Living for God with Authenticity and Discernment

In a world full of spiritual counterfeits and confusion, Pastor Chris Teien challenges us to live an authentic Christian life, grounded in truth and discernment. Drawing from John 4 and 1 Thessalonians 5, this episode explores how genuine faith, wise testing of spiritual experiences, and Spirit-led living protect believers from deception and strengthen their walk with Christ.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335660

Key Points:

1. Live authentically by worshiping God in spirit and in truth – True worship is sincere, heartfelt, and rooted in biblical truth (John 4:23–24).
2. Grow in discernment to test spiritual claims and teachings – Believers must search Scripture and listen to the Holy Spirit rather than blindly accept everything labeled "Christian" (1 Thessalonians 5:19–22; 1 John 4:1).
3. Recognize that authentic faith embraces mystery and trusts God’s work, even when we don't fully understand (2 Peter 1:20–21).
4. Seek the Holy Spirit’s leading without chasing sensationalism – Avoid quenching the Spirit, but also test all things carefully to hold onto what is good (Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 24:24).

Personal Stories:
 Pastor Chris shares personal stories of discerning authentic experiences, from a disappointing car part purchase to surprising ways God confirmed his calling into ministry. He shares practical examples of hearing wise counsel, praying through decisions, seeing answers to prayer, and learning to rely on Scripture and Spirit-led discernment over hype or emotion.

Quotes:

• “Authenticity means worshiping God honestly, living truthfully, and discerning wisely.”
• “Faith isn’t about chasing the newest message—it’s about clinging to the truth God has already spoken.”
• “The Holy Spirit’s real work in your life produces love, joy, peace, and self-control—not confusion or chaos.”

Takeaways:

1. Heart-level reflection: Ask God to help you live authentically and recognize any areas where you may be living superficially.
2. Daily-life application: Before believing any teaching or prophetic word, test it against Scripture and seek confirmation through prayer.
3. Spiritual step or challenge: Commit to listening daily for the Holy Spirit’s voice through Bible reading and prayer, not just emotional experiences.
4. Practical next step: Memorize and meditate on Galatians 5:22–23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 to strengthen discernment and spiritual fruitfulness.

Scripture:

• John 4:23–24 – Worshiping in spirit and truth
• 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 – Test all things, hold onto good, reject evil
• 1 John 4:1 – Test the spirits
• Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit
• 2 Peter 1:20–21 – No prophecy came by human interpretation
• Matthew 24:24 – Warning against false prophets and counterfeit miracles
• Jude 1:3 – Contend for the faith once delivered

Keywords:
 Authentic Christian living, discernment, Holy Spirit guidance, worship in spirit and truth, false teaching, prophecy, spiritual gifts, faith and truth, Christian maturity, Bible-based living

Subscribe to Well Faith with Chris Teien where you get your podcasts or go to wellfaith.buzzsprout.com Easily search these messages on our well.faith website. Find inspiring posts, faith building resources, and encouragement for a better life at ChrisTeien.com Join us 10:15am Sundays in person at 93 Midway Dr, Virginia, MN 55792 or online at rockwell.church #rockwellchurch218

Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.