Fellowship Baptist Church

BEHOLD The King: Behold, His Grace!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1:26-55 (Luke 1:26-38 & 46-53; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 1 Samuel 13:14)
 
There is so much to behold or see in the Christmas story!
One aspect that you can't overlook is the grace of God. When Mary was told that she would be the mother of Jesus, she was told that she had found favor with God. This is another way of saying that she would experience the grace of God.
We can learn a lot from what happened next because she then praises God for His amazing grace!
 
Series description:
Have you ever got excited about something, so you tell your friends, "Check this out!" The Bible often does something similar to this with the word, "Behold." It means to see or perceive something. It is another way of saying, "Don't miss this!" When Jesus' birth was being announced in Matthew 1:23, it starts with the word, "Behold." Let's BEHOLD what Jesus wants us to see in the amazing story of the coming of King Jesus!
 
BEHOLD The KingBehold, His Grace!
Why did God choose Mary?1. She had a godly reputation.2. She sought after God.3. She was a humble servant.
Mary's response to God's Grace:I. She had a heart of worship.II. She had passion in her worship.III. She had a reason to worship.A. He knows me!B. He cares for me!C. He fights for me!

James: God Has a Plan! (Lesson 2)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - James 1:5-16 (James 1:5-16; Jeremiah 29:12; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 2:11)
 
Trials and problems are part of life, but God always has a plan! It can feel as if things are simply falling apart, but God works through hard times to make us better. We become stronger through trails when we remain faithful in the trial. 
James gives us some very important instructions as well as some very important warnings in chapter 1. These instructions and warnings are vital, so let's study them together!
 
Bible study description:
The Christian life is filled with challenges. Just because you love and follow Jesus, does not mean that you don't have challenges.
James teaches us how to face these challenges. We live life by faith! This book teaches us practical ways to apply our faith as we face challenges and problems. The best part is what his produces! Joy! Joy that comes from God, even in the midst of a messed up world filed with problems.
 
James: Facing the Challenges of Life with Faith & JoyGod Has a Plan! (Lesson #2)
Lesson Handout

BEHOLD The King: Behold, His Wonder!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1 (2 Corinthians 5:17; Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:5-25 & 34-45; John 1:29)
 
Christmas is the most wonderful time of year! It is not the shopping or the parties that makes it wonderful, but the amazing gift of Jesus.
Isaiah told us that His name would be called Wonderful! Everything about Him would be filled with awe and wonder. We see unique examples of this in Luke 1 through two people that we don’t usually include in the Christmas story, but God uses them in a big way to introduce Jesus.
Behold the wonder of Jesus as we study Luke 1.
 
Series description:
Have you ever got excited about something, so you tell your friends, "Check this out!" The Bible often does something similar to this with the word, "Behold." It means to see or perceive something. It is another way of saying, "Don't miss this!" When Jesus' birth was being announced in Matthew 1:23, it starts with the word, "Behold." Let's BEHOLD what Jesus wants us to see in the amazing story of the coming of King Jesus!
 
BEHOLD The KingBehold, His Wonder!
I. He has no limits!A. He is not limited by our circumstances.B. He is not limited by our doubts.
II. He works through us!A. God works through our faithfulness.B. God works through our fellowship.
 
Illustration #1: Melissa & Kevin Messmer with Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) in Connecting Point

James: Joy in Trials? (Lesson 1)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - James 1 (Matthew 13:55-56; Galatians 2:9 & 12; Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; 1 Corinthians 15:7; James 1:1-4)
 
The Christian life is filled with challenges. Just because you love and follow Jesus, does not mean that you don't have challenges.
James teaches us how to face these challenges. We live life by faith! This book teaches us practical ways to apply our faith as we face challenges and problems. The best part is what his produces! Joy! Joy that comes from God, even in the midst of a messed up world filed with problems.
 
James: Facing the Challenges of Life with Faith & JoyJoy in Trials? (Lesson #1)
Lesson Handout
 
I. IntroductionII. Chapter 1

MOVE ON: It’s time to let go of the past!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Philippians 3 (Philippians 3:9-10 & 13-14; Acts 26:9-11 & 18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 4:22; Galatians 2:20; Psalm 103:12; John 10:27)
 
Have you ever messed up? The truth is, we all have! We know as Christians that our past mistakes are under the blood of Jesus, but we still have struggles with guilt and regret. The apostle Paul also had a past, but he testifies in the book of Philippians of how God helped him to 'move on.' If you struggle with your past, there is freedom in Christ to MOVE ON!
 
MOVE ON"It's time to let go of the past"
I. Requirements to move onA. know that you have a new identityB. know what you are forgivenC. know that your past is dead
II. It's time to move on!A. it's time to look forwardB. it's time to pursue what God has for you

Thank God for Mercy!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 107 (Psalms 25:8; 107:1-2 & 8-9; James 1:17; Luke 18:19; Deuteronomy 8:10-13 & 17-18; Ecclesiastes 3:13)
 
During the Thanksgiving season, we emphasize the goodness of God. The Bible clearly tells us that God is good! The thing is, we are not good. We fail, fall short, mess up, and do nothing that merits God’s goodness. This is why His mercy is so amazing! Mercy is God extending his goodness to us because He loves us! When we give thanks to God, let’s praise Him for his goodness and His amazing mercy! 
 
Thank God for Mercy!
 
> Our God is good!
> We are not good!
> Mercy connects us to His goodness!
> We praise Him!
we give thanks
we give Him the credit
 
Illustration #1: Little Peter Barker (Liuzzo family dog)
 
Illustration #2: Grown-up Peter Barker
 
Illustration #3: Peter Barker got in the trash can.
 
Illustration #4: Peter Barker guilty!

Jude: Contending for the Faith (Lesson 3 - Finish Strong)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jude 1:15-25 (Jude 1:4, 15-25; Philippians 2:1-7 & 13-14; Romans 8:16)
 
What comes to mind when you think of spiritual warfare?
We often think of flaming swords battling against evil forces that come in the form of demons. It is definitely true that there are demons and evil forces around it, but spiritual warfare can be much more subtle that you think.
Jude finishes his letter and concludes with us how to fight and win in this battle for truth.
 
Bible study description:
Contend...that's a strong word! Truth is being attacked and our calling is to fight for truth!
We call out lies and stand firm on what is right. Jude is passionate about this subject and displays his passion through this short, but powerful book. 
Let's learn to contend for what matters most in life!
 
JUDE: Contending for the FaithLesson 3 - Finish Strong
Lesson Handout
 
I. What is spiritual warfare?II. How do we counter spiritual warfare?A. build yourself up in  faithB. pray in the spirit of GodC. grow in your relationship with GodD. keep your eyes on the coming of ChristIII. We can be victorious!

The Secret to Having Joy 😁

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - 1 John 1 (1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Matthew 6:1-2 & 5; 13:20-22; 23:25-28; Luke 7:41-43)
 
God has made a way for each person to live joyfully!
Listen to this practical message on The Secret to Having Joy. We will be studying 1 John 1 and learning about the true source of joy in our life, and how we can restore joy to your life if it has faded.
 
The Secret to Having Joy 😁
I. Where Joy Starts-Joy starts with a personal relationship with Jesus.
II. When Joy Fades-Joy fades when we sin and walk in darkness.-Joy is a natural response to the grace of God.
To be a Christian without joy...do these things:1. Keep pretending2. Lie to yourself3. Avoid honesty and confession
III. The Way Joy is Restored-Joy is restored when we confess our sins and accept the sacrifice of Jesus.

Jude: Contending for the Faith (Lesson 2 - We are at War)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jude 1:9-15 (Jude 1:9-15; Daniel 8:16; 9:21; 10:13; Revelation 11:3; 12:7; Hebrews 13:2; Deuteronomy 34:5-6; Matthew 17:1-3; Proverbs 16:25; Genesis 4:5 & 8; 1 John 3:12)
 
Jude teaches us to contend for the faith, but it also addresses some intriguing subjects.
In Jude 9 we read about a fight between Michael, the archangel, and Satan over the body of Moses. This is an odd passage that opens up some really interesting studies. This is actually a really cool study that gives us some insights to the spiritual war that is happening around us every day.
 
Bible study description:
Contend...that's a strong word! Truth is being attacked and our calling is to fight for truth!
We call out lies and stand firm on what is right. Jude is passionate about this subject and displays his passion through this short, but powerful book. 
Let's learn to contend for what matters most in life!
 
JUDE: Contending for the FaithLesson 2 - We are at War
Lesson Handout
 
I. Michael the Archangel
II. The DevilIII. The "body of Moses" fightIV. We are at WarV. ExamplesA. Cain (In the Flesh)B. Balaam (Greed)C. Core (Rebellion)

READY or NOT

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 14:1-6 (Matthew 16:18; 24:33-34; Luke 10:2; 1 Peter 4:8-11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Revelation 3:15-16)
 
One of our favorite games to play as a kid was hide and seek. We would only have a few seconds to run and hide before the seeker would yell out, "Ready or not, here I come."The Bible tells us that one day, the Lord will call us home to heaven. It tells us that we will, "be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."God has warned us to be ready. Are you ready? Is your family ready?READY or NOT, Jesus is coming soon!
 
READY or NOT
What does the Bible say about the End:I. Jesus is coming back!A. He's going to restore what was broken--- 1. we will be with God--- 2. there will be no more curseB. He's going to fulfill His promise...again!
II. Many will be left behind!A. Satan will deceive youB. fools will mock thisC. it will be unexpectedD. you must be ready
 
Illustration #1: "The End is Near" (from the Simpsons)

Jude: Contending for the Faith (Lesson 1 - A Call to Contend)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jude 1:1-8 (Jude 1:1-9 & 13; 1 Timothy 4;1-2; John 7:5; Matthew 13:55; Romans 6:1-2; Revelation 20:15)
 
Contend...that's a strong word! Truth is being attacked and our calling is to fight for truth!
We call out lies and stand firm on what is right. Jude is passionate about this subject and displays his passion through this short, but powerful book. 
Let's learn to contend for what matters most in life!
 
JUDE: Contending for the FaithLesson 1 - A Call to Contend
Lesson Handout
I. Why Jude?Two main themes:1. to expose false teachers2. to encourage believers to contend for the faith and finish strong
 
II. Jude's description:1. the servant of Jesus Christ2. brother of James
 
III. Written to believers:1. the sanctified by God the Father2. to those preserved in Jesus Christ3. to the called
 
IV. Jude's greeting
 
V. Jude's plea
VI. Definition of Contend
VII. Jude's Opposition:1. they watered down sin2. they placed doubt about salvation and deny Jesus as God
 
VIII. Illustrations of the consequences of rejecting God1. The Children of Israel2. The Angels that rebelled3. Sodom and Gomorrah

Missions 2022 :: I’ll Go Anywhere - FULL SEND!

Pastor Dave Liuzzo (Lead Pastor, Thrive Church) - Luke 14:25-35 (Luke 9:23 & 62; 14:25-35; 22:42; Mark 8:34; Acts 5:29; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:13-14)
 
Have you ever made a decision to go all in? We call that, full send. Not holding anything back!In order to be a disciple of Jesus Christ you have to be all in. Jesus gives specific requirements to be a disciple. He made it very clear, if you are going to be a disciple of Jesus Christ you have to go all in...full send! You can’t hold back!If you’re ready to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, if you’re ready to go all in, then this is for you. Full Send, going all in as a disciple of Jesus Christ!
 
Missions 2022
Jesus has given His church a mission to accomplish. Throughout October, we will be inspired, challenged, and blessed as we focus our attention on reaching the world with the gospel.
When it comes to the mission of preaching the gospel to every person in the world, what would God have you do? We are praying for our church family that every person would humbly tell God, “I’ll go anywhere.” God calls us to surrender to His priorities and re-arrange our lives for His mission.
 
Missions 2022 :: I'll Go Anywhere!
"FULL SEND!"
Requirements of a disciple:Requirement #1: Choose Christ!- make Him a priority- make Him your authority
Requirement #2: Bear Your Cross!- it is a daily decision- it is a sacrificial decision
Requirement #3: Follow Christ!- don't look back- don't hold back