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This week, as we continue in our “Sword Sharpening” series, we will do a little review to tie the first thirteen parts together and prepare to move further on in the series from here. As we began this series, we looked at a couple of verses. The first was the writer of Hebrews comparing the Word of God to a sword, where we got the idea for the title.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The second verse was from the gospel of Mark Chapter 12:

Mark 12:24 (NIV)
24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?

The thrust of this series is the importance of learning how to and how not to read the Bible. We looked at four ideas to help us accomplish this.

a) The Bible is pointing to Jesus.

b) The Bible is a library, not just a book.

c) The Bible is written for us but not to us.

d) Context, context, context.

With those four ideas established, we started breaking the storyline of the Bible into eight sections in the hopes that this would help hold His Story together in a memorable way.

The storyline of the Bible (His Story) is presented in eight sections with the main points:

1) Kingdom Revealed – Genesis 1 – 2

Cosmic Temple, Divine Realm/Elohim, Earth Realm/human

2) Kingdom Rebellion – Genesis 3 – 11

The Fall, the Flood, the Tower of Babel

3) Kingdom Covenant – Genesis 12 – 50

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

4) Kingdom Foreshadowed – Exodus – 2 Kings

Ten Plagues, Ten Words, Tabernacle, Temple

5) Kingdom Coming 1 Chronicles – Malachi

The Glory departs, the Exile, the Prophets.

6) Kingdom Incarnate – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

Tabernacles, Temple, Cross, Resurrection

7) Kingdom Tension – Acts – Revelation < 21

Now and Not Yet, Temple, One More

8) Kingdom Consummated – Revelation 21 – 22

All Things New, Life After Life After Death

We hope to take what we have learned and see where and how His Story fits into history. Make plans to attend in person or watch line for all this and more at Keys Vineyard Church.

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

We are in a series called “Sword Sharpening” and looking at how to make the most out of your time with the Bible. This week we are continuing our look at the storyline of the Bible, which we call His Story, and we will look at the eighth section, Revelation 21 – 22, and call it Kingdom Consummated.

Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

“I am making everything new!” What a powerful verse. There are two words in Greek for “new”, and they are very different. Neo means brand new “in time.” Like building a “new” house. But “kainos,” (the word used for new in Rev 21) carries a different meaning. It means restored or refreshed or renewed. So, in keeping with the house illustration, it’s taking the house that once was new but now old and re-newing it.

With that said, there are some fiery words about the end of the age that we need to look into.

2 Peter 3:5-7 (NIV)
5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

2 Peter 3:10 (NIV)
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

In these verses, Peter connects to the Flood of Noah’s day as the image for the end of the age: “By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed” (v. 6). Since we know that the planet actually survived the flood, we need to think the same way about the coming fire. The Flood cleansed the earth, renewed it. Noah and his family stepped out of the ark onto a restored earth, to begin again. Peter then turns from water to fire as the element by which the earth we love is cleansed. Fire symbolizes cleansing throughout the Scriptures; perhaps you remember that Paul said our life’s work will be tested in the fire, like gold. The good remains; the rest is burned away.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (NIV)
13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Let’s look quickly at an encounter between Jesus and Peter. Peter asks Jesus this question:

Matthew 19:27 (NIV)
27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

Look at Jesus’ response:

Matthew 19:28-29 (NIV)
28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

After sitting with Jesus and taking in His words, Peter concludes his passage on the end of the age with these words:

2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)
13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

The renewal of all things simply means that the earth is restored, renewed, and given back to us. Forever. We will be looking at this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church so make plans to join us in-person or online.

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

Like any organization, the church faces challenges that require expert advice to overcome. This is where the services of a church consultant come in. But what does a church consultant do? And how can they help congregations thrive? This article delves into the duties and contributions of church consultants in assisting religious communities to meet the demands of our evolving world.

Understanding the Church’s Unique Position

First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognize that a church isn’t just any organization—it’s a sacred institution that intertwines spiritual, communal, and organizational aspects. The goals of a church are not just about numbers or finances; they also concern spiritual growth, community outreach, and maintaining a vibrant, meaningful connection with its members. A church consultant understands these intricacies and is skilled in addressing challenges with a balance of respect for tradition and a drive for innovation.

Essential Duties of a Church Consultant

Assessment: One of the primary roles of a church consultant is to assess a congregation’s current situation. This might involve examining the church’s growth trends, financial health, staff dynamics, outreach programs, or spiritual enrichment activities. Through interviews, surveys, and observations, the consultant can get a holistic view of where the church stands.

Strategic Planning: Once an assessment is complete, the consultant will work with church leaders to chart a course for the future. This might involve setting goals for membership growth, developing new outreach programs, or restructuring church governance. They help create short-term and long-term strategies that align with the church’s mission and vision.

Leadership Training: Often, a church consultant will provide training sessions for pastors, elders, and other key leaders. These sessions might cover topics like conflict resolution, effective communication, team building, and leadership skills tailored to the unique context of a religious community.

Operational Efficiency: Church consultants might also delve into the day-to-day operations of a church. This can involve suggesting more efficient administration methods, improving financial management, or updating technology systems to serve the congregation better.

Change Management: Implementing new strategies or systems can be daunting, especially in a setting as deeply rooted in tradition as the church. Consultants guide congregations through periods of change, ensuring smooth transitions and the church remains unified.

Outreach and Evangelism: A significant aspect of many churches is their outreach and evangelism efforts. A consultant can help churches develop or refine their approach to outreach, ensuring they effectively reach and resonate with their target communities.

Church consultants bring an external perspective, unencumbered by internal politics or biases. Their outside view can often identify issues or opportunities that might be missed by those deeply embedded in the day-to-day life of the congregation. Furthermore, many church consultants have extensive experience and have worked with multiple congregations facing similar challenges. This breadth of experience allows them to bring tested solutions and insights to the table, offering strategies that have been successful in other settings.

A church consultant is invaluable in guiding congregations through these changes, ensuring they remain vibrant and effective in their mission. Whether refining outreach strategies, improving operations, or training leaders, these professionals offer expertise that can propel a church to new heights.

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