Worship Service

Face to Face: A Deeper Connection with God

Darnell Lewis (Pastoral Resident, Chicago West Bible Church + Student, Moody Bible Institute) - Exodus 33:11-23 (Exodus 33:11-23; Psalm 55:2; 1 Corinthians 13:12)
 
Face to face moments with God will help us to have a deeper connection with him. The challenge to this deeper connection is life’s interferences impeding our interactions with God. This can adversely affect our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Exodus 33:11-33 provides insights from one of Moses’ face to face moments with God and how he interacts despite his reluctant spirit. The prayer is that this sermon will encourage someone who  is hesitant to interact with God to connect in order to experience his grace and compassion.
 
 
Face to Face: A Deeper Connection with God
 
When you continually seek and encounter God's presence, it will lead you to a personal connection with God.
 
1. Bring your questions, worries and burdens to God.
2. Continue to seek God's guidance.
3. Ask God to personally show Himself.
 
If you need God, then seek Him!
 
Illustration #1: Facetime call.
 
Illustration #2: Searching for an item at the store.

Faith that Endures

Pastor Joe Cotroneo (Lead Pastor, Doxa Bible Church) - 1 Peter 1:1-12
 
"Time under tension" - I'm sure if this phrase means anything to you, but when I recently asked someone at the gym how they were able to get in such good shape, their reply was "time under tension." The longer they were able to remain under the weight, the stronger they were able to become. Honestly, when this person explained this to me I felt discouraged because I'm not one that enjoys being under pressure or tension for that matter.
 
This week we are going to see that this principle of "time under tension" is true spiritually as well. The apostle Peter has some very encouraging words as he helps us learn how to hold onto faith amidst the trials of this life that make us want to give up.
 
 
Faith that Endures
 
How can you hold onto faith amidst the trials of this life?1. Think Backa. God has always wanted you.b. Jesus has already rescued you.2. Think Aheada. You have a secured inheritance.b. You have a surpassing joy.3. Think Nowa. God sent people ahead of you.b. God keeps angels in suspense of you.
 
God's promise to hold onto you is what helps you hold onto faith.
 
Illustration #1: Foggy Woods
 
Illustration #2: Emoji

MADE FOR THIS: The Church is a Family

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 2 (Acts 2:41-47; 5:14; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18 & 25; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:16)
 
To most people the church is a group of people that gather together on a Sunday. This is partially true, but the question is, "Why do we gather?" Acts 2 explains that this first church was connected in a special way! They cared for each other, shared life, prayed, and met each other's needs. The church is more than a group that gathers, the church is a family!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church is a Family"
 
The Church...
1. studied God's Word
2. had deep connection (fellowship)
3. prayed together
4. gathered together
5. cared for eachother
6. worshiped together
7. reached their community together
 
FAMILY...
1. Must be connected
2. Must take notice of each other
3. Must care for each other
 
Illustration #1a: Life Group
 
Illustration #1b: Life Group
 
Illustration #2: Primetimers
 
Illustration #3: Real Life Students
 
Illustration #4: Catalyst Young Adults
 
Illustration #5: Bible Study

Our Defender

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 3 (2 Samuel 17:1-3; Psalm 3:1-8; Ephesians 6:16)
 
Sometimes life gets to be just too much! We can all handle a lot, but we all have a breaking point. King David faced a time like this in his life. It was so bad, that his enemies even stated that not even God can get him out of this situation. In the midst of this, God gave David overwhelming peace! David knew that God was his defender and as long as this was true, everything would be ok! We have a great defender and He cares about you!
 
Our Defender
Faith and Blue Sunday
 
Illustration #1: Police Shield
 
Illustration #2: Shield from Medieval Times

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Serve

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 2 (Matthew 4:18-20; Acts 2:1-8, 14, 37 & 41; Romans 12:4-7; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10; John 21:3-5 & 15-16)
 
Did you know that you are uniquely made and gifted by God? When God saved you, He placed His Spirit inside of you and equipped you to be part of the mission of God. You are more than just saved by the Spirit, you are equipped by the Spirit! You have a purpose! You play a huge role in the mission of the church.
This is all so amazing, but it gets even better. When you step into your role, you will find fulfillment in a way that you can't find doing anything else. The world needs hope and they need Jesus, but the good news is, You are Made for This!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Serve"
 
The Church must...
I. Step into your role
A. we ALL have a role
B. we ALL have been equipped
--- 1. God gives us talents
--- 2. God gives us spiritual gifts
--- 3. stop making excuses
II. Start experiencing God's fulfillment

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Be Spirit Filled

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1 & 2 (Acts 1:3, 8 & 14; 2:1-5; Genesis 1:1-2; Judges 13:25; Isaiah 61:1; 2 Peter 1:21; Romans 8:11; Hebrews 12:29; 1 Kings 18:38; Ephesians 3:20; 4:30)
 
We love to read the Bible stories where God shows up to do great things in the least expected ways through average people. It was never about their abilities, talents, or positions, but about the power of God working through them.When God moves, the impossible happens! When God shows up, things change! Without the working of the Spirit of God, there is no power! This is why the church must be Spirit filled!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Be Spirit Filled"
 
I. The Spirit of God does the work
II. The Spirit of God is the power of God
What is the power of God?
--- A. a divine force
--- B. miraculous power
III. The Spirit of God works through us
--- A. God made His presence known
--- B. God made His power known
 
What is missing today?
1. God requires holiness
2. God requires surrender
 
Illustration #1: Trees
 
Illustration #2: Wind
 
Illustration #3: Jesus on the cross

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Be Prayerful

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1:1-14 (Acts 1:1-14; 2:41-43; 4:1-4; 5:14; 6:7; 17:6; Psalms 37:39; 143:1; Revelation 3:17-18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:10; Matthew 7:7; Jeremiah 33:3)
 
How did we survive before Amazon? We love to order things on our phones and have them delivered to our doors. Did you know that this incredible business started with one guy in a garage? It started off with some fundamental principles that grew into the successful business that we know today.
 
We can learn a lot from studying the first church. What do you think the very first thing was that they did? This church started a revival, a fire that spread and changed the world. The first thing they did must be the priority if we are to ever see a move of God!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Be Prayerful"
 
I. We must recognize our need
II. We must be a praying church
 
Illustration #1: Amazon/Jeff Bezos started in a garage
 
Illustration #2: Sunday Prayer at 8 AM in Student Center

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Continue

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1 (Revelation 3:16-17 &19; 2 Timothy 3:1; Acts 1:1, 8 & 14; 2:38, 44 & 47; 6:7; 17:6; Matthew 4:19; 16:18; Luke 11:1; Proverbs 29:18)
 
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Continue"
 
The Early Church...
1. was Spirit filled
2. was united
3. made prayer a priority
4. focused and preached truth
5. was a family
6. had vision
 
We will fail...
1. if we compromise
2. if we are divided
3. if we lose our vision
 
Illustration #1: Church for sale
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's family several years ago
Illustration #3: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's family today
 

ORIGINS: The Origin of Priorities

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 3:14-24 (Ephesians 2:1; Galatians 6:7-8; Genesis 2:17; 3:9-24; Numbers 32:23; Revelation 12:9; James 1:15; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:1; 1 Peter 2:24; John 16:33)
 
What makes life work? Sometimes it feels like we take two steps forwards and then three steps back. The harder we work, the more we fall behind.
All of the chapters of the Origin story of Genesis teach a basic principle of priorities. Without applying this principle, we will continue to fall short because there is only one way that life works....we must put God first!
 
Series description:
To understand life, we must understand where it all began. The question of, "Why are we here..." can be answered by, "Who made us." If we are here because of a cosmic accident, that means that we are part of a random accident that happened millions of years ago. But if we were created by a creator, then our life has purpose and meaning because we were planned and desired!To understand life, we must understand our beginning! Origins will be an in-depth study of the first chapters of the Bible that explains the foundations and purpose for everything!
 
ORIGINS: The Foundation of Life & Purpose
The Origin of Priorities
 
GOD MUST BE FIRST
— Is God first in our time?
— Is God first in our money?
 
Illustration #1: House with cracks
 
Illustration #2: House footers

ORIGINS: The Origin of Consequences

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 3:14-24 (Ephesians 2:1; Galatians 6:7-8; Genesis 2:17; 3:9-24; Numbers 32:23; Revelation 12:9; James 1:15; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:1; 1 Peter 2:24; John 16:33)
 
A universal question that we all have, "Why is life so hard?" I'm sure we have all asked this question as we work hard to provide and lead our families. We know the simple answer is, "Because of sin," but Genesis goes into great detail to help us understand the consequences of sin. The best part is how this passage ends! In the midst of pain and suffering, God gives hope!
 
Series description:
To understand life, we must understand where it all began. The question of, "Why are we here..." can be answered by, "Who made us." If we are here because of a cosmic accident, that means that we are part of a random accident that happened millions of years ago. But if we were created by a creator, then our life has purpose and meaning because we were planned and desired!To understand life, we must understand our beginning! Origins will be an in-depth study of the first chapters of the Bible that explains the foundations and purpose for everything!
 
ORIGINS: The Foundation of Life & Purpose
The Origin of Consequences
 
Bible Principle #1: Trespassing
Bible Principle #2: Sowing & Reaping
 
Because of the consequences of sin...
I. Family is a struggle
II. Life hurts
III. God is hope
 
Illustration #1: Keep Out -- No Trespassing sign
 
Illustration #2: Planting seeds (sow seeds)
 
Illustration #3: Glove Puppet
 
Illustration #4a: Jesus on the cross
 
Illustration #4b: Thorns on Jesus

Life Together

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Philippians 1:27 (Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11 & 27; 2:1-4; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
 
We are in this together, and we need each other!
In this study of Philippians 1, we will explore some of the most vital aspects of our shared life as believers. We'll discover how fellowship fuels faithfulness, and how prayer, encouragement, and accountability keep us pressing forward. We'll also be reminded of the importance of unity and the profound impact it has on our lives. Finally, we’ll challenge ourselves to fully engage in the work, collaborating to fulfill our mission together.
God’s plan is for His people to live in community. We are in this together, and we truly need each other!
 
Life Together
 
I. Committed
--- A. prayer
--- B. encouragement
--- C. accountability
II. Unified
--- A. resolve conflicts
--- B. humble ourselves
III. Occupied

PLANTED

Pastor Dave Liuzzo (Grace Baptist Church / Brunswick, OH) - Psalms 1:1-6 (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 23:7; Psalms 1:1-6; Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 6:13-14; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 3:18)
 
Life's challenges may come and go, but those firmly rooted in faith will weather any storm. Psalm 1:3 beautifully illustrates the Christian life as a tree planted by streams of water, drawing nourishment from God's truth. This deep-rooted connection to God is the foundation for a fruitful and enduring Christian walk. It’s time to dig deep and learn how to grow and it starts with deep roots! Are you ready to grow? 
 
PLANTED
 
1. Planted
2. Productive
3. Persevering
4. Prosperous
 
Illustration #1: 100 year old tree that had fallen during a storm
 
Illustration #2: 100 year old tree rotten and ate up by ants