Author: webadmin

Posted on

Memorials

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 5/28/23 by Reverend Bernie Knefley.

Listen as Reverend Knefley speaks on memorials.

A memorial is something that keeps an event or a persons memory alive.

We have personal memorials to commemorate events in our personal lives. It could be a trophy buck hanging on the wall, or a hole in one golf ball sitting on the mantle. Family pictures even serve as memorials.

If you are not sure what your memorials are look at your mantle or what is hanging on your wall.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:21 that “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

If you forget where you came from, you are doomed to repeat it.

We see memorials throughout the Bible. The Last Supper is a memorial that continues through today.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Obsession :: COLOSSIANS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 5/21/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

What is the nature of obsession?

Sometimes it is like an addictive drug, and is intoxicating. It is obsession when we can’t let it go.

Sometimes obsession is helpful, but not often.

Sometimes the problem with obsession is not the object, but the obsessor.

Trusting Christ frees you from obsession. The basis of your freedom is the transformation that came with Christ. The outcome of this transformation is effective change.

Live your new identity in Christ. It is safe to do this because your transformation is secured by Christ. A glorious transition is coming. You are capable of doing this.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Accept No Substitutes :: COLOSSIANS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 5/14/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Jesus is the real thing. He is God. He is able to transform you! He destroyed your condemnation. He is irreplaceable. There is NO substitute!

How can you experience what Christ has for you?

Trust Him as God. Trust in His power and love. Ask Him to transform you. Live with confidence in His grace. Cherish Him with all your heart.

Accept no substitute!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Embracing the Path of Maturity :: COLOSSIANS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 5/07/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve discusses Embracing the Path of Maturity.

To embrace the path of maturity, you must first put childish ways behind you. God commissions people to help us mature. Maturity is a God-given objective for you and me. Spiritual growth is a gift for you and me.

God wants to lead you on the path of maturity so that you will live well, and find joy in who you have become, who you are, and who you are becoming.

To embrace the path of maturity, you need to look for specific people to help you travel this path. This path of maturity brings peace to your heart. Through Christ we are reconciled.

Take the gift of the pathway. Take the gift of the Gospel. Trust Christ to take you on the pathway.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Don’t Let It Go :: COLOSSIANS

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/30/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Hold onto the truth, and don’t let it go.

Hold onto the truth that Christ enacted the Gospel. He is God. He is above creation. He sustains creation.

Hold onto the truth that Christ is the head of the Church. He arose from the dead. The fullness of Deity in is Christ. Through Christ we are reconciled.

Hold onto the truth that Christ changes everything. He moves you from alienation to acceptance. He moves you from narcissism to altruism. He moves you from guilty to justified.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Live Your Identity

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 04/23/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

As we look at Colossians 1:9-14, we see how these words apply to those trusting in Christ.

When you trust in Christ, your identity changes. If you want this change in identity, ask God for it.

When your identity is in Christ, God says who you are. You are able to know God’s will. You can’t know God’s mind, but you can know what God has in mind. You have wisdom from God, and can understand God’s movement. You are able to please God. You are able to live a life that matter. You are able to become strong in the faith.

Your identity comes entirely from God alone. You have this identity only by the grace of God. All you have that is of worth comes from God.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Being Part of a Healthy Church Family

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/16/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

The Bible teaches essentials of being part of a healthy church family. Faith, hope and love are essential in all meaningful relationships.

It is essential in a loving church family that we are a people of faith. We are a people who trust in Christ’s righteousness. We are a people who have learned forgiveness.

It is essential in a loving church family that we are a people who love.

It is essential in a loving church family that we are a people who hope.

As Christ followers, it is our job to live lives of faith, hope and love in the Christian community we enjoy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Resurrection: Dead to Sin & Alive to God

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/9/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

God’s not done with our bodies when we die.

The physical resurrection of our bodies seems to be something humans struggle to believe in. The Bible is full of evidence concerning a physical resurrection. The tomb of Jesus is empty. The resurrected Jesus has substance.

Jesus’ body was recognizable. Our bodies will be recognizable. Jesus’ body was something you could feel. Our bodies will be capable of touching and being touched. Jesus’ body could eat. Our bodies will be capable of eating. Jesus’ body will never wear out. Our bodies will never wear out.

When we trusted Christ, we were made alive. Christ’s sacrifice makes you new. You can begin to live a new life. Live like a newly enlivened being!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

Never Giving Up :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 4/2/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Jesus is a man with everlasting commitment. He is committed to our redemption. He is committed to our salvation.

Jesus is a man of strength and power. Nothing can hold Him back. Evil quakes in fear at His appearance.

Jesus is a man unique to this task. His coming is planned by God. He alone will stay the course.

Jesus is a man who is Victor. Yahweh is on His side so His face is set like flint. He is without blame.

Jesus is a man who offers real choice. We can choose to trust Him. Or, we can choose to trust ourselves.

Christ’s journey speaks to us. He is committed to our redemption. He is worthy of our trust. He invites us to find life in Him.

Christ’s journey instructs us to stand firm, to not hold back, and to rest in the truth.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted on

O – Ongoing Prayer :: COMMISSION

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 3/26/23 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Prayer is important. As we look to Jesus, we see he prayed a lot! He prayed at His baptism. He prayed before calling the disciples. He prayed at the feeding of the multitudes. He prayed all the time. He prayed before His arrest. He prayed after His resurrection.

Why do we pray? We pray to connect spiritually to God.

We pray to receive wisdom in life’s decisions.

We pray to have strength when the stakes are high.

We pray to take advantage of the blessings of prayer.

We pray to prepare ourselves for battles yet to come.

How do you make prayer an integral part of your lives? You set aside deliberate time to pray. You don’t let fear of “virtue signaling” prevent you from teaching others to pray. You share stories with others of answered prayers.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS