Tag: parables

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The Fig Tree – Repentance and Life :: PARABLES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/16/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve speaks on Luke 13:1-9.

Humans tend to think that those experiencing suffering have done evil. However, suffering is not a clear indicator of unrighteous living. Everyone needs to repent whether you are suffering or prospering.

What does the parable of the fig tree say to you and me? It’s dangerous to make judgements based on circumstances. Judgement is coming from the Judge.

Jesus shows us the way to life. It is never through our own merit. The way of live involves repentance. The way of life is resting in Christ.

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Being Salt and Light :: PARABLES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/9/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Over and over, people come to Christ, not because of what they will avoid, but because of what they will receive.

You see it personally. To find a fuller life, to find meaning, to find help for their everyday struggles, to find peace of mind, to be right with God, to be forgiven.

You observe it in the Gospels. We don’t base our worldview on what we experience, but on what the word of God tells us.

Jesus sees us as being capable of demonstrating His grace. He builds us up and expects us to build up others. You are the salt of the earth. Stay salty. You are the light of the world. Keep shining. Glorify your Father in heaven so people will see the truth.

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The Great Banquet :: PARABLES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 2/2/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through the passage Luke 14:1-22 on the great banquet.

Have you ever seen people who say “I wanna be somebody”? It’s often without regard for the needs of others. It’s often without regard for the fleeting nature of respect from people. It’s often without regard for eternity or for eternal outcomes.

How do we overcome hindrances to being somebody – in God’s eyes?

Examine your thinking to ensure you are trusting in Christ and Christ alone. Remember your commitment. Reaffirm your priorities.

You can be somebody – you are somebody if you’re trusting Christ. You have been invited to the table. Have you RSVPed? Have a heart ready for the banquet.

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The Rich Man and Lazarus :: PARABLES

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 1/19/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

Pastor Steve begins by asking why consider the doctrine of hell. The typical answer is to warn people. It also gives a greater appreciation for your salvation. Most importantly Jesus spoke about hell the most.

In understanding the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we see what it is not. It is not saying that poor people go to heaven and rich people go to hell. It is not saying karma is coming.

Instead, the parable is saying choose what you depend on carefully.

You’ll take the heart you are developing with you into eternity. Develop a heart of repentance, a heart of faith and a heart of love.

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The Good Samaritan :: Parables

Presented at Curwensville Alliance on 01/12/25 by Pastor Steve Shields.

The parable of The Good Samaritan is found in Luke 10:25-37.

The question the expert in the law asks Jesus is about what to do. Jesus shows him who to be!

What kind of person do I need to be? A person with a heart of humility. A person with a heart of compassion. A person with a heart of brotherly love.

You become this person by coming to Jesus. You cannot gain eternal life by doing something. You find life by receiving Someone. You grow by walking with Jesus. Living a heart of humility. Living a heart of compassion. Living a heart of brotherly love.

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