Month: August 2021

Posted on

Back To School

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/29/21 by Pastor Steve Shields.

What made Daniel and his friends different? They were thinkers, learners and motivated while living in their difficult environment.

What lessons can we learn from Daniel when we are in a difficult environment? We believe God can help us even when the demands are unreasonable, when we are in danger, or being persecuted.

We also see from Daniel’s story that we need to walk closely with God. We need to be in His word.

We see how Daniel cooperated without compromising. He allowed himself to be called a new name that was not pleasing to him, but did not compromise in ways that would defile him.

Our mindset is crucial. We need to believe that God is in control. We need to resolve that we will stand firm. We need to trust that God is with us.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Baptism

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/22/21 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Isn’t it interesting the emphasis people put on the last words spoken by someone? The words of Jesus before He ascends back into heaven include to baptize and be baptized. Let’s take a closer look at the words Jesus speaks.

Jesus tells us to go. We go to share what we have discovered. We share with those around us the love of God, whether that be to those we work with, those in our homes or to a different country.

Jesus us expects us to be disciples and make disciples. We love those around us and let our light shine. We help people find forgiveness and life in Jesus. We also teach people to follow Jesus.

Jesus tells us to baptize and be baptized. Baptism indicates cleansing, transformation and commitment to Christ.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

The Ten Commandments :: BIBLE STORIES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/15/21 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Did you know that the Bible never calls them The Ten Commandments? In Hebrew they are referred to as “the ten words”.

Did you know that not every church counts them the same? All ten are still present but numbered differently.

Did you know that the Ten Commandments are upheld in the New Testament?

Did you know that before this, God’s people had no written word from Him?

As we look through the Ten Commandments in the coming weeks, there are a few things we need to keep in mind to help us as we go deeper with each one.

First, “the ten words” are authoritative.

Second, “the ten words” are relational. They either address our relationship with God, or they address our relationship with others.

Finally, “the ten words” are eternal.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Passover The Paschal Lamb :: BIBLE STORIES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/08/21 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Jesus is our Paschal Lamb.

The Paschal Lamb is received personally, corporately and shared openly. The Paschal Lamb is perfect. The Paschal Lamb is for slaughter and is the protecting lamb.

The Paschal meal has a bitterness and a haste to it.

The Paschal Lamb draws us to gratitude. Gratitude for our own deliverance, for God’s protection and God’s provision.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

The Church Is Called To Do Good

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 8/01/21 by Rev. Bernie Knefley.

As Christians we are called to do good. But how do we know what is good to do?

Ultimately we need to love our neighbors to see what the good is we can do for them.

To be a church of good, we must first be individuals of good. We reflect the goodness of God to those around us.

How? By showing empathy, compassion and grace. When we put others first we show love. We show good by actions instead of just words. We seek justice and serve others. We live a life of Christlikeness.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS