Fellowship Baptist Church

Unexpected Confrontation: Chapter 2 (UNEXPECTED — The Book of John)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 2 (John 1:4; 2:1-21; 10:10; 15:11; Exodus 30:19-21; Leviticus 11:32; Titus 3:5; Revelation 7:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
 
The beginning of the public ministry of Jesus was not what you would expect. John chapter two does not begin with a giant crowd, a public miracle, or a deep message from Jesus. It begins with John telling us the heart and mission of Jesus, but in an unexpected way. It begins at a party...a wedding celebration with friends and family. This story usually gets told from the perspective of the miracle of turning the water into wine. Yes, this is definitely a miracle, but the reason for this miracle is the real message. Before Jesus confronts the disorder of the temple worship, He teaches the disciples a powerful message about His purpose and mission. Then, Jesus steps into a crowd and confronts some issues in a way that they would never forget.
 
Series description:
Have you ever experienced something that completely threw you off because it was so different from what you expected?When we read the Gospels, it's easy to wonder why so many people rejected Jesus. Why didn’t they recognize Him as the Messiah and worship Him?The truth is—everything about Jesus was unexpected. From the way He entered the world—born to poor parents and laid in a manger—to the way He loved and forgave sinners, outcasts, and even enemies.The Gospel of John is especially unique because it highlights the surprising, counter-cultural things Jesus said and did. It shows us a Savior who pursued personal relationships with the most unlikely people.Through John’s account, we’re invited to take a journey and experience the unexpected grace and love of Jesus—a love that still transforms lives today.
 
UNEXPECTED: The Book of John
Unexpected Confrontation
 
I. He came to cleanse
II. He came to fill us
III. He came to transform us
IV. He came to confront
A. you are the temple of God
B. you belong to God
C. God confronts what is not right

Unexpected God: Chapter 1 (UNEXPECTED — The Book of John)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 1 (John 1:1-5, 10, 14 & 46; 2:11; 3:16; 6:13-14; 7:52; 10:30-31; 13:23; 19:26; 20:30-31; 21:7; Matthew 1:22; 1 John 4:7-8)
 
Have you ever experienced something that completely threw you off because it was so different from what you expected?When we read the Gospels, it's easy to wonder why so many people rejected Jesus. Why didn’t they recognize Him as the Messiah and worship Him?The truth is—everything about Jesus was unexpected. From the way He entered the world—born to poor parents and laid in a manger—to the way He loved and forgave sinners, outcasts, and even enemies.The Gospel of John is especially unique because it highlights the surprising, counter-cultural things Jesus said and did. It shows us a Savior who pursued personal relationships with the most unlikely people.Through John’s account, we’re invited to take a journey and experience the unexpected grace and love of Jesus—a love that still transforms lives today.
 
UNEXPECTED: The Book of John
Unexpected God
 
I. Jesus is God
II. Jesus is life
III. Jesus is love
 
Illustration #1a​: FBC Staff at Old Man's Cave (Hocking Hills)
 
Illustration #1b​: FBC Staff at Old Man's Cave (Hocking Hills)
 
Illustration #1ac: FBC Staff at Old Man's Cave (Hocking Hills)
 
Illustration #2: String Quartet
 
Illustration #3: A movie set with multiple camera shots
 
Illustration #4: Bios, Psuche & Zoe meanings

A Short Study in the Psalms: Praise the Lord - Covenant Hope in Psalm 148 (Lesson 4)

Dave Steger (FBC Deacon) - ​​​​​​​Psalm 148 (Psalm 148:1-14; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:46-55; Revelation 5:13)
 
In this lesson, we explore the sweeping call to praise found in Psalm 148 and how it fits into the grand finale of the book of Psalms. As part of the final collection (Psalms 107–150), Psalm 148 invites all creation—heavenly and earthly—to join in celebrating the faithfulness of God. This isn’t just poetic worship—it’s a powerful declaration that God’s covenant promises are being fulfilled. Join us as we unpack how this Psalm, positioned near the end of Israel’s songbook, echoes a deep hope for restoration and reminds us that everything in creation is called to respond to God’s goodness with praise.
 
Series description:
“A Short Study on the Psalms” is a 4-week journey through one of the Bible’s most beloved and honest books. In Week 1, we explore the overall structure and design of the Psalms, helping us see how this ancient collection works as a unified whole. Then, over the next three weeks, we zoom in on selected Psalms that speak to real-life emotions—lament, trust, and worship—revealing how these songs give voice to our hearts and lead us toward deeper faith. Whether you’re new to the Psalms or reading them with fresh eyes, this series will help you experience them as both timeless poetry and practical prayer.
 
A Short Study in the PsalmsLesson 4 - Praise the Lord: Covenant Hope in Psalm 148
 
​I. A call to praise from the HeavensII. A call to praise from the EarthIII. The reason for praise
 
Outline

How can I know God's will? — BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions about life.

Pastor Bryce Copeland (Student Pastor) - Colossians 1:9-10; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Psalm 119:105; Mark 3:35; James 4:13-17
 
Ever feel like figuring out God’s will is like trying to solve a giant mysterious puzzle? The good news is—it’s not that complicated. God’s will isn’t a secret destination you have to unlock with the perfect job, relationship, or five-year plan. It’s a daily journey of walking with Him, guided by His Word and shaped by small, faithful steps. In this message, we dive into how God reveals His will as we obey what He’s already shown us, why we can’t follow both the world’s ways and God’s way, and how choosing Him leads to a life that actually brings purpose and satisfaction. 
 
Series description:
Did you know it’s totally okay to ask, “Why?”We all have questions—about life, suffering, God, and the hard stuff we go through. You’re not alone in that.
The amazing thing is, God isn’t afraid of our questions. In fact, He invites them—and He has real answers waiting for us in His Word. Let’s dig into some of life’s Big Questions and discover honest, hope-filled truth from God’s Word.
 
BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions About Life
"How can I know God's will?"
 
1. God's will is a journey, not a destination.
2. God's Word is our guide.
3. God reveals His will as we follow His revealed will.
4. You must choose between God's will and the world's way.

A Short Study in the Psalms: Lament & Longing (Lesson 3)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - ​​​​​​​Psalms 73:1-28; 74:1-23; 89:1-52; 137:1-9
 
In this lesson, we explore the third book of the Psalms (Psalms 73–89), focusing on Psalms 73, 74, 137, and 89. These powerful poems give voice to deep grief, righteous anger, and unresolved questions—showing us that God welcomes our honesty, even when it's messy. Whether it’s confusion over injustice, sorrow over loss, or rage over oppression, these psalms remind us that lament is a faithful response and that God not only hears us—He understands how we feel.
 
Series description:
“A Short Study on the Psalms” is a 4-week journey through one of the Bible’s most beloved and honest books. In Week 1, we explore the overall structure and design of the Psalms, helping us see how this ancient collection works as a unified whole. Then, over the next three weeks, we zoom in on selected Psalms that speak to real-life emotions—lament, trust, and worship—revealing how these songs give voice to our hearts and lead us toward deeper faith. Whether you’re new to the Psalms or reading them with fresh eyes, this series will help you experience them as both timeless poetry and practical prayer.
 
A Short Study in the PsalmsLesson 3 - Lament & Longing
 
I. Psalm 73—Asaph’s StruggleII. Psalm 74—Asaph’s SongIII. Psalm 137—Lament in ExileIV. Psalm 89—Faithfulness

How do I make an impact? — BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions about life.

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Exodus 2:1-10 (Proverbs 9:10; 22:6; Exodus 1:17-22; 2:1-10; 15:20-21; Numbers 26:59; Hebrews 11:23)
 
There’s an unsung hero in the Bible who lived a simple life but made a profound difference. Her name is Jochebed. Do you know her story?
One of the biggest questions we face in life is this: “How can I make an impact?” Jochebed gives us a powerful example of how to do just that—even in the most difficult of times.
 
Series description:
Did you know it’s totally okay to ask, “Why?”We all have questions—about life, suffering, God, and the hard stuff we go through. You’re not alone in that.
The amazing thing is, God isn’t afraid of our questions. In fact, He invites them—and He has real answers waiting for us in His Word. Let’s dig into some of life’s Big Questions and discover honest, hope-filled truth from God’s Word.
 
BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions About Life
"How do I make an impact?"
 
I. Have a personal walk with God
A. fear the Lord
B. live with conviction
II. Live out your faith
III. Lead them to steps of faith

A Short Study in the Psalms: Psalm 22 (Lesson 2)

Dave Steger (FBC Deacon) - ​​​​​​​Psalm 22 (Psalm 22:1-31; Matthew 27:41-43 & 46; John 19:24 & 30; Hebrews 2:12)
 
Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm that vividly portrays the suffering of Jesus Christ centuries before the crucifixion. Taking a verse-by-verse approach, this lesson highlights how David’s cries of anguish, rejection, physical torment, and ultimate hope mirror the experiences of Christ on the cross. From the haunting words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v.1) to the vivid descriptions of pierced hands and mocked trust (vv. 7–18), each verse invites us to see Jesus’ pain not only as fulfillment of Scripture but as a reflection of His deep love for us. As we walk through this psalm, we also discover that Christ’s suffering brings us comfort in our own trials, a pathway to hope, and the assurance that God turns suffering into victory.
 
Series description:
“A Short Study on the Psalms” is a 4-week journey through one of the Bible’s most beloved and honest books. In Week 1, we explore the overall structure and design of the Psalms, helping us see how this ancient collection works as a unified whole. Then, over the next three weeks, we zoom in on selected Psalms that speak to real-life emotions—lament, trust, and worship—revealing how these songs give voice to our hearts and lead us toward deeper faith. Whether you’re new to the Psalms or reading them with fresh eyes, this series will help you experience them as both timeless poetry and practical prayer.
 
A Short Study in the PsalmsLesson 2 - Psalm 22
 
​1. Structure & Analysis
2. Verses 1-2: Abandonment
3. Verses 3-5: Trust in God's past faithfulness
4. Verses 6-8: Public Humiliation
5. Verses 9-11: Lifelong dependence on God
6. Verses 12-18: Physical & emotional agony
7. Verses 19-21: Urgent plea for rescue
8. Verses 22-26: Transition to praise
9. Verses 27-31: Universal worship & future hope
 
Outline

Do I really need the church? — BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions about life.

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Ephesians 2:19-22 (Ephesians 2:1-9 & 19-22; 4:1-3, 11-16 & 32; Matthew 16:13-19; 18:15-17; Revelation 7:9-10; Acts 2:6-8 & 41-42; Hebrews 10:23-25; Genesis 2:18; 1 Peter 1:22; Galatians 5:13; 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; James 5:16)
 
With so many ways to access faith content and explore spirituality on your own, the local church can start to feel unnecessary—or even burdensome. But is that really true? In this message, we unpack why the local church still matters deeply and why belonging to one is essential for every follower of Jesus. If you’ve been hurt, grown disconnected, or just feel unsure about its value, this message offers more than guilt or pressure—it paints a biblical, hope-filled vision of what the church is meant to be: a spiritual family, a holy temple, and a place where God dwells among His people.
 
Series description:
Did you know it’s totally okay to ask, “Why?”We all have questions—about life, suffering, God, and the hard stuff we go through. You’re not alone in that.
The amazing thing is, God isn’t afraid of our questions. In fact, He invites them—and He has real answers waiting for us in His Word. Let’s dig into some of life’s Big Questions and discover honest, hope-filled truth from God’s Word.
 
BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions About Life
"Do I really need the church?"
 
I. Church is Jesus' idea
II. We need ​'the together​'
III. Jesus is still building His Church

A Short Study in the Psalms: An Introductory Overview (Lesson 1)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - ​​​​​​​Genesis 9:1-7; 12:1-3; 15; 17; Exodus 19-24; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 1;6; 3:7-8; 8:1 & 9; 19:7; 24:1; 40:3; 42:1; 74:13-14; 89; 119; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8
 
This lesson explores the overall structure and intentional design of the Book of Psalms, helping us see how this ancient collection functions as more than just a random anthology of songs and prayers. We’ll discover how the Psalms are organized, how themes like worship, lament, kingship, and trust unfold across the collection, and how literary elements—such as parallelism, imagery, and poetic devices—enrich their message.By looking at the Psalms as a unified whole, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how they guide God’s people in honest prayer, faithful worship, and hopeful anticipation of the Messiah.
 
Series description:
“A Short Study on the Psalms” is a 4-week journey through one of the Bible’s most beloved and honest books. In Week 1, we explore the overall structure and design of the Psalms, helping us see how this ancient collection works as a unified whole. Then, over the next three weeks, we zoom in on selected Psalms that speak to real-life emotions—lament, trust, and worship—revealing how these songs give voice to our hearts and lead us toward deeper faith. Whether you’re new to the Psalms or reading them with fresh eyes, this series will help you experience them as both timeless poetry and practical prayer.
 
A Short Study in the PsalmsLesson 1 - An Introductory Overview
 
I. Poetic techniques in the PsalmsII. The Story of the Psalms in its structureA. Book 1 (Psalms 1-41)B. Book 2 (Psalms 42-72)C. Book 3 (Psalms 73-89)D. Book 4 (Psalms 90-106)E. Book 5 (Psalms 107-150)III. A list of the covenantsIV. What can the Psalms teach us:A. power of languageB. the range of human emotionC. stories of redemption
 
Poetic Techniques in the Psalms
The Story of the Psalms in its Structure
A List of the Covenants

Lead to Love (Strong Sisters: Meet Me at the Well)

Shirley Ellis (CEO, Intentional Impact LLC) - Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5 & 12; John 15:5; 2 Timothy 1:17; James 1:2-4
In this powerful episode, Shirley Ellis shares how knowing you are deeply loved by God transforms the way you lead. From rejecting lies of the enemy to leading with confidence and courage, Shirley challenges women to pursue Jesus, take action, and lead from identity — not insecurity. You already have what you need. Now it's time to use it.
 
Lead to Love
 
I. You are loved by God
A. God is not mad at you
B. identity over productivity
C. lies of the enemy
D. God's Word is truth
II. Loved women relentlessly pursue Jesus
A. pursue Jesus
B. run to Jesus not from Him
C. strength through Him
III. Loved women lead from identity, not insecurity
A. leads with confidence, not comparison
B. celebrate other's success
IV. Loved women take action
A. want community, create it
B. don't wait, initiate
V. Loved women use what's in their hand
VI. Loved women are over-comers
A. run to the hard, not away from it
B. results from facing your fear
 
Presentation

If God its so good, why is life so hard? — BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions about life.

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 9 (Matthew 22:37; John 9:1-7; 16:33; Psalms 23:4; 100:5; 119:67-68; 1 John 1:5; Genesis 1:31; 3:6 & 24; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:12; 8:22 & 28; Job 14:1; James 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:20)
 
Have you ever wrestled with doubts about God? You're not alone. We don’t always like to admit it, but many of us struggle—especially during tough seasons when it feels like our prayers go unanswered and things just keep getting harder. People say, “God is good,” but sometimes it’s hard to see any good at all.
Maybe you’ve even felt like giving up on prayer—or on God altogether.
It’s time to get real and start asking the BIG QUESTIONS we all have. The good news? God can handle our doubts, and He deeply cares about you—even in the middle of them. Join us as we dig into those hard questions and discover real, honest answers together.
 
Series description:
Did you know it’s totally okay to ask, “Why?”We all have questions—about life, suffering, God, and the hard stuff we go through. You’re not alone in that.
The amazing thing is, God isn’t afraid of our questions. In fact, He invites them—and He has real answers waiting for us in His Word. Let’s dig into some of life’s Big Questions and discover honest, hope-filled truth from God’s Word.
 
BIG QUESTIONS: Answering Big Questions About Life"If God is so good, why is life so hard?"
 
I. God is good!A. good is who He isB. good is what He doesII. We stepped away from the goodness of GodIII. Our world is broken because of sinIV. God is with us in the brokennessA. God works in ways that we don't understandB. God works through hard times to get our attentionC. God works through hard times to help usD. God works through hard times to help others
 
Illustration #1: AEP working on power lines at FBC
 

Shadows: Seeing the Gospel in the Old Testament — Suffering & Salvation (Lesson 4)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​Luke 24:25-27,44-47​ (Luke ​23:46; 24:25-27,44-47​; Psalm ​2:1-12; 16:10; 22:1, 7-8 & 18; 31:5; 34:19-22; 41:5-10​; 69:4​; 110:4; John 13:16-19​; 15:20-25​; 19:32-37; Matthew 27:35, 39-43 & 46; Exodus 12:46; Zacheriah 12:10; Isaiah 53:1-12; Acts 4:24-31; 8:26-35; 13:26-33; 1 Peter 2:21-25; Hebrews 1:1-6; 5:5-6; Revelation 2:25-27)
 
In this lesson, we’re going to step into the shadow of suffering. Through the Psalms, Isaiah, and the voices of the prophets, we’ll see that the cross wasn’t a tragic twist in Jesus’ story—it was an essential part of it. You can’t have resurrection without death. And when we reflect on His suffering, we’re also invited to see His victory—and the unshakable hope we have because of Him.
 
Series description:
This series explores how key Old Testament events, symbols, and figures pointed forward to Jesus’ death and resurrection. By seeing how God wove the gospel into Israel’s history, we’ll deepen our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
 
Shadows: Seeing the Gospel in the Old TestamentLesson 4–Suffering & Salvation
 
I. Suffering in the PsalmsA. Psalm 69:4–Senseless ​hatred & ​rejectionB. Psalm 41:5-10–The ​attacks of the ​enemies and the ​betrayal of JudasC. Psalm 22–The Crucifixion--- ​1. Pierced hands and feet​--- ​2. Divided garments and cast lots​--- ​3. Mocking and ridicule​--- ​4. The cry from the crossD. Psalm 31:5–Jesus’ ​final ​wordsE. Psalm 34:19-22–No ​broken ​bones
II. The “Man of Sorrows” in Isaiah 53
III. The “Anointed One” in Psalm 2A. The ​attacks of Jesus’ ​enemiesB.Jesus the ​Eternal Son of GodC. Jesus the Risen SaviorD. Jesus the King Ruling with a Rod of Iron
 
Lesson 4 - Handout