Fellowship Baptist Church

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

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about the role of men & women in the home & church? (Part 1)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 5:22-24 (1 Corinthians 11:3; 14:31-35 & 40; 15:21; Genesis 1:27; 2:7-8, 15-18 & 21-23; 3:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:1-5 & 8-12; 5:8; Ephesians 5:21-25 & 31; Philippians 2:8; Proverbs 31:10; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 13:17; Mark 16:9-10)
 
This question will definitely grab some attention. Is the role of a pastor just for men? Can women preach? What does it mean for a wife to submit to her husband? When it comes to these tough questions, they actually have a simple answer that makes sense from a biblical perspective.Why is this so sensitive to talk about? God created men and women differently on purpose. God honors, values, and uses the roles of men and women for His glory! One is not more important or valued more than the other. Both roles are needed and valued by God. What are these roles and what do they look like in the church and home? Join us for this study and let's see what God's Word says!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."......the role of men & women in the home & church?
Handout/Outline
 
1. Are men to lead their families?2. Should a wife submit to her husband? If so, why?3. Do men and women have equal say in the home?4. Does the Bible value and respect women?5. Can a woman pastor? Can a woman serve as a deacon? Why or why not?6. Can a woman lead in church?

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

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Corinthians 14 (1 Corinthians 1:2, 10-12 & 17-18; 12:1 & 7-10; 13:8; 14:1-33; Genesis 10:20; Psalms 31:20; 55:9; 78:36; 140:3; Jeremiah 9:3; 23:31; Isaiah 28:11; 66:18; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:4-11; 10:42-46; 19:4-6; Matthew 7:7-11; Romans 8:26)
 
What does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?So many people have strong feelings and beliefs concerning this doctrine, but who is right? Can we speak to God in an unknown language? What does the Bible say about this issue? This is a tough question, so let's see what the Bible says!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...speaking in tongues?
Handout/Outline
 
1. What does the Bible say about tongues?2. "The unknown tongue" and praying in tongues.3. We do everything to edify.4. God is not the author of confusion.

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.

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 5)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Proverbs 8:32-36 (Proverbs 1:20; 4:14-15; 8:1-2, 10-11 & 32-36; 22:17-21; Psalms 1:1-3; Colossians 3:2)
 
Wisdom is available to all who want it! In this final lesson of our series, we will challenge ourselves to eliminate distractions, say no to the temptation of our flesh, and say yes to the blessings of receiving and obeying God’s truth!
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 5 (The Call of Wisdom)
Handout/Outline
I. A call to focused attentionA. eliminate distractionsB. eliminate danger zones
II. A call for patient affection
III. A call for a serious attitude

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.

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 4)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 3:13-18 (Proverbs 3:9-10, 13-18 & 27-28; 5:1-23; 6:6-11 & 16-17; 10:4 & 19; 11:24-25; 12:22; 13:4; 14:31; 15:1 & 28; 17:27-28; 19:17; 20:4; 21:20 & 23; 25:15 & 21-22; John 14:26; Galatians 5:22-23)
 
Let’s continue learning how to have The Happy Life! The book of Proverbs teaches about the character traits God wants to build in our lives. We will look at 5 character traits of the wise.
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 4
Handout/Outline
The Character of the Wise1. mastering your speech- never lie- soft speech makes a difference- don't speak too much
2. embracing a strong work ethic- learn to prepare in advance- diligence leads to material blessing3. resisting temptation and sin- learn to stay far away from temptation- find fulfillment at home with your spouse4. practicing wise financial management- God first- save- give5. treating others with love and respect- treat the poor with dignity- treat your enemies with love

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

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 3)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Proverbs 4:1-9 (Proverbs 2:6; 3:3; 4:1-9 & 13; 6:21; James 1:5 & 21-25; Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
 
Wisdom comes from God! In part 3 of our series, we will learn that as we seek out truth in His Word and ask Him for wisdom, we begin to learn and grow! As we grow in wisdom, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us! Embrace wisdom, and watch how God uses it in your life!
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 3 (The Path of Wisdom)
Handout/Outline
I. Wisdom comes from GodA. Seek out truth in God’s WordB. Pray for wisdom
II. Wisdom is learnedA.Receive God’s truthB.Obey God’s truthC.Rest in God’s truth
III. Wisdom is passed on

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 2)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 2:1-6 (Proverbs 1:7 & 24-32; 2:1-22; 3:5-6; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16 & 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 24:21; 31:30; Matthew 10:28; John 15:13-15; Romans 1:21-25; Job 28:28; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)
 
We are diving deeper into Proverbs—a journey you won’t want to miss! We’re uncovering a game-changer: how embracing God’s wisdom starts with something powerful—the Fear of the Lord.Listen for an eye-opening experience in part 2 of our Happy Life series! 
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 2
Handout/Outline
1. What is wisdom? How do I find it?
2. What is the fear of the Lord?
A. believing that God exists
B. believing that God has a say
C. practicing my beliefs by following God's ways + avoiding evil
3. Defining "the fear of the Lord."
A. reverence and awe
B. submission and obedience
C. relationship-based reverence
D. departure from evil

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