Fellowship Baptist Church

Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 7

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Revelation (Revelation 7:1-17; 9:7-21; 10:1-11; 11:1-6 & 15-20; Exodus 39:37)
 
Women riding many-headed beasts? Talking eagles? Many-faced creatures that sing on a sea made of glass? The Book of Revelation can be confusing, and even a little frightening.
Although we often focus on the prophetic nature of the Revelation, it is meant to give hope to believers in every age. Let's study this often-misunderstood part of the Bible.
 
​Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 7

BRAVE: Faith that conquers fear! — For God’s glory!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Daniel 6 (John 15:4; Ephesians 6:10; Daniel 6:1-11, 16-17, 19-23 & 25-27; James 1:2-3)
 
When we think about the story of Daniel, we often go straight to his encounter with the lion's den. This part of the story is definitely inspiring, but we should be asking the question, "Why?" Why did God allow Daniel to go through so much after he was so faithful? The truth is, the lion's den was not the end, but a set up for the glory of God!
 
Series description: How can we live faithfully in the midst of so much opposition? How can we stand strong in our faith when doubt seeks to devour us? We love the story of Daniel because it inspires us to be brave in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.  We know the story of the lion's den, but God did a lot in Daniel's life before he faced the lions! We too can be brave when we learn how to stand firm in our faith!
 
BRAVE
Faith that conquers fear!
For God's glory!
 
I. Your convictions will be tried.
II. God works through our faith.
III. Bravery sets the stage for the glory of God!
 
Illustration #1: Jenny Liuzzo sharing their story (Logan Liuzzo's Cancer Battle) at Dare for More Ladies Conference
 
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo sharing their story (Logan Liuzzo's Cancer Battle) at FCA in a Public School
 
Illustration #3: Sharing their story (Logan Liuzzo's Cancer Battle) at Liberty Christian School
 
Illustration #4: Students and staff gather around Logan Liuzzo to pray for him at Liberty Christian School
 
Illustration #5: Pastor Tony Liuzzo in Zambia, West Africa recording lion.

BRAVE: Faith that conquers fear! — Walking with God.

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Daniel 6:10-11 (Ephesians 6:10-11 & 17-20; Daniel 1:8-9 & 17-21; 2:1-3, 13 & 15-19; 6:10-11; James 1:8-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalms 119:165; Matthew 6:16; 17:21; Hebrews 10:25; John 15:4-5)
 
Where does our inner strength come from to face the lion's den? There must be more to our faith than just knowing God. We are called to walk with God. If our strength comes from God, then we can't take a step in life without Him! What does it mean to walk with God? Daniel lived out a clear example that demonstrates what it truly means to walk with God.
 
Series description: How can we live faithfully in the midst of so much opposition? How can we stand strong in our faith when doubt seeks to devour us? We love the story of Daniel because it inspires us to be brave in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.  We know the story of the lion's den, but God did a lot in Daniel's life before he faced the lions! We too can be brave when we learn how to stand firm in our faith!
 
BRAVE
Faith that conquers fear!
Walking with God!
 
— Bravery comes from faith.
— Faith comes from conviction.
— Conviction comes from your walk with God.
— Your walk with God starts with your identity in Christ.
 
Bravery requires walking with God.
I. We must have spiritual disciplines.
A. prayer
B. Bible reading
C. fasting
D. church
 
II. We must make a priority to pray.
 
III. We must develop a passion to pray. 
 
— Daniel got alone with God.
— Daniel turned his attention to God.
— Daniel humbled himself before God.
— Daniel faithfully walked with God.
— Daniel thanked God.
 
Illustration #1: Popeye
 
Illustration #2: Popeye with Spinach

Principles that Develop Character

Tony Raffa (FBC Member) - Hebrews 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:3-5; 4:6-8; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 14:40; Ephesians 5:15-18; Galatians 5:16; Philippians 3:13-14; Romans 5:3-4
 
Jesus and Paul both faced nearly-identical Roman trials at the end of their stories in Luke-Acts, with very different strategies.
What was Luke trying to tell us when he wrote these two accounts?
 
Principles that Develop Character
Lesson Handout
1. Preparation2. Commitment3. Loyalty4. Training5. Structure6. Discipline7. Consistency8. Focus9. Endurance10. Determination

BRAVE: Faith that conquers fear! — Do you know who you are?

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Daniel 1 (John 12:46; Matthew 5:14; 7:22-23; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 4:12; 10:38; Romans 10:10; 2 Peter 3:18; Daniel 1:1-8; 6:16; Exodus 3:10; 5;1; Genesis 1:26; Psalms 139:14)
 
How can we live faithfully in the midst of so much opposition? How can we stand strong in our faith when doubt seeks to devour us? We love the story of Daniel because it inspires us to be brave in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.  We know the story of the lion's den, but God did a lot in Daniel's life before he faced the lions! We too can be brave when we learn how to stand firm in our faith!
 
BRAVE
Faith that conquers fear!
Do you know who you are?
 
— Bravery comes from faith.
— Faith comes from conviction.
— Conviction comes from your walk with God.
— Your walk with God starts with your identity in Christ.
 
Bravery starts with your identity in Christ:
I. Do you know your God?
A. you belong to God
B. your identity is found in God
 
II. Do you know who you are?
 
— WARNING: The world will try to change you!

Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 6

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Revelation 6-10 (Matthew 24:1-46; 2 Peter 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 6-10)
 
Women riding many-headed beasts? Talking eagles? Many-faced creatures that sing on a sea made of glass? The Book of Revelation can be confusing, and even a little frightening.
Although we often focus on the prophetic nature of the Revelation, it is meant to give hope to believers in every age. Let's study this often-misunderstood part of the Bible.
 
​Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 6
Lesson Handout
I. Introduction/RecapA. The Story So FarB. Open QuestionsC. The OT in Revelation
II. The Olivet DiscourseA. SettingB. Themes
III. The End of the Age
IV. The Second Coming & the Resurrection of the Dead
V. The “man of lawlessness”
VI. 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls, 3 woes

Easter at Fellowship: The Story...that changed everything! (2023)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 1:1; 2:7 & 9; 3:1; Psalm 19:1; Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; 10:9; Ephesians 2:14; 6:12; 1 Samuel 17:45; Matthew 1:21; John 1:14; 14:6; Colossians 2:14
 
Take a listen as we present "The Story...that changed everything!"This is a dramatic retelling of the most significant story in human history - a story that has the power to change lives, forever. This unique service will take you on a journey that is both moving and unforgettable.You will witness the power of God's love as we share the story of the ultimate sacrifice that was made for all of us. It's a story that will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired and with renewed hope for the future.
 
Easter at Fellowship
The Story...that changed everything!
 
Part 1: God & LORD God
Part 2: The Lord of Hosts
Part 3: Jesus
Part 4: Savior
 
Illustration #1: Morgan, Jenny, Logan, Pastor Tony and Jordan Liuzzo (back-front; left to right) at Children's Hospital
 
Illustration #2: Jordan, Logan and Pastor Tony Liuzzo (left to right) at the hospital
 
Illustration #3: Pastor Tony Liuzzo (right) with his Dad in the hospital
 
Illustration #4: Jordan Liuzzo at a young age; locked out of the church
 
Illustration #5: Jordan Liuzzo at a young age; locked out of the church (closeup)
 
Illustration #6: Made a decision for Jesus? Text the word "HOPE" to 614.245.3595
 
 
Music Licensed through Artist.io + SoundstripeTribute, Cody MartinGod Remembers, Anthony CatacoliDruid, Wicked CinemaThe Birth of a Planet, FallsLurking Danger, Kyle PrestonDefiance, DELNOVAEuropean Sunrise, Anthony CatacoliThe Only One, TAYMEEndless Night, MomentsLucid Dreams, Craig Allen TravelEthereal Nights, Moments
SFX Licensed through SoundstripeLow Boom 01Coast Loop Beach Soft

The Trials of Jesus & Paul: The Trial of Paul

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee & Deacon) - 1 Corinthians 9:19; Acts 13:6-12; 21:31-40; 24:1-27; 25:1-27; 26:1-32
 
Jesus and Paul both faced nearly-identical Roman trials at the end of their stories in Luke-Acts, with very different strategies.
What was Luke trying to tell us when he wrote these two accounts?
 
The Trials of Jesus & PaulWeek 3: The Trial of Paul
Lesson Handout
​​I. ​Introduction ​A. ​Recap​B. ​Roman trials in practice
​II. ​The Key to Paul​A. ​All things to all men​B. ​A citizen of three words
​III. ​The Trial Before Felix
​IV. ​The Trial Before Festus
​V. ​The Trial Before Herod Agrippa

The Love of Christ

Pastor Matt Hodge (Lead Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church) - 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (Hebrews 10:10; Romans 5:6-10; 2 Corinthians 5:12 & 14-21; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; John 3:16-17; Titus 2:11-14; Matthew 5:16)
 
The death of Christ on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for us. Through His death we find salvation and motivation for a life of obedience and faithfulness. The Gospel is the basis for our forgiveness from sin and our life of following Jesus.
 
The Love of Christ
I. The love of Christ as the basis for salvation.
 
II. The love of Christ as our primary motivation.
A. When we are primarily motivated by the love of God, inner transformation is more significant than outward appearance.
B. When motivated primarily by the love of Christ, the reconciliation of sinners to a Holy God becomes a top priority.

The Trials of Jesus & Paul: The Trial of Jesus

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee & Deacon) - Luke 22-23 (Luke 9:22; 22:63-71; 23:1-4 & 5-26)
 
Jesus and Paul both faced nearly-identical Roman trials at the end of their stories in Luke-Acts, with very different strategies.
What was Luke trying to tell us when he wrote these two accounts?
 
The Trials of Jesus & PaulWeek 2: The Trial of Jesus
Lesson Handout
​I. ​Recap/Introduction ​A. ​The themes of Luke and Acts​B. ​Context: The Political Situation in Judea​C. ​Context: The Roman Legal System​
II. ​Jesus’ Trial Before the Sanhedrin​
III. ​The First Trial Before Pontius Pilate
​IV. ​The Trial Before Herod
​V. ​The Second Trial Before Pontius Pilate
​VI. ​Jesus’ Responses​A. ​Misdirection​B. ​Silence​ ​1982

HELLO FRESH! --- Fresh ingredients for a great marriage. (Love!)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 5 (Ephesians 5:22, 25 & 28-29; 6:1; Titus 2:4; 1 John 4:19 & 5:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 6:6; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 4:18; 1 Peter 3:7; 5:7; John 3:16 & 13:15; Mark 10:45; Revelation 2:5)
 
The book of Ephesians explains to us two major ingredients for marriage. Love and Respect! God has created the husband to love his wife. This goes far deeper than buying her flowers and saying the words, "I love you."How do we love our wives in such a way that she feels fulfilled? Jesus gave us the simple example that any husband can follow.Series description:
How is your marriage? The typical answer would be, "we are doing okay." If they were being honest, they would confess that communication has suffered, love and respect are a thing of the past, and romance, well...that's for newlyweds.Everything that God created was created to grow and thrive. When we don't work at our relationships, they naturally decline and get....stale.It's time we get serious about one of the greatest blessings in our lives, our marriages! God has given us clear instructions on how to revive and refresh our marriages. God has given us principles and practices to keep the passion alive and to keep things fresh!Whether you are single, dating, or married this series will address some of the overlooked and neglected areas of marriage that are vital to the happiness and success of our relationships. "Hello Fresh,"...because being "okay" is not okay.
 
HELLO FRESH!
Fresh ingredients for a great marriage.
"Love!"
God's ingredients for a great marriage: Love
 
Your wife needs...
I. Conversation & connection
Our example is Jesus:
A. She needs open communication
B. She needs undistracted communication
C. She should be able to talk to you about anything
D. She needs you to listen
 
II. Your Help
 
III. To know she is valued
A. She needs attention
B. She needs affection
 
Keeping it fresh:
1. do the unexpected
2. be spontaneous
3. make an effort to improve your marriage
4. take care of yourself
5. grow spiritually together
6. plan things that are fun
7. get help if things are off track
 
Illustration #1: Woman logic -vs- Man logic

The Trials of Jesus & Paul: The Upside Down Kingdom

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee & Deacon) - Luke (Luke 1:46-55; 3:10-11; 4:16-19; 19:11-27; 22:25-30; Acts 4:32-35)
 
Jesus and Paul both faced nearly-identical Roman trials at the end of their stories in Luke-Acts, with very different strategies.
What was Luke trying to tell us when he wrote these two accounts?
 
The Trials of Jesus & PaulWeek 1: The Upside Down Kingdom
 
Resources:
Video
The Birth of Jesus: Luke 1-2
Quotes
1. "There is a people on earth that wages wars for the freedom of others, at its own expense, its own toils and risk—and stands firm not just for those at its borders, or peoples in its near vicinity, or those joint by connecting lands, but crosses the seas so that there would be no unjust rule in the world and justice, and divine and human law would everywhere prevail."
2. "Robbers of the world, having by their universal plunder exhausted the land, they rifle the deep. If the enemy be rich, they are greedy; if he be poor, they seek to control him; neither the east nor the west has been able to satisfy them. Alone among men they covet with equal eagerness poverty and riches. To robbery, slaughter, plunder, they give the lying name of empire; they make the world a wasteland and then tell us that they gave us peace."