I’m Steve Lawes
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An outreach strategy is a specific set of tactics intended to ultimately attract new people to your church.
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 2000. 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 Kingdom Covenant: A Sermon Summary
Embracing the Covenant with Abraham
In our journey through the Bible, we’ve arrived at a pivotal moment in Genesis 12 through 50, where God establishes a covenant with Abraham. This covenant is not just a promise to Abraham but a declaration that through him, all nations will be blessed. The essence of this blessing is the experience of heaven on earth, a foretaste of the Kingdom of God breaking into our reality.
The Power of Prayer and Community
Our church community emphasizes the importance of prayer, especially for our neighbors. We believe in the transformative power of lifting each other up in prayer, seeking renewal, revival, and breakthroughs in our lives and the lives of those around us.
The Main Characters of Genesis
As we delve into this section of Genesis, we focus on four key figures: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Their stories intertwine with themes of covenant, faith, and the unfolding plan of God.
The Challenge of Faith and Trust in God
Abraham’s journey is marked by moments of both faith and failure. His repeated mistakes, such as misrepresenting his wife Sarah to protect himself, highlight our own tendencies to fall back into familiar sins. Yet, Abraham’s story also shows us the importance of growing in trust and obedience to God.
The Miraculous Birth of Isaac
Isaac’s birth is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age, God fulfills His promise, reminding us that He is the God of the impossible.
The Prophetic Reenactment of Sacrifice
Genesis 22 presents one of the most challenging narratives in the Bible: God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. This story is not about endorsing child sacrifice but is a prophetic reenactment pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It raises profound questions about the nature of sacrifice and God’s redemptive plan.
The Significance of Mount Moriah
The location of Isaac’s near-sacrifice, Mount Moriah, is deeply significant. It is not only the future site of the temple in Jerusalem but also the place where Jesus would be crucified. The parallels between Isaac and Jesus are striking and intentional, revealing the depth of God’s love and the extent of His provision.
The Heart of Sacrifice
Sacrifice, as we come to understand it through this story, is the death of one thing so that something else can have new life. It is about choosing God’s way over our own and recognizing that Jesus is the ultimate sacrificial Lamb provided by God.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gospel and Living It Out
The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the gospel message: Jesus has defeated sin and death, and through Him, we are invited into a life-transforming relationship with God. Our response is to accept this invitation and allow the blessings of God to flow through us to others.
Life Application Challenge
This week, reflect on the areas of your life where you need to grow in trust and obedience to God. Consider the following questions:
- How can I demonstrate faith in God’s promises, even when circumstances are challenging?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to my neighbors and community?
- How can I more fully embrace the sacrifice of Jesus and live out the gospel in my daily life?
Let this challenge inspire you to deepen your relationship with God and to be a conduit of His love and blessings to those around you.
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 Kingdom Covenant: God’s Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure
Introduction
In our latest sermon series, “Kingdom Covenant,” we delve into the profound concept of covenants made between God and humanity. These sacred agreements highlight God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when we fall short. This week, we continue our journey through Genesis, focusing on the covenant with Abraham and the lessons it imparts for our lives today.
The Power of Prayer and Community
Before exploring the depths of God’s covenant with Abraham, we are reminded of the importance of praying for our neighbors. This simple yet powerful act can lead to transformation in our communities and exemplifies our call to love those around us.
The Essence of God’s Covenants
God’s covenants are pivotal throughout the Bible, from Noah to Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately the New Covenant through Jesus. These agreements involve commitments from both God and people, with God always upholding His end despite our frequent shortcomings.
The Story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
Genesis chapters 12 through 50 revolve around the narratives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These stories are not only about these patriarchs but also about God’s faithfulness and the unfolding of His plan for humanity.
The Royal Priesthood and Our Identity
Last week, we touched on the concept of the royal priesthood, emphasizing our identity and role in God’s kingdom. This week, we explore another aspect of our spiritual heritage and the implications of being part of God’s chosen people.
The Pattern of Human Failure
Abraham and Sarah’s story is marked by moments of distrust and self-reliance, leading to poor decisions. Their failure to trust God’s promise results in taking matters into their own hands, a recurring theme that echoes our own tendency to define good and evil for ourselves.
The Covenant with Abraham: A New Beginning
Despite Abraham and Sarah’s failures, God reaffirms His covenant with them, changing Abram’s name to Abraham and promising that he will be the father of many nations. This covenant is everlasting, demonstrating God’s commitment to His people.
The Significance of Circumcision
Circumcision is introduced as a sign of the covenant, a reminder of the value of personhood, and a call to trust in God’s ways. It serves as a physical symbol of the spiritual commitment to follow God’s path.
The Promise of a Miracle Child
God promises Abraham a miracle child, Isaac, despite the seeming impossibility due to Sarah’s age. This foreshadows the ultimate miracle child, Jesus, who would come to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for all humanity.
You Are a Miracle Child
As followers of Jesus, we are considered miracle children, born again into a new life with God. This miraculous spiritual birth is a testament to God’s power and grace in our lives.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Miracle Identity
This week, let us embrace the reality that we are miracle children of God. Despite our failures, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast. As we reflect on this truth, consider these questions:
- How can I live out my identity as a miracle child of God this week?
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God’s faithfulness more deeply?
- How can I be a blessing to my neighbors and community, reflecting God’s love and covenant?
Challenge yourself to trust in God’s promises and to live as a testament to His faithfulness. Remember, you are a miracle child, destined for eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let this truth transform how you live and interact with the world around you.
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 Royal Priesthood: A Reflection on Melchizedek and Our Calling
Introduction
In our recent sermon, we delved into the intriguing figure of Melchizedek and the concept of the royal priesthood, as outlined in the book of Genesis. This exploration is not just a historical or theological exercise; it holds profound implications for our daily lives as believers. Let’s unpack the sermon and discover how we can embody the royal priesthood in our modern context.
Who is Melchizedek?
Melchizedek is a mysterious character who appears in Genesis 14. He is described as the king of Salem (later known as Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High. His encounter with Abram (later Abraham) after a victorious battle is significant for several reasons. Melchizedek blesses Abram, and in return, Abram gives him a tenth of everything. This exchange highlights the importance of blessing and being blessed, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.
The Royal Priesthood in the Bible
The concept of a royal priesthood originates in Genesis, where humanity is created to co-rule with God and serve as intermediaries between Him and creation. This role is compromised after the fall but is later seen in figures like Melchizedek and King David. David, in particular, embodies this role as he brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and blesses the people, much like Melchizedek did.
Jesus: The Ultimate Royal Priest
The New Testament reveals Jesus as the ultimate royal priest, a fulfillment of the prophecies in Psalms and the typology of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5 and 9 explain how Christ, through His sacrifice, became the high priest of a new covenant, offering eternal redemption for humanity. This priestly role of Jesus is central to our understanding of salvation and our relationship with God.
Our Role as a Royal Priesthood
1 Peter 2:9 declares that believers are a chosen people and a royal priesthood. This identity is not just a future promise but a present reality. As royal priests, we are called to serve God and others, to bless and be blessed, and to love God and our neighbors. This service is not about gaining power or prestige but about humbly reflecting God’s love to the world.
Living Out Our Priestly Calling
How do we live as a royal priesthood today? It involves several key actions:
- Blessing Others: Just as Melchizedek blessed Abram, we are called to bless those around us, sharing the love and grace we have received from God.
- Serving with Humility: Following the example of Jesus, our service is marked by humility and a focus on the needs of others.
- Reflecting God’s Love: As royal priests, we represent God to the world and reflect the world’s praises back to Him.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Priestly Identity
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to embrace our identity as part of the royal priesthood. Consider these questions as you reflect on the sermon and your own life:
- How can I bless someone in my community this week?
- In what ways can I serve others with humility, reflecting Jesus’ love?
- How can I better represent God to those around me?
As we step into our calling as royal priests, let’s remember that our service and love are not just for our benefit but for the transformation of the world around us. Let’s go forth and live out this high calling with joy and faithfulness.
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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