Fellowship Baptist Church

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 2: 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

The Best Day Ever (Real Marriage)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 2 Corinthians 6:14; Proverbs 22:6; 27:6 & 17; Genesis 2:21-25; 3:1; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:2 & 4; Ephesians 6:2-3; Mark 10:9
 
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 Best Day Ever
 
God's plan for marriage
1. Preparation for marriage
2. Purity in marriage
--- A. sex before marriage is sin
--- B. sex is a gift for marriage
3. Severance for marriage
4. Permanence in marriage
--- A. God's plan is unity
--- B. God's plan is permanence
5. The testimony of marriage
 
 
 
Music Licensed through Artist.io + Soundstripe
Looking Forward, BalloonPlanetOn Our Way, Elijah AaronFlora, Markus Huber (6L6VWQFNTCQ3VQ04)

Salvation 101 — ​Saved, Sealed ​& Born Again (Lesson 5)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​​​Ephesians 1:13; 2:8-9; 4:30; Colossians 1:14; Romans 5:1 & 20; 6:1-2; 7:19-20; 8:15-17; 10:10; 11:6; 12:10; John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; 6:37-39; 10:28-29; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:8 & 17; 6:18; Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-15; Hebrews 9:15; 10:10-14; 12:6-7; 1 John 2:25; 3:1-5; 4:18; 5:13; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Galatians 2:16 & 20; 3:26; Titus 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Matthew 7:21-23; 13:23; 18:15; Philippians 4:7; Luke 8:12-14
 
This series has taken us deep into the doctrine of salvation. We’ve explored rich biblical terms like remission, regeneration, repentance, redemption, and many others—each one revealing just how beautiful, powerful, and complete our salvation truly is. Yet even with this understanding, many still wrestle with important questions: Can salvation be lost? Can someone walk away from their faith? What happens if a believer returns to a life of sin? And what about the most difficult questions—like taking one’s own life—does that undo salvation?
As we conclude this series, we turn to two foundational truths: being sealed and being born again. These are not just theological terms—they are anchors for our assurance. In Christ, our salvation is not fragile or uncertain; it is secure. Because of who He is and what He has done, we can rest with confidence and peace, knowing that we are forever held in Him.
 
Series description:
Have you ever wondered how God can be perfectly just and yet show boundless mercy and grace at the same time?This lesson dives into the heart of God’s salvation, exploring key truths that change everything about how we see Him and ourselves. Let’s study how God is holy and just, and yet, He still gives mercy and grace!Get ready to see salvation not as something we earn, but as a gift that displays the amazing character of God!
 
Salvation 101Understanding the Doctrine of SalvationLesson 5: ​Saved, Sealed ​& Born Again
Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor)
 
​1. Saved2. Sealed3. Eternal Security5 Biblical truths that explains eternal securityA. the finished work of ChristB. our position of graceC. our relationship with GodD. the seal of the Spirit of GodE. peace and confidence with God
 
Lesson 5 - Notes

Salvation 101 — Redemption, Remission, Repentance, Reconciliation, Regeneration & Sanctification (Lesson 4)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​​​Romans 3:24-25; 10:9-10; 13-14 & 17; Exodus 6:6; 13:13-14; Hosea 3:1-3; Colossians 1:14, 16 & 20-22; Isaiah 59:2; John 3:3-4; 8:34; Matthew 3:8; 25:41; Galatians 3:13; 4:5; 5:17; Titus 2:14; 3:5; Ephesians 1:7; 5:26-27; Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 9:6; 10:43; 13:3; 20:28; 26:20; 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; 6:11 & 19-20; Jeremiah 50:34; Luke 1:77; 13:3; 24:47; Hebrews 2:17; 9:22; Micah 7:19; Psalms 103:12; 119:105; Hebrews 8:12 & 16-19; Mark 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:21-22; 1 John 1:9
 
What does it mean to be saved? It is a wonderful thing to know that we have been rescued from hell—but salvation is far greater than just that. Salvation is the complete work of Christ in our lives. It begins when the Spirit of God convicts our hearts, leading us to repent of our sin and turn to Him in faith.Through His sacrifice, Jesus redeems us by His blood—paying the price for our sin. He reconciles us to God, restoring a broken relationship and making us right with Him. He then regenerates us, giving us new life—spiritually alive where we were once dead.
Salvation is not just about saying a prayer; it is a transformation. Through Jesus Christ, everything changes—our identity, our relationship with God, and our eternal future.
 
Series description:
Have you ever wondered how God can be perfectly just and yet show boundless mercy and grace at the same time?This lesson dives into the heart of God’s salvation, exploring key truths that change everything about how we see Him and ourselves. Let’s study how God is holy and just, and yet, He still gives mercy and grace!Get ready to see salvation not as something we earn, but as a gift that displays the amazing character of God!
 
Salvation 101Understanding the Doctrine of SalvationLesson 4: Redemption, Remission, Repentance, Reconciliation, Regeneration & Sanctification
Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor)
 
1. Redemption
2. Remission
3. Repentance
4. Reconciliation
5. Regeneration
6. Sanctification
 
Lesson 4 - Notes

I Love You! (BEFORE I GO — The Final Teachings of Jesus)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 15:9-13 (John 15:9-15; Psalm 23:3; 107:1; Romans 8:16)
 
In the final moments before Jesus gave His life for the sins of the world, He looked at His disciples and told them He loved them. The Creator of the universe spoke these words to men He knew would soon fail Him—and still, He chose to love.Then He went even further: ‘Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ Jesus wasn’t just speaking about love—He was about to demonstrate it in the most powerful way.No matter where you’ve been or how you’ve fallen short, this truth remains: you are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe, with a love greater than any other.
 
Series description:
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
I Love You!
 
Abiding in God's love:
1. Walk in obedience
2. Live with joy

You Need Me! (BEFORE I GO — The Final Teachings of Jesus)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 15:1-8 (John 14:6, 26-27 & 30-31; 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Psalms 1:1-3; Hebrews 12:1)
 
On the way to the garden, in some of His final moments before the cross, Jesus gives His disciples a powerful picture: “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” In the Gospel of John 15:1–8, He teaches that real spiritual life doesn’t come from effort—it comes from connection.
The Spirit of God lives in us, changes us, and produces fruit through us. But Jesus makes it clear: without Him, we are lifeless and fruitless.
Join us as we discover what it truly means to abide in Christ. Jesus is teaching us how to live a fulfilled life that truly makes a difference.
 
Series description:
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
You Need Me!
 
1. God created you to bear fruit
2. You must abide in Christ
A. "to stay" - be consistent in your walk
B. "be connected" - connect with what matters
3. God will pur​ge what doesn't belong
 
Illustration #1: Vineyard
 
Illustration #2: Fruit of the vine (cluster of grapes)

Salvation 101 — Foreknowledge, Predestination, Election & Free Will (Lesson 3)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​​Romans 8:29-30 (Romans 8:28-30 & 38-39; 9:4 & 9-18; 10:9-10, 13-14 & 17: Ephesians 1:4-5 & 11; 2:1; 5:25; John 3:16; 6:37 & 44; 7:37; 10:11 & 28-29; 14:15 & 23; Acts 13:48; 16:31; Luke 14:26; Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 42:1; 46:9-10; Genesis 2:9 & 16-17; Joshua 24:15; Matthew 11:28; 22:33-40; ​1 John 4:1; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 7:6; 30:19; Acts 7:51; 10:34; Hebrews 12:25; Proverbs 1:24-25; 1 Peter 1:2; 5:10; 2 Peter 3:9)
 
Have you ever read words like predestination or election and felt unsure what they really mean? You’re not alone. These are some of the most misunderstood doctrines in the Bible.In this study, we’re not just going to define terms—we’re going to discover the heart behind them. When seen through the lens of God’s love, these truths are not cold or confusing…they are deeply comforting. Come learn how a sovereign God still gives real choice, and how His foreknowledge and love work together for His perfect purposes.
 
Series description:
Have you ever wondered how God can be perfectly just and yet show boundless mercy and grace at the same time?This lesson dives into the heart of God’s salvation, exploring key truths that change everything about how we see Him and ourselves. Let’s study how God is holy and just, and yet, He still gives mercy and grace!Get ready to see salvation not as something we earn, but as a gift that displays the amazing character of God!
 
Salvation 101Understanding the Doctrine of SalvationLesson 3: Foreknowledge, Predestination, Election & Free WillRomans 8:29-30Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor)
 
I. Calvinism (TULIP)
A. T-Total depravity
B. U-Unconditional election
C. L-Limited atonement
D. I-Irresistible grace
E. P-Perseverance of the Saints
 
II. Sovereignty 
 
III. Free Will
A. God created man with free will
--- 1. God created man able to choose
--- 2. Why free will? Because of love!
--- 3. Why love? Because we are made in His image and God is love.
--- B. Scripture repeatedly calls people to choose
C. Jesus invited people to come
--- 1. People resist God
--- 2. People refuse Christ
 
IV. Foreknowledge
A. God knows the future
B. God foreknew who would believe
 
V. Predestination
A. Did He predestinate who would be saved?
B. Did He predestinate that He would save us?
--- 1. believers are predestined to adoption
--- 2. predestination concerns inheritance 
 
VI. Elect
A. Israel was an elected nation
B. Christ is the chosen one
C. Believers are elect "in Christ"
 
Lesson 3 - Notes