Virtual Church Consulting

Last week, we started our new series called Kingdom Rebellion, and we did an overview of the main three points: The Fall, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel. This week, we are going to focus on the Fall.

Genesis 3:1-7 (NIV)
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Our big topics during this week’s message at Keys Vineyard will be the consequences of the Fall and a look at the Crimson Thread of Redemption, recorded in Genesis 3:15.

Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

In preparation for the discussion, let’s take a quick practical look at temptation. As the evil one tempts Adam and Eve, he uses three specific tactics. These can be understood as the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. The Apostle John made sure we would be aware of these tactics by recording them for us in 1 John 2:16:

1 John 2:16 (NIV)
16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

It is essential to be aware of these tactics because the evil one continues to use them repeatedly. For the most part, he has been quite successful. However, when he tries them on Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness, they don’t work. Take some time to read over the account of the fall in Genesis 3:1-7 and then read the account of the temptation in the wilderness in Luke 4:1-12:

Luke 4:1–12 (NIV)
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

See if you can find the three temptation tactics used in each account. Then take time to have a think about how Jesus used the word of God to stand firm in the face of temptation. All this and more at Keys Vineyard Church this weekend, so join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

In the digital age, social media has become a pivotal tool for organizations worldwide, including churches. Its profound impact on religious communities offers significant opportunities and notable challenges. At Church Consultant, we want to help you understand the pros and cons of social media for the church, which is essential in leveraging its potential effectively while mitigating potential drawbacks.

Pros of Social Media for the Church

Enhanced Outreach and Evangelism: Social media platforms allow churches to reach a broader audience beyond their local community. They can share sermons, worship services, and other religious content with a global audience, making it easier to spread their message and engage with people who might not physically attend church.

Community Building: Social media allows church members to connect, share experiences, and support each other outside regular worship services. This digital fellowship can be particularly beneficial for members unable to attend in person due to health, distance, or other constraints.

Increased Engagement: Churches can use social media to engage with their congregation in real time, fostering a more interactive and responsive community. Live streaming services, prayer groups, and religious discussions online can enhance participation and keep the congregation engaged throughout the week.

Cost-Effective Communication: Social media offers a cost-effective way for churches to communicate with their members. Announcements, event promotions, and other communications can be disseminated quickly and without the costs associated with traditional print media.

Cons of Social Media for the Church

Risk of Misinformation: The ease of sharing content on social media also comes with the risk of spreading misinformation. Churches need to be vigilant about the accuracy of the content and be prepared to address false information that may circulate.

Online Negativity and Trolling: Social media platforms can sometimes breed negativity and trolling. Churches may find themselves targets of unwarranted criticism or offensive comments, which can be challenging to manage and potentially damage their reputation.

Digital Divide: Not all church members may have equal access to or comfort using social media. This digital divide can leave some members feeling left out or disconnected from the church’s online activities.

Time and Resource Investment: Effectively managing social media requires time and resources. Churches must allocate personnel to regularly update and monitor their social media channels, respond to comments, and create engaging content.

Social media presents a valuable opportunity for churches to expand their outreach, build community, increase engagement, and communicate effectively and cost-efficiently. However, it also brings challenges like the risk of misinformation, the potential for online negativity, the digital divide, and the need for time and resource investment. Churches venturing into social media must do so with a strategic plan and awareness of these pros and cons to maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

We’re starting a new series titled “Kingdom Rebellion,” in this session, we’ll summarize Genesis chapters 3 to 11. This is in preparation for a more in-depth examination of these chapters. The “Kingdom Rebellion” segment in God’s narrative encompasses three key events: the fall of man, the great flood, and the construction of the Tower of Babel.

The Fall

In the story of the Fall, a divine being, contrary to God’s plan for a human family, tempts Eve, hoping her disobedience will lead to the destruction of both her and Adam. This entity, appearing as a serpent, manages to lead Eve into sin but fails to eliminate humanity.

Genesis 3:1-7 (NIV)
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked, so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

The events in Eden mark just the beginning. Adam and Eve’s rebellion brings severe consequences. God expels them from Eden, curses the serpent, and banishes him from His presence. However, the situation deteriorates even further.

The Flood

Genesis 6:1-4 (NIV)
1 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days–and also afterward–when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old men of renown.

The narrative then introduces the “elohim,” divine beings who are attracted to human women and father children known as Nephilim. This act causes lasting harm to humanity. The flood is God’s response to this situation.

Genesis 6:7 (NIV)
7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth–men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air–for I am grieved that I have made them.”

God’s reaction is not anger but deep sorrow over these developments. He decides to start anew, using the flood as a cosmic reset, reminiscent of the pre-creation state of the earth covered in water. Noah and his family are chosen to rebuild humanity post-flood, echoing the original directive given to Adam and Eve.

Genesis 9:1 (NIV)
1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.

This marks a fresh beginning, with God still desiring a human family. However, another act of defiance soon emerges.

The Tower of Babel

Post-flood, God instructs Noah’s descendants to multiply and populate the earth, serving as stewards of creation. Contrary to this, they congregate at Babel, constructing a city and tower for their glorification.

Genesis 11:1-4 (ESV)
1 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”

Following previous acts of disobedience, including the expulsion from Eden and the flood, humanity again deviates from God’s will. In response, God assigns the governance of different nations to various divine beings, the “elohim.”

Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (ESV)
8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. 9 But the LORD’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage.

The Bible later reveals that these elohim fail in their duties, leading to their judgment. God plans to strip them of their immortality and reclaim the nations.

Psalm 82:1-8 (ESV)
1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods, he holds judgment: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” 5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Highest, all of you; 7 nevertheless, like men, you shall die and fall like any prince.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!

This overview sets the stage for our upcoming deeper exploration of these pivotal chapters in Genesis, highlighting the recurring theme of rebellion and God’s responses to it.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.