Fellowship Baptist Church

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

Jonah: from running to revival (Revival - Lesson 4)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jonah 3 (Jonah 3:1-10; Ephesians 2:1; Luke 12:48; 19:10-13; Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12; Jeremiah 23:29)
 
When we run from God, we make a mess! When we surrender to God, He not only restores us, but God uses us to do great things for His glory.
Jonah goes from running to revival! The revival that takes place was not because of Jonah, but because of the powerful message of the Gospel that He delivered!
 
Series description: When we think of Jonah, we think of the guy that ran from God and got swallowed by a whale. There is nothing wrong with this thought, because it is what happened.
Have you stopped to think of why Jonah ran from God? He loved God, so why wouldn't he just obey. The truth is because Jonah struggled with something that we all struggle with in our daily lives. What is it? It is foundational to this story and we will expose it in this study!
 
Jonah: from running to revivalLesson 4 - Revival
Handout/Outline
I. We have a responsibility!A. it requires actionB. it requires obedienceC. it requires urgency
II. We hold the power to change lives!A. it convictsB. it spreadsC. it changes lives

Forward by FAITH --- Faith is trusting that God can completely change your life! (Rahab)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 11: (Hebrews 11:2, 6 & 30-31; Joshua 2:1-4, 9-13 & 18; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8)
 
Is anyone too far gone to be reached by God? We will naturally say, "No." But often times we stop praying for people or stop witnessing because we feel as if they are a lost cause.One of the last stories of faith in Hebrews 11 might surprise you. It is not a story of someone that did great things for God, but someone that was radically changed by God...by 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 trusting that God can completely change your life!"
 
I. God can change anyone!
A. Rahab was living in sin
B. Rahab was broken
 
II. God delivers hope through us!
A. God sets up divine appointments
B. God uses your story to impact others

Jonah: from running to revival (Restored - Lesson 3)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jonah 3 (Jonah 1:1-2; 2:2, 4, 7 & 9-10; 3:1-3; Romans 10:14-15; Genesis 2:7; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalms 51:12; 139:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:20)
 
Jonah ran from God, but he got nowhere. We have free will to run from God, but it never pays off. Jonah eventually hit bottom, but God met him at his lowest point. Jonah experiences the grace of God! God restored Jonah after he surrendered.
 
God can do great things through restored people!
 
Series description: When we think of Jonah, we think of the guy that ran from God and got swallowed by a whale. There is nothing wrong with this thought, because it is what happened.
Have you stopped to think of why Jonah ran from God? He loved God, so why wouldn't he just obey. The truth is because Jonah struggled with something that we all struggle with in our daily lives. What is it? It is foundational to this story and we will expose it in this study!
 
Jonah: from running to revivalLesson 3 - Restored
Handout/Outline
Jonah needed to know:I. You were created by God...A. ...for His pleasureB. ...for His purpose
II. You are restored by God…A. ...for His pleasureB. ...for His purpose

Forward by FAITH --- Faith is trusting that God’s timing is perfect! (Moses)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 11:23-29 (Psalms 13:1; Hebrews 11:23-29; Acts 7:22; Exodus 6:3; 12:13; 13:17; 14:3-4, 10-16, 21-24, 26-28 & 31; 15:1-3; Deuteronomy 9:3; Romans 8:28)
 
Have you ever been in a situation where you are just stuck? No matter what you do, there is no way out. We struggle in situations like this because we feel as if God doesn't care. We think, "If God cares, then why doesn't He do something?"Hebrews 11 teaches us that God not only cares, He is working things out in His perfect way and timing! God makes a way when there seems to be no way!
 
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 trusting that God's timing is perfect!"
 
When nothing seems to be going right:
I. Know that God is always at work!
II. Don't quit!
III. Watch and learn!
IV. Know that God has a reason for everything!

Gratitude

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 5:19-20 (Ephesians 5:19-20; Psalm 34:3; 69:30; 98:4)
 
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks. We take time to focus on the many blessings in our lives. We give God the credit for the good in our lives, but how do you show gratitude to God? How do we say, "Thank you" to the creator of everything? The answer is actually very simple.

Jonah: from running to revival (Feeling Stuck - Lesson 2)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jonah 2 (Jonah 1:9 & 15-17; 2:1-10)
 
Have you ever felt stuck? Like nothing is working out and you just want to give up? This is exactly how Jonah felt in chapter two…stuck!
The good thing is, God was at work! God uses the times that we feel stuck to get our attention. We might be waiting on God to change our situation, but God is working on us to change our hearts.
 
Series description: When we think of Jonah, we think of the guy that ran from God and got swallowed by a whale. There is nothing wrong with this thought, because it is what happened.
Have you stopped to think of why Jonah ran from God? He loved God, so why wouldn't he just obey. The truth is because Jonah struggled with something that we all struggle with in our daily lives. What is it? It is foundational to this story and we will expose it in this study!
 
Jonah: from running to revivalLesson 2 - Feeling stuck
Handout/Outline
This is how Jonah felt:1. He was miserable2. He was overwhelmed3. He felt alone4. He felt defeated
It's time for change!I. Jonah restored his relationshipII. Jonah refocused his attentionIII. Jonah renewed his mindIV. Jonah removed his idolsV. Jonah surrendered his life

The End Times & the Church: What does the Bible say about us and the last days?

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Revelation 3:14-22 (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; Revelation 3:14-17, 19-20 & 22; 4:1-2; 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 15:58; John 10:10; Ephesians 3:20)
 
How do we know if we are living in End Times? The Bible is very clear on the signs of the End Times! We know that we should definitely keep our eyes on Israel, but what else? What about us? What about the church? When it comes to us, the Bible gives us things to watch for and things to do!
Do you know what these are? God tells us in the book of Revelation and they might surprise you!
 
The End Times & the Church
What does the Bible say about us and the last days?
 
What should we do?
I. Confront Apathy!
A. apathy is not OK with God
B. apathy is sin
II. Seek Jesus!
III. Be Passionate!
 
Additional Resource:
Will Christians go through the Tribulation Period?
 
Illustration #1: Bible Graham crusade in Korea
 
Illustration #2: Billy Sunday in front of large crowd
 
Illustration #3: Bible Graham crusade with large crowd
 
Illustration #4: Diluted Starbucks coffee drink

Jonah: from running to revival (Confronting our fear - Lesson 1)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jonah 1 (2 Timothy 1:7; Jonah 1:1-17)
 
When we think of Jonah, we think of the guy that ran from God and got swallowed by a whale. There is nothing wrong with this thought, because it is what happened.
Have you stopped to think of why Jonah ran from God? He loved God, so why wouldn't he just obey. The truth is because Jonah struggled with something that we all struggle with in our daily lives. What is it? It is foundational to this story and we will expose it in this study!
 
Jonah: from running to revivalLesson 1 - Confronting our fear
Handout/Outline
I. Jonah…why did he run?II. Fear turns us in the wrong direction.III. Fear takes us down the wrong path.IV. Fear traps us.

The End Times & Israel: What does the Bible say about what’s happening in our world?

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Matthew 24:3 & 32-36; 25:13; Hebrews 11:9; Genesis 12:1-3; 17:6-8; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:11-12; 66:8; John 4:22; 13:3; Romans 9:4-5; Revelation 5:4-5; 16:1; 20:12 & 15; Mark 13:2 & 37; Deuteronomy 28:63-66; 30:3; Ezekiel 34:11-13; 37:21; Amos 9:15; Zechariah 12:2-3; Psalms 121:4-5; Joel 2:31-32; 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9
 
Is this the end? The Bible has warned us that Jesus will return, but we don't know when. The Bible has given us some pretty clear signs of when He will return. We also know that Israel plays a big part in God's plan.So the question that we are all asking, "Is what is happening in Israel a sign that we are nearing the end?"
 
The End Times & Israel
What does the Bible say about what's happening in our world?
 
Why does Israel matter?
I. God used Israel to give us Jesus.
II. God used Israel's people and land to fulfill prophecy.
 
What does this mean for us?
I. He will warn!
II. He will return!
III. He will judge!
A. judge the world
B. judge the unsaved
 
Illustration #1: Wailing Wall
 
Illustration #2: United Nations meeting to vote on Israel's Independence.
 
Illustration #3: United Nations vote to recognize Israel as its own country. 
 
Illustration #4: Newspaper headline, "State of Israel is born" (May 14, 1948)
 
Illustration #5: Israel's flag (1948)
 
Illustration #6: Israel's flag
 
Illustration #7: Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister of Israel) & President Donald Trump (US President) where Jerusalem is formally recognized as the capital of Israel.
 
Illustration #8: Map of Arab Land vs. Israel
 
Illustration #9: News Headline - "Israel declares war."
 
Illustration #10: Protests and attacks on Israel.

Others ＞ Self (Learning to think like Jesus) - Part 2

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Matthew 6:14-15; 22:37-39; 5:43-48; Luke 10:25-37; John 13:4-17 & 34-35; 1 John 13:16-18; Philippians 2:4-5; Ephesians 4:31-32
 
Let's get real about our own selfish tendencies. But here's the good news: Jesus shows us a better way, one that's all about serving others and finding true joy. Listen as we learn to think like Jesus.
 
Others > SelfLearning to think like Jesus
Part 2
Handout/Outline
1. Who is my neighbor?A. someone with a needB. brothers and sisters in ChristC. enemiesD. ANYONE
2. How should I treat them?A. show compassionB. become a servantC. bless themD. pray for themE. forgive them