Worship Service

THIS IS LOVE! — God's love changes everything!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - I John 1:4-10 (1 John 1:1-10; 2:3-5; 5:2-3; John 15:13; Ephesians 5:11)
 
Have you ever felt that life isn't working? That something is just not right?The book of First John explains that the love of God is so powerful! When we accept Christ, we receive the Spirit of God in our lives. This means we have God's love in our lives. The truth is that you can't stay the same if you have this love residing in you! God's love changes everything!
 
Series description:
What motivates you? What drives you in life? One of the most powerful emotions and forces in life is love! 
The truth is, love is powerful! Love can change your life and the lives of those around you. Not the “love” we see in movies, this goes way deeper than that! True love is powerful because true love comes from God. We think we understand love because of what we see and experience in the world around us, but true love, God’s love is so different!
Are you ready to discover true love that can draw you closer to God, heal relationships, and transform every aspect of your life? Let’s go on a journey together to understand this kind of love. Join us as we study the book of first John to discover the power of God’s love!
 
This is Love!
"God's love changes everything!"
 
How God changes us:
I. Walk in the light.
Are you walking in the light?
--- A. Are you in fellowship with those in your life?
--- B. Are you living as a hypocrite?
II. Get things right with God.
--- A. be honest with God (confess)
--- B. make Godly changes
III. Watch God work!
 
Illustration #1A: Tree roots that have grown into the downspouts drain pipe/line.
 
Illustration #1B: Tree roots that have grown into the downspouts drain pipe/line.
 
Illustration #1C: Tree roots that have grown into the downspouts drain pipe/line.
 
Illustration #1D: Tree roots that have grown into the downspouts drain pipe/line.
 
Illustration #1E: Tree roots that have grown into the downspouts drain pipe/line.
 
Illustration #1F: Tree roots that have grown into the downspouts drain pipe/line.

The Generation Equation

Pastor Bryce Copeland (Student Pastor) - Psalm 71:18; 78:1-4; 102:18; 145:4; Proverbs 4:10; Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 4:1-7 & 19-24; Judges 2:7-13; 2 Timothy 1:3-7
 
What is your perspective of the next generation? Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the next generation? God is working in the next generation. How can you help?
 
The Generation Equation
(the past generation + past generational actions = the current generation)
 
I. Bible Evidence
 
II. Bible Examples
A. negative example
B. positive example
 
III. Application
How can I add to the Generation Equation?
A. Intentionally pray for the next generation. 
B. Deeply invest in the next generation.
C. Consistently be an example.
D. Unashamedly talk about what God has done in the past.
E. Passionately show them that following Jesus is worth giving their life to.
F. Boldly teach the truth of the Bible every chance you get.

THIS IS LOVE! — What is true love?

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - I John 4:7-8 (1 John 1:1-4; 4:7-10, 12-13 & 15-16; John 1:1 & 14; 13:23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Romans 5:5)
 
What motivates you? What drives you in life? One of the most powerful emotions and forces in life is love! 
The truth is, love is powerful! Love can change your life and the lives of those around you. Not the “love” we see in movies, this goes way deeper than that! True love is powerful because true love comes from God. We think we understand love because of what we see and experience in the world around us, but true love, God’s love is so different!
Are you ready to discover true love that can draw you closer to God, heal relationships, and transform every aspect of your life? Let’s go on a journey together to understand this kind of love. Join us as we study the book of first John to discover the power of God’s love!
 
This is Love!
What is true love?
 
I. Defining true love
II. The demonstration of God's love
III. True love totally transforms us
A. true love resides in us
B. true love changes us

Run to the Throne: Don't complicate it!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 4:16 (Hebrews 1:1-3 & 8; 4:11 & 16; Psalms 95:6; Matthew 11:28; James 5:16; Romans 6:1; John 8:44; Philippians 4:8)
 
If we know that prayer has power to help us in a time of need, then why don't we pray more?There is a spiritual battle that breaks out in our minds when we face challenges in life. We begin to think that prayer doesn't make a difference or that I've not been good enough for God to hear me. We back off on prayer because we complicate it. We believe the lies that Satan puts into our minds.The simple truth is, when you are in trouble, run to Him! You are invited to the throne of grace! You have access to the King! He invites you to come to Him! We need to stop complicating prayer and learn to run to the throne of God!
 
Series description:
When you are in trouble, you can step into the presence of the king! Jesus made a way for us to boldly go before the throne of grace! Yes, it is this simple...you are invited into the throne room of the King!
If you are hurting or you are in trouble, run to the throne!
 
Run to the ThroneDon't complicate it!
I. Recognize His PositionA. He holds authority over all thingsB. He holds authority over you
II. Go to Him
III. Confront the Spiritual WarfareA. deal with the sin in your lifeB. confront the lies that hold us backTRUTH: You are forgiven!TRUTH: You are invited and desired!
IV. Experience His Presence
 
Illustration #1: Logan & Liuzzo family in ER at Nationwide Children's Hospital on June 28, 2021
 
Illustration #2: Logan Liuzzo in CT machine at Nationwide Children's Hospital on June 28, 2021

Run to the Throne: Jesus made a way!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 4:14-15 (Hebrews 4:14-16; Romans 3:23)
 
When we take communion, it is more than just being reminded that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  Communion reminds us that we now can run directly to God.
When you are in trouble, you can step into the presence of the king! Jesus made a way for us to boldly go before the throne of grace! Yes, it is this simple...you are invited into the throne room of the King!
If you are hurting or you are in trouble, run to the throne!
 
Run to the Throne
Jesus made a way!
 
1. Jesus dealt with our sin.
2. Jesus cares about you deeply.

Don't give up.

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Galatians 6:9 (Galatians 6:7-9; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8; Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 11:28-29)
 
Have you ever felt like giving up?Maybe you’re facing a mountain of debt, a seemingly impossible relationship challenge, or a health crisis that feels never-ending. But what if on the other side of not giving up lies a harvest of blessings you can’t even imagine?Listen to this encouraging message called “Don’t Give Up.”We will explore the power of faith-fueled perseverance and how it can lead to finding peace in the midst of storms, seeing breakthroughs you thought were out of reach, and strengthening your faith in God. This may be the message you need to hear right now!
 
Don't give up.
I. Doing good is tiring.II. Success is still possible.III. Only if we don't give up.

Missions 2024 :: World Impact - Priority Check!

Calvin Houser (FBC Missionary, Philippines) - Luke 9:56-62 (Luke 9:44 & 56-62; Philippians 4:17; Matthew 28:18-20; John 3:16; Mark 16:15)
 
Jesus calls us to prioritize missions for world impact. Our goal for world impact is not merely a choice, but a command from Jesus. The Gospel sets all of our priorities for world impact and we must consider the significance of our giving to missions. Missions giving is not mandatory, but rather an opportunity for individuals to make a conscious choice to live for either this world's kingdom or for the Kingdom that is to come. It's time to evaluate our priorities and have a deeper commitment to living in a way that aligns with the principles of the Kingdom of God. It's time for a, "Priority Check!"
 
Missions 2024
Jesus calls all believers to follow Him and become fishers of men. That means each of us should be active and engaged in the mission to help people find and follow Jesus!
 
Priority Check!
I. WHERE will you follow Him?II. WHEN will you follow Him?III. HOW MUCH will you sacrifice as you follow Him?IV. WHY should you follow Him?A. He gave His life for you!B. He gave you a job to do.C. He has a Kingdom coming!
Illustration #1: Sky Priority/General Boarding Sign
Illustration #2: Manilla, Philippines Terminal

Draw Near (Psalm 73)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Psalm 73:25-28 (Psalm 73:1-28)
 
Drawing close to God is about having a relationship with God that is personal and intentional. In this study of the 73rd Psalm, we will learn how this relationship is not easy! It is about struggle and surrender!
By learning to be honest about our sin, and to trust God, we can draw close to Him!
 
Draw Near
 
I. The Struggle
A. the temptation of the World
--- the superficial life
--- the selfish life
--- the self-sufficient life
B. the battle with doubt
 
II. The Surrender
A. acknowledge God's authority
B. humble yourself
C. commit to a life of worship

The Only Resolution You Need!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 23:1-4 (Psalm 23:1-4; Isaiah 53:6; James 1:8; Matthew 16:18)
 
As we begin a new year, we like the idea of a fresh start. This is a new year, with new opportunities to start things off right and to make things better. Out of all the New Year's resolutions we can make, the book of Psalms gives us one that is the foundation to everything else.If we get this one right, everything else will fall in place! This truly can be the best year ever!
 
The Only Resolution You Need!
 
Resolution: I will follow God!
1. some things need to change
2. some things need to go

WONDERFUL

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Isaiah 9:6 (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:13)
 
Christmas is all about Jesus! We love to celebrate this time of year with parties, gifts, and fun decorations.  Like the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of year!" This is so true because Jesus is called Wonderful in the book of Isaiah. He is the reason this season is filled with awe and wonder!Christmas means so much more when we understand the great wonder that makes it wonderful!
 
Illustration #1: House decorated with Christmas lights
 
Illustration #2: Christmas Tree
 
Illustration #3: Christmas Cards
 
Illustration #4: Christmas Carols
 
Illustration #5: Christmas Movies (Charlie Brown Christmas)
 
Illustration #6: Christmas Shopping
 
Illustration #7: Festive Christmas Clothes
 
Illustration #8: Christmas Party
 
Illustration #9: Nativity Decorations
 
Illustration #10: Christmas Dinners
 
Illustration #11: Christmas Gift Exchange
 

Forward by FAITH --- Faith, now it’s your turn!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 12:1-2 (Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 10:17; Philippians 1:6)
 
The truth about living by faith is...we don’t have what it takes. This is why we try and try and end up failing.
So what is the answer? The answer is simple, you must start with the author of faith. Who is the author of our faith? Who sustains our faith? Who gives us the endurance to keep going when our hearts fail?
Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith!
 
Series description: The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. The Bible teaches us that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. We know that it was by faith that Daniel faced the lion's den, Noah built the ark, Moses saw the sea split, and David experienced the giant fall!Faith is necessary and essential to experience victories in our lives, but do we really understand Faith? Hebrews 11 not only explains faith, but it illustrates the power of faith through the stories of God's people living out their faith.In order to move forward by faith as Christians, we must have a full understanding of faith. This series will take us through Hebrews 11 to discover the power of faith and how to live it out!
 
Forward by FAITH"Faith, now it's your turn!"
How to live by faith?1. Go to the source of faith.2. Trust in the sustainer of your faith.3. Keep your eyes on Jesus.4. Let go of the things that hold you back.5. Now run!

Forward by FAITH --- Faith is a struggle!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 11:32-40 (Hebrews 11:32-40; Judges 4:8-9; 6:13; 13:24-25; 15:20; 16:1; Psalms 51:10; Genesis 3:17-18; Job 14:1; John 15:4; 16:33; Galatians 6:7-8; James 1:3; Philippians 1:20)
 
We always associate living by faith as victory, which it is, but victory does not always come in the way that we think. Hebrews tells us the stories of faith being lived out in the lives of those that trusted God. It also explains how faith is not always easy and life does not always go the way you think it should. But God is always working, even when we struggle with faith.
 
Series description: The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. The Bible teaches us that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. We know that it was by faith that Daniel faced the lion's den, Noah built the ark, Moses saw the sea split, and David experienced the giant fall!Faith is necessary and essential to experience victories in our lives, but do we really understand Faith? Hebrews 11 not only explains faith, but it illustrates the power of faith through the stories of God's people living out their faith.In order to move forward by faith as Christians, we must have a full understanding of faith. This series will take us through Hebrews 11 to discover the power of faith and how to live it out!
 
Forward by FAITH
"Faith is a struggle!"
 
The truth about faith:
I. Faith is a struggle
A. because of doubt
B. because of fear
C. because of us
 
II. Faith does not eliminate hardship
A. this world is broken (cursed)
B. our choices have consequences
C. God uses hardship to change us
D. God uses hardship to change others
 
III. Faith in God brings eternal hope
 
Illustration #1: Tony, Logan & Jenny right before Logan's first surgery