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Live Your Identity

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 04/23/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

As we look at Colossians 1:9-14, we see how these words apply to those trusting in Christ.

When you trust in Christ, your identity changes. If you want this change in identity, ask God for it.

When your identity is in Christ, God says who you are. You are able to know God’s will. You can’t know God’s mind, but you can know what God has in mind. You have wisdom from God, and can understand God’s movement. You are able to please God. You are able to live a life that matter. You are able to become strong in the faith.

Your identity comes entirely from God alone. You have this identity only by the grace of God. All you have that is of worth comes from God.

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Being Part of a Healthy Church Family

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/16/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

The Bible teaches essentials of being part of a healthy church family. Faith, hope and love are essential in all meaningful relationships.

It is essential in a loving church family that we are a people of faith. We are a people who trust in Christ’s righteousness. We are a people who have learned forgiveness.

It is essential in a loving church family that we are a people who love.

It is essential in a loving church family that we are a people who hope.

As Christ followers, it is our job to live lives of faith, hope and love in the Christian community we enjoy.

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Resurrection: Dead to Sin & Alive to God

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/9/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

God’s not done with our bodies when we die.

The physical resurrection of our bodies seems to be something humans struggle to believe in. The Bible is full of evidence concerning a physical resurrection. The tomb of Jesus is empty. The resurrected Jesus has substance.

Jesus’ body was recognizable. Our bodies will be recognizable. Jesus’ body was something you could feel. Our bodies will be capable of touching and being touched. Jesus’ body could eat. Our bodies will be capable of eating. Jesus’ body will never wear out. Our bodies will never wear out.

When we trusted Christ, we were made alive. Christ’s sacrifice makes you new. You can begin to live a new life. Live like a newly enlivened being!

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Never Giving Up :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/2/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Jesus is a man with everlasting commitment. He is committed to our redemption. He is committed to our salvation.

Jesus is a man of strength and power. Nothing can hold Him back. Evil quakes in fear at His appearance.

Jesus is a man unique to this task. His coming is planned by God. He alone will stay the course.

Jesus is a man who is Victor. Yahweh is on His side so His face is set like flint. He is without blame.

Jesus is a man who offers real choice. We can choose to trust Him. Or, we can choose to trust ourselves.

Christ’s journey speaks to us. He is committed to our redemption. He is worthy of our trust. He invites us to find life in Him.

Christ’s journey instructs us to stand firm, to not hold back, and to rest in the truth.

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O – Ongoing Prayer :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 3/26/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Prayer is important. As we look to Jesus, we see he prayed a lot! He prayed at His baptism. He prayed before calling the disciples. He prayed at the feeding of the multitudes. He prayed all the time. He prayed before His arrest. He prayed after His resurrection.

Why do we pray? We pray to connect spiritually to God.

We pray to receive wisdom in life’s decisions.

We pray to have strength when the stakes are high.

We pray to take advantage of the blessings of prayer.

We pray to prepare ourselves for battles yet to come.

How do you make prayer an integral part of your lives? You set aside deliberate time to pray. You don’t let fear of “virtue signaling” prevent you from teaching others to pray. You share stories with others of answered prayers.

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I – Interdependence :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 3/19/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Pastor Steve continues his series on COMMISSION.

Interdependence permeates our existence. Our differences strengthen us. God made us to need one another.

In order to walk deeply into the pathway of interdependence you must let go of fear. You must let go of your pride. You must let go of your judgement and instead give grace. Grace is essential in interdependence.

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S – Showcasing Christ’s Teachings :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 3/12/23 by Chaplain Branden Root.

Listen as Chaplain Branden Root speaks on how you can showcase the Gospel by understanding your commission.

You can walk in a manner worthy of your calling.

You can be unified in your mindset.

You can embrace the humility of Christ in all that you do.

You can exalt Christ above everything else.

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I – Intentional Living :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/26/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Living your commission requires you abandon careless, sloppy thinking and begin to pursue intentional living.

There is an evil spirit of the age. It is relentless and seemingly timeless. The world seems blind to the zeitgeist.

Intentional living tests the spirits by asking some questions.

What is the source? Where did it come from?

What is the direction? Where is this heading?

What is the end? Does that take me to Jesus?

Intentional living means walking in wisdom. Live intentionally regarding your time. Live intentionally regarding your resources. Live intentionally regarding your heart.

Intentionally direct the thankfulness that comes from your heart to express your appreciation for Christ by the way you live.

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M – Made To Make A Difference :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/19/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Everyone wants to make a difference. But the difference isn’t a matter of size; it’s a matter of commission.

Making a difference requires a clear vision of your commission. Resist the temptation to “be somebody”. Productive ministry can happen is small, personal ways.

Making a difference that matters means you need to separate yourself from sin.

Making a difference that matters means you need to love God’s instruction and God Himself.

Making a difference that matters means you look for ways to influence others.

The difference we make has an eternal blessing. God uses it to restore value to human lives. God uses it to prepare others to stand in righteousness. God uses it to change lives by bringing His presence.

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