The Feeding of the 5,000 :: BIBLE STORIES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/24/22 by Pastor Steve Shields.

There are 5 lessons we can learn from Jesus feeding the five thousand.

Be compassionate with others. Jesus had compassion on those who were listening to Him teach.

Engage with others. When we serve others we can serve with other Christians. Jesus could have spoke the food into the baskets. Instead, He used a little boys lunch to feed the 5,000.

Have confidence in God. The amount of food needed to feed that many people was enormous, but Jesus was confident that God would provide.

Be a good steward of what God’s given you. The disciples gathered up what was left over. It didn’t go to waste.

Keep the main thing the main thing. It is so easy to get distracted with other things and lose sight of the main thing.

The Calling of Matthew :: BIBLE STORIES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/17/22 by Pastor Steve Shields.

The calling of Matthew was not just a blessing to him, but also to us.

By Jesus calling Matthew it brings relief to us as it takes away the burden of self-righteousness.

Jesus’ call to Matthew brings us peace as He speaks of completeness found in coming to Him.

Jesus’ call to Matthew brings us hope!

Jesus gives us the hope of forgiveness. Jesus gives us the hope of belonging. Jesus gives us the hope of growing.

Your Spiritual Journey: Where Are You on the Pathway?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 7/3/22 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Where are you on your spiritual journey?

Here are some questions to ask to help determine your location. How am I using the time given me to advance the kingdom? Where am I connecting with other believers? What place does the Bible hold in my life?

You could be curious, but that isn’t where Jesus wants you to stay. You could be desperate, but that isn’t where Jesus wants you to stay. You could be consumed by guilt, regret or shame, but that isn’t where Jesus wants you to stay. You could be skeptical, but that isn’t where Jesus wants you to stay.

Some moves Jesus may want you to make today. Choose to move from trivialities to exploring what Christ wants to do in your life.

If you allow desperation to move you toward God, you will find hope.

When we take our guilt and shame to Christ, He cleans us up.

If you think moving from skepticism to rejoicing would take a miracle, take heart, Jesus is in the miracle business.