Sharing Wisdom – A Tricky Task

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 1/18/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Sharing wisdom can be a challenge. It is hard for people to receive wisdom. It’s important to think before we speak. There is something about humankind that resists being given wisdom. Even though it’s challenging, it’s our job to share.

The “Be’s” of sharing wisdom. Be prepared. Be sure you have found Christ. Take time to pray. Look for needs and opportunities. Have a thankful heart. Be clear. Be wise in how we behave, how we respond and in the words we choose.

The four “bases” of sharing . First, God loves us and has plans for us. Second, we’ve done things we are ashamed of. Third, Christ took our guilt and shame to the cross. Home plate, turn away from evil and trust Christ to forgive your sins.

God and God alone creates the opening. Speaks to the heart. Gives you the words. Transforms life.

Suffering Well

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 1/11/26 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve speaks on 1 Peter 3:8-17.

How are you doing in the midst of life?

What are the qualities that prepare us for suffering? Friendships that really matter. Caring deeply for others. Brotherly love. Tenderness of heart. Humility.

God sees you. He sees your suffering. He hears your prayers. He confronts the evil.

Doing well in suffering means not letting fear rule the day. Make Christ the centerpiece of your life. Treat people with respect.

The Question: What Do You Want?

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 12/28/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through John 1:35-42.

Jesus asks “What do you want?” to the two disciples following Him. They ask “Where are you staying? Jesus wants dialogue. Jesus wants to give purpose. The stuff of life is processed in conversation.

When the two disciples ask “where are you staying?” they are wanting something from Jesus that they can’t get standing there in the desert. They are looking for deep discipleship.

What do you want? The answer lays in Christ’s nature – His work. The answer is realized in your response to Him.

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!