Fellowship Baptist Church

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Acts 5:1-4, 11, 16-23, 26-42; John 15:19-21; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14; Luke 1:32-33
 
Every person is building a kingdom. The question is: whose kingdom are we building? In Acts 5, we see the contrast between religious leaders protecting their own kingdoms and apostles surrendered to the work of God’s Kingdom. Discover what it means to live Kingdom-minded by giving God the glory, enduring suffering for His name, and faithfully obeying our King.
 
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
"Kingdom Minded"
 
​1. Live for God's Glory, Not Their Own2. Embrace Suffering, Not Comfort3. Obey God, Not Men

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​​Romans 12:1-3; Isaiah 45:18-22; Proverbs 14:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Genesis 3:1-6; Psalm 1:1-6; Deuteronomy 6:4-7
 
In a world filled with competing voices and conflicting stories, Christians must learn to anchor their beliefs in the truth God has revealed. In this lesson, we explore how Scripture provides the foundation for our beliefs, how lies seek to distort our understanding of reality, and how intentional habits of wisdom help us become more like Jesus.
 
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 8: Your Beliefs: Pursuing Truth in a World of Deception
 
I. The Foundation of Our Beliefs: God’s TruthII. The Fight for Our Beliefs: LiesIII. The Formation of Our Beliefs: WisdomA. scripture intake: the foundation of spiritual formationB. healthy community: being formed through relationshipsC. better rhythms: nature, conversations, and creatingD. faithful engagement: Gospel hope and redemption
 
Lesson 8 - Notes

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 3:10-11 & 15; 4:1-21, 23-24, 27, 29 & 31; 23:8; Mark 13:9; 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 6:15
 
Are you bold? It's not a question we get asked every day, but it's an important one.
One of the key characteristics of the church in Acts is that they were bold. They preached when their lives were on the line. They did not hold back when the pressure was on. They declared the truth even when they were threatened. God used and blessed their boldness in a big way.
Again, the question we have to ask is: Are we bold?
I'm not just talking about preaching before thousands. I'm asking, do you share your faith at work? Do you pray out loud before your meal at a restaurant? Would you speak up if your faith was challenged at school?
Acts 4 not only tells the story of great boldness, but it also shows us what it takes to live boldly with God's help.
 
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
"Bold Witness"
 
1. We Must Stand Together
2. We Must Trust God's Sovereignty
3. We Must Pray for Boldness
 
Illustration #1: Solomon's Porch

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead 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)
 
Did you know that 73% of people feel alone during the week? We have more online connections than ever before, yet people feel more lonely than ever before. God designed us to live in authentic, Christ-centered relationships.Let's study what the Bible teaches about true friendship by looking at the example of Jesus. We'll discover why godly friendships matter, how they sharpen our faith, provide accountability, encourage us through life's challenges, and challenge us to become the kind of friend others need.
 
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 7: Your Friendships: Building Community & Friendship
 
I. True Friends Are VitalII. True Friends Make You BetterIII. True Friends Are DevelopedIV. True Friends Are FewV. True Friends Are FaithfulVI. A True Friends ConfrontVII. A True Friend RestoresVIII. A True Friend Walk With You In Hard Times
 
Lesson 7 - Notes

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 3 (Acts 2:41-42; 3:1-12, 16 & 19; John 4:35; Isaiah 35:6; Matthew 5:16)
 
What do you see when you walk through the grocery store? What do you notice when you walk through a hospital lobby or stand in line at the post office?
Every day, we are surrounded by people who are hurting, broken, and alone. These are people who are lost and searching for help but don't know where to turn.
Do you see them? Do you see people the way God sees them? Do you notice the hurting? Do you step into their needs? Do you show the love of God to the people who cross your path?
Acts 2 tells the story of a great crowd of people whose lives were changed when the gospel was preached. Acts 3 tells the story of one man the world had overlooked. Everything changed when Peter and John saw him the way Jesus sees us.
 
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
"People Reaching"
 
1. We must see people
2. We must serve people
3. We must share Jesus
A. give God the glory
B. give people hope 
 
Illustration #1: Street vendors in Juarez, Mexico.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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