Worship Service

RELATIONSHIPS :: It's Complicated // Dealing with Bitterness & Forgiveness - "You really hurt me!"

Mike Grover (Lead Pastor; Fellowship Baptist Church, FL) - 2 Corinthians 2:1-11 (1 Corinthians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Romans 12:18; James 1:19; Ephesians 4:32; Acts 9:13-15, 17-19 & 26)
 
Hurt is inevitable in relationships.
 
We say things that we end up regretting. We argue and say things that hurt those that we love. These things cause bitterness, division, and brokenness. Satan loves relationships to be splintered because of bitterness.
 
God gives us hope to restore hurt and broken relationships. Check out what the Bible says about bitterness and forgiveness in our relationships. This can be a game-changer in your relationships!
 
Relationships :: It's Complicated
Dealing with Bitterness & Forgiveness
"You really hurt me!"
2 Corinthians 2:1-11
 
I. Accept the inevitability of conflict
 
II. Learn to deal with the fallout of unresolved conflict.A. Resolving conflict requires an act of forgiveness.B. Resolving conflict requires a context of sincerity.C. Resolving conflict requires a commitment of change.

RELATIONSHIPS :: It's Complicated // The Power of Words - "What did you say?!"

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4 (Genesis 1:3, 20, 24 & 26; 3:1; John 1:1 & 14; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 8:6; 10:17; Proverbs 15:1-2; 18:6 & 21; Ephesians 4:2-3, 15, 26-27, 29-30 & 32; 5:25; 6:1 & 4; Luke 6:45)
 
Relationships were created by God to make us better, bring glory to God, and fulfill the mission of God. God gave us a powerful tool to build relationships…words!
We probably don’t think of words as being a tool, but they were created by God to bring us together. What complicates relationships is when we use this tool to hurt rather than build. Relationships have been destroyed because of how we use our words, in the wrong way.
Do you use your words to bring glory to God? Do you use your words to help others? You might be surprised to discover what God has commanded concerning words and relationships.
 
Relationships :: It's Complicated
The Power of Words
"What did you say?!"
Ephesians 4
 
I. Do you use your words to hurt?
 
II. Do you use your words to help?
A. Your words should help build up people.
B. Your words should minister God's grace.
C. Your words should be filtered by the Holy Spirit.

RELATIONSHIPS :: It's Complicated // Relationships are Complicated - "I love you, but you drive me crazy"

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 2:18 (Genesis 1:31; 2:18 & 20-23; 3:1, 8-12 & 21; John 15:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Matthew 18:15)
 
Relationships are complicated!
They can be great, but they are guaranteed to be messy as well. We were created by God to have relationships. Friendship, family, marriage…these are all meant to be blessings in our lives, but oftentimes, they end up, well, complicated. 
We will address the issues that make our relationships frustrating. Communication, conflict resolution, and how to treat one another are some of the topics that will be addressed.
We all need help when it comes to relationships. Let’s improve our relationships together!
 
Relationships :: It's Complicated
Relationships are complicated
"I love you, but you drive me crazy."
Genesis 2:18
I. God's Intentional Creation of Relationships
A. We are created different on purpose
B. We are brought together on purpose
C. We are brought together with purpose
--- 1. God created us with needs
--- 2. God created us to meet each other's needs
 
II. Satan's Agenda for Relationships
A. His mission was division
B. His target is your mind
 
III. God's Restoration of Relationships
A. Pursue
B. Confront
C. Restore

Dealing with Life's Jericho

Pastor Dave Liuzzo (Executive Pastor) - Joshua 6 (Joshua 1:5, 9, 11 & 13; 2:14; 6:1-10, 15-16 & 20; 2 Peter 1:4; John 10:27; James 1:19; 1 Corinthians 15:57)
 
Everyone of us have a Jericho in life, whether we think so or not. It's the walls in life that prevent us from experiencing victory.
Sometimes getting to victory doesn’t always make sense. But in the end…if we don’t quit walking the walls WILL fall, and victory will be won.
 
Dealing with Life's Jericho
Joshua 6
I. The Wall
A. Represents the problem.
--- 1. Problems have layers.
--- 2. Problems create limitations.
B. Represents the past.
 
II. The Walk
A. Required obedience.
--- 1. To follow the leader in the midst of confusion
B. Required silence.
--- 1. In order to focus.
--- 2. In order to listen.
 
III. The Win
A. The walls fell flat.
B. The war was won.

Death to Life

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Romans 6 (Romans 5:20-21; 6:1-7, 11-12 & 14; 10:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17 & 21; 1 Peter 2:24; Genesis 3:17-18; Philippians 3:13)
 
What does the empty tomb mean for us in our daily lives?
 
Yes, it means that Jesus died and He rose again. It means that Jesus conquered death and sin. This is all true, but this means so much more! This affects every day of our lives. This offers victory for us in our daily struggles. This changes the direction in our lives. This gives hope to things that seem hopeless.
 
The empty tomb is way more than an Easter story. The empty tomb changed everything! If you are ready to move on from some of your past mistakes or you simply need some encouragement, take a listen! This message is for you!
 
 
Death to Life
Romans 6
I. The cross represents who we were.A. We were guilty.B. We were condemned.
II. The burial represents how we were changed.A. We are free from sin.B. Our past is buried.
III. The resurrection represents who we are.A. We are made new.B. We are to live a new way.
 

FORWARD >> Forward with a Plan

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4 (Ephesians 4:1-12 & 16; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; 11:1; Psalms 32:11; 37:23; 98:1-2 & 4; 149:1 Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; Romans 10:17; John 9:4; 15:15; Acts 9:15; Mark 16:15; Matthew 16:18)
 
We are all growing in the Lord, or at least, we should be...
Jesus called the disciple to "follow Him" and they began a journey. Their lives were changed. Through this journey with Jesus, they grew in their faith, worshiped God, developed deep friendships, used their gifts to serve Jesus, and they changed lives.
We are also on a journey. We are always taking next steps, because we never arrive. What are the spiritual steps that we taking as believers? What are the spiritual steps that we lead others to take as they follow God?
Jesus had a plan to make disciples! As we move forward, we must move forward with a plan!
 
FORWARD >> Forward with a Plan
Ephesians 4
Step 1 >> We worship together on Sundays.Our purpose and plan:1. To build lives through preaching.2. To encourage each other through worship.
Step 2 >> We grow together in groups.Our purpose and plan:1. To build relationships through fellowship.2. To help each other through teaching each other.3. To care for people through connection.
Step 3 >> We serve together on ministry teams.Our purpose and plan:1. We help them discover their spiritual gift.2. We all serve the Lord in ministry.
Step 4 >> We go together on a mission.Our purpose and plan:1. We help people find Jesus.2. We help people follow Jesus.
 

FORWARD >> Forward with Conviction

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Daniel 3 (John 1:3; 3:3; 8:32; 17:17; Matthew 7:26-27; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12; Daniel 1:8; 3:12, 16-19, 23-27 & 29; Psalms 139:14; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:15)
 
There are things that change and need to change in life. The same is true in church life; styles change, methods change, programs and processes change.
There are also some things that do not and cannot change. God's Word does not change! It is vital that we have deep conviction when it comes to what we believe. Truth does not change and truth will persevere. If we are to move forward, we must move forward with conviction!
 
FORWARD >> Forward with Conviction
Daniel 3
I. We must stand for truth!
II. We must share truth!
III. We must reach the lost through truth!

FORWARD >> Forward with a Mission - Part 2

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 9 (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5; Matthew 4:19; 5:16; 28:20; Acts 9:13-20, 22 & 26-27; 11:25-26; Luke 11:1; 22:31; Mark 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 11:1)
 
Have you ever wondered how so many people end up falling out of church or end up going back to their old life styles?
We all know people that were excited to serve God one minute and missing the next. Our mission is to help people find Jesus, but that is not the whole mission. We are also called to help people follow Jesus.
What does this truly look like in our everyday lives? God's plan for this is simple and amazing and we get to be part of it! If we are to move forward, we must embrace this mission that God has given us!
 
FORWARD >> Forward with a Mission - Part 2
Acts 9
What is our mission?
I. We help people find Jesus.
 
II. We help people follow Jesus.
 
How do we help people follow Jesus?A. We share life together.B. We teach truth.C. We train them in ministry.
 

FORWARD >> Forward with a Mission - Part 1

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 9 (Galatians 1:13; Acts 9:1-14 & 17-18; 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 5:16)
 
Are you living with purpose? Do you feel fulfilled in life?
We were created by God with purpose, but that does not mean you are living it out. We are on a mission and when we embrace it, that is when we truly are fulfilled in life. This mission is simple and very achievable if we apply the plan that God has given us in scripture.
Are you ready to embrace the incredible mission that God created for you? Are you ready to live the incredible, fulfilling life that God has for you? It is found in Acts 9 and it is very exciting that God allows us to be part of it. We must move FORWARD with a mission!
 
FORWARD >> Forward with a Mission - Part 1
Acts 9
What is our mission?
I. We help people find Jesus.
 
How do we help people find Jesus?
A. We step into their lives.
B. We treat them like family.
C. We help them to see.
--- 1. Help them see their identity.
--- 2. Help them see their value.
--- 3. Help them see their purpose.

FORWARD >> Forward with God's Love

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 13:33-35 (John 3:16; 13:33-35; 15:13; 1 John 1:6-7; 3:1; 4:8-9 & 12; 1 Corinthians 13:4 & 8; Romans 5:8; Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 10:24-25)
 
If someone had to describe you, what would they say?
We are often described by the dominant characteristics that stand out about us. Our identity comes from what we do or how we act and live. 
In John 13, Jesus was preparing to leave the disciples and He was giving them some last instructions. Jesus was teaching the disciples about their identity. He was speaking to them as the family of God and what they represented. Jesus commanded them that the world would know that they were His by the love they lived out towards each other. Not just any love, but God’s love!
This love would change the world if the world could experience it through us! Do you live out God’s love? Are you ready to embrace the identity that God has called us to live? We must move Forward with the love of God!
 
FORWARD >> Forward with God's Love
John 13:33-35
I. Our love is to be a reflection of God's loveDefining God's love:1. love is patient2. love is kind
II. God's love should be the DNA of the churchA. love must be provoked by each otherB. love must be experienced through each otherC. love must impact the world
III. God's love is to be our identity

FORWARD >> Forward as the Church

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Matthew 16:18 (Ephesians 2:2; 4:16; 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Matthew 4:19; 6:33; 16:13-18; 28:18-19; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4-5; Romans 12:10; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
 
On a daily basis we face extreme spiritual warfare. We experience this through marriage conflict, depression, division and constant resistance as we try to move forward through life.
While Jesus was training the disciples, He described His plan that would push back the powers of darkness. He called them to part of something that Satan would have no power to overcome.
The good news is that we are also called to this same plan. We can live victorious when we embrace this amazing plan to move forward with the power of God. Do you know what it is? Discover what that plan is as the church.
 
FORWARD >> Forward as the Church
Matthew 16:18
I. We are connected through the churchA. we are connected to a familyB. we are connected to edification
II. We are stronger as the churchA. we have each other's back!B. we move forward together!
III. We are victorious as the church

Fight to the Finish

Pastor Dave Liuzzo (Executive Pastor) - 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (1 Timothy 6:12; Galatians 5:17; 6:9; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:1-4; 4:7-8; Matthew 16:24; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Philippians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Proverbs 4:23; Hebrews 5:14)
 
Have you ever felt like giving up? Fighting the good fight of faith can be exhausting! And if you’re not careful, you’ll want to quit. How do we continue to fight the good fight of faith while there is so much pulling us down? DON'T STOP FIGHTING!
 
Fight to the Finish
2 Timothy 2:1-4
I. You Have to be StrongA. strength does not come without weightB. strength does not come without weakness
II. You Have to be FaithfulSpiritual faithfulness is defined in two ways:A. loyaltyB. consistency
III. You Have to EndureA. conditioning of your heartB. spiritual nutrition in your diet
IV. You Have to Untangle