Fellowship Baptist Church

Truth That Leads to Godliness (Indoctrinated: Why What We Believe Matters)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Student Pastor) - ​Titus 1 (​Titus 1:1-16; 3:3-7)
 
In Titus 1, Paul reminds us that the kind of lives that adorn the Gospel are shaped by something deeper: truth. In a world full of competing voices, shifting values, and spiritual confusion, where does right doctrine come from, how is it protected, and why does it matter so much?In this message, Truth that Leads to Godliness, we explore God’s revelation as the source of truth, the local church as the stronghold of truth, and the ongoing struggle against false teaching.Join us as we discover how right doctrine leads to right living that displays the beauty of the Gospel.
 
Series description:
We are all being told something to believe (indoctrinated), and what we believe shapes how we live. In Titus, Scripture reminds us of the importance of right beliefs, guarding those beliefs and following right teachers, and how those beliefs inform what we do.
 
Indoctrinated
Why What We Believe Matters
 
Truth That Leads to Godliness
I. The Source of Truth: God's Revelation
 
II. The Stronghold of Truth: The Local Church Led by Faithful Elders
The Office of Elder
A. family life
B. character & temperament
1. humble, not self-willed
2. gentle, not quick-tempered
3. self-controlled, not enslaved to appetite or impulse
4. content and pure-motivated, not greedy for gain or power
C. doctrine & teaching
 
III. The Struggle for Truth: False Teachers & False Teaching
A. the distortion of the truth
B. the confrontation with bad doctrine
C. the test of true doctrine

Jesus & Our Future (Risen Savior — Lesson 6)

Pastor Aaron Roberts (Worship Pastor) - ​​​Acts 1:1-11 (Acts 1:1-11; Luke 1:3; 14:16; 24:39 & 50-53; John 14; 16:7; 20:16; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 5:17; 6:14; 12; 15:20 & 42-44; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:3; Colossians 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 12:2; Genesis 1:27 & 31; 3:14-24; Philippians 3:20-21; Acts 10:41; Revelation 19:9)
 
Jesus was raised from the dead, and for 40 days, he walked the earth again. After this, to the surprise of his disciples, he ascended into heaven.
What does the ascension of Jesus mean for his followers? Why did Jesus ascend to heaven in his resurrected body? And what does it mean for us and our future bodily resurrection? 
 
Series description:
In the days after He rose, Jesus met His followers in their most real and raw moments—grief, doubt, and failure. This series explores those encounters and invites us to experience the same living Jesus who still meets us, restores us, and calls us to a deeper faith.
 
Risen SaviorEncounters After the ResurrectionLesson 6: Jesus ​& Our Future​Acts 1:1-11Pastor Aaron Roberts (Worship Pastor)
 
​I. The Ascension Guarantees Hope for BelieversA. a guarantee of Holy Spirit powerB. a guarantee of new life todayC. a guarantee of eternal lifeII. The Ascension Affirms the Goodness of CreationA. God made everything goodB. Jesus' ascension in a physical body affirms that goodnessIII. The Ascension Ensures Our Physical ResurrectionA. we will be embodied on Resurrection DayB. our resurrection bodies will be perfect and restored
 
Lesson 6 - Notes

Lives That Adorn the Gospel (Indoctrinated: Why What We Believe Matters)

Pastor Bryce Copeland (Student Pastor) - ​Titus 2 (​Titus 2:1-15)
 
Titus 2 gives a beautiful picture of what a life shaped by the gospel looks like in every season of life. In every season of life, Scripture teaches us to live in a way that adorns the Gospel.
In this message, we’ll see how sound doctrine isn’t just something we believe, but something that changes how we live. When that happens, our lives begin to “adorn” the gospel, making the beauty of the Gospel visible to the world around us.
 
Series description:
We are all being told something to believe (indoctrinated), and what we believe shapes how we live. In Titus, Scripture reminds us of the importance of right beliefs, guarding those beliefs and following right teachers, and how those beliefs inform what we do.
 
Indoctrinated
Why What We Believe Matters
Lives That Adorn the Gospel
 
1. Older Men That Adorn the Gospel
A. have outward stability
B. have inward soundness
 
2. Older Women That Adorn the Gospel
A. have holy behavior
B. have good things to teach
 
3. Younger Women That Adorn the Gospel
A. have self-control
B. have loving relationships
C. have godly character
D. have faithful homes
 
4. Younger Men That Adorn the Gospel
A. have self-control
B. have role models
 
5. Work That Adorns the Gospel
A. known for obedience
B. known for integrity
 
6. The Gospel Worth Adorning
A. the far-reaching grace of God
B. the godly life grace produces
C. the blessed hope to look for
D. the sacrifice of our Redeemer
 
Right doctrine leads to right living that displays the beauty of the Gospel.

Jesus & Our Failure (Risen Savior — Lesson 5)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​John 21:1-25 (John 13:12-17 & 31-38; 18:25-27; 21:1-25; Matthew 26:75; 1 John 1:6-10; 1 Peter 2:20-25)
 
In John 21, we find one of the most tender and powerful scenes in the resurrection accounts—Jesus meeting Peter after his greatest failure. After denying Christ three times, Peter returns to fishing, only to encounter the risen Lord on the shore. What follows is not rejection, but restoration.This lesson explores how Jesus meets us in our failure, restores our identity, and redefines our purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from being used by God, Peter’s story offers a powerful answer: grace has the final word!
 
Series description:
In the days after He rose, Jesus met His followers in their most real and raw moments—grief, doubt, and failure. This series explores those encounters and invites us to experience the same living Jesus who still meets us, restores us, and calls us to a deeper faith.
 
Risen SaviorEncounters After the ResurrectionLesson 5: Jesus ​& Our FailureJohn 21Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor)
 
I. The Temptation to RetreatA. the pull of the familiarB. the reminder of Divine powerC. a movement toward JesusII. The Humble Service of JesusIII. The Restoration of PeterA. the renewal of purposeB. a call to faithful enduranceC. a need for focus on Jesus
 
Lesson 5 - Notes

Keep Praying: God is Faithful

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​Matthew 15:21-28 (Matthew 7:7; 15:21-28; John 10:10; 1 Samuel 15:23)
 
There are so many incredible stories in the Bible—but some are unexpected. Stories that catch you off guard and even leave you a little uncomfortable.In Matthew 15, Jesus goes out of His way to encounter a desperate, broken mother. She comes to Him with bold persistence and unwavering faith, refusing to give up until she finds mercy. Her response moves Jesus to call her faith “great faith”—a faith that led to a life-changing miracle.What does it take to have that kind of faith? The kind of faith that touches the heart of God and keeps praying even when the answer seems delayed?
 
Keep Praying: God is Faithful
1. A desperate situation
2. A difficult silence
3. A persistent faith
 
When you need a spiritual breakthrough:
A. intercede
B. seek God
C. claim His power
D. keep praying
 
Illustration #1: Map with Tyre & Sidon

Jesus & Our Doubt (Risen Savior — Lesson 4)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​John 20:24-31​ (John 1:1​ & 14-17​; 5:16-24​; 11:14-16​; 14:1-6​; 20:24-31​; Matthew 10:1-4​; Luke 24:20-21​; Hebrews 10:22-25​; Psalm 42:1-5​; 1 Peter 1:8​)
 
In this lesson, we walk through one of the most honest and relatable moments in the Gospels—the story of Thomas after the resurrection of Jesus. Often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” his journey is really about something deeper: what happens when faith is tested by disappointment, silence, isolation, and waiting.
If you’ve ever wrestled with uncertainty, felt distant from God, or struggled to reconcile belief with experience, this conversation is for you. Thomas’ story reminds us that doubt is not the end of faith—it can become the place where faith is refined, deepened, and strengthened in the person of Jesus Christ.
 
Series description:
In the days after He rose, Jesus met His followers in their most real and raw moments—grief, doubt, and failure. This series explores those encounters and invites us to experience the same living Jesus who still meets us, restores us, and calls us to a deeper faith.
 
Risen SaviorEncounters After the ResurrectionLesson 4: Jesus ​& Our DoubtJohn 20:24-31Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor)
 
​I. The Struggle with DoubtA. ​doubt from ​disappointmentB. ​doubt from ​isolationC. ​doubt from ​silenceII. The Heart of JesusA. Jesus ​pursuesB. Jesus ​invitesIII. The Confession of ThomasA. ​the Deity of ChristB. ​the ​hope of the Gospel
 
Lesson 4 - Notes

Happily Ever After (Real Marriage)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​Proverbs 5:18-19; Ephesians 5 (​Proverbs 5:15 & 18-20; Ephesians 5:1-3, 8-9 & 25; 1 Corinthians 7:2-3 & 5; Matthew 5:28; Psalms 101:3; 1 John 4:4; 1 Peter 2:11; Genesis 2:23 & 25; Revelation 2:5)
 
Let’s be real about marriage… God created it. Marriage was designed and established by a great God who does great things. When it’s done God’s way, it shouldn’t merely exist, survive, or just be “okay”—it was created to be something great.
A great marriage doesn’t just exist; it grows stronger over time. Closeness deepens. Romance strengthens. Passion and intimacy flourish.
And if those things feel missing right now, there is good news: it’s not too late. God has a plan to restore, renew, and strengthen what feels broken. With His help, your marriage can become all He designed it to be—and yes, you really can experience your own “happily ever after.​"
 
Series description:
Let’s be honest—most marriages aren’t nearly as strong as they look. Behind the smiles, many relationships are slowly falling apart. Not overnight, but little by little. Communication breaks down. Attention fades. The compliments stop. The flirting disappears. What once felt exciting and full of life becomes routine, distant, and cold.And eventually, people begin saying what they never thought they would: “I love them… but I’m not in love anymore.”That’s not where it started—but it’s where many end up.This series is about getting real. No pretending. No sugarcoating. We’re going back to “The Best Day Ever”—the wedding day—and walking through what actually happens next. The highs, the lows, the struggles, and the seasons no one prepares you for.Because real marriage is hard. It takes work. It takes humility. It takes God.But here’s the truth—your marriage doesn’t have to stay broken, distant, or empty. With God’s help, what feels dead can live again.
 
Real Marriage
God's Design - Imperfect People - Lasting Love
Happily Ever After
 
How to live happily ever after
1. Live pure
A. sex outside of marriage is sin
B. porn of any sort is sin
 
2. Have sex
A. God created sex
B. sex is a need in marriage
C. sex is a bonding agent in marriage
D. sex is designed to satisfy
E. Godly intimacy brings happiness
F. God's love continues and thrives
 
3. Be romantic
A. be affectionate
B. do the unexpected (Jesus did)
C. be spontaneous
D. make an effort to improve your marriage
E. take care of yourself
F. grow spiritually together
G. plan things that are fun
H. get help if things are off track

Jesus & Our Confusion (Risen Savior — Lesson 3)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​John 20:19-23​ (John ​3:16-18; 16:19-22; 20:19-23​ & 30-31​; Romans 5:1​; Matthew 28:18-2​0; 1 Peter 1:3-9​; Luke 24:44-48​; Acts 1:8​)
 
This lesson unpacks how Jesus meets us in our own seasons of confusion, offering peace through His finished work, assurance through His presence, confidence through His Word, and hope through His resurrection. But He doesn’t stop there! He sends us out with a mission and empowers us with His Spirit to live it out.If you’ve ever wondered “What now?” in a difficult season, this message will remind you that your peace, purpose, and power are all found in the risen Christ.
 
Series description:
In the days after He rose, Jesus met His followers in their most real and raw moments—grief, doubt, and failure. This series explores those encounters and invites us to experience the same living Jesus who still meets us, restores us, and calls us to a deeper faith.
 
Risen SaviorEncounters After the ResurrectionLesson 3: Jesus ​& Our ConfusionJohn 20:19-23Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor)
 
​1. Jesus Gives Us PeaceA. ​peace from His ​presenceB. ​peach from His WordC. ​peace ​from His ​resurrection​2. Jesus Gives Us Purpose​3. Jesus Gives Us PowerA. ​the Holy SpiritB. ​the Authority of Jesus
 
Lesson 3 - Notes

The First Fight (Real Marriage)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4 & 5 (Ephesians 4:25-26, 29 & 31-32; 5:19-20 & 25; Matthew 6:6; 9:36; 1 Peter 3:7; Hebrews 10:24; Romans 10:17; Proverbs 18:21​)
 
Did you know every couple fights? Yes—even the ones who go to church and seem to have the “perfect” marriage. If you’ve been in a relationship for any length of time, you already know: you won’t always get along.The real question isn’t if you’ll fight—it’s why. Why do small things suddenly turn into big conflicts? Why can everything seem fine one moment, then escalate so quickly the next?Conflict is inevitable—but constant, unresolved conflict doesn’t have to be. Let’s get honest about marriage. Let’s uncover not just why we fight, but how to fight the right way—and more importantly, how to heal, grow, and move forward.Because God didn’t design marriage to be endured…He designed it to be good.
 
Series description:
Let’s be honest—most marriages aren’t nearly as strong as they look. Behind the smiles, many relationships are slowly falling apart. Not overnight, but little by little. Communication breaks down. Attention fades. The compliments stop. The flirting disappears. What once felt exciting and full of life becomes routine, distant, and cold.And eventually, people begin saying what they never thought they would: “I love them… but I’m not in love anymore.”That’s not where it started—but it’s where many end up.This series is about getting real. No pretending. No sugarcoating. We’re going back to “The Best Day Ever”—the wedding day—and walking through what actually happens next. The highs, the lows, the struggles, and the seasons no one prepares you for.Because real marriage is hard. It takes work. It takes humility. It takes God.But here’s the truth—your marriage doesn’t have to stay broken, distant, or empty. With God’s help, what feels dead can live again.
 
Real Marriage
God's Design - Imperfect People - Lasting Love
​T​he First Fight
 
Avoiding conflict by meeting needs:
1. We need to be seen
2. We need to be heard
A. hearing builds connection
B. words give life
3. We need to be forgiven
A. be honest
B. address it quickly
C. respond with grace
D. forgive
 
Illustration #1: Pastor Tony & Logan Liuzzo at Monster Truck Rally in Columbus, OH
 
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo in front of BigFoot Monster Truck during honeymoon in Orlando, Fl.
 
Illustration #3: Pastor Tony Liuzzo in front of BigFoot Monster Truck during honeymoon in Orlando, Fl.

Jesus & Our Grief (Risen Savior — Lesson 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​John 20:11-18​ (John 1:11b-13​; 10:3a-4​; 20:11-18​; Luke 8:1-3​; Psalm 44:20-26​; Romans 8:35-39​; 1 Peter 1:3​; Galatians 4:4-7​)
 
In John 20:11–18, we encounter Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus in the depths of grief and confusion. What begins as sorrow outside an empty grave becomes a life-changing encounter with the risen Savior.In this lesson, we explore how Jesus meets us in our grief, speaks personally into our pain, and replaces fear and confusion with hope, identity, and purpose. Mary’s story moves from weeping to witnessing—and reminds us that because Jesus is alive, our grief is never the end of the story.
 
Series description:
In the days after He rose, Jesus met His followers in their most real and raw moments—grief, doubt, and failure. This series explores those encounters and invites us to experience the same living Jesus who still meets us, restores us, and calls us to a deeper faith.
 
Risen SaviorEncounters After the ResurrectionLesson 2: Jesus ​& Our GriefJohn 20:11-18Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor)
 
1. A Sorrowing FollowerA. ​overwhelming ​griefB. ​honest ​lamentC. ​unanswered ​questions
2. A Working GodA. ​the ​empty ​tombB. ​the ​presence of ​angels
3. A Faithful SaviorA. ​a ​personal ​callB. ​a ​new ​realityC. ​an ​invitation to ​sonship
 
Lesson 2 - Notes

The Honeymoon Season (Real Marriage)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:9; 1 John 4:8​ & 19; Ephesians 5:​1-2, 22-23 & 25​; John 15:10-11​; Philippians 2:8
 
The honeymoon season of marriage is a time when love feels effortless, exciting, and deeply fulfilling—marked by strong emotional and physical connection, a constant desire to be together, and a tendency to see the best in one another. It’s a season where affection flows naturally, attention feels undivided, and the relationship is light, hopeful, and full of promise.
But then the honeymoon season comes to an end… or does it have to?
What does it take for a marriage not only to start well, but to stay good—and even grow better with time?
The short answer: it takes God.
But what does that really mean?
Let’s break the idea that the honeymoon season must fade. If God is good, and God designed marriage to be good, then we should seek His design and learn how to walk in it—so we can continue to enjoy the good He intended for us all along.
 
Series description:
Let’s be honest—most marriages aren’t nearly as strong as they look. Behind the smiles, many relationships are slowly falling apart. Not overnight, but little by little. Communication breaks down. Attention fades. The compliments stop. The flirting disappears. What once felt exciting and full of life becomes routine, distant, and cold.And eventually, people begin saying what they never thought they would: “I love them… but I’m not in love anymore.”That’s not where it started—but it’s where many end up.This series is about getting real. No pretending. No sugarcoating. We’re going back to “The Best Day Ever”—the wedding day—and walking through what actually happens next. The highs, the lows, the struggles, and the seasons no one prepares you for.Because real marriage is hard. It takes work. It takes humility. It takes God.But here’s the truth—your marriage doesn’t have to stay broken, distant, or empty. With God’s help, what feels dead can live again.
 
Real Marriage
God's Design - Imperfect People - Lasting Love
The Honeymoon Season
 
How do we stay in the honeymoon season?
- God
- God is love
- love is action
- action is living out God's instruction
- living out God's instruction brings joy
 
How do we stay in the honeymoon season?
1. (Husbands) Lead Them
A. lead with initiative
B. lead spiritually 
C. lead humbly
 
Illustration #1: Pastor Tony & Jenny Liuzzo - 1995 as freshmen at PCC
 
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony & Jenny Liuzzo - The First Kiss
 
Illustration #3: Pastor Tony & Jenny Liuzzo - The Wedding Cake
 
Illustration #4: Pastor Tony & Jenny Liuzzo - Professional photos at Taco Bell
 
Illustration #5: Pastor Tony & Jenny Liuzzo - Honeymoon at Disney World

From Finished Work to Empty Tomb (Risen Savior — Lesson 1)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​John 19:30-42​; 20:1-10​ (John 19:30-42; 20:1-31​; 21; Acts 1:1-​4 & 6-11​; 1 Corinthians 15:​5-7 & 12-20​; Matthew 28:8-10 & 16-20; Mark 16; Luke 24:13-43​ & 50-53)
 
In this opening lesson, we move from the final words of Jesus on the cross to the first glimpse of the empty tomb, tracing the tension between death, waiting, and resurrection hope.
John 19–20 shows us that the finished work of Christ is not the end of the story, but the foundation for everything that follows. Even in moments of silence and confusion, God is still at work!
 
Series description:
In the days after He rose, Jesus met His followers in their most real and raw moments—grief, doubt, and failure. This series explores those encounters and invites us to experience the same living Jesus who still meets us, restores us, and calls us to a deeper faith.
 
Risen SaviorEncounters After the ResurrectionLesson 1: From Finished Work to Empty TombJohn 19:30-42; 20:1-10Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor)
 
​1. The Finality of the CrossA. ​real ​sufferingB. ​finished ​workC. ​fulfilled ​prophecies​2. The In-BetweenA. ​a ​time of ​griefB. ​an ​act of ​devotionC. ​a ​moment of ​silence​3. The Empty TombA. ​the ​discoveryB. ​the ​investigationC. ​the ​belief
 
Lesson 1 - Notes