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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 Shema: A Call to Hear and Do
Introduction
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the heart of our recent sermon on the Shema from Deuteronomy 6. This ancient prayer is a cornerstone of faith for both Jews and Christians, emphasizing the importance of not just hearing God’s word but also living it out. Let’s explore the key points and life applications from this powerful message.
What is the Shema?
The Daily Prayer of Israel
The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, is a daily prayer recited by the people of Israel and many Christians. It begins with the word “hear” or “listen,” which in Hebrew is “Shema.” This word conveys more than just auditory reception; it implies action. To truly “hear” God is to obey Him.
The Importance of Hearing and Doing
The Shema calls us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. This love is not passive but active, requiring us to live out God’s commandments in our daily lives. The challenge lies in moving from hearing to doing, a struggle that has existed since the beginning of time.
The Heart of the Matter
The Need for a New Heart
Moses, in his final sermons, emphasizes the need for a transformed heart. Our natural hearts are prone to wander and disobey. We need a new heart, one that is circumcised by God, to truly follow His ways.
What is a Circumcised Heart?
A circumcised heart is one that serves God out of genuine desire rather than obligation. It is a heart that has been transformed by God’s Spirit, enabling us to love and obey Him fully.
The Role of the Heart in Our Lives
The Control Center
In biblical terms, the heart is the control center of our lives, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and actions. It shapes our deepest commitments and perspectives.
The Prophetic Promise
Prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah foretold of a time when God would give His people new hearts. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who offers us a transformed heart through His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus and the Shema
Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Covenant
Jesus fulfills the covenant requirements that we could not. On the cross, He took on our sin and was “cut off” so that we could be reconciled to God. This act of love transforms our hearts, enabling us to live for Him.
The Impact of a Transformed Heart
A transformed heart changes the way we love, obey, and live. We love God for who He is, not for what He can do for us. We obey Him out of love, not duty. This leads to a life of true abundance and joy.
Life Application
Living with a Transformed Heart
This week, reflect on the state of your heart. Are you loving God and others out of genuine desire or obligation? Ask God to transform your heart, enabling you to live fully for Him.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of your life are you merely hearing God’s word but not doing it?
- How can you cultivate a heart that genuinely desires to follow God’s ways?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your love for God and others this week?
Conclusion
The Shema calls us to a life of active faith, where hearing and doing go hand in hand. By allowing God to transform our hearts, we can live out His commandments with joy and love. Let’s embrace this challenge and experience the abundant life that comes from truly following Him.
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 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.
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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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.
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