ask for his inheritance means the son wants his father to DIE! Sin is wishing GOD were dead. The younger son returns not as a son, but rather as an EMPLOYEE. The Father’s Response Instead of CONDEMNING his son, the father runs to greet him and seals his FORGIVENESS with a lavish celebration.  #3 The Elder Son (vv. 12-24) The Rejection The elder son surrendered his soul to his PRIDE and self-SUFFICIENCY. When others have done wrong, we want JUSTICE,  not MERCY. The Father’s Response  And yet the father’s love wasUNQUENCHABLE.  #4 The Third Son Jesus has PAID for all our sins and thereby OPENED the way for all of us to return to our Father’s loving arms.  Because of Jesus, the Father is waiting for you to RETURN— so that he  may bless you, forgive you, accept you, and CELEBRATE over you with the whole host of heaven. Conclusion: The foundational “G” for all peacemaking is the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ. Challenge: Think of someone you know who is “lost” and in need of Jesus’ forgiveness and love.  Then, find a way to point this person to the loving arms of the welcoming Father.   Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Nov 1st, 2009       Pastor Chris TeienMessage adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

Putting Discipline in DiscipleshipMatthew 18:12-22 Excellence requires discipline. #1 Discipline is all aboutLOVE (Heb. 12:6; Ps. 94:12; Rev. 3:19). #2 Ninety-nine percent of church life involves FORMATIVE discipline               (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Thess. 2:11; Heb. 10:24-25; 12:10; Titus 1:8). #3 Occasionally we need corrective or restorative discipline (Matt. 18:12-22).  Note the “BOOKENDS of LOVE” (Matt. 18:12-14; 21-22).  Step 1 – What should you do when someone does something wrong? The world says, “Mind your own business,” “Live and let live,” or “Be tolerant.” God says, “If your brother sins against you, GO and SHOW him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over” (Matt. 18:15; cf. Lev. 19:17; Prov. 9:8; 19:18; Gal. 6:1-2; James 5:19-20; cf. Prov. 19:11; 1 Pet. 4:8). “Nothing is more cruel than the tenderness that consigns another to his sin. Nothing is more compassionate than the severe rebuke that calls a brother back from the path of sin.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together)  Step 2 -- But what if others don’t listen to you? What if they keep on doing something you think is wrong? The world says, “Tell anyone and everyone about it.”  God says, “If he will not listen to you, TAKE one or two others ALONG so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Matt. 18:16; Heb. 12:11).   Step 3 -- But what if others get involved and the person still won’t change? The world says, “we’ve done all we can, so let’s just drop it.” What does God say? “If he refuses to listen to them, TELL it to the   CHURCH” (Matt. 18:17; Acts 15:1-2, 6). Step 4 -- But what if the person still won’t repent, even after others in the church                  do all they can to persuade him to repent? The world says, “Judge not lest ye be judged.”… “Don’t force your values on me.” What does God say? “If he refuses to listen even to the church,TREAT him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matt. 18:17b; cf. Matt. 18:18-20; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; Titus 3:10).  Step 5 -- What if a person repents of his sin and wants to be reconciled? The world says, “Forgive you? Never! Not after all you’ve done.”  What does God say? “FORGIVE your brother from your heart …  seventy-seven times” (Matt. 18:21-22; 2 Cor. 2:7). Conclusion: Discipline is God’s GIFT and BLESSING  to the church!  Challenge:  The next time you are faced with disciplining someone (a child,                     subordinate, etc.) challenge yourself to discipline as God disciplines: out                     of love for that person, not retribution.      The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in (Prov. 3:12).   Originally shared at  River Rock Church     Oct 25th, 2009       Pastor Chris TeienMessage adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

 “Learning to Listen to Criticism”Proverbs 9:9, 12:15, 13:10, 15:32, 17:10#1 Pride can be exceedingly expensive.Criticism is when another person judges you by declaring that you  have FALLEN SHORT of a particular standard. A key step is to recognize the idol of SELF  #2 Criticism is a kindness, an honor, and a blessing if we have the  HUMILITY to listen to whatever may be TRUE  in it  (Prov. 12:15; 13:10; 17:10; 13:13; 9:9; 15:32; Ps. 141:5). We will never be able to welcome criticism as a kindness until we  under stand both God’s CRITICISM and his  JUSTIFICATION of  us through CHRISTS CROSS  #3 In Christ's Cross, I affirm God'sJUDGMENT of me   (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 3:9-11; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10). To claim to be a Christian is to claim to be someone who has  understood  CRTICISM A Christian is someone who has stood under the greatest criticism  – God’s criticism —and AGREED with it! #4 In Christ's Cross, I affirm God's JUSTIFICATION of me  (Phil. 3:9; Rom. 4:5; 3:20-26).If the whole world criticizes you, you can reply, “If GOD has  justified  me, who can CONDEMN me?”  #5 The implications for our response to criticism:We can face any criticism with confidence.We can find comfort by seeing God’s hand in criticism (2 Sam. 16:5-7, 11-12).We can respond to criticism with a spirit of thanksgiving (Ps. 141:5).We can respond with humility and a willingness to learn. We can respond with a spirit of surrender (Rom. 8:33-34).We can respond with a spirit of submission (Heb. 12:5-6).Conclusion: “How can I best give accurate, fair, and balanced criticism with much mercy and affirmation?” (Proverbs 9:9; 12:15; 13:10, 13; 15:32; 17:10; and Psalm 141:5)Challenge:  Ask yourself, “Do people feel comfortable offering me correction, or do I have a habit of responding with defensiveness and self-justification?”  If you aren’t sure of the answer, ask someone who cares about you. Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Oct 18th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

 Psalm 32     Making resolutions 1.      In what and for whom is this happiness? (Psalm 32:1-2)True happiness is forgiveness for transgression.True happiness consists in having our sin covered.True happiness consists in the Lord not counting our sin against us.True happiness is the possession of the confessing Christian.2.      The deceit of concealed sin (Psalm 32:3) 3.      The consequences of keeping silent (Psalm 32:3-4) 4.      How does God bring true happiness to believers? Through conviction by His Spirit and His Word. Genuine conviction will lead to sincere confession. ·         Secret sin (Ps. 90:8) ·         Private sins (Matt. 18:15)·         Public sins      5.      You forgave my sin! (Psalm 32:5) Conclusion:  Let us resolve sincerely to confess our own sins and gladly encourage and forgive others as they do the same (Isa. 29:15; Prov. 28:13).Challenge:  Just as David needed Nathan, we also need others to help us see the sins in our lives.  This week, ask a respected friend to help you identify a stumbling block in your life.  Originally shared at  River Rock Church     Oct 11th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

“U-Turn Towards Peace”   Luke 12:13-15Purpose: To encourage believers to break free from the habit of focusing on other people’s wrongs and to promote peace by focusing on their own contribution to a conflict.1.      Our natural reaction to conflict is to blame others and focus on their wrongs (Lk. 12:13; Gen. 3, 37; 1 Sam. 18-19) 2.      The blame game always makes conflict worse (Lk. 12:15; Ps. 73:21-22)3.      You can change the course of a conflict with a prompt you-turn (Lk. 12:15; Matt. 7:1-5)4.       Genuine reconciliation and lasting change require a transformed heart (Lk. 12:15; Matt. 15:18-19; James 4:1-3; Ezek. 36:25-27) Conclusion: Make a “you-turn” by confessing the sinful desires in your own life and by receiving the incredible gift of forgiveness and peace won on the cross. Challenge: Making a “you-turn” means that you are going to go in another direction.  Lay out a practical plan for the route that you will take, with God’s help, as you go in this new direction.Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Oct 4th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

“Reunite for Peace”  Ephesians 4:1-16A. Unity has an irresistible power.  What is the nature of Christian unity?People do not CREATE unity— GOD does (Eph. 4:3; 2:22). Christian unity is “being one in spirit and purpose” to LOVE Jesus Christ and MAKE HIM KNOWN to others (John 17:23; Phil. 2:2; Rom. 15:5-6).B. Five commitments needed to cultivate, maintain and demonstrate unity:#1 A commitment to LOVE Jesus Christ above all things and to SACRIFICE all of our mini-agendas for His sake (Eph. 4:1, 15-16; Matt. 22:37; Gal. 2:20).#2 A commitment to sound DOCTRINE which never sacrifices the TRUTH, but always prioritizes it in a spirit of GRACE (Eph. 4:4-6, 13, 15, 16; Phil. 3:15).#3 A commitment to develop Christ-like CHARACTER especially HUMILITY and SUBMISSION (Eph. 4:2; Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:8).#4 A commitment to respect and pursue God-given DIVERSITY and accept one another as Christ has accepted us (Eph. 4:11; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Col. 3:11; Rom. 15:7)."Unity is not the same as UNIFORMITY. The church at its best should be like an ORCHESTRA, with many different instru­ments blending together under one conductor to play complementary parts in one glorious composition."#5 A commitment to strive earnestly and prayerfully to pursue PEACE resolve conflict, and preserve relationships despite personal differences (Eph. 4:3; Prov. 19:11; Luke 6:27-28; Rom. 12:18; Gal. 6:1).C. The evidence and fruit of unity:#1 A HARMONY of shared lives, with people regularly meeting, eating, praying, worshiping, and reaching decisions together (Acts. 1:14; 2:46; Rom. 12:16; 1 Pet. 3:8).#2 No worldly DISCRIMINATION based on race, gender, age, or economic status (Gal. 3:26-29).#3 A commitment to seek genuine UNDERSTANDING and AGREEMENT rather than an imposed uniformity (Phil. 2:1-4).#4 People feel a FREEDOM to respectfully DISAGREE with one another (Phil. 3:15).#5 Work PRODUCTIVELY toward common kingdom goals and invest our spiritual and material resources far more effectively (Acts 4:32-37).#6 DURABLE relationships (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:12-15).#7 Enhance our WITNESS for Christ (John 17:23; 13:34-35).Conclusion: True Christian unity can provide a POWERFUL and APPEALING witness to the world.Challenge: What will you do today, by God’s grace, to cultivate, maintain, and demonstrate unity in your marriage, family, workplace, or here at church?Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Sept 27th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries  

 “Finding Real Peace” Colossians 1:15-20People are hungry for peace! (Jer. 6:14) Real peace is a PRIORITY to God  (Col 1:15-19; Matt. 5:23-24).Real peace is EXPENSIVE (Col 1:20; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-11; 1 Pet. 5:6; Matt. 7:3-4; Phil. 2:3-4; Eph. 4:32).Real peace requires an ALLY (Col. 1:19-20; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 1:18-20).Real peace is found only at the CROSS  (Col. 1:20; Acts 4:12).Real peace has ETERNAL consequences (Col. 1:20; John 6:47; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; John 13:34-35; Luke 6:27-36). Conclusion: Conflict is an OPPORTUNITY to show others how to find real peace!Challenge: Think of someone in your life with whom you need to make peace.  Throughout this study, commit to prayer the steps you need to take to go to that person.Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Sept 20th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries

Be encouraged to Come See and Go Tell this timeless truth we proclaimed on Easter Sunday from Matthew 28:6-7 (NLT): “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” (* One of the most played episodes)

Have you ever played a video game and when things weren’t working out as you hoped you just hit the RESTART button and tried again? Did you know Jesus made it possible for us to get a new start in life? Did you know that living the Christian life is hard but when you mess up you can get a restart? No matter how big of a mess you or your friends life is right now it’s not over yet but maybe time to hit the restart button. Be encouraged to start again and be equipped to help others start over. It’s time to let go of the past and move forward into the future living the life God created you to experience. - Pastor Chris Teien (*one of the most played episodes)

It really doesn't take much to become a biological father but it does take commitment to be a Dad who chooses to live a WELL Life (Worshiping, Encouraging, Learning and Loving). Listen and be encouraged to live a life that blesses others. Pastor Chris Teien(*one of the most played episodes)

Message includes Mike Jacobs story. In the Gospel of John Jesus second miracle is healing the royal official’s son from a distance (John 4:43-54) and is a great lesson in true faith. River Rock Church was blessed by the life of one of our members Mike Jacobs who went home to be with Jesus and part of his life and faith story is also part of this encouraging message. #teamjacobs #cancersucks  Pastor Chris Teien, Joe Aldrich, Dan Jetto(*one of the most played episodes)