I’m Steve Lawes
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Internet Impact
Your website is the “digital foyer” for the church. It is the first impression for almost everyone that visits your church.
Community Statistics
Demographic information is helpful in getting an overview of what is happening in your community.
Church Health Survey
A church health survey/assessment is a helpful tool that will give you information on the overall health of your church.
Effective Outreach Ideas
An outreach strategy is a specific set of tactics intended to ultimately attract new people to your church.
Church Consulting & Coaching
We offer a wide range of Church Consulting and Ministry Coaching Services. Our desire is to help pastors and churches thrive so that they are able to fulfill the calling that God has on them for their community.
Church Marketing
Think of church marketing as a tool to help people who are in need of what your church offers to be able to connect with you. We are not trying to sell something people don’t need. We are trying to connect them with the One who changes everything. Click on this link to read more about developing a Church Marketing Strategy.
Church Revitalization
Church Revitalization is the process of leading a dying or declining church back to a healthy place so that it can continue to carry out the calling and purpose that God has for it. Steve Lawes is certified in Church Revitalization with Church Answers.
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We offer a wide variety of Coaching Services for pastors and churches. For more information go to Church Encourager.
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Partnering with the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary we are able to offer a wide variety of Discipleship Training opportunites for pastors and churches.
Meet Steve Lawes
Steve Lawes is a Certified Church Consultant. He has been the lead Pastor of Keys Vineyard Church in Big Pine Key since 1992. He has a Bachelors Degree in Bible and Theology from Berean University and Masters and PhD Degrees from Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary. He lead the Cuba Missions Team for Vineyard Missions from 1995-2005 and traveled to Cuba more than twenty times helping to plant churches and build up local leaders. He served as the South Florida Area Leader for the Association of Vineyard Churches for ten years. He also founded the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary in 2014 which has a student enrollment of over 1800. He has written three devotional books, Daily Psalt Intake, Daily Sage Intake and Daily Strength Training which are now out of print but are currently available as free e-books.
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Recent Posts from Church Consultant
Understanding the Importance of Seeking God’s Wisdom: A Journey Through Numbers
Today, we delve into the latest sermon from our series “Kingdom Foreshadowed,” focusing on the book of Numbers. This sermon, part 13 of the series, explores the significance of seeking God’s wisdom in our lives, the importance of the Passover, and the intriguing story of the bronze serpent. Let’s break down these key points to help you understand and apply these lessons to your life.
The Importance of Seeking God’s Wisdom
Why Should We Seek God’s Wisdom?
Life is filled with unexpected challenges and decisions that require more than just following rules. In Numbers 9, we see a situation where some Israelites were ceremonially unclean and unable to celebrate the Passover. Moses, their leader, didn’t have an immediate answer. Instead, he sought God’s wisdom, setting a precedent for us to follow. When faced with life’s uncertainties, we should turn to God for guidance rather than relying solely on our understanding.
How Do We Seek God’s Wisdom?
- Prayer: Communicate with God regularly. Ask for His guidance in your decisions.
- Scripture: Read and meditate on the Bible. It’s God’s word and provides wisdom for living.
- Holy Spirit: Be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. He dwells within us and guides us in truth.
The Significance of the Passover
What is the Passover?
The Passover is a pivotal event in Israel’s history, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. In Numbers 9, the Israelites celebrate the Passover in the wilderness, marking their new beginning as God’s chosen people. This celebration is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands.
How Does the Passover Relate to Us?
For Christians, the Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. His sacrifice on the cross delivers us from sin and death, offering us eternal life. Celebrating this deliverance helps us remember God’s grace and the new life we have in Christ.
The Bronze Serpent: A Lesson in Faith
What is the Story of the Bronze Serpent?
In Numbers 21, the Israelites complain against God and Moses, resulting in a plague of venomous snakes. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Those who look at the serpent are healed. This story may seem strange, but it points to a deeper truth.
How Does the Bronze Serpent Point to Jesus?
Jesus references this story in John 3:14-15, explaining that just as the serpent was lifted up, He too must be lifted up on the cross. Those who look to Him in faith will be saved from the poison of sin. This story illustrates the necessity of faith and the power of God’s provision for our salvation.
Life Application
How Can We Apply These Lessons to Our Lives?
- Seek God’s Wisdom Daily: Make it a habit to turn to God in prayer and scripture for guidance in all areas of your life.
- Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on the significance of the Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice. Let it remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness and love.
- Live by Faith: Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for healing, look to Jesus for your salvation and daily strength.
Questions to Reflect On
- Am I seeking God’s wisdom in my daily decisions, or am I relying on my understanding?
- How often do I reflect on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s faithfulness in my life?
- In what areas of my life do I need to exercise more faith and trust in God’s provision?
By seeking God’s wisdom, remembering His faithfulness, and living by faith, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. Let’s commit to applying these lessons this week and experience the fullness of life that God offers.
Thank you for joining us in this journey through Numbers. We look forward to exploring Deuteronomy next week, focusing on the importance of a new heart and its role in the bigger story of God’s plan for His people. Stay blessed!
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Understanding the Day of Atonement: A Journey Through Leviticus
Welcome to our blog! We’re thrilled to have you here, whether you’re joining us from the comfort of your home or from anywhere around the world. Today, we delve into the often-overlooked book of Leviticus, focusing on the Day of Atonement and its profound significance. This summary will help you grasp the essence of the sermon and understand how it applies to your life.
Why Leviticus Matters
What is the Book of Leviticus About?
Leviticus is often avoided due to its complex rituals and laws, but it holds foundational truths for understanding the rest of the Bible. It details how the Israelites were to live near the presence of God, which had returned to them in the Tabernacle—a mini model of the Garden of Eden.
The Presence of God
The presence of God is so pure and holy that it required specific rituals, a dedicated priesthood, and strict purity laws to ensure that the Israelites could live near it without being harmed. These elements are crucial for understanding the sacrificial system and the role of the high priest.
The Day of Atonement Explained
What is the Day of Atonement?
The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, is the most important day in the Jewish calendar. It is the one day each year when the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place to atone for the sins of the people.
The Role of the High Priest
On this day, the high priest had to follow specific rituals, including wearing simple linen garments to approach God humbly. He would first offer a bull for his own sins and then deal with two goats—one for the Lord and one for Azazel.
The Two Goats: A Deeper Look
The Sacrificial Goat
The first goat was sacrificed, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. This act symbolized the purification of the Most Holy Place from the impurities of the Israelites.
The Scapegoat (Azazel)
The second goat, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness after the high priest placed the sins of the people upon it. This act symbolized the removal of sin and impurity from the community. The term “Azazel” is often debated but is understood to represent a spiritual being, possibly another name for the evil one.
Jesus and the Day of Atonement
How Does Jesus Fulfill These Rituals?
Jesus fulfills the roles of both goats. His sacrifice on the cross atones for our sins, giving us access to God. Like the scapegoat, He also takes away our sins, defeating the power of sin and death once and for all.
The Ultimate High Priest
Jesus is our ultimate high priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Unlike the high priests of old, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus’ one sacrifice is sufficient for all time.
The Fulfillment of Holy Days
Jesus also fulfills the holy days outlined in Leviticus 23. His death and resurrection align perfectly with Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits. Pentecost is fulfilled with the coming of the Holy Spirit, and we await the final trumpet signaling His return.
Life Application
How Can We Apply This to Our Lives?
Understanding the Day of Atonement and its fulfillment in Jesus helps us appreciate the depth of God’s plan for our redemption. Here are some practical steps to apply this week:
- Reflect on Jesus’ Sacrifice: Take time to meditate on how Jesus’ sacrifice has atoned for your sins and given you access to God.
- Live Humbly: Just as the high priest approached God humbly, strive to live a life of humility, recognizing your dependence on God’s grace.
- Embrace Purity: Seek to live a life that honors God, knowing that Jesus has made you clean and holy.
Questions to Ponder
- How does understanding the Day of Atonement deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
- In what ways can you live more humbly and dependently on God this week?
- How can you embrace the purity that Jesus has given you in your daily life?
Conclusion
Leviticus may seem daunting, but it is rich with meaning and points us directly to Jesus. By understanding the rituals, priesthood, and purity laws, we see how Jesus fulfills all these requirements, offering us a way to live in the presence of God. Take these insights to heart and let them transform your walk with Christ this week.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Leviticus. We hope to see you next week as we continue exploring the Bible and its profound lessons for our lives. God bless!
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Understanding the Tabernacle: A Journey from Exodus to Jesus
Introduction
This sermon is part of our ongoing series, “Kingdom Foreshadowed,” which explores the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Today, we focus on the Tabernacle, its significance, and how it points to Jesus Christ. Whether you’re new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this summary will guide you through the key points and their life applications.
What is the Tabernacle?
The Structure and Purpose
The Tabernacle was a portable place of worship for the Israelites, built about a year after they crossed the Red Sea. It served as a physical manifestation of God’s presence among His people. The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure, 15 feet by 45 feet, enclosed within a courtyard measuring 75 feet by 150 feet. This courtyard contained a bronze altar for sacrifices and a bronze basin for washing.
The Holy and Most Holy Places
Inside the Tabernacle, there were two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place contained the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense. The Most Holy Place, separated by a curtain, housed the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s throne. This area was so sacred that only the high priest could enter, and only once a year.
The Significance of the Tabernacle
A Heaven and Earth Connection
The Tabernacle represented a renewed connection between heaven and earth, a glimpse of what was lost in the Garden of Eden. It was a place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, but with many barriers and rituals to signify the holiness and purity required to approach Him.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
Every element of the Tabernacle pointed to something greater. The sacrifices, the washing, the bread, the light, and the incense all foreshadowed Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice, the living water, the bread of life, the light of the world, and the fragrant offering.
Jesus: The True Tabernacle
Fulfillment of the Old Covenant
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of everything the Tabernacle represented. When He died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the barriers between God and humanity were removed. We now have direct access to God’s presence through Jesus.
A New and Living Way
Hebrews 10:19-23 beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body…” This passage reminds us that we can draw near to God with full assurance of faith because of what Jesus has done.
Life Application
Embrace the Presence of God
Understanding the Tabernacle and its fulfillment in Jesus should deepen our appreciation for God’s presence in our lives. We no longer need to perform rituals to earn His favor; we are already accepted because of Jesus. This week, take time to reflect on the incredible access you have to God and how you can live in His presence daily.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do you take time to acknowledge and appreciate God’s presence in your life?
- In what ways can you draw nearer to God this week?
- How does understanding Jesus as the true Tabernacle change your perspective on worship and daily living?
Challenge
This week, challenge yourself to spend intentional time in God’s presence. Whether through prayer, worship, or reading the Bible, seek to deepen your relationship with Him. Remember, you have direct access to the Creator of the universe because of Jesus. Embrace this incredible gift and let it transform your life.
Conclusion
The Tabernacle was a profound symbol of God’s desire to dwell among His people, and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ offers us unparalleled access to His presence. As you reflect on these truths, may you be encouraged to draw nearer to God and live out your faith with confidence and joy.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
Testimonials
“Steve and his team at Keys Vineyard Church have built a church that has done an inspiring job reaching their community. Steve is a treasure trove of experience and has continued to prioritize learning and growth throughout his more than 30 years of ministry in a way few pastors have. You’ll get a lot out of connecting with him!”
“I watched first hand as Steve experienced the devastation of hurricane Irma in his town of Big Pine Key, Florida. The town was destroyed, the church building rendered unusable and the staff impacted personally. I watched a leader rise to the need of his community and minister in a situation that not very many could. He has a powerful voice of experience and wisdom earned the hard way.”
“Steve Lawes is a valuable coach/ mentor. I’ve watched Steve over the last thirty years build a substantial outward focused church with disciples who do what Jesus did. He has inspired leaders of churches with simple/tested ideas to develop leaders and grow churches.
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“Steve Lawes is an outstanding coach. He is authentic, creative, and personable. He has more cutting edge ideas than any pastor I know in regard to evangelism and meeting the needs of people in his community.”
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One of the greatest questions Jesus asked was “Do You Want to Get Well?”
I t would seem that the answer was obvious. But getting well for the man who had been not well for a very long time meant that he would have to do something different. It is not easy to change, but it always starts with a first step.
Take that first step now by sceduling your no obligation, free thirty (30) minute Zoom meeting with us today. You have nothing to lose and it may be your first step to a new and healthy way of doing and being the church.
Don’t Wait Any Longer. Take The First Step Toward Getting Well Today!
