Fellowship Baptist Church

Why Believe? — How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell? (Week 4)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 18:30; 34:8; 135:3; 1 John 1:5; 4:8, 10 & 16; 2 Timothy 4:8; Deuteronomy 32:4; Colossians 3:25; Revelation 5:9; 14:11; 20:1, 10 & 13-14; 21:8; Matthew 22:13; 24:51; 25:41; Luke 16:19-29; 19:10; James 3:6; Romans 1:20; 3:23; 5:9 & 12; 6:23; 10:9-10 & 13; 14:11; John 1:4-7; 3:16-18; 9:4-5; 14:6; Mark 9:43; 16:15; Genesis 2:9 & 16; 3:1, 6 & 23-24; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 2:1-3
 
If God is so loving, why would He send anyone to Hell?
In this lesson, we will learn from Scripture that Hell is a real place and that those who do not know God will go there. We will explore how this represents a just judgment for our sins, but also how God’s love provides a path for forgiveness and eternal life with Him. Ultimately, God desires everyone to spend eternity with Him and does not want anyone to face the judgment of Hell.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleHow Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?
I. Why Was Hell Created--- A. Hell was created by God for Satan and the Fallen Angels--- B. Hell was created to deal with sin and suffering
II. What is Hell?--- A. Hell is a place of eternal punishment--- B. Hell is a place of pain--- C. Hell is place of eternal death--- D. Hell is a place of separation--- E. Hell is a place of falling--- F. Hell is a place of conscience--- G. Hell is a place of darkness--- H. Hell is eternal
 
III. Why Would a Loving God Send People to Hell?
--- A. Does God "send" people to Hell?
--- B. How could a "loving" God send people to Hell?
 
IV. What About People That Have Never Heard the Gospel?
--- A. God uses creation to open their eyes to God
--- B. God has saved us and given us the job of telling them about Jesus
--- C. People must call upon Jesus to be saved
--- D. Every nation is represented in Heaven
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 3:9
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

ORIGINS: The Origin of Woman

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 2:18-23 (Genesis 2:7-8 & 18-23; Proverbs 18:22; Ephesians 5:28-29)
 
The only time in creation that God said that something was not good, was when man was without woman.  God did not forget to create Eve, He was doing things in a specific order to help us understand His plan and purpose! We learn some valuable lessons when we study how and why God created woman.
 
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 Woman"
 
According to the Bible...
1. Women were created to be the partner of man.
2. Women were created uniquely by God.
3. Women were created to be valued by men.
 
Illustration #1: Pastor Tony & Jenny Liuzzo

Why Believe? — Why Would a Good God Allow Suffering and Evil in the World? (Week 3)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Peter 3:15​; 5:7; Psalm ​18:2; 34:8​; 135:3​; 145:9​; Genesis 1:4​ & 26​; 2:9 & 16-17; 3:1, 6 & 17-19; 1 John 4:8​, 16 & 19​; Romans 5:12; 8:28; 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; John 3:16; 14:15 & 23; 15:10; 16:33; Joshua 24:15​; Matthew 10:1; 22:33-40; Acts 8:1-4; 9:31; 12:24; 14:27; 17:6; Philippians 1:20​; 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:3; Revelation 21:4-5; Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 4:16
 
Have you ever found yourself asking, "God, why would you allow that to happen?"
In this lesson, we will explore how the sin and suffering in our world comes from the Fall of Man. We will also be reminded of God's enduring love and sovereignty as we navigate life's challenges. Lastly, we will discuss practical ways to support those dealing with the question of suffering.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleWhy Would a Good God Allow Suffering and Evil in the World?
I. If God is All Powerful, Good, and Loving, Why Did He Allow Sin?--- A. Why sin? Because of free will.--- B. Why ​free will? Because of love.--- C Why love? Because God is love.II. Why Does God Allow the Suffering to Continue, Even When I ​Pray for Help?--- A. God uses temporary suffering to do eternal work​.--- B. God uses suffering to change others​.--- C. God uses suffering to change ​us​.--- D. God’s ultimate plan for healing is heaven​.
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

ORIGINS: The Origin of Man

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 2:5-17 (Genesis 1:1 & 27; 2:7-8 & 15-18; 3:8-9; 1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 5:23-24; 6:1 & 4; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22)
 
After six days of creation, God changed His method of creation when He created man. He did not speak man into existence, but He formed man in His image. He did not create man and woman at the same time, but created them at different times on purpose.Before God introduced Adam to Eve, He prepared Him for his role. Do you know the role of a man? Do you know why God created men and women differently? Let's study God's plan for making man!
 
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 Man"
 
According to the Bible...
1. Men must walk with God.
2. Men must work and care for his family.
3. Men must be the spiritual leader.
4. Men will answer to God for their families.

Why Believe? — How Can We Know God Exists? (Week 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Genesis 1:1 & 26-31; Psalm 19:1-2; 50:1-2; Romans 1:18-21; 2:14-15; Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 42:5; John 1:1-3; Exodus 20:13; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17; 1 Timothy 3:16
 
In this lesson, we will work together to address one of the fundamental questions of life, “Does God exist?” As we begin, we will consider the Christian doctrine of revelation and we will see that our belief in God’s existence is based on the fact that God has made Himself known to us.
 
We will then lay out several historical arguments for God’s existence based on philosophy, logic and Scripture, with the ultimate goal being to equip ourselves with compelling, Scriptural answers to this absolutely critical question.
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleHow Can We Know God Exists?
I. The Doctrine of Revelation--- A. General Revelation--- B. Special RevelationII. Historical Arguments for God’s Existence--- A.The Cosmological Argument--- B. The Design Argument--- C. The Beauty Argument--- D. The Moral Argument--- E. The Uniqueness of Humanity ArgumentIII. Common Objections to God’s Existence--- A. The Naturalism Objection--- B. The “Hiddenness of God” Objection
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: Genesis 1:26-27
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

ORIGINS: The Origin of Creation

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 1 (Matthew 7:24-29; Genesis 1:1-28; 2:1-3 & 7; 2 Timothy 3:1; Psalms 14:1; 19:1; Romans 1:20-22)
 
It is not surprising for us to hear that the world was created by God. The Bible is very clear about this! Most people know that God created the world in six days, but have you ever wondered why? God could have created everything in a moment, but He chose six days for a reason. God does everything for a reason, so what is the reason for six days of creation? What is God teaching us that is so important?
 
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 Creation"
 
Creation shows us...
1. The power of God
2. The order of God
3. The proof of God
 
Illustration #1A: Construction of Dinoff Hall Foundation
 
Illustration #1B: Construction of Dinoff Hall Foundation
 
Illustration #1C: Construction of Dinoff Hall Foundation
 
Illustration #1D: Construction of Dinoff Hall Foundation
 
Illustration #2: Bob Ross (artist/painter)
 
Illustration #3: Abstract artwork
 
Illustration #4: Bob Ross' Painting of Mountains
 
Illustration #5: Solar Eclipse (April 8, 2024)
Illustration #6: Northern Lights (Columbus, OH; May 10, 2024)

Why Believe? — Introduction to Apologetics (Week 1)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Peter 3:8-9 & 14-15; 5:5-9; Jude 1:3; Matthew 22:15-33; Luke 24:13-27; Acts 1:8; 17:1-4 & 16-34; Titus 3:2-9; Romans 1:15-16; Nehemiah 8:8; Ephesians 6:18-20; 1 Peter 3:8-9
 
In an age marked by growing skepticism, people are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves so that we can offer compelling answers to these questions.
One word historically used to describe engagement with difficult questions is apologetics. In this lesson, we will explore the concept of Christian apologetics, examine an example of this engagement from Jesus during His public ministry, and consider practical ways we can apply apologetics in our own lives
 
Why Believe?  — Answering Big Questions About God & the BibleIntroduction to Apologetics
I. Apologetics DefinedII. Apologetics Exemplified--- A. Jesus the Teacher--- B. The Apostles--- C. The Priority of GospelIII. Apologetics Practiced--- A. Witnessing--- B. The Study of Scripture--- C. Prayer--- D. Humility
 
Notes
Homework
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:14-15
 
Series description:
In an age marked by growing skepticism, individuals are increasingly seeking answers to profound questions. As believers, it is imperative that we equip ourselves to provide thoughtful responses to these inquiries.
Join us this summer for a teaching series we are calling, "Why Believe?: Answering Big Questions About God & the Bible," as we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with Scriptural insights to help us give an answer for our faith. Each week will include engaging lectures, and opportunities to discuss the topics further in small groups!  
Together, we will explore big questions like, “Does the Bible Promote Hate and Discrimination?”, “Has Science Disproved Christianity?”, and “How Can A Loving God Send People to Hell?”. By facing these questions head on, we will prepare ourselves to engage an increasingly skeptical culture with Scriptural, and well-reasoned answers!

ORIGINS: The Foundation of Everything

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 1 (Genesis 1:1 & 16-18; John 1:3; Colossians 1:17; Psalm 139:14; Jeremiah 1:5; Deuteronomy 10:14)
 
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 Foundation of Everything"
 
1. God is author of everything
— God is the source of everything
— God created everything with purpose
— God is the owner of all

NOISE

Pastor Bryce Copeland (Student Pastor) - 1 Kings 19 (John 10:1-10; 1 Kings 19:1-4 & 9-14)
 
Have you ever been in a situation where the noise of your environment made it hard to hear the things you needed to hear? Oftentimes, our ability to hear what God is trying to tell us is drowned out by the noise of our lives. Come this Sunday to see what we can learn about clearing out the unnecessary noise in order to hear God better.
 
NOISE
 
BIG TRUTH: It is hard to hear God when there is too much noise.
1. Noise distorts reality
2. You must silence the unnecessary noise
3. You must practice intentional silence

Gospel Change: A Gospel Centered Church

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; 1 Timothy 5:17; Mark 9:33-35; 16:15; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 28:20; 1 Peter 3:8-11; 1 Peter 1:8-9, Matthew 6:5a, Galatians 4:16, Hebrews 5:11-14)
 
As Paul brings the letter to a close, he challenges the believers to be a different kind of people. His words encourage us to prioritize servant leadership over mere talents and gifts. We are called to actively engage in the lives of others through discipling and mentoring, and to embrace a life of obedience to Jesus and His commands. The result is a local church that reflects the power and beauty of the Gospel!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Centered Church"1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Handout/Outline
 
I. Servant leadership is valuedII. Discipleship is practicedA. confront those who are doing wrongB. help those who are strugglingC. Be patient and forgiving toward everyoneIII. The sanctified life is pursuedA. what we should say yes toB. what we should say no toC. what we all need

The Blessed Life

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Hebrews 11:23-26 (Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 11:23-26; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 22:6)
 
No one sets out on a mission to fail at life. We all have it in us to strive for success! The big question is, how do so many end up struggling through life? God has a plan for each of our lives, and none of His plans involve failing. God has laid out clear foundational principles to live the Blessed Life!
 
The Blessed Life
 
Foundations for a blessed life:
I. The stand that you take.
II. The choices that you make.
 
Illustration #1: House being sided
 
Illustration #2: Line being snapped by a house
 
Illustration #3: Line level tool

Gospel Change: A Gospel Hope

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11 (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 4:13-18; 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 & 11-22; Luke 4:16-21; Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:23-25; Ephesians 4:1-3 & 21-32; John 11:32-36; Romans 10:13-14; 12:10-15; 13:10-13; Matthew 5:4; 1 Peter 1:3-9)
 
We have hope because of the Gospel!
 
In this study, we will see how a believer can have hope even in the face of the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of the future! We will be challenged to allow this hope to not only give us peace in our grief, but to motivate us to lives of continued faithfulness!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Hope"1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11
Handout/Outline
 
I. Comfort one anotherA. the Gospel is a message of hopeB. Our hope is reaffirmed in communityII. Edify one anotherA. the Gospel is the message that everyone needs to hearB. our hope should motivate us to action