Church Encourager
Our hope at Church Encourager is to provide practical support to help pastors, churches and lay leaders have greater confidence, enthusiasm and strength in their lives and walk with God. Use the button below to set up a free Zoom meeting with Church Encourager.
Hello! I’m Steve Lawes
Our desire at Church Encourager is pretty well summed up in our name. We want to encourage the church.
For Believers
We have a wide full range of Bible Studies, Spiritual Growth and Discipleship Tools.
For Churches
Utilizing a process we call “Virtual Church Consulting” we work with you through a series of steps to help pinpoint problems and offer solutions.
For Pastors
The weight of ministry can be overwhelming. You don’t have to carry it alone. There are times when pastors need to have someone come alongside them on their ministry journey.
My Qualifications and Certifications
Education
- AA General Studies (FKCC)
- BA Bible/Theology (Berean)
- MA Pastoral Ministries (ACTS)
- MDiv Ministry (JMBIS)
- PhD Pastoral Ministry (ACTS)
Experience
- Lead Pastor 30+ Years
- County & State Prison Chaplain
- Mission Team Leader 10 Years
- AVC Area Leader 10+ Years
- Bible Institute Founder (JMBIS)
Certifications
- Certified Church Consultant
- NCD America Coach
- Certified Church Revitalization
- Coaching for Clergy
- Chirstian DISC Facilitator
Books & Publications
Establishing a daily life of prayer and meditation on the Word of God are vital to the life and health of every believer. My devotional books help to incorporate proven Spiritual disciplines into your daily life.
Discipleship Training
Daily Psalt Intake
From the beginning, the church has used the Book fof Psalms (Psalter) as the center of its daily practice.
Discipleship Training
Daily Sage Intake
The Proverbs help to develop the way that we live our life “in Christ” in a fallen world on a broken planet.
Discipleship Training
Daily Strength Training
Have you prayed today? That is a question of four simple words that can help us to become a people of prayer.
Recent Church Encourager Posts
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 12 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 12 Discussion Guide
Summary
In today’s sermon, we delved into the book of Leviticus, often overlooked due to its complex rituals and laws. The focus was on the Day of Atonement, a significant event where the high priest would make sacrifices to atone for the sins of Israel. We explored the symbolism of the two goats used in the ritual—one sacrificed and the other sent into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin. The sermon highlighted how these ancient practices foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled all the requirements of the law and provided a way for us to be reconciled with God.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. As we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask for open hearts and minds. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and reveal to us the truths You want us to grasp. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing you are looking forward to this week?
Key Verses
- Leviticus 16:2-5
- Hebrews 10:8-14
- Matthew 27:52-53
Questions
- What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
- Why do you think the book of Leviticus is often overlooked?
- How do the rituals in Leviticus point to Jesus?
- What is the significance of the two goats in the Day of Atonement ritual?
- How does understanding the Day of Atonement deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
- In what ways can we see Jesus fulfilling the requirements of the law today?
- How does the concept of being ‘made perfect forever’ while ‘being made holy’ resonate with you?
- What practical steps can we take to live in the reality of our atonement through Jesus?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and how it has made you perfect in God’s eyes. Consider ways you can live out this truth in your daily interactions and share the message of atonement with someone who may need to hear it.
Key Takeaways
- The Day of Atonement was a significant ritual in ancient Israel that pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
- Jesus fulfills all the requirements of the law, providing a way for us to be reconciled with God.
- The two goats in the Day of Atonement ritual symbolize the removal of sin and the atonement for the people.
- Understanding the rituals in Leviticus can deepen our appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice.
- We are made perfect in God’s eyes through Jesus’ sacrifice, even as we are being made holy.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the profound truths revealed in Your Word today. As we go forth, help us to live in the reality of the atonement provided by Jesus. May we be ever grateful for His sacrifice and strive to reflect His love and grace in our lives. Bless each person here and guide us in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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.
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 11 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 11 Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon focused on the significance of the Tabernacle in the Old Testament as a precursor to Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was a portable place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. The sermon highlighted how the Tabernacle’s structure and rituals pointed to Jesus, who is the true Tabernacle, providing direct access to God through His sacrifice. The message emphasized the importance of not taking God’s presence for granted and recognizing the profound access to God that Jesus has made possible.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. As we delve into Your Word and discuss the message from the sermon, we ask for open hearts and minds. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and the significance of Your presence in our lives. May we be receptive to what You want to teach us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one of your favorite memories from a church event or service?
### Key Verses- Hebrews 10:19-23
- Exodus 40:34-35
- John 1:14
- Psalm 16:11
Questions
- What stood out to you the most about the description of the Tabernacle?
- How does understanding the Tabernacle enhance your appreciation of Jesus’ sacrifice?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the true Tabernacle?
- How can we avoid taking God’s presence for granted in our daily lives?
- In what ways can we draw near to God with a sincere heart, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:22?
- How does the concept of ‘fullness of joy’ in God’s presence resonate with you?
- What are some practical ways we can live out our restored access to God through Jesus?
- How can we help others understand the significance of Jesus’ role as the true Tabernacle?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to intentionally seek God’s presence. Whether through prayer, worship, or reading Scripture, focus on drawing near to Him with a sincere heart. Reflect on the access to God that Jesus has provided and let it transform your daily interactions and decisions.
Key Takeaways
- The Tabernacle was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ and His role in providing access to God.
- Jesus fulfills all the elements of the Tabernacle, from the sacrifice to the priesthood.
- God’s presence is the source of fullness of joy and eternal pleasures.
- Through Jesus, we have direct access to God, which should never be taken for granted.
- Our actions should flow from a heart that is already accepted by God, not from a desire to earn His love.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the profound truths we’ve discussed today. Thank You for sending Jesus, our true Tabernacle, who grants us direct access to Your presence. Help us to live in the fullness of joy that comes from being close to You. May we never take Your presence for granted and always seek to draw near to You with sincere hearts. Guide us this week as we apply these truths to our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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.
Church Encourager
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