Month: June 2021

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Joseph & His Brothers :: BIBLE STORIES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 6/27/21 by Pastor Steve Shields.

The Bible story of Joseph and his brothers shows God’s redemptive power in our dysfunctional lives!

We see the dysfunction in the story by the disagreement on “right” and “wrong”. We see the dysfunction in the parents playing favorites. We see the dysfunction in their emotionally driven personalities. We see the dysfunction in the careless, tactless use of words. We see the dysfunction in their flat out hatred. We see the dysfunction in the cold hearted disregard for others.

Meanwhile, God plans for redemption!

God puts the right people into our lives at the right time just as He put the right people in Joseph’s life. God prepares us for His redemptive plan. God ensures we find our place. God ensures Israel’s redemption.

God has redemptive plans for you! God offers you your own redemption, God gives you Himself in His Holy Spirit. God gives you a church family. God gives you His promise!

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Jacob and Esau :: BIBLE STORIES

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

What comes to mind when you hear Jacob and Esau? Do you relate more to the one or the other?

When we think about Esau, there are some items to consider. The Bible speaks of the peculiar birth of Jacob and Esau with the prophetic jostling and the prophetic grip. Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of stew. The birthright and attached blessing meant everything! Esau marries the wrong women, loses his blessing, and then meets his brother again years later.

There are a few issues in Esau’s life. His eyes were spiritually unhealthy. He had a tendency to be rash. He had little interest in spiritual matters, and lived more for the world.

On the other hand, Jacob seemed to look to God. He wrestled with God and would not let go. He desired blessing from God. He showed a respect for God.

Can you see yourself in Jacob? These are the questions to ask yourself. Am I willing to work out my life’s struggles with God? Am I truly seeking the closeness with God? Am I showing a respect for God and sense of reverence?

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Abraham and Isaac :: BIBLE STORIES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 6/13/21 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Have you ever struggled with the Bible story of Abraham and Isaac?

Have you ever wondered why God would ask Abraham to do something so out of character for God? Or wondered how God could ask something that is in conflict with the covenant made with Abraham? Or just totally wondered how God could ask something that seems beyond child abuse?

For Abraham, God’s leading is unmistakable. He knows with absolutely no doubt that God is asking him to go on this journey with Isaac. Abraham’s faith is unparalleled. He believes that if he goes through with the sacrifice that God will raise Isaac from the dead. God knows that Isaac will not be sacrificed.

The key to the story of Abraham and Isaac is on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided. This story speaks of God’s attention. God sees how the story unfolds. This story speaks of atonement. God provides the sacrifice needed here as well as the sacrifice needed to atone for our sins.

If you look, you can see that God provides what you need throughout your own journey. God sees you with eyes of compassion, and He acts just as He acted to prevent the sacrifice of Isaac.

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The Birth of Laughter :: BIBLE STORIES

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

If you don’t know the story of the birth of Isaac, it’s one of the Bible classics.

In this story, you’ll discover that God seems to press the issue of the problem that Abraham and Sarah were struggling with.

Why would God do that?

In this podcast we discover how God turns sorrow to laughter.

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