Bible Study

The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus (Week 2)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - 1 Corinthians 3:16; Leviticus 1:1-9; 2:1-16; 3:1-5; 12; 4:1-33; 5:1-19; Hebrews 4:16; 9:1, 11-15, 21-23; 10:1-18
 
Every year, thousands of people set out to read the Bible in its entirety; every year, a large percentage stop when they get to Leviticus, a book that lays out in embarrassing detail the limits of God's law for the Israelites.
What can we learn from this strange book? Join us as we seek to understand its place in the larger narrative of the Bible, and learn how it speaks to us today.
The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus
Week 2
I. Introduction/RecapA. “Be holy, as I am holy”B. Holiness is differentC. Two basic divisions: holiness in worship versus daily livingD. “For Them” versus “For Us”
II. Holiness in Worship: the Great SacrificesA. Worship & Sacrifice in the Ancient World--- 1. Rituals Involving Idols--- 2. Sacrifice as “Magic” & ManipulationB. The Sacrifices & Sacrifices--- 1. The Sweet Savor Offerings------ a. “Whole Offering”------ b. Grain Offering------ c. Offering of “Well Being”--- 2. Purification Offering--- 3. Reparation Offering--- 4. Other Illustrations
III. ThemesA. The Supremacy of GodB. The Seriousness of SinC. The Grace of God
IV. Looking Forward: A Sacrifice for All Sin
 
Penitential Prayer to Every God

The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus (Week 1)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Exodus 25:8-9; 34:29-35; 40: 34-38; Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 15:32-36; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14
 
Every year, thousands of people set out to read the Bible in its entirety; every year, a large percentage stop when they get to Leviticus, a book that lays out in embarrassing detail the limits of God's law for the Israelites.What can we learn from this strange book? Join us as we seek to understand its place in the larger narrative of the Bible, and learn how it speaks to us today.
The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus
Week 1
I. Introduction
A. Author
B. Date
C. "Priestly" v. "Holiness" sources
D. The Big Themes
--- 1. Be Holy, As I Am Holy
--- 2. Holiness Looks Weird
 
II. The Positioning of Leviticus
A. Moses and the Law
B. The Tabernacle and God's Moving In
 
III. Outline of Leviticus 
A. The Five Offerings (1-7)
--- 1. Sweet Savor Offerings (1-3)
--- 2. Non-sweet Savor Offerings (4-5)
--- 3. Law of Offerings (6-7)
B. The Priests (8-10)
C. Holiness in Daily Life
D. Holy Days
E. Laws and Prophecies for the Promised Land
F. Dedication and Devotion
 
IV. Key Concepts
A. Sacred Space
B. Holiness on a local scale
 
V. What is Leviticus?
A. A Law Code
B. A Guide for Living
C. A Safety Manual
 
 
Illustration #1: Moses horned statue by Michelangelo

Seeking God: Answering questions about Prayer - Part 3

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Matthew 7:7 & 9-11; 8:8; 17:20; 19:26; 27:46; James 4:2; 5:16; Romans 8:28-29; 10:13-15 & 17; John 14:13-14; 15:7-8; Mark 11:23-24; 16:15; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 9:5-6; 26:28; Psalm 76:6; 77:14; 145:18-19
 
When it comes to prayer, we all have questions.
What does it mean to pray without ceasing?
How important is fasting?
How do we develop a burden and passion to pray more?
What does it mean to pray through scriptures?
God desires for us to understand prayer. All of these questions, and more, can be answered in God's Word. This study will address the questions that lay heavy on our hearts when it comes to our prayer life.
The goal of this teaching series is to address and dig deep into the questions and confusion that we have with prayer.  We know prayer is important, let's have an honest conversation on why we don't pray like we should.
Seeking God: Desiring a touch of God through prayer and fasting."Answering questions about prayer - Part 3"
XIII. Am I supposed to pray for what I want or just to be able to handle whatever He decides?XIV. How do you know when you have prayed in God's will? How long should you pray about someone or something? Pray without ceasing?1. we are instructed to pray and keep on praying2. sometimes God answers by giving us something different...something better (something good)3. pray until God says no
XV. Why does the Bible say,"Whatsover ye shall ask in my name, believing you have received it, it will be given unto you." If that does not happen, especially when it comes to healing?--- A. what does this actually mean?--- B. how do we properly apply this?1. will this glorify God?2. What is my motivation for asking for this?3. Are you asking in humility?
XVI. It is God's will that all come to repentance and none be lost - why do prayers go unanswered? What is freewill versus predestination?1. sometimes it falls on our lack of obedience to share the Gospel like we should.2. sometimes God reaches in to convict them and they resist
XVII. Jesus said that we will have tribulation in the world. So, why should we expect to get our of tribulation by prayer? If all goes well for us, how could we relate to the lost and those suffering or suffering loss?XVIII. How does prayer affect how God sees our situations? (Example: I am hurting...does my telling Him, enlighten Him?1. everyone will have difficulties, saved and lost, because of the cursed world2. we are instructed to seek God when we go through trials, tribulation, adn sickness.3. we bring God glory through our trials as we seek Him
XIX. Is praying scriptures or promises more beneficial when asking for something?1. Jesus did it2. it helps us line up our prayers with God's desires3. it brings glory to God4. it is how we claim God's promises5. it stirs up your heart and allows us to pray with confidence
 
 
 
Illustration #1-3: Prayer + Worship at Children's Hospital for Logan Liuzzo

Seeking God: Answering questions about Prayer - Part 2

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1:14; Psalms 133:1; Luke 11:1; James 5:13-14; Matthew 6:6 & 16; 26:41; 1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:18; 8:8
 
When it comes to prayer, we all have questions.
What does it mean to pray without ceasing?
How important is fasting?
How do we develop a burden and passion to pray more?
What does it mean to pray through scriptures?
God desires for us to understand prayer. All of these questions, and more, can be answered in God's Word. This study will address the questions that lay heavy on our hearts when it comes to our prayer life.
The goal of this teaching series is to address and dig deep into the questions and confusion that we have with prayer.  We know prayer is important, let's have an honest conversation on why we don't pray like we should.
Seeking God: Desiring a touch of God through prayer and fasting."Answering questions about prayer - Part 2"
IX. With Jesus talking so much about private prayer, like go into your closet…is there a Biblical reference to "corporate" or public/group prayer?1. corporate prayer brings unity2. corporate prayer teaches others to pray3. corporate prayer ministers to those in need4. corporate prayer leads to corporate praise (it brings glory to God)
X. As a mature Christian who truly loves the Lord, why do I not have a strong, passionate desire to designate a time of prayer to God each and every day? I feel like I "talk" to Him all throughout the day, but I am having trouble disciplining myself to have a daily prayer time.keep these reasons in mind:1. we do this to set aside time with God2. we do this to set aside distractions3. we do this so we can be real and honest with God
XI. How important is fasting?keep in mind our flesh is:- corrupt- weak- at war with the Spirit1. fasting is resisting our flesh2. fasting is telling your flesh "NO"3. fasting is how we amplify our prayers4. fasting is part of the Christian life
 
Illustration #1: Corporately praying over Logan Liuzzo 

Seeking God: What does it mean to pray for God’s will? - Part 2

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7; James 4:2; Philippians 4:6-7; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Psalms 27:14; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:26-28
 
Do you know what it means to pray according to the will of God? The Bible tells us to do this, but does this mean that we don't pray and ask for our hearts desires? Should we just pray, "Your will be done."
We should pray according to God's will, but this might not mean what you think.  When you understand God's will, when it comes to prayer, it opens up the power of prayer in a big way.
The goal of this teaching series is to address and dig deep into the questions and confusion that we have with prayer.  We know prayer is important, let's have an honest conversation on why we don't pray like we should.
Seeking God: Desiring a touch of God through prayer and fasting."What does it mean to pray for God's will?" - Part 2
II. What does it mean to pray for God's will?Our prayers must line up "according to" His purpose1. God's will is for you to ask2. God's will is for you to ask for your heart's desire3. God's will is to strengthen your faith through answered prayer4. God's will is for us to trust Him even if He does not answer in the way we ask
 
Illustration #1: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's home gym remodel (before)
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's home gym remodel (during)
Illustration #3: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's home gym remodel (after)

Seeking God: What does it mean to pray for God’s will? - Part 1

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - I John 5:14-15 (1 John 4:18; 5:13-15; 2 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 8:31; Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 3:20-21; James 1:5; 4:2; Matthew 7:7 & 9-11; 14:28; Philippians 4:6-7; Luke 18:27)
 
Do you know what it means to pray according to the will of God? The Bible tells us to do this, but does this mean that we don't pray and ask for our hearts desires? Should we just pray, "Your will be done."
We should pray according to God's will, but this might not mean what you think.  When you understand God's will, when it comes to prayer, it opens up the power of prayer in a big way.
The goal of this teaching series is to address and dig deep into the questions and confusion that we have with prayer.  We know prayer is important, let's have an honest conversation on why we don't pray like we should.
Seeking God: Desiring a touch of God through prayer and fasting."What does it mean to pray for God's will?" - Part 1
II. What does it mean to pray for God's will?
What is His will?It must line up according to:1. His purpose2. His desire--- God desires for us to desire to see him do great things!--- God's desire is to do great things through us!!!3. His pleasure
This is God's will for your life right now:1. God's will is for you to ask2. God's will is for you to ask for your heart's desire3. God's will is to strengthen your faith through answered prayer

Seeking God: What is prayer?

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Matthew 6:5-9; Mark 10:14 & 16; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 149:4; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6
 
Prayer is one of the most common aspects of the Christian life. We define it simply as talking to God. We would describe prayer as powerful and life changing. If we know this to be true, why don't we pray more? Oftentimes it is because we don't fully understand prayer. We have questions about prayer that causes us to doubt the power of prayer. 
The goal of this teaching series is to address and dig deep into the questions and confusion that we have with prayer.  We know prayer is important, let's have an honest conversation on why we don't pray like we should.
Seeking God: Desiring a touch of God through prayer and fasting."What is prayer?
I. What is prayer?A. prayer is…B. prayer is not…Prayer is simply talking to your Heavenly Father.
When you are talking to your Heavenly Father:A. be real with GodB. speak from the heart

Don’t Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews (Week 6)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Hebrews 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 12:25-29; Romans 5:1-11; 8:18-27; John 6:39-40 & 44; 10:25-30
 
When the going gets tough, every Christian faces the temptation to return to old habits and ways of thinking. But what do you do when a whole church community wants to return?
In this study, we'll find that the author of Hebrews gives a simple but complex answer: "Don't look back; Jesus is better."
Don't Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews
Week 6
I.  RecapA.  Jesus is BetterB.  Don't Look Back
II. Five Warning PassagesA. Hebrews 2:1-4B. Hebrews 4:12-13C. Hebrews 6:4-8D. Hebrews 10:26-31E. Hebrews 12:25-29
III.  Three Key IssuesA. Who is the author addressing?B. What is he telling them they shouldn’t do?C. What consequences is he warning of?
IV. Two Historical ViewsA. ArminianismB. Reformed
V.  AnalysisA. Professing Believers (Truly Unsaved)B. Genuine Believers (Truly Saved)--- 1. Hypothetical Rejection--- 2. Community Rejection--- 3. True Rejection--- 4. Fellowship / Repentance RejectionC. Truly Saved (but blessings removed)

Spiritual Check-up

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Colossians 1 (Colossians 1:1-4 & 7-11; John 15:8; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 11:29; Mark 14:70-71; Acts 4:2-3 & 8)
 
Most people make it a habit to have an annual physical with their doctor. You don't do this necessarily because something is wrong, we do this to make sure we stay ahead of physical problems.
It is important for Christians to have a Spiritual Check-up. We compare our lives to God's Word to see if our spiritual vital signs are what they should be.  Let's make it a priority to be healthy Christians who want to be growing in the Lord.
Spiritual Check-upI. Is your life pleasing God?II. Is your life fruitful?III. Are you still growing in your faith?IV. Are you emotionally and spiritually strong?

Don’t Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews (Week 5)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Hebrews 11-13 (Hebrews 11-1-40; 12:1-17; 13:1-25; Psalms 137:1-9)
 
When the going gets tough, every Christian faces the temptation to return to old habits and ways of thinking. But what do you do when a whole church community wants to return?
In this study, we'll find that the author of Hebrews gives a simple but complex answer: "Don't look back; Jesus is better."
Don't Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews
Week 5
I.  RecapA.  Jesus is BetterB.  Don't Look Back
II. Human RitesA. The Purpose of the Old Testament InstitutionsB. Application for Today
III.  Winding Down HebrewsA. Techniques--- 1. Repetition--- 2. Example ListB. OvertureC. The First ListD. Aliens and StrangersE. More ExamplesF. Conclusion
IV.  Conclusion: EndureA. Running the RaceB. Treated as a SonC. Choose Holiness
V.  Final Passage: How to Live Out a Persevering Faith

Don’t Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews (Week 4)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Hebrews 8-10 (Hebrews 8:1-13; 9:1-28; 10:1-25; Exodus 25:40)
 
When the going gets tough, every Christian faces the temptation to return to old habits and ways of thinking. But what do you do when a whole church community wants to return?
In this study, we'll find that the author of Hebrews gives a simple but complex answer: "Don't look back; Jesus is better."
Don't Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews
Week 4
I.  RecapA.  Jesus is Better--- 1.  Better Than Angels--- 2.  Better Than Moses--- 3.  Better Than the PriesthoodB.  Don't Look Back
II.  Jesus is Better Than the Tabernacle and the LawA.  Shadows and CopiesB.  The Old Covenant is Not SufficientC.  The Old Covenant Was Made to Be ReplacedD.  Christ's Superiority to the Places and Rituals of the Old Covenant

Don’t Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews (Week 3)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Hebrews 2-5 & 7 (Hebrews 2:16-18; 3:1-19; 4:1-3 & 14-16; 5:1-14; 7:1-28; Psalm 110:4; Genesis 14:12-24)
 
When the going gets tough, every Christian faces the temptation to return to old habits and ways of thinking. But what do you do when a whole church community wants to return?
In this study, we'll find that the author of Hebrews gives a simple but complex answer: "Don't look back; Jesus is better."
Don't Look Back: The Epistle to the Hebrews
Week 3
I. Jesus is Better than Mosesa. Proofs and Argumentsb. Don’t Turn Back in the WildernessII. Jesus is the Great High Priesta. “After the Order of Melchizedek”b. “Consecrated Forevermore”