Fellowship Baptist Church

Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​​​Judges 1:1; 2:11-19; 17:6; 21:25; Acts 13:16-23; Hebrews 11:32-33
 
The book of Judges is filled with familiar stories—Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and others—but when we step back and look at the book as a whole, we discover something much bigger than a collection of stories about heroic leaders. Judges is a story of rebellion and redemption.In this opening lesson, we explore the setting, structure, and major themes of Judges. We’ll examine the recurring pattern of rebellion, judgment, deliverance, and greater sin, and see how Israel’s compromise gradually leads to moral and spiritual collapse. But we’ll also see something even more important: God’s faithfulness in the midst of His people’s unfaithfulness.Most importantly, we’ll begin to see how Judges fits into the larger story of Scripture. The flawed and temporary deliverers of Judges point us toward our need for a true and better Deliverer—Jesus Christ, the King who does not fail and whose salvation is eternal.
 
Summer Teaching Series:
The book of Judges tells the story of Israel during one of the darkest periods in its history. Again and again, God's people turned from Him, experienced the consequences of their sin, cried out for help, and were graciously delivered through the judges God raised up.Join us for this 11-week study as we explore the major people, events, and themes of Judges, discovering God's unwavering faithfulness in the midst of human failure and seeing how the book ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, our true Deliverer and King.
 
Rebellion & Redemption: A Study in Judges
An Overview of the Book of Judges (Lesson 1)
 
​I. The Style
​II. The Setting
​III. The Story
​A. the Judges
B. the pattern of rebellion
 
​IV. The SubstanceA. ​the ​sinfulness and ​rebellion of ​humanity
​1. compromise & partial obedience
2. moral relativism
3. individualism
4. anarchy & violence
B. ​the ​impact of ​obedienceC. ​the ​mercy & ​faithfulness of God
​V. The Salvation
 
Lesson 1 - Notes

Logan Liuzzo (Student, Pensacola Christian College) - Proverbs 3:5-66; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 6:20
When life takes an unexpected turn, trusting God can be difficult. After being diagnosed with cancer at 18, Logan Liuzzo faced uncertainty that changed the path he had planned for his life. Through it all, God taught him to trust His purpose, even when the way forward was unclear.
 
Trusting God Through the Unknown
 
1. When God seems silent, He is still working.
2. God does everything on purpose.
3. We serve a powerful God.
 
Illustration #1: The Liuzzo Family at Logan's High School Graduation
 
Illustration #2: Logan at a doctors appointment just getting some tests & scans
 
Illustration #3: Logan on IV's & monitors after getting the news
 
Illustration #4: Logan in recovery after the first failed surgery
 
Illustration #5: Logan serving in Real Life Students at Midnight Madness
 
Illustration #6: Logan, Pastor Tony & Jenny at the Cleveland Clinic
 
Illustration #7: FBC family praying over Logan
 
Illustration #8: Prayer for Logan Worldwide
 
Illustration #9: FBC family praying over Logan before surgery
 
Illustration #10: Logan & family pray together the night before surgery
 
Illustration #11: Logan with family before surgery

Pastors Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor), Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor), & Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor)
 
In this final night of our summer series Counter Formation, we’re taking time to answer some of the questions submitted throughout the series.
 
In this Q&A, we talk through practical questions about following Jesus in a world that is constantly shaping what we believe, love, and value. From technology and relationships to habits and spiritual formation, our goal is to help us think biblically and live faithfully as we seek to be shaped by Jesus rather than conformed to the world.
 
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 10: Q&A
 
​1. How do we maintain friendships with people who hold radically different beliefs & values without allowing those values to shape us?2. What are some practical recommendations for stewarding screen time in our homes?3. How do we help our children choose good friends without trying to control every friendship they have?4. Can you share an example of either a bad habit you broke or a good habit you formed and how you did it?5. How do we keep spiritual practices like prayer and going to church from becoming just another checklist of things we're supposed to do?6. What are some tools you use to steward your time well?
 
Lesson 10 - Notes

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 6:1-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2; Ephesians 4:11-12
Can you imagine being part of a move of God so great that people were being saved every day? The church in the book of Acts was growing rapidly, and the gospel was spreading everywhere. It's exciting to read about how God worked in such powerful ways, but it's also important to study how it happened.
As the church grew, so did the need for leadership. A growing church brings growing challenges—that's simply part of life. Yet in the middle of it all, God carried out His plan, and the church continued to thrive.
If we desire to see God work in the same way today, we must take note of the principles found in Acts 6 and put them into practice. This church was on fire because they did things God's way.
 
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
"Servant Leadership"
 
1. Healthy Churches Have Growing Needs
2. Healthy Churches Require Biblical Leadership
A. pastors must prioritize prayer and he ministry of the Word
B. deacons help meet the practical needs of the church
C. every believer has a ministry

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​​Romans 12:1-2; James 1:22-27; Matthew 4:4; 6:6; 7:24-27; 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:7-12; Proverbs 13:20; Luke 4:16; 5:16; 6:12; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 10:24-25
 
Our everyday habits are shaping who we are becoming, often without us realizing it. Tonight, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about habits, how our culture influences them, and practical ways to build spiritual habits that help us grow closer to Jesus.Join us for an encouraging and practical lesson about making small, faithful changes that can have a lifelong impact!
 
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 9: Your Habits: Building Habits that Help You Follow Jesus
 
1. Habits shape your character more than your intentions do.
2. Be aware of the way culture is forming your habits.
​3. You can build Christian habits to help you follow Jesus.
4. How to form a habit for Jesus.
A. ask God what needs to change, then write it down.
B. speak a new truth about who you are becoming
C. make it obvious
D. make it attractive
E. make it easy
 
Lesson 9 - Notes

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