Fellowship Baptist Church

How God Works in Your Life

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - Ecclesiastes 3:11 (Ecclesiastes 3:11; James 1:2-5; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 12:1-2; John 8:11; Revelation 2:4-5; Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
Let's explore together how God works in our lives. We all have circumstances that we would love to see God turn around or change for the better. Discover how God works to bring positive change in our lives.
 
How God Works in Your Life5 Tools God Uses When He Works in Your Life1. time2. forgiveness3. truth4. repentance5. faith
 

BEHOLD The King: Behold, His Hope!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1:30-35 (Romans 5:12; James 1:15; Genesis 14:18-20; 15:1; Luke 1:30-32 & 34-35; 2:13-14; 8:28; Psalms 91:1-3; Ephesians 2:12-14)
 
The word hope is used so much in our everyday language, that it has almost lost the power of its meaning. If you have ever been in a truly desperate situation, you know what it means when there is unexpected good news. When you are given a chance for things to change...this is hope!
Jesus was born to give us hope! Our world is broken, hurting, and simply in a mess! Jesus came to bring change! He came to bring hope to our desperate situation. Thank God, we have HOPE in JESUS!
 
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 King
Behold, His Hope!
 
I. Hope is found in God!II. Hope is experienced through Jesus!
 
Illustration #1: Car accident on the way to pick up car!
 
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) with deer.
 
Illustration #3: Morgan Liuzzo with her new car.
 
Illustration #4: Car broke down on the way home!
 
Illustration #5: View out the window flying home!

James: Every Good Gift! (Lesson 3)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - James 1:17-27 (James 1:17-27; Luke 11:11-13; Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:19-20; Ephesians 4:20 & 29)
 
James chapter one gives us a principle that helps us change the way we think about every aspect of life. He teaches us that every good things comes from God!
God is the source of good. If there is good in this world, it came from God! Why? Because God is good!
How does this apply to trials in life? Let's study this together!
 
James: Facing the Challenges of Life with Faith & Joy"Every Good Gift" (Lesson #2)
Lesson Handout

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)