Fellowship Baptist Church

Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 3

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Revelation 2-4 (Revelation 2:12-29; 3:1-22; 4:1-11; Ezekiel 1:2-19)
 
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 3
Lesson Handout
I. IntroductionA. RecapB. Theme: "The Lamb Overcomes the Systems of the World"--- 1. The Roman System--- 2. Economic/Political/Religious/Social/Cultural Systems
II. The Letters to the ChurchesA. Structure – Commendation, Condemnation, ExhortationB. PergamosC. ThyatiraD. SardisE. PhiladelphiaF. Laodicea
III. Tying the Letters TogetherA. Compromise with the CultureB. Improper WorshipC. Are the Churches in the Letter Symbolic?--- 1. actual letters to actual people and places--- 2. problems in the church--- 3. church ages (progression over time)
IV. Revelation 4A. "Seeing in 4 Dimensions"B. The Divine CouncilC. The Four Living Creatures

How to Change Your Life! [ Forgive! ]

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4:30-32 (Ephesians 4:2 & 22-32; 5:8-9; 1 Corinthians 12:21; Matthew 12:25; 18:15-17; Romans 5:8; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 10:17; 12:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)
 
Have you ever heard the saying, “forgive and forget?”
Well, it’s not true. It sounds good, but no one can just, “forget.” So how do we get over something when someone offends you? How do you deal with deep hurts caused by others? God has a plan and it works! 
If you are ready to change your life, take a listen as we learn how to truly forgive!
 
Series description:
Are there things in your life that you would like to change?As we start the new year, we often make goals and plans to change, but often end up giving up. Part of the Christian life is change. Once we accept Christ, He begins to work in us to change us! He has a plan for all of us and it is found in His Word.If you are ready for real change, there is good news...God has a plan for how to change your life!  
 
How to Change Your Life!"Biblical habits that will change your life."
 
Forgive!
Biblical Habit #5: Forgive!
 
Forgiveness means we:
I. Deal with it!
A. offenses don't just go away
B. follow the example of Jesus
C. confront the offense
--- Step #1: Go to them
--- Step #2: Bring someone with you
--- Step #3: Bring it before the church
II. Let it go!

How to Change Your Life! [ Watch Your Words! ]

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4:29-31 (Ephesians 4:28-32; Psalms 103:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; Colossians 3:8; Luke 6:45; Proverbs 15:2 & 4; 18:21; James 1:26)
 
Have you ever said something that you regretted?
We all have said things that we wish we would not have said. The reason that this is a big deal is because our words hold power. They are given to us by God to make a difference, but they can also destroy.
When it comes to Godly habits, God instructs us to watch your words!
 
Series description:
Are there things in your life that you would like to change?As we start the new year, we often make goals and plans to change, but often end up giving up. Part of the Christian life is change. Once we accept Christ, He begins to work in us to change us! He has a plan for all of us and it is found in His Word.If you are ready for real change, there is good news...God has a plan for how to change your life!  
 
How to Change Your Life!"Biblical habits that will change your life."
 
Watch your words!
Biblical Habit #3: Work hard!
 
Biblical Habit #4: Watch your words!
Why should we watch our words?
I. Your words represent your heart.
II. Your words hold power.
III. Your words make a difference.
A. Use your words to build people!
B. Use your words to deliver grace!

The Two Judgments! (Reading Revelation Responsibly)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Revelation (Revelation 4:1-11; 20:11-15; 21:4; John 3:36; 5:22, 24 & 27; 19:11; Matthew 6:16; 7:21-23; 11:24; 25:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13-14; 15:26; Romans 2:16; 3:23; 5:12; 14:11; Philippians 2:10-11; Psalms 19:1; Ephesians 2:1; Galatians 3:22; Hebrews 10:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
 
Will Christians stand before God in Judgment one day? We have all heard people say things like, "you will stand before God for that..." But is this true? The Bible teaches us about two judgments. One for the saved and one for the lost. It is important that we know what the Bible says about these very different judgments!
 
Bible Study Description:
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"The Two Judgements!"
Lesson Handout
 
"The Two Judgements!"I. The Judgement Seat of Christ: Judgement for the SavedA. It takes place in the air. (after the rapture)B. The first thing we will see at the Judgement Seat is a throne and Jesus sitting on the throne.C. This will not be a judgement for condemnation or punishment of sin.D. It will be a judgement of awards.
II. The Great White Throne Judgment: Judgement for the LostA. It will be on a great white throne and Jesus sitting on that throne.B. Who is at this Judgment?C. Are there degrees of punishment?D. There will be some books at this judgment.1. The Book of Life2. The Bible3. The Book of DeedsE. The Lake of Fire

How to Change Your Life! [ Confronting Lying + Anger! ]

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4 (Ephesians 4:21, 25-27 & 30-31; Exodus 20:16; James 4:17; 5:16; John 8:44; 14:6; Numbers 12:9; Matthew 6:6; 1 John 1:9; 4:4; Psalms 145:8; Proverbs 15:1; 16:32)
 
Would you trust someone who lied to you? Do you respect people? This is a character issue! Something that has been lost in our culture today is the importance of character. Character is who you really are. Your character displays your heart to those around you. When it comes to character, how are you doing? It might be time to change your life.
 
Series description:
Are there things in your life that you would like to change?As we start the new year, we often make goals and plans to change, but often end up giving up. Part of the Christian life is change. Once we accept Christ, He begins to work in us to change us! He has a plan for all of us and it is found in His Word.If you are ready for real change, there is good news...God has a plan for how to change your life!  
 
How to Change Your Life!"Biblical habits that will change your life."
 
Confronting Lying + Anger!
Biblical Habit 1: Always Speak Truth
A. it is a matter of what's right
B. it is a matter of trust
C. it is a matter of character
D. it is a matter of testimony
 
Biblical Habit 2: Tame Your Anger!
A. call it what it is...sin
B. take it to God
C. submit to the Spirit of God
D. when you mess up, make it right

Will Christians go through the Tribulation Period? (Reading Revelation Responsibly)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Revelation 1:4; 2:26-27; 3:5, 10-11 & 21-22; 4:1-2, 4 & 10; 5:9-10; 6:17; 9:1 & 3; 11:12; 14:10 & 19; 15:1; 16:1; 19:1, 4, 11 & 14-15; 2 Timothy 4:8; Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9; 8:17; Luke 12:40; 22:30; Matthew 7:11;16:18; 19:28; 24:33 & 36; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16-17; 5:9; John 3:36; Ephesians 3:20; 5:6; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8; Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 54:17; 1 John 4:4 & 17-18; Psalms 37:25
 
We know that the Bible teaches this world is coming to an end.  At the end of this world, God will pour out His judgment upon the earth for 7 years. This is called the Tribulation Period.
The big questions that is often debated is, "Will Christians go through the Tribulation Period?" This study will walk you through 9 Biblical points that will show that Christians will NOT go through this 7 years of tribulation.
 
Bible Study Description:
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"Will Christians go through the Tribulation Period?"
Lesson Handout
Why Christians will NOT go through the Tribulation Period!1. Because of the absence of the "church" in the tribulation period.A. clothed in whiteB. crowns on their headC. described as the "redeemed"D. they are sitting around the throne of God
2. Because of the Biblical understanding of the wrath of God.
3. Because the rapture and the second coming are two different events.Rapture: the church being "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air.Second Coming: when Christ ends the world.
4. Because of the placement of the "rapture" in Revelation.
5. Because of the absence of the Spirit of God.
6. Because it contradicts the imminent return of Christ.
7. Because it contradicts the victory of God's people.
8. Because we are the Children of God.
9. Because no joy, peace looking for His appearing.

How to Change Your Life! [ Start thinking differently! ]

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 4:17-24 (Ephesians 4:17-24; Proverbs 23:7; Luke 6:45; 1 John 1:5-9; Philippians 4:8)
 
Most of us would admit that we desire to change our lives, but where do you start? Paul explains to us in Ephesians that the true battle is in our minds.What we think about is what we do! This is why Paul teaches us to start by renewing our minds, but how do we do this?Let's discover practical steps to take to start changing our lives!
 
Series description:
Are there things in your life that you would like to change?As we start the new year, we often make goals and plans to change, but often end up giving up. Part of the Christian life is change. Once we accept Christ, He begins to work in us to change us! He has a plan for all of us and it is found in His Word.If you are ready for real change, there is good news...God has a plan for how to change your life!  
 
How to Change Your Life!"Biblical habits that will change your life."
 
Start thinking differently!
I. Remove what is corrupt!
A. confront & confess
B. clean house
 
II. Replace with what is right!
A. replacing brings conviction
B. replacing brings change

Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 2

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Revelation 2 (Revelation 1:18-20; 2:1, 8 & 12-17)
 
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 2
Lesson Handout
I. IntroductionA. Clarifications from Last WeekB. RecapC. “Uncivil Worship”D. The Theme: “The Lamb Overcomes the Systems of the World”
II. The Letters to the ChurchesA. Structure – Commendation, Condemnation, ExhortationB. EphesusC. SymyrnaD. Pergamos
 
Illustration #1: Map of Seven Churches of Revelation
 
Illustration #2: Inscription (located in Asia Minor) relating to Caesar Augustus in which he wrote, "The things I did."

How to Change Your Life! [ Stop making excuses! ]

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Ephesians 2 (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:29; 12:2; Ephesians 2:10; 4:19-21 & 23; Philippians 1:6; Matthew 5:14-16; 16:18; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
 
Are there things in your life that you would like to change?As we start the new year, we often make goals and plans to change, but often end up giving up. Part of the Christian life is change. Once we accept Christ, He begins to work in us to change us! He has a plan for all of us and it is found in His Word.If you are ready for real change, there is good news...God has a plan for how to change your life!  
 
How to Change Your Life!"Biblical habits that will change your life."
Stop making excuses!
 
Change...
...is part of the Christian life.
...should be obvious in your Christian life.
 
Problems:
Our excuses do not line up with God's Word.
Our excuses are hurting our lives.
 
Stop making excuses!
I. You belong to God!
II. He has a better plan for you!
III. Let Him work in you!
 
Illustration #1: Window with leak
 
Illustration #2: Closeup of window with leak
 
Illustration #3: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #4: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #5: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #6: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #7: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #8: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #9: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #10: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #11: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #12: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #13: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #14: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #15: Remodel Project
 
Illustration #16: Remodel Project

Reading Revelation Responsibly - Week 1

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Revelation 1 (Revelation 1:1-19; Daniel 7:1-2, 9-13; 10:1-6)
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 1
Lesson Handout
I. ​Introduction​A. ​Author of the Book​B. ​Date of the Book’s Writing​C. ​Genre of the Book
​II. ​Reading Revelation Irresponsibly​A. ​Specific Predictions About Today​B. ​Future Focus​C. ​Present Focus​D. ​Past Focus​E. ​“Breaking the Code”
​III. ​The Theme of Revelation​A. ​Witness​B. ​Uncivil Worship​C. ​The Lamb of God versus the Dragon and the Systems of the World​D. ​Hope for Now, Hope for the Future

RENEW ME!

Calvin Houser (FBC Missionary, Philippines) - Psalm 51 (Psalm 51:1-13, 15 & 17)
 
As we kick off a New Year, everyone is looking forward to new things. It could be a new goal, opportunity, or even a new and better version of themselves. But what we learn from the life of David is that before we try to become something new, we may need to get back to where we have been with God.
True spiritual renewal doesn't start with changing my situation or the people around me. It starts with renewing and restoring a right relationship with God. God is not just looking for a new me. God wants to Renew Me.
 
RENEW ME!
I. What relies on us:A. acknowledging GodB. admitting sinC. assessing ourselves
II. What rests on God:A. His characterB. His compassionC. His cleansing--- 1. creation--- 2. restoration--- 3. preservation
III. What results for Others:A. seeing your witnessB. seeing your worship
 
Illustration #1: Steve from Minecraft

Farming Principles: 4 Laws of Sowing and Reaping That Every Christian Should Know

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - Galatians 6:7-9 (Galatians 6:7-9; 15:19-23; Genesis 3:14-19; Proverbs 13:20-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Romans 9:15)
 
Take a listen to this episode called “Farming Principles: 4 Laws of Sowing and Reaping That Every Christian Should Know”. This lesson will explore the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, as it relates to taking action in our life and trusting in God. We will be looking at the four primary laws that govern the sowing and reaping process, and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Take a listen at this informative and uplifting Bible study.
 
Farming Principles:4 Laws of Sowing and Reaping That Every Christian Should Know
1. SAME: You reap what you sow.
2. MORE: You reap more than you sow.
3. LATER: You reap later than you sow.
4. PROPORTION: You reap in proportion to the amount you sow.