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Leveraging Adversity in Your Walk with Christ :: PHILIPPIANS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/15/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through Philippians 1-12-19.

Let adversity tell you what is really important. Adversity has a voice. Adversity is afraid. Adversity actually reveals what’s important…..

The Gospel. The Gospel transforms the worst of us. The Gospel transforms everyday people. The Gospel transforms the nations.

Let adversity transform you constructively. Let your light shine no matter what. Quietly note the ways your adversity can be used to inspire others.

Let Adversity cement your commitment. See adversity for what it is – a tool God uses to bring people to Himself. It will come to an end, and that end will be glorious.

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The Christian Family – Being All In :: PHILIPPIANS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/08/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Pastor Steve begins a new series through the book of Philippians.

The Bible is honest about family. There are shining metaphors and blemished reality.

Some Biblical bases for our love. We are IN Christ – together (Philippians 1:1). We’ve left behind a non-Christ past and embraced a Christ filled present and future (1:3-5). We are IN the game together (1:3-5). We’re in partnership together. We are IN process together. (1:6) We are IN grace together (1:7). We are IN touch together (1:8). We are INformed together (1:9-10).

What drives our love? The Holy Spirit – His presence and power. Us as we surrender to Him in humble dependence on Him.

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Growing in Wisdom – Everyone Needs It

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/1/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through Luke 2:41-52.

Jesus if fully God. Jesus is fully man. Jesus is One. One will, one undivided person, one unified divine being. Anything either nature does, the person of Christ does.

Growing in wisdom like Jesus. Be intentional in seeking wisdom. Put yourself in the right place. Place yourself with the right people. Be intentional about dropping the arrogance. Wisdom begins where arrogance ends.

Growing in wisdom like Mary. Be intentional about discovering the intentions of God.

Your homework! Write these down. Three places you can go to find Biblical Wisdom. Three people who can give you Biblical wisdom. Three things God did recently.

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Staying Safe in a Snowstorm

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 1/25/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through Philippians 3:7-14.

Snowdrifts that can get you stuck. A contempt for the familiar. A sense that God Himself is not enough. An avoidance of Biblical teachings that are difficult. An arrogance that closes your mind to teaching and closes your heart.

How does it feel to be stuck in one of these “snowdrifts”? You may be bored. Always wanting something else. A sense that I can fix this myself. A stagnancy in your spiritual life.

Help from the tow truck. Find things to appreciate in your walk with God. Repent of even wondering if God himself is enough. Let God’s Word be your sole authority. Humble yourself.

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Sharing Wisdom – A Tricky Task

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 1/18/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Sharing wisdom can be a challenge. It is hard for people to receive wisdom. It’s important to think before we speak. There is something about humankind that resists being given wisdom. Even though it’s challenging, it’s our job to share.

The “Be’s” of sharing wisdom. Be prepared. Be sure you have found Christ. Take time to pray. Look for needs and opportunities. Have a thankful heart. Be clear. Be wise in how we behave, how we respond and in the words we choose.

The four “bases” of sharing . First, God loves us and has plans for us. Second, we’ve done things we are ashamed of. Third, Christ took our guilt and shame to the cross. Home plate, turn away from evil and trust Christ to forgive your sins.

God and God alone creates the opening. Speaks to the heart. Gives you the words. Transforms life.

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Suffering Well

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 1/11/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve speaks on 1 Peter 3:8-17.

How are you doing in the midst of life?

What are the qualities that prepare us for suffering? Friendships that really matter. Caring deeply for others. Brotherly love. Tenderness of heart. Humility.

God sees you. He sees your suffering. He hears your prayers. He confronts the evil.

Doing well in suffering means not letting fear rule the day. Make Christ the centerpiece of your life. Treat people with respect.

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The Question: What Do You Want?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 12/28/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through John 1:35-42.

Jesus asks “What do you want?” to the two disciples following Him. They ask “Where are you staying? Jesus wants dialogue. Jesus wants to give purpose. The stuff of life is processed in conversation.

When the two disciples ask “where are you staying?” they are wanting something from Jesus that they can’t get standing there in the desert. They are looking for deep discipleship.

What do you want? The answer lays in Christ’s nature – His work. The answer is realized in your response to Him.

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The Child Is The Lamb :: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 12/21/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through John 1:19-37.

This Child, the Lamb is able to bring meaning to your life. We’re all searching for something or someone to give ourselves to. Be careful in that search. Don’t focus this God-given desire on someone or something other than the One who gave it. The desire for meaning is to be focused on Him.

Until you give yourself to the Lamb that was slain, you’re not going to find satisfaction in anything.

This Child , the Lamb can take away your sin. The Lamb was slain to take away sin and guilt. The Lamb was slain to make us holy.

This Child, the Lamb can change your life. He changes your identity. It’s not just about being aware of Him. It’s about following Him. Giving Him your heart.

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Reasons to Rejoice at Advent :: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 12/14/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Do you rejoice at advent? What do people rejoice about at advent?

What reasons are there to rejoice at advent?

You are loved by God; He wants to be with you. You are safe with God; His glory is your blessing. You found the real deal; there is none like Him! You have received more than enough; His grace is limitless. You can know God; He is here with us.

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