The Importance of Influence :: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/9/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Why would we want to influence others? We were created to influence. Influence is a part of interacting with others. Most importantly, Jesus calls us to influence others.

We are called to be salt and light, but we can surrender that ability if we don’t realize that we are to be salt and light to others. How do we not surrender our influence?

In this podcast, Pastor Steve will discuss how we keep from surrendering our influence. We need to remain salt and light by not neglecting our walk with Christ, not pretending and not being arrogant. We also need to stay connected to those we are called to influence. We need to stay in touch with the heart of the people we are to influence as well as never use influence to manipulate others.

Ultimately, we need to hone our influence skills so that we can be an ambassador of Christ and live our lives so others see God through us.

The Beatitudes :: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/2/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

In this podcast, Pastor Steve discusses the many misconceptions concerning The Beatitudes. He will layout what Jesus said in The Sermon on the Mount when He gave The Beatitudes.

Below is the benediction that sums up the podcast.

You are blessed when you realize you have nothing before God and are completely dependent on his grace and mercy. You are blessed when you struggle in your recognition of the evil of this world and it causes you to mourn. You’re seeing clearly, understanding that the only solution is God’s goodness. You are blessed because you have stopped clamoring for your rights and you’ve begun trusting God – and you’re finding more than you would have hoped for. You are blessed because you have a sincere hunger and desire to be a better person – to be “right” before God. And God has made that happen because the desire itself was a prerequisite. You are blessed because you have been shown mercy. You’ve indicated that you understand that God’s mercy is what you must rely on. And it holds you and sustains you. And you are blessed because you have been cleansed and refined by God himself, made pure in heart – finding meaning and purpose in life. You are blessed because God has called you to join him in his mission of reconciling the world to himself. And you find happiness as a co-worker with Christ in the kingdom, helping others find what you have found: Peace with God. And you are blessed because you are willing to courageously stand in the gap, showing the kingdom of God to a world that needs this blessing. Take this blessing as you go from here today, in Christ’s name, Amen

Soul Questions ::THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/26/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

In this introductory podcast, Pastor Steve goes over the value of the Sermon on the Mount.

As we go through the Sermon on the Mount in this series, we will see how Jesus addresses “Soul Questions” as He resists the way the world views life with this memorable Sermon ton the Mount.

What are some of those questions? Why can’t I find lasting happiness? Why can’t I be the person I should be? How can I live above the kingdom of this world?

In this podcast, Pastor Steve asks us to review these questions and prepare our hearts for the words that Jesus speaks through the Sermon on the Mount.

Gentleness – Christians in an Angry World

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/19/20 by Pastor Steve Shields

What exactly is gentleness? It is not weakness. It is not being soft on sin. It is not easy.

Gentleness is being respectful, considerate and Christ-like.

In this podcast, Pastor Steve guides us through how to live a life of gentleness by leaving your anger with God, trying to understand the perspective of others and seeing people through God’s eyes.

The Father Who Pursues Forgives and Adopts :: PATTERNS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/12/20 by Pastor Steve Shields

Have you ever had a broken relationship? We have all had those relationships that have disappointed us, but how do we restore them?

When we follow God’s pattern as a Father who pursues, forgives and adopts, we can see the importance of relationships.

In this podcast, Pastor Steve outlines the qualities of a good Father as He values every child, invests in every child and welcomes every child. If we follow the pattern God lays before us we can see how important it is to pursue meaningful relationships, forgive personal grievances and restore lost relationships.

The King Who Brings Freedom :: PATTERNS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/05/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Celebration is a pattern in God’s nature, which can be seen in the Feasts of Israel, the communion meal and the wedding supper of the Lamb.

We can celebrate that the King has freed us from death’s tyranny, sin’s power and Satan’s dominion!

In this podcast, Pastor Steve shows us how we can follow the King’s celebratory pattern when we release residual fear, relish freedom from sin and resist the Devil’s lies.

The Priest Who Substitutes, Atones and Purifies :: PATTERNS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 6/28/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

When you think of a priest, what comes to mind?

The role of a priest is to facilitate the relationship between the people of God and God.

In this podcast, Pastor Steve will show us the priestly patterns of Jesus. Jesus is the Great High Priest, and as such He gives us a pattern to follow.

How do we follow this pattern in our own lives? We can help others in their relationship with God, intercede for others, help others to connect with God, be empathetic and gracious towards others, and live well.

The Judge Who Pardons and Justifies :: PATTERNS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 6/21/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Have you ever noticed that Society has a pattern of judgement?

It is a judgement that is constantly consuming but never satisfies and seems never ending. On the other hand, God has a pattern on judging that differs from society.

In this podcast, Pastor Steve will discuss God’s pattern of judging. He will lead us through how God is a righteous Judge, a reluctant Judge, a patient Judge and a compassionate Judge. But how does God’s judging pardon and justify?

Because of the cross.

Creation and Renewal :: PATTERNS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 6/14/20 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Have you ever wondered how God renews? And what can we learn about Him from His pattern of renewal?

In this podcast, Pastor Steve shows us how if we adopt the Pattern of the Master we will give God glory in everything, live a life surrendered to God, be openhanded and generous and be known for mercy and grace!

God Given Strategies for Managing Life’s Pain :: PAIN

Presented for Curwensville Alliance on 5/31/20 by Pastor Steve Shields

How do you manage pain? Do you have your own strategies? Have you ever thought that God has some strategies for managing life’s pain?

In this podcast, Pastor Steve will outline 5 God given strategies for managing pain which include to prioritize prayer, prioritize quietness, prioritize awareness, prioritize worship and prioritize others.