Worship Service

RENEW ME!

Calvin Houser (FBC Missionary, Philippines) - Psalm 51 (Psalm 51:1-13, 15 & 17)
 
As we kick off a New Year, everyone is looking forward to new things. It could be a new goal, opportunity, or even a new and better version of themselves. But what we learn from the life of David is that before we try to become something new, we may need to get back to where we have been with God.
True spiritual renewal doesn't start with changing my situation or the people around me. It starts with renewing and restoring a right relationship with God. God is not just looking for a new me. God wants to Renew Me.
 
RENEW ME!
I. What relies on us:A. acknowledging GodB. admitting sinC. assessing ourselves
II. What rests on God:A. His characterB. His compassionC. His cleansing--- 1. creation--- 2. restoration--- 3. preservation
III. What results for Others:A. seeing your witnessB. seeing your worship
 
Illustration #1: Steve from Minecraft

BEHOLD The King: Behold, His Hope!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1:30-35 (Romans 5:12; James 1:15; Genesis 14:18-20; 15:1; Luke 1:30-32 & 34-35; 2:13-14; 8:28; Psalms 91:1-3; Ephesians 2:12-14)
 
The word hope is used so much in our everyday language, that it has almost lost the power of its meaning. If you have ever been in a truly desperate situation, you know what it means when there is unexpected good news. When you are given a chance for things to change...this is hope!
Jesus was born to give us hope! Our world is broken, hurting, and simply in a mess! Jesus came to bring change! He came to bring hope to our desperate situation. Thank God, we have HOPE in JESUS!
 
Series description:
Have you ever got excited about something, so you tell your friends, "Check this out!" The Bible often does something similar to this with the word, "Behold." It means to see or perceive something. It is another way of saying, "Don't miss this!" When Jesus' birth was being announced in Matthew 1:23, it starts with the word, "Behold." Let's BEHOLD what Jesus wants us to see in the amazing story of the coming of King Jesus!
 
BEHOLD The King
Behold, His Hope!
 
I. Hope is found in God!II. Hope is experienced through Jesus!
 
Illustration #1: Car accident on the way to pick up car!
 
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) with deer.
 
Illustration #3: Morgan Liuzzo with her new car.
 
Illustration #4: Car broke down on the way home!
 
Illustration #5: View out the window flying home!

BEHOLD The King: Behold, His Grace!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1:26-55 (Luke 1:26-38 & 46-53; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 1 Samuel 13:14)
 
There is so much to behold or see in the Christmas story!
One aspect that you can't overlook is the grace of God. When Mary was told that she would be the mother of Jesus, she was told that she had found favor with God. This is another way of saying that she would experience the grace of God.
We can learn a lot from what happened next because she then praises God for His amazing grace!
 
Series description:
Have you ever got excited about something, so you tell your friends, "Check this out!" The Bible often does something similar to this with the word, "Behold." It means to see or perceive something. It is another way of saying, "Don't miss this!" When Jesus' birth was being announced in Matthew 1:23, it starts with the word, "Behold." Let's BEHOLD what Jesus wants us to see in the amazing story of the coming of King Jesus!
 
BEHOLD The KingBehold, His Grace!
Why did God choose Mary?1. She had a godly reputation.2. She sought after God.3. She was a humble servant.
Mary's response to God's Grace:I. She had a heart of worship.II. She had passion in her worship.III. She had a reason to worship.A. He knows me!B. He cares for me!C. He fights for me!

BEHOLD The King: Behold, His Wonder!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1 (2 Corinthians 5:17; Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:5-25 & 34-45; John 1:29)
 
Christmas is the most wonderful time of year! It is not the shopping or the parties that makes it wonderful, but the amazing gift of Jesus.
Isaiah told us that His name would be called Wonderful! Everything about Him would be filled with awe and wonder. We see unique examples of this in Luke 1 through two people that we don’t usually include in the Christmas story, but God uses them in a big way to introduce Jesus.
Behold the wonder of Jesus as we study Luke 1.
 
Series description:
Have you ever got excited about something, so you tell your friends, "Check this out!" The Bible often does something similar to this with the word, "Behold." It means to see or perceive something. It is another way of saying, "Don't miss this!" When Jesus' birth was being announced in Matthew 1:23, it starts with the word, "Behold." Let's BEHOLD what Jesus wants us to see in the amazing story of the coming of King Jesus!
 
BEHOLD The KingBehold, His Wonder!
I. He has no limits!A. He is not limited by our circumstances.B. He is not limited by our doubts.
II. He works through us!A. God works through our faithfulness.B. God works through our fellowship.
 
Illustration #1: Melissa & Kevin Messmer with Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) in Connecting Point

MOVE ON: It’s time to let go of the past!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Philippians 3 (Philippians 3:9-10 & 13-14; Acts 26:9-11 & 18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 4:22; Galatians 2:20; Psalm 103:12; John 10:27)
 
Have you ever messed up? The truth is, we all have! We know as Christians that our past mistakes are under the blood of Jesus, but we still have struggles with guilt and regret. The apostle Paul also had a past, but he testifies in the book of Philippians of how God helped him to 'move on.' If you struggle with your past, there is freedom in Christ to MOVE ON!
 
MOVE ON"It's time to let go of the past"
I. Requirements to move onA. know that you have a new identityB. know what you are forgivenC. know that your past is dead
II. It's time to move on!A. it's time to look forwardB. it's time to pursue what God has for you

Thank God for Mercy!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 107 (Psalms 25:8; 107:1-2 & 8-9; James 1:17; Luke 18:19; Deuteronomy 8:10-13 & 17-18; Ecclesiastes 3:13)
 
During the Thanksgiving season, we emphasize the goodness of God. The Bible clearly tells us that God is good! The thing is, we are not good. We fail, fall short, mess up, and do nothing that merits God’s goodness. This is why His mercy is so amazing! Mercy is God extending his goodness to us because He loves us! When we give thanks to God, let’s praise Him for his goodness and His amazing mercy! 
 
Thank God for Mercy!
 
> Our God is good!
> We are not good!
> Mercy connects us to His goodness!
> We praise Him!
we give thanks
we give Him the credit
 
Illustration #1: Little Peter Barker (Liuzzo family dog)
 
Illustration #2: Grown-up Peter Barker
 
Illustration #3: Peter Barker got in the trash can.
 
Illustration #4: Peter Barker guilty!

The Secret to Having Joy 😁

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - 1 John 1 (1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Matthew 6:1-2 & 5; 13:20-22; 23:25-28; Luke 7:41-43)
 
God has made a way for each person to live joyfully!
Listen to this practical message on The Secret to Having Joy. We will be studying 1 John 1 and learning about the true source of joy in our life, and how we can restore joy to your life if it has faded.
 
The Secret to Having Joy 😁
I. Where Joy Starts-Joy starts with a personal relationship with Jesus.
II. When Joy Fades-Joy fades when we sin and walk in darkness.-Joy is a natural response to the grace of God.
To be a Christian without joy...do these things:1. Keep pretending2. Lie to yourself3. Avoid honesty and confession
III. The Way Joy is Restored-Joy is restored when we confess our sins and accept the sacrifice of Jesus.

READY or NOT

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 14:1-6 (Matthew 16:18; 24:33-34; Luke 10:2; 1 Peter 4:8-11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Revelation 3:15-16)
 
One of our favorite games to play as a kid was hide and seek. We would only have a few seconds to run and hide before the seeker would yell out, "Ready or not, here I come."The Bible tells us that one day, the Lord will call us home to heaven. It tells us that we will, "be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."God has warned us to be ready. Are you ready? Is your family ready?READY or NOT, Jesus is coming soon!
 
READY or NOT
What does the Bible say about the End:I. Jesus is coming back!A. He's going to restore what was broken--- 1. we will be with God--- 2. there will be no more curseB. He's going to fulfill His promise...again!
II. Many will be left behind!A. Satan will deceive youB. fools will mock thisC. it will be unexpectedD. you must be ready
 
Illustration #1: "The End is Near" (from the Simpsons)

Missions 2022 :: I’ll Go Anywhere - FULL SEND!

Pastor Dave Liuzzo (Lead Pastor, Thrive Church) - Luke 14:25-35 (Luke 9:23 & 62; 14:25-35; 22:42; Mark 8:34; Acts 5:29; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:13-14)
 
Have you ever made a decision to go all in? We call that, full send. Not holding anything back!In order to be a disciple of Jesus Christ you have to be all in. Jesus gives specific requirements to be a disciple. He made it very clear, if you are going to be a disciple of Jesus Christ you have to go all in...full send! You can’t hold back!If you’re ready to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, if you’re ready to go all in, then this is for you. Full Send, going all in as a disciple of Jesus Christ!
 
Missions 2022
Jesus has given His church a mission to accomplish. Throughout October, we will be inspired, challenged, and blessed as we focus our attention on reaching the world with the gospel.
When it comes to the mission of preaching the gospel to every person in the world, what would God have you do? We are praying for our church family that every person would humbly tell God, “I’ll go anywhere.” God calls us to surrender to His priorities and re-arrange our lives for His mission.
 
Missions 2022 :: I'll Go Anywhere!
"FULL SEND!"
Requirements of a disciple:Requirement #1: Choose Christ!- make Him a priority- make Him your authority
Requirement #2: Bear Your Cross!- it is a daily decision- it is a sacrificial decision
Requirement #3: Follow Christ!- don't look back- don't hold back

Missions 2022 :: I’ll Go Anywhere - IT WORKS!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 11 (Hebrews 11:1-2, 4, 6-8, 21-23, 29-31; Exodus 23:19; Genesis 1:1; 4:2-4; 22:2 & 12-13; 32:12; John 1:3; 15:5; Revelation 1:8; 22:13; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:38)
 
Do you ever feel as if this life just doesn't work the way it should? We experience problem, after problem, and we never seem to be able to keep our heads above water.Oftentimes, things don't work right because we get them out of order. When we do things God's way, IT WORKS! When we make God's priorities, our priorities, IT WORKS! God has a great plan to reach the world and uses us to do it. I can promise you that IT WORKS when we do it God's way!
 
Missions 2022
Jesus has given His church a mission to accomplish. Throughout October, we will be inspired, challenged, and blessed as we focus our attention on reaching the world with the gospel.
When it comes to the mission of preaching the gospel to every person in the world, what would God have you do? We are praying for our church family that every person would humbly tell God, “I’ll go anywhere.” God calls us to surrender to His priorities and re-arrange our lives for His mission.
 
Missions 2022 :: I'll Go Anywhere!
"IT WORKS!"
 
Living by faith means...
I. God must come first in everything.
A. It is about us recognizing God's authority in our lives.
B. It is about us recognizing God's power in our lives.
 
II. God's mission must come first.
 
III. God's provision and blessings follow.

Missions 2022 :: I’ll Go Anywhere!

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - Matthew 9:35-38 (Matthew 9:35-38; Philippians 2:3-5; John 4:31-35 & 9:4; Luke 9:57-62; Mark 8:34-37)
 
Every follower of Christ is called to full surrender and following Christ includes re-orienting your life around His mission.
You ever see the signs with all the pictures and descriptions of people. Young people and old people, all different kinds. And directly beside the picture was a phrase to encourage you to do your best to keep a watchful eye out and to search for these people.
A phrase like..."Every second counts." with a phone number to call 1-800-THE-LOST. If someone doesn't find the lost people soon, then chances are they will never be found. They will be lost forever.
There is a very similar passage in the Bible. It describes a major job to be done. That the job is urgent. And that if we don't act quickly the people in peril will be lost forever.
Would you give yourself totally to the mission of reaching the world with the gospel? Will you surrender and say, "God I'll Go Anywhere!"
 
Missions 2022
Jesus has given His church a mission to accomplish. Throughout October, we will be inspired, challenged, and blessed as we focus our attention on reaching the world with the gospel.
When it comes to the mission of preaching the gospel to every person in the world, what would God have you do? We are praying for our church family that every person would humbly tell God, “I’ll go anywhere.” God calls us to surrender to His priorities and re-arrange our lives for His mission.
 
Missions 2022 :: I'll Go Anywhere!"I'll Go Anywhere!"
Why should we say, "I'll Go Anywhere."?
Reason #1: The harvest truly is plenteous!
Reason #2: The laborers are few!
Reason #3: You are the answer!
 
Three decisions...
1. God, I will go.
2. God, I will commit my career intentions to you.
3. God, I will commit my family to you.

Missions 2022 :: I’ll Go Anywhere - A Great Door!

Dan Bergman (Digital Evangelist, Posting the Gospel) - 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (1 Corinthians 16:5-9; Acts 19:1, 8-20 & 23-41; John 4:1-7, 13-15, 27-35 & 39)
 
Numerous times in scripture, God places specific people in specific places in time for very special tasks. You are alive right now for a reason. God has given us the motive, means and opportunity to show His compassion to literally millions.
We can REACH THE WORLD. A great and effectual door is opened unto us. Are we being good stewards of this opportunity?
 
Missions 2022
Jesus has given His church a mission to accomplish. Throughout October, we will be inspired, challenged, and blessed as we focus our attention on reaching the world with the gospel.
When it comes to the mission of preaching the gospel to every person in the world, what would God have you do? We are praying for our church family that every person would humbly tell God, “I’ll go anywhere.” God calls us to surrender to His priorities and re-arrange our lives for His mission.
 
Missions 2022 :: I'll Go Anywhere!"A Great Door!"
I. An Open Door to Spread the WordA. There are people who need to hear it.
II. An Open Door to Magnify the Name of JesusA. There are people who are ready to receive it.B. There will be opposition.
III. An Open Door to Stir up the WorldA. There are multitudes waiting to hear from you!
IV. An Open Invitation to the Harvest FieldA. What does "white already to harvest" mean?
Conclusion: How do we apply this?1. PRAY2. GIVE3. GO