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.

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.

The Transforming Power of Light :: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 12/7/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

What is the most important thing God ever said? Listen as Pastor Steve discussed John 1:5-13.

The Light is unstoppable. The Light cannot be extinguished by darkness. The Light cannot be understood by darkness.

The Light is real and genuine. “Stand up guys” say Jesus is the Light. What would you do if you saw that you were going to be martyred unless you turned away from Jesus? You and I witness for the Light’s genuineness.

The Light is for you. John 1:11-13 speaks of this transformation which is essential. Those who reject it don’t get it. The transformation is here for you.

He’s the Definitive Word :: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 11/30/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

The Logos is the unchanging word. He’s the Word – the Logos. He is the same as he ever was. He is the same as He ever will be. He is always faithful. Why would we doubt His faithfulness now? Hebrews 13:8 states that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The Logos is the essential word. It’s not just that we couldn’t live without Him, it’s that we would not exist without Him. He defines our being. He defines what we are and who we are. He defines what’s right and wrong.

The Logos is the life giving word. He gives life meaning. He makes life eternal – starting now.

Thanksgiving – Making Your “Thank Yous” Mean Something

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 11/23/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Doesn’t every “thank you” count? There is the mandated thank you, the non-thinking thank you, and the faked thank you.

A thank you that doesn’t count is based on self righteousness. A thank you coming from comparison instead of objectivity.

A thank you that counts is a thank you that recognizes Christ’s work. A thank you that recognizes God’s grace. A thank you that recognizes your need.

Foundational Wisdom :: WISDOM

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 11/16/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve takes us through the passage in Matthew 7:24-29 concerning foundational wisdom.

To have wisdom founded in Christ you’ve got to pay attention.

You’ve got to live His words by implementing them. Be humble and admit your need for grace. Be honest in prayer. Be light and not darkness. Invest in the eternal by laying up treasures in heaven. Love others. You can’t hate and walk with God. Trust God and give Him your whole heart. Don’t dehumanize. People are not objects. Be real. Don’t be a “pretender”. Make your word your bond. Let your yes be yes. Be golden – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don’t be vindictive instead be gracious and forgiving. Be on your guard and beware of false teachers.

You’ve got to cling to the Rock.

These directives are benchmarks of faith. This is nothing to ignore, and everything to reach for!

Finding Wisdom :: WISDOM

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 11/09/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

People look for wisdom in novel places. They look to someone with a big social platform, but not everyone with a big following delivers helpful content. Many people with excellent content go unknown in the world. People look to a professional. People look to someone whose life they can see.

So where do we find real wisdom? Wisdom comes from Godly men and women. The kind of people who reflect the image of God and display the character of Christ. Wisdom comes from those interested in you in the kingdom. They don’t give it for fame, money or attention. They give it because they care. Wisdom comes from one who cares about your wellbeing. Wisdom comes from those who worship the God of Scripture.

How do you receive wisdom? Be willing to discuss what you’re doing. Don’t hide your struggles. Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. Be willing to hear hard words. Be ready to evaluate and implement the wisdom. Discern that this is from God. Pray, evaluate, communicate and initiate.

Oh Great, Now What Part II

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 11/02/25 by Rev. Bernie Knefley.

Listen as Bernie continues with Part II of Oh Great, Now What.

Life happens while we’re making other plans. Not every path is God’s direction. Not every detour is God’s plan. Not every obstacle is the enemy. Not every bad idea is a bad idea. Not every good idea is a good idea.

Just because you think it doesn’t mean you should do it! Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

The road of faith is marked with failure and uncertainty. The question is how do you respond? What do you do next?

Our victory is found when we see ourselves as God sees us. Learn to practice what God says about you through His word.

Oh Great, Now What?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 10/19/25 by Rev Bernie Knefley.

We are told in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that we will be afflicted. When life gets you down, what do we do?

Sometimes we panic. Sometimes we do the opposite of what we should do. Life happens while we’re making other plans.

How do you respond? What do you do next? 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

Our intentions are good, but our follow-through often falls short. Just like Peter when he denied Jesus 3 times in Matthew 26:34-35.

Our words and actions are two different things. We need to draw closer to Christ, and put on the armor of God daily.