Fellowship Baptist Church

Your Words: Making Praise, Gratitude ​& the Gospel the Story You Tell (Counter Formation — Lesson 6)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​Deuteronomy 6:1-21​ (Deuteronomy 6:1-2​3​; Luke 6:44-45​; Proverbs 18:21​; James 3:​7-12​; Isaiah 45:18-21​; 1 Chronicles 16:23-25​; Psalm 34:1-4​; 103:1-5​; 107:1-3​; ​1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 1:12-14; Acts 1:8; 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
 
Our words reveal what has captured our hearts. In this lesson, we explore Deuteronomy 6 and discover how God calls His people to intentionally use their words to remember and proclaim His greatness, His faithfulness, and His saving work.
The stories we repeatedly tell shape our perspective, our priorities, and the people around us. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to make praise, gratitude, and the hope of the gospel the story we tell with our words.
 
Summer Teaching Series:
Every day, we are being shaped by the world, the culture around us, and even the people closest to us. Formation is happening whether we notice it or not, and left unchecked, it can pull us away from God’s design for our lives.This 10-week series explores how to recognize what is shaping us and how to live intentionally as followers of Jesus. Through discussion, reflection, and practical teaching, we’ll discover how to grow in Christ and influence the world around us for Him. Join us and learn to live with purpose, aware of how God is forming you.
 
Counter Formation :: Shaped by Jesus in a World of Conformity Lesson 6: Your Words: Making Praise, Gratitude ​& the Gospel the Story You Tell
 
I. Praise God ​for Who He ​isII. Thank God ​for What He ​Has DoneIII. Share ​the Gospel
 
Lesson 6 - Notes

Biblical Fellowship (CHURCH ON FIRE — Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:5; 4:9; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-13
 
In the book of Acts, 3,000 new believers suddenly found themselves part of a new family—the family of God. This week, we will practically explore what it means to be part of this Christian community. What is the true meaning of fellowship, and what is God’s intention for your relationships with other believers? Let's explore how the early church’s devotion to one another sparked extravagant care and a united mission to spread the gospel. 
 
Series description:
​What if I told you that God created something to help us face life's challenges, engage in spiritual warfare, strengthen our families, discover our purpose, and live the life He intended for us? Wouldn't that become a priority?
The good news is that God did create something that accomplishes all of this...the church.​ Before you dismiss that idea, let's clarify what we mean by "church." We're not talking about buildings, programs, traditions, or religious routines. We're talking about the church as God designed it.
When the church functions according to God's plan, it is powerful, effective, life-changing, and essential. Yet many people view it as optional because they have never experienced what the church was meant to be.
It's time to go back to the original blueprint. Let's examine God's purpose for the church and discover how it not only transforms individual lives but was designed to impact families, communities, and ultimately the world.
 
​CHURCH ON FIRE: Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church
"What is Biblical Fellowship?"
 
1. Devoted to Worship
2. Devoted to Caring for One Another
3. Devoted to Hospitality
4. Devoted to the Mission
 
Illustration #1: ​Incidents of the war. A harvest of death, Gettysburg, PA. Dead Federal soldiers on the battlefield. (Picture - Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan. Positive by Alexander Gardner)
 
Illustration #2: Fellowship Baptist Church logo
 
Illustration #3: Brock Andrews leading Bible study

Your Time: Seeing Your Days From God’s Perspective (Counter Formation — Lesson 5)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​Psalm 90 (Psalm 90​:1-17; 2 Peter 3:8​; James 4:13-17​; Matthew 11:28-30​; Ephesians 5:15-17​)
 
Time is one of the greatest gifts God has entrusted to us, but many of us struggle with feeling like we never have enough of it.
In this lesson, we explore Psalm 90 and discover how a biblical understanding of time helps us see our days from God’s perspective, seek His wisdom, rest in His love, and trust Him with the work of our hands.
 
Summer Teaching Series:
Every day, we are being shaped by the world, the culture around us, and even the people closest to us. Formation is happening whether we notice it or not, and left unchecked, it can pull us away from God’s design for our lives.This 10-week series explores how to recognize what is shaping us and how to live intentionally as followers of Jesus. Through discussion, reflection, and practical teaching, we’ll discover how to grow in Christ and influence the world around us for Him. Join us and learn to live with purpose, aware of how God is forming you.
 
Counter Formation :: Shaped by Jesus in a World of Conformity Lesson 5: Your Time: Seeing Your Days From God’s Perspective
 
I. God Rules Over TimeA. God is ​pre-​existent and ​eternalB. God is not ​bound by ​timeC. ​our ​lives ​are ​briefII. Time Feels Heavy Because of SinA. ​sin is the ​problemB. ​life is ​marked by ​labor and ​sorrowIII. We Should Steward Our TimeA. ​commit to ​wisdomB. ​rest in the ​love of GodC​. ​trust God to ​do ​what ​you ​cannot ​do
 
Lesson 5 - Notes

Bible Preaching (CHURCH ON FIRE — Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 2:12-33 & 36-41; John 6:68; Hebrews 4:12; 9:27; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:13 & 17
 
On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood before a crowd of skeptics and began to preach. The crowd was filled with people who had rejected Jesus and cried out for His death. Yet Peter spoke with boldness and conviction, proclaiming God's truth in the face of great opposition.
God did a mighty work that day. Thousands were saved, lives were transformed, and the Holy Spirit moved powerfully among the people. How? Through the preaching of God's Word.
One of the foundational practices of the church is the faithful preaching of God's Word. Without it, there is no power to reach the lost or transform lives. We must preach God's Word!
 
Series description:
​What if I told you that God created something to help us face life's challenges, engage in spiritual warfare, strengthen our families, discover our purpose, and live the life He intended for us? Wouldn't that become a priority?
The good news is that God did create something that accomplishes all of this...the church.​ Before you dismiss that idea, let's clarify what we mean by "church." We're not talking about buildings, programs, traditions, or religious routines. We're talking about the church as God designed it.
When the church functions according to God's plan, it is powerful, effective, life-changing, and essential. Yet many people view it as optional because they have never experienced what the church was meant to be.
It's time to go back to the original blueprint. Let's examine God's purpose for the church and discover how it not only transforms individual lives but was designed to impact families, communities, and ultimately the world.
 
​CHURCH ON FIRE: Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church
"Bible Preaching"
 
1. We preach the judgement of God
2. We preach salvation through Jesus
A. His life
B. His death
C. His resurrection
3. We preach hope for everyone

Your Desires: The Trap of More (Counter Formation — Lesson 4)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​Proverbs 4:23; 27:20; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2; Philippians 4:11-13; Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 23:1; John 6:35
 
One of Satan’s greatest lies is convincing us that satisfaction is always waiting on the other side of “more.” More money. More success. More experiences. More possessions.
In Lesson 4 of Counter Formation, we’ll examine what the Bible teaches about our desires, why our hearts are so easily drawn toward temporary things, and how Jesus transforms us from the inside out. Together, we’ll explore four biblical truths about desire, contentment, and the only source of lasting satisfaction.
 
Summer Teaching Series:
Every day, we are being shaped by the world, the culture around us, and even the people closest to us. Formation is happening whether we notice it or not, and left unchecked, it can pull us away from God’s design for our lives.This 10-week series explores how to recognize what is shaping us and how to live intentionally as followers of Jesus. Through discussion, reflection, and practical teaching, we’ll discover how to grow in Christ and influence the world around us for Him. Join us and learn to live with purpose, aware of how God is forming you.
 
Counter Formation :: Shaped by Jesus in a World of Conformity Lesson 4: Your Desires: The Trap of More
 
I. Your desires determine your direction​II. The World is discipling your desiresIII. Contentment is a spiritual discipline​IV. Only Jesus satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart
 
Lesson 4 - Notes

Spirit Filled (CHURCH ON FIRE — Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 2:1-8, 14 & 37; Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 4:30; 5:9-11 & 18; 1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 44:3; Joel 2:28; Judges 14:66; Exodus 3:2; Galatians 5:17, 19-20, 22 & 24-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:19
 
When it comes to the Holy Spirit, there is often a lot of confusion. The Bible teaches that we are born of the Spirit, yet it also commands believers to be filled with the Spirit. 
What is the difference?
To be filled with the Spirit, there must first be room for Him to work. As we die to our flesh, surrender our will, and yield every area of our lives to God, the Holy Spirit gains greater control and influence in us. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength.
When the Spirit of God fills our lives, He empowers us to do what we could never do on our own. He produces His fruit in us, strengthens our faith, guides our steps, and works through us in ways that are far beyond our natural abilities. Join us as we discover what it means to live a Spirit-filled life and experience the power of God at work in and through His church.
 
Series description:
​What if I told you that God created something to help us face life's challenges, engage in spiritual warfare, strengthen our families, discover our purpose, and live the life He intended for us? Wouldn't that become a priority?
The good news is that God did create something that accomplishes all of this...the church.​ Before you dismiss that idea, let's clarify what we mean by "church." We're not talking about buildings, programs, traditions, or religious routines. We're talking about the church as God designed it.
When the church functions according to God's plan, it is powerful, effective, life-changing, and essential. Yet many people view it as optional because they have never experienced what the church was meant to be.
It's time to go back to the original blueprint. Let's examine God's purpose for the church and discover how it not only transforms individual lives but was designed to impact families, communities, and ultimately the world.
 
​CHURCH ON FIRE: Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church
"Spirit Filled"
 
1. The Indwelling of the SpiritA. you are saved by the SpiritB. you are sealed by the Spirit2. The Filling of the Spirit3. The Work of the Spirit

Your Attention: Guarding Your Mind in a Digital Age (Counter Formation — Lesson 3)

Pastor Aaron Roberts (Worship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​Isaiah 46:8-10; Genesis 2:18; 6:13; 11:2-4; Acts 4:11-12; Matthew 6:26-33; Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:11-12; Psalm 19:1-2; Colossians 3:1-4
 
Like it or not, technology has become a part of our daily lives. Phones, computers, tablets, televisions, video games - all of these things are vying for our attention and communicating what we should believe.
What does the Bible say about technology and how should we think about it? In what areas should we guard our minds and hearts against the shaping forces of our devices?
Thankfully, Scripture speaks truths that equip us to fight back against the lies of our digital age.
 
Summer Teaching Series:
Every day, we are being shaped by the world, the culture around us, and even the people closest to us. Formation is happening whether we notice it or not, and left unchecked, it can pull us away from God’s design for our lives.This 10-week series explores how to recognize what is shaping us and how to live intentionally as followers of Jesus. Through discussion, reflection, and practical teaching, we’ll discover how to grow in Christ and influence the world around us for Him. Join us and learn to live with purpose, aware of how God is forming you.
 
Counter Formation :: Shaped by Jesus in a World of Conformity Lesson 3: Your Attention: Guarding Your Mind in a Digital Age
 
I. Three Truths About TechnologyA. God is sovereign over technologyB. technology is morally neutralC. technology cannot save us
 
II. Shaping Lies & Shaping Truths: How Technology Forms Us & How Scripture Counter-Forms Us
Lie #1: everything is urgentTruth #1: God is in control
Lie #2: more is moreTruth #2: Christ is enough
Lie #3: it is good for man to be aloneTruth #3: it is not good for man to be alone
Lie #4: looking down is better than looking upTruth #4: looking up reminds us what is true & beautiful
 
Lesson 3 - Notes

DETERMINED: The Conviction to Lead Your Home & Leave a Legacy

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Joshua 1 & 24 (Joshua 1:1-11; 24:1 & 14-15; James 1:8; Deuteronomy 34:9-10; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13)
 
Have you ever had your mind made up about something, I mean, you were so settled, so convicted, that no matter the obstacles, you were going to make it happen? Determination has a way of turning even complicated challenges into achievable goals.Now imagine what would happen if that same level of resolve was directed toward leading our families well. Most of us don’t lack desire—we want to be faithful, present, and spiritually strong leaders in our homes. But desire alone isn’t enough. What if we turned our desire into determination?In a world full of distraction, pressure, and constant compromise, we don’t just need good intentions—we need men who are determined to rise up and lead. It’s time to stop excusing what we should be confronting and start making decisions that will leave an eternal impact on our families.
 
DETERMINED
"The Conviction to Lead Your Home & Leave a Legacy"
 
1. Claim God's Promises
A. promise: God is with you
B. promise: God does not fail
2. Lead with Courage
A. you must do it in God's strength
B. you must change the way you think

Spirit Empowered (CHURCH ON FIRE — Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 14:16 & 26; 16:7-8; Matthew 16:18; Acts 1:4, 6 & 14-15; 2:1-4; Ephesians 2:1; 4:3; Genesis 1:2; 2:7; Ezekiel 37:9 & 14; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:11; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Hebrews 12:29; 1 Kings 18:38
 
God promised power to His church, not merely the strength to endure but the authority to overcome. The early church was never called to survive the battle but to advance in victory.
So what has become of that power? The power that breaks bondage, brings conviction, breathes life into the spiritually dead, and transforms hearts and homes. This is not human ability or religious effort. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
And this is more than the moment of salvation. It is the ongoing filling and empowering of the Spirit of God in the life of His people. Without Him, we are powerless.
Let us take a closer look at the work of the Holy Spirit and how His power is meant to shape and strengthen the local church today.
 
Series description:
​What if I told you that God created something to help us face life's challenges, engage in spiritual warfare, strengthen our families, discover our purpose, and live the life He intended for us? Wouldn't that become a priority?
The good news is that God did create something that accomplishes all of this...the church.​ Before you dismiss that idea, let's clarify what we mean by "church." We're not talking about buildings, programs, traditions, or religious routines. We're talking about the church as God designed it.
When the church functions according to God's plan, it is powerful, effective, life-changing, and essential. Yet many people view it as optional because they have never experienced what the church was meant to be.
It's time to go back to the original blueprint. Let's examine God's purpose for the church and discover how it not only transforms individual lives but was designed to impact families, communities, and ultimately the world.
 
​CHURCH ON FIRE: Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church
"Spirit Empowered"
 
1. The Spirit of God Gives Life
2. The Spirit of God Gives Power

Your Purpose: Why Are We Here? (Counter Formation — Lesson 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​Genesis 1:2​6-31​ (Genesis 1:26-31​; 2:7 & 2:21-22; 3:8 & 15; Isaiah 42:5; Psalm 139:13-14​; Romans 9:20​; 1 John 3:1-2​; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20​; Revelation 4:11​)
 
Why are we here? and What does it mean to be human? In this lesson, we explore these two foundational questions that every person wrestles with. Beginning in Genesis 1, we examine how our understanding of purpose is inseparably tied to our understanding of nature. In contrast to modern ideas of identity rooted in self-expression, Scripture reveals that humanity is intentionally created by God, made in His image, and designed as both body and soul. From this foundation, we discover that our purpose is clear: we exist to know God, enjoy fellowship with Him, and bring Him glory.
 
Summer Teaching Series:
Every day, we are being shaped by the world, the culture around us, and even the people closest to us. Formation is happening whether we notice it or not, and left unchecked, it can pull us away from God’s design for our lives.This 10-week series explores how to recognize what is shaping us and how to live intentionally as followers of Jesus. Through discussion, reflection, and practical teaching, we’ll discover how to grow in Christ and influence the world around us for Him. Join us and learn to live with purpose, aware of how God is forming you.
 
Counter Formation :: Shaped by Jesus in a World of Conformity Lesson 2: Your Purpose: Why Are We Here?
 
I. A Person ​is ​a Creation of GodII. A Person ​is Created in the Image of GodIII. A Person is Created with a Body & SoulA. ​bodyB. ​soulC. ​body & ​soulIV. A Person Exists to​...
A. ​know GodB. ​enjoy ​fellowship ​with GodC. ​bring ​glory to God
 
Lesson 2 - Notes

People Gathering (CHURCH ON FIRE — Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 5:2; Acts 1:1-14; 2:41-42; Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 10:25
 
​What if I told you that God created something to help us face life's challenges, engage in spiritual warfare, strengthen our families, discover our purpose, and live the life He intended for us? Wouldn't that become a priority?
The good news is that God did create something that accomplishes all of this...the church.​ Before you dismiss that idea, let's clarify what we mean by "church." We're not talking about buildings, programs, traditions, or religious routines. We're talking about the church as God designed it.
When the church functions according to God's plan, it is powerful, effective, life-changing, and essential. Yet many people view it as optional because they have never experienced what the church was meant to be.
It's time to go back to the original blueprint. Let's examine God's purpose for the church and discover how it not only transforms individual lives but was designed to impact families, communities, and ultimately the world.
 
​CHURCH ON FIRE: Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church
"People Gathering"
 
The Church is...
1. God's people together
2. God's people connected
3. God's people empowered

Your Formation: Conformed or Transformed? (Counter Formation — Lesson 1)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​Romans 12:1-3 (Romans 3:9-28; 5:1-5 & 19-21; 6:1-2 & 12-15; 8:1-6 & 28-39;12:1-5; Galatians 4:19; 1 John 3:1-2)
 
You are being formed. The question is, what is forming you?In this opening lesson, we explore what it means to live as people who are being shaped by God’s mercy. From our identity in Adam to our new life in Christ, from the pull of the world to the power of the Holy Spirit, and from individual growth to life in the body of Christ, we see that spiritual formation is not self-improvement but the ongoing work of God making us like His Son.This message lays the foundation for understanding discipleship not as behavior management, but as a lifelong process of grace-driven transformation. So today we ask and attempt to answer these questions: What is forming you, and who are you becoming because of it?
 
Summer Teaching Series:
Every day, we are being shaped by the world, the culture around us, and even the people closest to us. Formation is happening whether we notice it or not, and left unchecked, it can pull us away from God’s design for our lives.This 10-week series explores how to recognize what is shaping us and how to live intentionally as followers of Jesus. Through discussion, reflection, and practical teaching, we’ll discover how to grow in Christ and influence the world around us for Him. Join us and learn to live with purpose, aware of how God is forming you.
 
Counter Formation :: Shaped by Jesus in a World of Conformity Lesson 1: Your Formation: Conformed or Transformed?
 
I. Christian Formation Begins with SalvationA. we are born deformed & dead in our sinB. we can be saved & transformed by grace through faithII. Christian Formation is Motivated by LoveIII. Christian Formation is Empowered by the Holy SpiritIV. Christian Formation is a Journey of GrowthV. Christian Formation Happens in CommunityVI. Christian Formation is for the Glory of God
 
Lesson 1 - Notes