Steel City Podcast: Recent Episodes
Steel City Church
We regularly discuss the most recent Sunday's message from our church, Steel City. We're simply a bunch of down to earth people seeking to grow in relationship with Christ and with each other. We do our best not to get religious, because religion is over rated anyway. So if you're curious about the bible and interested in hearing a few of us fellow travelers talk about how we might practically put things into perspective, check us out!
Join Darryl, Kim and Mike as they discuss Pastor Dan's recent message: Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness. It's the sixth message in our Fruit of the Spirit series. There's a common expression which many people use to express thanks, but decline the actual offer extended by someone else. "Do you want a grab a cheese burger?" "No, I'm good." Most of like to think that we have good characteristics and that we're self sufficient. According to the Word of God, is that really accurate? The Bible obviously speaks of goodness as being a fruit of the Spirit. How is that different than our own goodness? How should we define 'goodness'?
When we recorded this episode we, as a nation, were just beginning to embark into completely unknown and uncharted waters. COVID-19 had just started to come into view in a handful of states, and it quickly became clear, in just a few short days, that things would be radically changing for us all. How much do we really have control over? Who really has control? Can we truly trust that God is good? Listen in as we discuss some of these very same points.
Join Shaun, Kim and Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon where Pastor Dan continues the Fruit of the Spirit series with Kindness. We each regularly encounter situations which challenge our ability to remain kind to others. For some it's being kind to a difficult coworker or manager. For others it's when we're around certain family members. Still others find certain topics of conversation very stressful and then it becomes very difficult to remain kind. Many of us can muster up a degree of 'artificial kindness' which is of our own doing, but God isn't calling us to fabricate kindness. He is offering to fill us with HIS kindness which is without bounds. How can we tap into and experience that sort of amazing wellspring of kindness? Listen in as they discuss some of these points. We trust you'll be encouraged and challenged to grow closer to God and experience more of His kindness flowing through you!
Join Shaun, Bill and Mike as they discuss Pastor Dan's recent message as he continues our Fruit of the Spirit series, this time on Patience. We live in an ever quickening society. We have so much digital content 'on demand', a multitude of social networks to interact on and we have the ability to order virtually anything the world over with a reasonable expectation that what we ordered will be arriving at our doorstep within a few days or so. For many, if we order something from a US continental location, we basically expect it to arrive within a day or two at most. Basically completely gone are the days of hand written letters as regular correspondence. How have all of these modern conveniences affected our ability to exercise patience? Listen in as we discuss the sermon and some practical reflections on several of the points and passages touched on through this sermon.
Join Jami and Darryl Blackchief along with Mike as they discuss the recent message which Jami shared continuing our "Fruit of the Spirit" series this time focusing in on the fruit of Peace. Peace is something we all long for. We simply cannot thrive in environments of constant conflict, stress, worry, fear of the future or anything else which threats to level us in unrest. But where do you look to in your search for 'peace' ? Listen in as they discuss this seemingly elusive topic. Can we experience God's peace even in the midst of our own uncertainty, or when the situations or circumstances are trying to pull us into so much anxiety? How?
Listen in as Rose, Shaun and Mike discuss Darryl's recent message on the fruit of the Spirit: Joy. Darryl has a teacher's heart and it was evident as he shared the context and purpose of Paul's writing the epistle to the church in Galatia. As Christian's it's not our job to "muster up" the character attributes listed in the fruit of the Spirit. The character attributes listed in fruit of the Spirit are avenues of God's grace flowing through us as we yield to Him and receive His grace through even our character tendencies. The fruit of Joy can be ours as we grow and mature in trusting Him, seeing Him as truly loving, truly faithful, truly sovereign Heavenly Father. We trust you will be encouraged as you listen to them share their thoughts and reflections!
Listen in as Shaun, Kim and Mike discuss this past Sunday's message which Bill Sullivan shared, "Fruit of the Spirit: Love." This is the first message in our new "Fruit of the Spirit" Series. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul provides the fundamental list of these fruits. These character traits should become increasingly evident and transforming in the life of every believer as they grow in their relationship with the Lord. The Apostle Paul also discusses the importance and definition of love, which is found in 1 Corinthians 13. He concludes, in verse 13, with "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (from NIV translation). Bill presented some great points on the paramount importance of love. Listen in. We're pretty sure you'll be encouraged!
Listen in as Jami and Darryl Blackchief discuss with Mike the most recent sermon Pastor Dan shared titled, "Shaped for His Glory." Each of us have our own unique story about the events which led to not only our salvation, but also the sort of life we had before accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. As we grow and mature in our relationship with God, not only do we experience more and more of His grace, healing and love, but we also realize that He truly is in the process of redeeming even the more difficult parts of our past. Beyond that, even as we experience times of difficult or face times of uncertainty wondering what God is up to, we can still have His Peace indwelling us because we trust that He will redeem it all for His glory. Check it out and we hope and pray you will be encouraged!
Join Shaun, Bill and Mike as they discuss Pastor Dan's recent sermon "Wired to Go." Many of us, as believers, are familiar with the Great Commission (found in Matthew 28:18-20). Sometimes we put significant weight on the "go." That certainly is important, but Pastor Dan pointed out that the sentence structure of the Greek is important as it actually puts more weight on the "make disciples" and the "go," therefor, could be better understood to mean "as you are going." It is incorrect to feel it is solely the responsibility of the pastor, the evangelist, to be leading people to Christ and giving them the instruction and tools for discipleship. It is also incorrect to think that all we have to do is convince someone to go to a particular service or church event. God has uniquely equipped each of us to be His light wherever we go, wherever we find ourselves. Listen in as these points and other reflections are shared through this episode!
Join Jami, Kim and Mike as they discuss Pastor Dan's most recent sermon, "Wired to Grow Together." This is the fourth message in the Wired Series. God has designed for us to mature in our relationship with Him in the context of a community of believers. There is nothing to support a 'Lone Ranger' Christian mindset or way of living. God works through us as we mature, find healing and express our gifts in the a body of believers. Just as we've received His abundant grace, we're called to be vessels of grace to fellow believers. The expansion of God's Kingdom is not done in a vacuum, nor can it be done by a small group of elite few. No, time and time again God emphasizes the importance of us gathering together, growing together, find and expressing His grace, love, mercy to others so that the lost can find Him just as we did. We trust as you listen in you will find hope and encouragement!
Join Shaun, Kim and Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon which Pastor Dan delivered continuing on the theme of growth. In this sermon Pastor Dan focused on the importance of growing up in Christ. It is paramount that our maturing as a disciple of Christ is always anchored and rooted in HIM. Sometimes new converts get fooled into placing too much weight on their emotions, rising and falling based on them. God certainly has given us emotions and they have their place, but that place is not to be one which dictates our perspective of God's faithfulness, His love, His grace, or even His love towards us. There are some interesting parallels between how a building is built and how we are to be 'built up' in Christ. Listen in and check out some of the interesting points which came to their minds as they discuss this sermon.
Join Shaun and Rose as they discuss with Mike this past Sunday's message which Pastor Dan shared as he continued our WIRED series with "Wired for Growth." Just as a natural child has a growing sense of the world around him and ideally matures into a healthy adulthood, so too should we, as sons and daughters of God, grow and mature in our relationship with God spiritually. Through this podcast we discuss some key points which Pastor Dan brought up and also share personal reflection points of some ways we've experienced growing pains. Sometimes we learn through our mistakes, and sometimes we have the blessing of maturing through our victories. Maturing in our relationship with God means seeing Him as faithful and true to His Word, His Promises and ultimately His commitment to us as His child.
Join Kim Shreve, Jami Blackchief and Mike as they discuss Pastor Dan's recent sermon which kicks off our newest series, "WIRED." God has wired each of us uniquely. Ultimately we're wired by Him for His glory and to find our fulfillment solely in Him, but sin has severed our 'connection' with Him. Join us for this podcast as we discuss the sermon!
*"City Lights" music by Scandinavianz / http://www.soundcloud.com/scandinavianz
In this episode Shaun, Kim and Mike discuss this past Sunday's message by Rose Sklepik entitiled "Love All" which is the last message of our Advent Conspiracy series. We also heard a special guest, Debbie Biastra, who is the principal of the area high school where we have our Weekend Backpacks program. Listen in as we wrap up our Advent Series with discussion on the fundamental point and motive for all that God has called us, as believers to, Loving All.
In this episode Shaun, Kim and Mike discuss this past Sunday's message shared by Pastor Dan from our Advent Conspiracy series: Spend Less. We are surrounded and bombarded this time of year by advertisements and even the culture at large to buy, buy, buy our way to happiness. The ads push us all to expect the latest and greatest of whatever the newest fad thing is for the year. It's easy to get caught up in the pressures to both spend and do more than perhaps we should. How can we keep Christ at the center of Christmas with all of these pressures inundating us? Pastor Dan shared some practical things to keep in mind through his message. In this episode we discuss those things and some of our own thoughts about this time of year and the pressures we can face, along with ways to keep HIM at the center.
Join the Sklepik family: Joe, Rose and Peter, along with Mike as they discuss Stephanie Cudmore's recent message kicking off our Advent Conspiracy Series. She shared specifically on "Worship Fully." This time of year it is easy to get caught up in all of the commercialism and sadly sometimes with stress of the season too. To what extent do you keep Christ in mind as you celebrate the season. After all, isn't He to be the true "Reason for the Season?" What are some practical ways we can worship Him in our everyday lives, not only during this Christmas time, but at all times of the year? These are some of the points discussed through the podcast. Sit back and enjoy!
Join Shaun, Kim and Mike in this episode as they discuss the recent sermon which Darryl Blackchief shared titled, "Giving Thanks." Through his sermon we were reminded not only of the many benefits of cultivating a thankful attitude, but also some practical tips for how to strengthen this important aspect of your personality. God's given us so many blessings, yet we can miss them sometimes simply because we're not being thankful. It's also important to express gratitude and thankfulness to others as well. Join us as we discuss these and other points!
Join Howie, Shaun and Mike as they discuss the most recent sermon from Pastor Dan: How God changes us. It's natural for most of us to be resistant to change. We like the familiar. We like things to be predictable. God is desiring to not only do, but to complete His good work in our lives. That 'good work' requires us to take ongoing steps of faith, to embrace change as He directs. Not only do we, as individuals, face the changes God brings to us, but also God brings about change to His Body, the church. Churches can also find themselves inadvertently 'stuck' in a predicable routine of religious activities which God was directing in the past, but we need to ask ourselves if we've gotten too comfortable and God may well be asking us to embrace change. Join us for this episode as we discuss these points and share how we feel God has been at work in and through us.
Join Kim, Nathan and Mike Shreve; Yes, it's a 'Shreve Family Podcast' ! In this episode we are discussing Pastor Dan's most recent sermon about experiencing the Holy Spirit. If you're a Christian and you've been 'saved' for some time, odds are you have felt a little lack-luster from time to time in your faith. It's fairly normal. But -should- it be normal? What can we do to re-energize our relationship with God? Are you wondering if there's more for you in your relationship with God. The Holy Spirit has much more for us, and God is eager to continue His good work in and through us! Join us as we touch on some of these thoughts and questions in this episode!
Join Joe and Rose Sklepik and Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon which was delivered by Pastor Dan. How does this truth make you feel: God knows you more completely and more thoroughly than any other person ever could? Do you feel comfort, fear, acceptance, doubt, love, or the need to withdraw in shame? God knows our hearts and how incredibly wicked we are when left to ourselves. That's why Hesent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the penalty for all our sins to the cross so we can experience His Righteousness as we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. But there's more: Jesus promised, after His Resurrection, just before He ascended back into Heaven, that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Guide, Companion, and to walk with us. Feel overwhelmed by your shortcomings? your past? your fears? God desires us to walk in His healing as we draw near and grow in our relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit.
Join Shaun, Peter and Mike as they discuss the most recent sermon which Pastor Dan preached on the importance for us to be 'Anchored in the Holy Spirit.' The importance and role of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives cannot be overstated. Not only is the Holy Spirit important for us to mature and be transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ as individuals, He is also of paramount importance for the church, the Body of Christ. Since the end of September (one month ago as of this episode's publish date) we've been on a journey as "the Church on the move" since we were no longer able to safely meet in our former rented building. It's been a stretching time, but for the leadership team and many, many members it's been an exciting time of anticipation. The Holy Spirit has played a crucial role in directing, honing, and encouraging us. We trust you will be encouraged as you listen in!
Join us in this episode as Darryl, Howie and Mike discuss Pastor Dan's fundamental message on how it is the Holy Spirit to move through us and do His work in us as we go about His mission which He's placed over us, as His Body, namely: to share life together and connect people to a Loving God as we make the name of Jesus famous in Lackawanna and beyond as we're Loving Together, Growing Together and Going Together! We've been a "church on the move" the last few Sundays as we're no longer able to meet at our old location of 1219 Abbott Road. Find us on Facebook to see where we will be meeting this coming Sunday. This time of transition has stretched us, but we're excited and looking forward to continue on into all that He has for us!
After His resurrection, Jesus said that it was better for us that he ascend to heaven so that He could send the Holy Spirit to be our helper. The Holy Spirit indwells us as believers. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit to bring glory to Jesus, to convict us and draw us to repentance over the things which pull us away from God. Through the Holy Spirit we receive and walk in His gifts to be better equipped as we go through our day and to minister His hope, peace, joy and life to others. There are likely some areas of confusion about the work of the Holy Spirit for some. Join us for this podcast as we discuss the sermon Dan preached on being "Sealed by the Holy Spirit."
Join Shaun, Eric and Mike as they discuss the sermon entitled, "How does the Holy Spirit help us?" which is Question 37 from the Anchored in Christ series. The topic of the Holy Spirit's work and role in the life of the believer is sometimes misunderstood. Pastor Dan preached a great message and through this podcast we discuss some more practical examples of how God desires to work in and through each and every one of us as believers. Listen in. We hope and trust you will be encouraged and possibly even walk away with a new and fresh perspective on how God desires to speak encouragement, lead, guide and comfort you through the Holy Spirit.
In this episode, Mike is joined by Kim and Darryl to discuss this past Sunday's message on Question 34 from the New City Catechism: If we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, do we still need to obey His Word? Darryl was actually the one to share the message. Sit back and listen in as we discuss some of the things which Darryl touched on and some practical action points which came to mind through the message.
In this episode, Shaun, Kim and Mike discuss this past Sunday's message, which Mike actually shared, on how God's not called or expecting us to 'do things' to prove we're sorry, good enough, or pay Him back for the gift of salvation. While many of us would dismiss the very notion, if we're honest sometimes we find ourselves striving to prove ourselves to others, or to 'earn' our way back into God's favor because a recent mistake must have surely bumped us out of His favor. There's nothing we could ever do to earn His favor. God freely bestows His favor and grace towards us as we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior and accept His Lordship over our lives. He doesn't call us to strive. Are you tired, wearied? Worried you haven't done enough, prayed enough, spent enough time with your Bible reading? Listen and be encouraged.
In this episode Peter, Darryl and Mike discuss this past Sunday's sermon which Pastor Dan shared dealing with Justification and Sanctification. Those two terms aren't part of the everyday vocabulary for most people. Even those who've been in church regularly or been saved for some time might still have a difficult time explaining the terms with confidence or in "layman's terms." Pastor Dan did a great job of course through the sermon. Listen in as we discuss the sermon and share some of our own thoughts and experiences on how being justified with God through Christ, and the process of sanctification in our lives, has changed and challenged us.
In this episode Shaun and Darryl join Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon, "What is Faith in Jesus Christ?" Ask people what faith means to them and you'll likely get a wide variety of responses, even among Christians. Join us as we discuss some of the important distinctions to Christian faith, especially as it pertains to Salvation's faith in Christ. Faith is critical to salvation, but at times can be a confusing subject. Listen and we trust you'll be encouraged!
Join Mike as he chats with Joe and Rose Sklepik on the 28th catechism question, "How can we be saved?" In Pastor Dan's message this past Sunday, answering this important question, he spoke on two important elements: Faith and Grace. Through this episode we explore these wonderful and significant aspects which are woven together to answer the important principle of receiving salvation in Christ Jesus. We hope you'll be encouraged as you listen.
Join us in this episode as Darryl, Pastor Dan and Mike discuss this past Sunday's message which Howie Brittan shared, "What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?" Some believe hell is merely a metaphor not a literal place. Some have a difficult time believing a loving and gracious Heavenly Father could ever sentence anyone to spend eternity in hell. Others think it's purely a matter of being 'good enough' to have the proverbial scales tip in your favor. Check out this podcast whether you've wondered any of these things or encountered others who have some of these opinions.
This past Sunday we had the privilege of getting an in-person update from a missionary family we support, who are state-side on furlough. We've given them the code name 'The Incredibles' because they do incredible things for God in a part of the world that is rather hostile to the promotion of the life saving proclamation of Jesus as Savior, Son of God, One True King and Lord of Salvation. So our Spiritual Formation sheet this week reflects and focuses on the great importance and mandate for each of us to be involved in His Mission, sharing His Word, in word and in deed, for His glory. Join us as we discuss the message and the formation sheet.
In this special episode listen in as Darryl, Howie and Mike "live record" the podcast as a part of the Sunday morning service. Christ's atoning and redemptive death accomplishes more than a one time individualistic salvation 'experience.' Redemption is an ongoing process. We're also redeemed INTO His Body - a local church. Tune in and be encouraged as you ponder the points presented.
Join Darryl, Shaun and Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon. The price tag for sin is death. Yet sin is so enticing. It comes so naturally and so easily. No one of us escape it's grasp. Listen to the podcast as we discuss the wonder of God's grace and beauty of His salvation plan as found in the death of His only Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross to pay for our sins. Sinless God in Christ paid the death penalty for you and for me, for each and every one of us. His resurrection proves that true and eternal victory of sin is available to us as we embrace Him as our Lord and Savior.
Join us in this podcast as Howie, Peter and Mike discuss this past Sunday's sermon. Jesus being fully God (and fully man) is paramount to our faith. It separates Christianity from all other religions. Only in Christianity do we find God becoming man while still being fully God and willfully dying a brutal death on our behalf, for our sins, to restore the opportunity for right relationship with Himself. As discussed in this episode: It's a fundamental truth, but one which shouldn't become a battering ram and simply be argued over for arguments sake. As a believer, in each and every conversation we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and let Him do the drawing work. We trust you'll be encouraged to think a bit deeper and perhaps be challenged with a slightly different way of viewing things.
Join Darryl Blackchief, Kim Shreve and Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon, "Why must the Redeemer be truly human?" There's quite a few significant points which Darryl, Kim and Mike discuss and the occasional side topic which they touch on too. Jesus is our High Priest, as related in Hebrews, who can relate to us in all points and ever lives to intercede in prayer for us! We hope that through this podcast you will be encouraged to give this point and others some more consideration, as well as be challenged and encouraged as you consider the implications of our Savior as being fully human while also being fully God.
In this episode, we have Shaun and Joe with us as we continue our Anchored Series on Question 21: "What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?" Unique to Christianity is that God, through Christ, put His very life on the line and pays the price which we could never pay, yet we owe because of the many sins which each of us have committed. God sent His Son to pay the price and make a way for us to be redeemed back into relationship with Him. We hope you will be encouraged and have some more 'food for thought' as you join us and listen in for this podcast.
In this episode we return to discussing last Sunday's message. We welcomed two new participants: Andy Reiter and Nathan Shreve. This episode was recorded at the Reiter's home, outside. So you will hear some birds chirping here and there along with other fun of recording outside. We discuss the significance of being Anchored in Christ, our Redeemer. What does it mean to be "in Him" and what do we gain by "being His"? We hope you'll be encouraged with our thoughts, be refreshed and reminded of key points and maybe even find some fresh ways to apply some of the the sermon into your life.
Brian Walrond, a 'youth' from Pastor Dan's Youth Pastoring days about 30 years ago, was with us this Sunday. So in this episode Bill, Peter and Mike discuss the things which Brian shared and the ways God has used him in ministry. God fashions each of us uniquely for His glory. We all have a place and play a part in His plan!
In this, our eleventh podcast, we had the true privilege of recording it at one of our favorite mission camps, Arrowhead Bible Camp. We interviewed Ben Myers, who serves as the Program Director at Arrowhead. For those who don't know, Arrowhead is an amazing camp which specializes in many tailored camps serving and ministering to adults with developmental disabilities. Ben's heart and passion for Christ and the campers is amazing. Check it out, and get ready to be both inspired and challenged!
For more information about Arrowhead, check them out online at: https://arrowheadbiblecamp.org/ or on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrackneyPA/
In this episode, Mike is joined by Daryl Blackchief and Pete Sklepik. They discuss how they each have worked through the seasons when God is pinpointing particular sins and asking for them to 'put to death' the old nature. We are all in process. Thankfully we serve a truly patient and loving God. God loves us too much to leave us alone and especially to leave us stuck in sin which separates us from Him. Listen in. It is our hope and prayer that you will be encouraged to dig a little deeper, spend some more time seeking His face, hearing His heart and voice calling you to bring more healing and more victory into your life.
This week in Episode 9, we discuss our Easter Sermon, "Death is Dead" was spoken by Pastor Dan Cudmore. Listen in as we ponder this fundamental truth and cornerstone to our Christian faith - the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power His resurrection brings to us even today.
Join us as Anne and Shaun join Mike for this discussion of mankind's plight with sin and God's plan of Redemption through Christ. Another great point we consider and discuss is how God originally created mankind and what got us all to this point so far removed from His original design.
Join with Eric, Darryl, and Mike as they discuss this past Sunday's sermon. When any of us are truly honest, we should realize we simply cannot keep the Law of God perfectly. What is God after in our hearts through the Law? How can we measure up? Should we be even trying to measure up? If you've ever had these or similar questions we invite you to listen and join us as we enter into our discussion.
Join us for another episode as we discuss the sermon that Rose Sklepik shared, "What does God require in the 9th and 10th Commandments?"
In this episode we hear from Shaun Reiter and Peter Sklepik, who are both heavily involved with church life and serve in leadership roles. Mike facilitates the time as we have a down to earth discussion of the last two Commandments. We share some candid discussion and offer some practical ways you can think over to better apply these commandments to your daily life. The Laws of God are for our good, but can seem impossible to keep. You're certainly not alone if you've wondered how to accomplish such a daunting task. Take heart, God desires to be more involved and have you find His grace and experience His love towards you! Whether at work or at home, and certainly more than just on Sundays: God wants to be a part of your life!
Join us for another episode as we discuss the sermon, "What does God require in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Commandments?"
In this episode we hear from Bill and Darryl from our Leadership Team. Mike facilitates a down to earth discussion of these three Commandments and some practical ways to apply them to your daily life. The Laws of God are for our good, but can seem impossible to keep. Maybe that's the point. Maybe God is after our hearts and to demonstrate that to have any real hope we simply must rely on Him. Whether at work or at home, and certainly more than just on Sundays: God wants to be a part of your life!
Join us for another episode as we discuss the sermon, "What does God require in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Commandments?"
In this episode we hear from Shaun and Joe from our Leadership Team. Mike facilitates a down to earth discussion of these three Commandments and some practical ways to apply them to your daily life. Whether at work or at home, and certainly more than just on Sundays: God wants to be a part of your life!
Join us for our round table discussion on the sermon. This week we have Howie, Daryl and Mike talking about the sermon points and their own thoughts which the sermon brought to mind.
Join us for our round table discussion on the sermon. This week we have Howie, Daryl, Pastor Dan, Eric and Mike talking about the sermon points and their own thoughts which the sermon brought to mind.