Fellowship Baptist Church

Serve with Humility (BEFORE I GO — The Final Teachings of Jesus)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​John 13 (John 4:35; 10:17-18; 13:1-9 & 15-17; Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:24; Philippians 2:2-8)
 
Jesus knew exactly when—and how—His life would end. On the night before the cross, He gathered with His disciples for one final meal. But this was more than a supper. It was a moment of preparation.Knowing the suffering that awaited Him, Jesus chose to spend His final hours teaching—not crowds, not strangers, but the ones He loved. These were not casual words. They were intentional. Urgent. Eternal.​ In John 13–16, we hear the heart of Jesus. His love, His compassion, His mission, and His promises. These are His final teachings before He took on our sin and endured the cross. And though spoken long ago, these words still speak powerfully today—shaping how we live, love, serve, and follow Him.Before He went to the cross, Jesus made sure we knew what mattered most.
 
BEFORE I GO: The Final Teachings of Jesus
Serve with Humility
 
Serving like Jesus means:
1. We serve with humility
2. We take initiative
3. We point to Jesus
4. We show grace
 
Illustration #1: Dinner table in Bible days

Having Enough (Living with Gratitude — Week 3)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - ​​Philippians 1:20-21; 2:14-15; 4:11-13; Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5-6
 
We will explore what it truly means to live with biblical contentment. Walking through key passages in Philippians, we’ll see that contentment is learned—not natural—and that gratitude isn’t rooted in what we possess, but in who is with us.Paul’s words challenge us to stop complaining, stop comparing, and shine as lights in a crooked world. Whether in abundance or in need, we can live with peace because our strength comes from Christ. We’ll also confront the trap of materialism and be reminded of God’s promise to never leave or forsake His people.If Christ is with you, you have enough—and that truth reshapes how you live every day.
 
Series description:
Living With Gratitude is an invitation to experience the joy that comes from a thankful heart. In a culture that constantly pushes us to complain, compare, and want more, God offers a better way—a way marked by peace, contentment, and joy.In this series, we’ll discover how choosing gratitude changes how we see our lives, strengthens our faith, and helps us enjoy God’s blessings without taking them for granted. This is a journey toward a lighter heart, a clearer perspective, and a deeper appreciation for all God has done and continues to do.
 
Living with GratitudeHow to stop complaining, break free from comparison, and reject discontentment.Week 3: Having Enough
 
​1. Contentment is learned.2. Contentment is not tied to circumstances.3. Contentment is powered by Christ.
 
Week 3 - Notes

Give Me A Man

Pastor Bryce Copeland (Student Pastor) - ​1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 1 Samuel 17 (1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 1 Samuel 17:2-11, 23-29, 32-37 & 40-51)
 
“Give Me a Man!”
That was Goliath’s taunt echoing through the Valley of Elah—a giant challenging anyone brave enough to fight for their God, their people, and their future. Israel’s army stood frozen in fear… until one young man walked onto the battlefield with nothing but conviction and courage to fight in the name of the Lord.
This message takes you into that moment and calls men today to the same kind of battle-ready faith. Through 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and the story of David and Goliath, we’re invited to discover what it means to be watchful, stand firm, be strong, and do everything in love—not in our own power, but in the strength of the God who fights for us.
The enemy is still active. The battle still rages.
And God is still calling: “Give Me a man.”
 
Give Me A Man
 
Give me a man who will...
1. Be watchful
2. Stand firm in the faith
3. Be strong
4. Do all things in love
 
Illustration #1: Image of Pastor Bryce Copeland
 
Illustration #2: AI generated image of Pastor Bryce Copeland as David
 
Illustration #3: AI generated image of Pastor Bryce Copeland as David next to Goliath
 
Illustration #4: Goggle Gemini AI (Nano Banana Pro) generated image of Pastor Bryce Copeland as David next to Goliath

Hangry in the Wilderness (Living with Gratitude — Week 2)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - ​​Exodus 16 (Exodus 16:1-4, 7-8, 13-18, 21 & 35; Proverbs 30:8-9; Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:9-11)
 
When life gets hard, it reveals what’s really in our hearts. In Exodus 16, Israel’s hunger exposed their complaining spirit—but the wilderness didn’t create ungrateful hearts, it revealed them. Even in their murmuring, God remained faithful.God is still good, even when life is hard.He provided manna daily—exactly what they needed, no more and no less—reminding us that His grace is sufficient and His mercies are new every morning. Gratitude in hardship is a declaration of trust. As we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we choose to believe that God will faithfully supply all we need.
 
Series description:
Living With Gratitude is an invitation to experience the joy that comes from a thankful heart. In a culture that constantly pushes us to complain, compare, and want more, God offers a better way—a way marked by peace, contentment, and joy.In this series, we’ll discover how choosing gratitude changes how we see our lives, strengthens our faith, and helps us enjoy God’s blessings without taking them for granted. This is a journey toward a lighter heart, a clearer perspective, and a deeper appreciation for all God has done and continues to do.
 
Living with GratitudeHow to stop complaining, break free from comparison, and reject discontentment.Week 2: Hangry in the Wilderness
 
1. Hardship reveals our hearts2. God provides exactly what we need3. Gratitude in hardship displays our trust in God
 
Week 2 - Notes

Missions 2026 :: Available - I Will Give

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Mark 16:15; John 12:32; Romans 1:16; 10:15; Matthew 6:19-21; 25:14 & 21; 28:19-20; Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Peter 1:3; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Luke 9:23; 12:48; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 16:1-2; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 5:8; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:7
 
Here’s some good news: when it comes to life, church, family—everything—we can live with confidence knowing God has a plan. He isn’t caught off guard or scrambling to figure things out. God already has it all in His hands. His plans are purposeful, and they always accomplish what He intends.That’s true for missions and reaching the world as well. God has a plan for the mission, and He has a plan to fund the mission. We can trust Him completely—God makes no mistakes. Our role is simple: trust His plan and follow His lead. We walk by faith, step in obedience, and do what He has called us to do, confident that He will do what only He can do.
 
Missions 2026
​We’re slowing down, opening our hands, and asking God how He wants to use us in His mission.
 
When Isaiah heard the Lord call, he responded, “Here am I. Send me.” That’s the heart of this month. We’re leaning into God’s mission with open hands and willing spirits—ready to pray, give, go, or take the next faithful step He places before us. When we make ourselves available, God uses ordinary people to reach others with the Gospel and do far more than we could imagine.
 
​Make space in your heart, and come ready for God to speak.
Let’s show up with open hands, praying, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”
 
 
I Will Give!
 
I. The need is great
II. God has a plan
III. God funds His plan
A. all that we have comes from God
B. all that we have belongs to God
C. we are managers of God's provision
--- 1. we are to take care of our families
--- 2. we are to support the local church
--- 3. we are to support missions
D. we are to give generously
IV. God blesses faithful stewards

Discovering Gratitude (Living with Gratitude — Week 1)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - ​​Luke 17:11–19​ (Luke 17:11–19​; Leviticus 13:45-46; 14:2-3; Ephesians 2:1-3 & 8-9; Romans 3:10-12; 5:6-8; 6:23; Isaiah 6:1-5; Psalm 103:1-5; John 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
 
Gratitude is a response to God’s grace, not a fleeting emotion. Through the account of the ten lepers in Luke 17, this lesson calls us to remember who we were before Christ, to rightly understand mercy and grace, and to examine how our response reveals our hearts. It reminds us that God owed us nothing, yet gave us everything in Christ—inviting us to live marked by worship, humility, and lasting gratitude.
 
Series description:
Living With Gratitude is an invitation to experience the joy that comes from a thankful heart. In a culture that constantly pushes us to complain, compare, and want more, God offers a better way—a way marked by peace, contentment, and joy.In this series, we’ll discover how choosing gratitude changes how we see our lives, strengthens our faith, and helps us enjoy God’s blessings without taking them for granted. This is a journey toward a lighter heart, a clearer perspective, and a deeper appreciation for all God has done and continues to do.
 
Living with GratitudeHow to stop complaining, break free from comparison, and reject discontentment.Week 1: Discovering Gratitude
 
​I. What is gratitude?
II. Three reasons we fail to live with gratitude
A. We forget how bad we had it
B. We misunderstand God's grace
C. We reveal our hearts by our response
 
Week 1 - Notes

From Reading to Understanding: Learning to Study the Bible - Part 2 (Open the Book — Lesson 4)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​2 Timothy 3:10-17 (2 Timothy 3:10-17; Psalm 119:18)
 
Do you ever open your Bible and feel unsure where to start—or wonder if you’re really understanding what God is saying?
In this lesson of Open the Book, we continue our practical series on studying Scripture. Using 2 Timothy 3:10–17 as our guide, we explore how to move from simply reading the Bible to truly understanding it, framing passages in context, interpreting them faithfully, and applying God’s truth to everyday life.
Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned Christian, this lesson equips you to approach God’s Word with confidence, clarity, and a heart ready to obey.
Open the Book is your guide to letting Scripture lead, correct, and transform you one passage at a time.
 
Series description:
We live in a world overflowing with voices—self-help books, podcasts, influencers, trends, and opinions promising wisdom, direction, and clarity for life. Yet with all this noise, people are more confused, anxious, and spiritually unanchored than ever.This new year, we’re returning to the one place God has promised to speak with authority, truth, and life: His Word.Open the Book is a four-week journey into the Scriptures—why we need them, how to read them, and how God uses them to shape us. Instead of chasing guidance everywhere else, we will rediscover the wisdom, comfort, correction, and hope found in the pages of the Bible.When we open the Book, we open our lives to the voice of God.When we open the Book, we find what our hearts have been searching for.When we open the Book, we find the way to live.This series will teach us not only how to read, meditate on, and study the Scriptures, but why they are the most reliable guide for every step of the year ahead.All the direction you need for life is in the Book—so let’s open it together.
 
Open the Book
 
Lesson 4: From Reading to Understanding - Learning to Study the Bible (Part 2)
 
I. A Method for Studying the BibleA. frame and set the passageB. interpret the passageC. apply the passage
II. Ways to Study the BibleA. verse-by-verse or book studyB. systematic studyC. topical studyD. character study
III. Tools for Bible StudyA. notebook or computerB. study bibleC. commentariesD. concordanceE. Bible dictionariesF. Bible guides & atlasesG. websitesH. Bible study softwareI. apps
 
Lesson 4 - Notes

Missions 2026 :: Available - Go and Testify

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 1:6-8
 
When we think about missions, our minds often go to far-off places like Africa. But God’s mission begins much closer to home—right where we live and with the people we encounter every day. The Gospel of John gives us a clear and simple picture of how we can point others to the good news of Jesus.
 
Missions 2026
​We’re slowing down, opening our hands, and asking God how He wants to use us in His mission.
 
When Isaiah heard the Lord call, he responded, “Here am I. Send me.” That’s the heart of this month. We’re leaning into God’s mission with open hands and willing spirits—ready to pray, give, go, or take the next faithful step He places before us. When we make ourselves available, God uses ordinary people to reach others with the Gospel and do far more than we could imagine.
 
​Make space in your heart, and come ready for God to speak.
Let’s show up with open hands, praying, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”
 
 
Go and Testify
1. The Mission
2. The Messenger
3. The Method
4. The Message
 
Illustration #1: Robin from Fat Apple
 
Illustration #2: Counter at Fat Apple
 
Illustration #3a: Cinnamon Rolls from Fat Apple
 
Illustration #3b: Closeup of Cinnamon Rolls from Fat Apple

From Reading to Understanding: Learning to Study the Bible - Part 1 (Open the Book — Lesson 3)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​Nehemiah 8:1-8​ (Nehemiah 8:1-8​; Ezra 7:10​; Mark 7:1-13​; 2 Peter 3:14-18​; Titus 1:1-4​; Luke 24:27​; John 11:35​; Psalm 6:6​; 119:18​; Matthew 12:3​; 2 Timothy 2:10-19​; Hebrews 4:11-14​; James 1:22-25​)
 
How do we ensure we’re understanding God’s Word as He intended?In this lesson, we’ll focus on a proper interpretive approach—learning how to faithfully draw out the meaning of Scripture, understand core principles of interpretation, and recognize the importance of context in discerning what God is saying. We’ll also see why careful interpretation matters: it helps us hear God clearly, avoid error, grow in discernment, and obey His Word faithfully.How we study Scripture shapes not only what we know, but who we become in Christ.
 
Series description:
We live in a world overflowing with voices—self-help books, podcasts, influencers, trends, and opinions promising wisdom, direction, and clarity for life. Yet with all this noise, people are more confused, anxious, and spiritually unanchored than ever.This new year, we’re returning to the one place God has promised to speak with authority, truth, and life: His Word.Open the Book is a four-week journey into the Scriptures—why we need them, how to read them, and how God uses them to shape us. Instead of chasing guidance everywhere else, we will rediscover the wisdom, comfort, correction, and hope found in the pages of the Bible.When we open the Book, we open our lives to the voice of God.When we open the Book, we find what our hearts have been searching for.When we open the Book, we find the way to live.This series will teach us not only how to read, meditate on, and study the Scriptures, but why they are the most reliable guide for every step of the year ahead.All the direction you need for life is in the Book—so let’s open it together.
 
Open the Book
 
Lesson 3: From Reading to Understanding - Learning to Study the Bible (Part 1)
 
I. Let ​Scripture ​Speak for ItselfII. Rules for Biblical InterpretationA. ​scripture ​interprets ​scriptureB. ​seek the ​literal ​senseIII. Context to Content
​A. Context
--- 1. literary context
--- 2. historical context
--- 3. cultural context
--- 4. big picture context
B. Content
IV. Why Biblical Interpretation Matters
​A. Right ​interpretation ​helps ​us ​hear God ​clearly
​B. Right ​interpretation ​guards ​us from ​rrror and ​false ​teaching
​C. Right ​interpretation ​leads to ​maturity and ​discernment
​D. Right ​interpretation ​leads to ​obedience
 
Lesson 3 - Notes

Missions 2026 :: Available - Being Available for God to Use You

Pastor Charles Opio (​Missionary, Uganda) - Isaiah 6:1–8 (Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 27:4; Hebrews 12:28; 1 John 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Corinthians 4; Zechariah 4:6; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:14-15)
 
Being available for God to use you is seen clearly in Isaiah 6:1–8 and Isaiah’s response, “Here am I. Send me.” Availability—not ability—is what God desires most. When we offer ourselves to Him with willing hearts, God reveals Himself, transforms us, and sends us to take part in His mission, supplying everything we need along the way.
 
Missions 2026
​We’re slowing down, opening our hands, and asking God how He wants to use us in His mission.
 
When Isaiah heard the Lord call, he responded, “Here am I. Send me.” That’s the heart of this month. We’re leaning into God’s mission with open hands and willing spirits—ready to pray, give, go, or take the next faithful step He places before us. When we make ourselves available, God uses ordinary people to reach others with the Gospel and do far more than we could imagine.
 
​Make space in your heart, and come ready for God to speak.
Let’s show up with open hands, praying, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”
 
 
Being Available for God to Use You
 
1. Availability helps us see God clearly
2. Availability leads to cleansing and growth
3. Availability allows God's power to work through us
4. Availability leads to mission

Bible Intake: Letting God’s Word Shape Our Lives (Open the Book — Lesson 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​Psalm 119:97-104 (Psalm 119: 9-16 & 97-104; Luke 11:28; James 1:22-24; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Ephesians 4:11-16; Titus 2:1-8; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 4:1-11; Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Acts 17:10-12; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
 
How can Scripture truly shape our hearts and minds?In this lesson, we explore Psalm 119:97–104 and examine the discipline of Bible intake—the deliberate practice of hearing, reading, memorizing, and studying God’s Word. Discover practical ways to let Scripture guide your decisions, anchor your faith, and bring joy to your soul.Whether in worship, study, or daily life, see how consistent engagement with God’s Word transforms ordinary believers into people of wisdom, understanding, and obedience.
 
Series description:
We live in a world overflowing with voices—self-help books, podcasts, influencers, trends, and opinions promising wisdom, direction, and clarity for life. Yet with all this noise, people are more confused, anxious, and spiritually unanchored than ever.This new year, we’re returning to the one place God has promised to speak with authority, truth, and life: His Word.Open the Book is a four-week journey into the Scriptures—why we need them, how to read them, and how God uses them to shape us. Instead of chasing guidance everywhere else, we will rediscover the wisdom, comfort, correction, and hope found in the pages of the Bible.When we open the Book, we open our lives to the voice of God.When we open the Book, we find what our hearts have been searching for.When we open the Book, we find the way to live.This series will teach us not only how to read, meditate on, and study the Scriptures, but why they are the most reliable guide for every step of the year ahead.All the direction you need for life is in the Book—so let’s open it together.
 
Open the Book
 
Lesson 2: Bible Intake: Letting God’s Word Shape Our Lives
 
I. Hearing the Word of GodA. faithful preaching & teaching in the Local ChurchB. wisdom & counsel from other ChristiansC. audio Bibles & online contentII. Reading the Word of GodIII. Memorizing the Word of GodIV. Studying the Word of God​
 
 
Lesson 2 - Notes

Restored (Messy Life :: The Story of Jacob)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​Galatians 6:1; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 2:14; Psalms 23:1, 3 & 6; 51:12; Genesis 30:26-27, 32 & 43; 31:1, 4-7 & 13; 32:1, 3-5, 9-11, 13, 18 & 27-28; 33:3-4; Matthew 18:20
 
Life gets messy—and sometimes the mess is of our own making. In the final message of the Messy Life series, we discover that restoration doesn’t begin by ignoring the past, but by humbly facing it. God calls us to repentance not to shame us, but to heal us. When we stop running, He meets us with grace, forgiveness, and the power to restore our messy lives.
This message invites us to honestly confront our past, humble ourselves before God, and trust Him to do what only He can do.
God is not afraid of our mess.
 
Series description:
Have you ever heard someone say, “My life is such a mess”—or maybe you’ve said it yourself? The truth is, life didn’t start out this way. Somewhere along the road, things got complicated. Choices were made. Words were spoken. Wounds were created. And now we’re left carrying regret, family drama that only seems to grow worse, and patterns of decisions we wish we could undo.
The problem is, these things don’t simply disappear. They stack up. They linger. And over time, life can begin to feel heavy—almost unbearable.
Here’s the good news: the Bible is filled with stories of people whose lives were just as messy. We’re talking about broken families, terrible decisions, and lifelong regrets. One of those stories is the life of Jacob. And while his life is marked by deception, conflict, and consequence, that’s not where his story ends.
That’s the beauty of Jacob’s story—he doesn’t stay in the mess. There’s a turning point. There’s healing. And his journey becomes more than just his own story; it becomes a powerful picture of what God can do with our messes when we surrender them to Him.
So let’s be honest. Let’s get real. And let’s discover how the power of God can bring transformation—even in the middle of our mess.
 
Messy Life: The Story of Jacob
Restored
 
Hope for messy lives:
I. God forgives
A. confess your sins
B. accept God's forgiveness
II. God blesses
A. God works in our lives
B. God works in unexpected ways
III. God restores
A. take responsibility
B. seek God's help
C. don't make promises, make changes
D. be humble
E. watch God work
 
Remember:
1. God is not afraid of our messes
2. Restoration is a process
3. God gives us new beginnings
 
 
Illustration #1a: Abandoned car
 
Illustration #1b: Restored car
 
Illustration #1c: Before & After Car Restoration