Fellowship Baptist Church

DIFFERENT: Because normal isn’t working (We fight for unity!)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - I Corinthians 1:10-13 (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-4; Psalms 104:19; Proverbs 13:10; 16:7; 27:17; Genesis 3:1; Ephesians 4:25-27; Mark 3:25; Matthew 5:44; 18:15)
 
"I'm done with you!" Have you ever heard these words before? They are pretty common in our world today. We have a disagreement with someone and then we unfriend them on Facebook, we stop talking to them, or we avoid them. This might be normal for the world around us, but God has a different way for us to live.
In I Corinthians, we are taught to fight for unity! We fight against division. We deal with things that push us away from each other. This might not make sense to the world, but remember, we are DIFFERENT and different works!
 
DIFFERENT: Because normal isn't working!
We fight for unity!
 
I. We stand against division
A. division goes against God's plan
B. division is a work of the Devil
C. division is a sign of spiritual immaturity
 
II. We strive for unity
A. we confront division
B. we correct division
--- 1. it starts with you
--- 2. make the first move
--- 3. do what's right and leave the rest to God

Names of God: Introduction

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - Psalms 19:1 & 9-10; Exodus 20:7; Proverbs 18:10
 
Knowing someone's name is the very start of getting to know someone. It is what we use to call out to someone to get their attention. It is how we identify someone. 
Our God has many names. Each name of God reveals to us His character, His nature, and His attributes. Knowing His names brings us into a deeper relationship with Him because it allows us to know Him on a deeper level.
When we know His names, we can then call out to Him using His names. There is a reason that our God has so many names...there is power in the name of our God! Do you know our God by His names?
Names of God: Introduction
Why should we learn and understand the names of God?I. The names of God help us understand and reverence God.II. The names of God build our trust in God.III. The names of God are anchors for the soul.

DIFFERENT: Because normal isn’t working (Why different matters.)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Corinthians 1 & 6 (1 Corinthians 1:2-6 & 30; 6:9-11 & 19-20; 15:34; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:27; Philippians 1:6; James 4:8)
 
Being Different? Why does it even matter? When the Spirit of God works in our lives, He works in ways to make us better! It is always for our good. God pulls us towards Him and works in us for our good. What takes place from this is amazing! God gives us certain things that only He can give us. I Corinthians 1 explains this. Let's discover why different matters!
 
DIFFERENT: Because normal isn't working!"Why different matters."
I. We are saved by JesusII. We are changed by JesusA. God makes us betterB. God makes life work (right)III. We are different because of JesusA. God gives us peaceB. God gives us a testimony
 
Illustration #1: Headline on the topic of anxiety

The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus (Week 6)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Leviticus 20, 23 & 25 (Leviticus 20:1-6 & 9; 23:1-44; 25:1-54; 2 Chronicles 36:20-21)
 
Every year, thousands of people set out to read the Bible in its entirety; every year, a large percentage stop when they get to Leviticus, a book that lays out in embarrassing detail the limits of God's law for the Israelites.
What can we learn from this strange book? Join us as we seek to understand its place in the larger narrative of the Bible, and learn how it speaks to us today.
The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus
Week 6
I. IntroductionA. “Be holy, as I am holy.”B. Holiness looks different.
II. The Holiness Code - ContinuedA. 20:1-5: No Molech WorshipB. 20:6: No divinationC. 20:9: Honoring Parents
III. The FestivalsA. 23:1-3: The SabbathB. 23:4-8: The PassoverC. 23:9-14: Feast of First FruitsD. 23:15-22: Festival of WeeksE. 23:23-25: Rosh HashanahF. 23:26-32: Day of AtonementG. 23:33-44: The Feast of Booths
IV. Jubilee (Leviticus 25)A. 25:1-7: The Land is givenB. 25:8-55: JubileeC. 2 Chronicles 36:20-21D. Stewards + Kings
V. What can we learn?A. The Holiness of GodB. The Nature of Sacred SpaceC. The Position of Israel (and of the Church)D. The Saturation of Sanctification 

DIFFERENT: Because normal isn’t working (Are you different?)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Corinthians (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:1-5; 6:11 Romans 10:9 & 13; Matthew 7:21-23)
 
Most people strive to be normal. Our goal is to fit in, do what everyone else is doing, and be socially accepted. It is a natural desire to want to be normal. The truth is that most people that are striving for normal would admit that life is a constant struggle.
When Jesus came to earth, His mission was to show a way that wasn’t “normal,” but different...very different! His ways went against the grain of society and stood out amongst those striving to live normal lives. His ways work! His ways bring peace, unity, and life change.
It is time we strive to be like Jesus to be different…because normal isn’t working.
 
DIFFERENT: Because normal isn't working!"Are you different?"I. We are saved by JesusII. We are changed by Jesus
 
Illustration #1: Corinth, Greece (map)
Illustration #2: Corinth Canal (land map)
Illustration #3: Corinth Canal

The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus (Week 5)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Leviticus 18-20 (Leviticus 18:1-8, 18-19 & 21-25; 19:1-5, 9-19 & 21-25; 20:1-6)
 
Every year, thousands of people set out to read the Bible in its entirety; every year, a large percentage stop when they get to Leviticus, a book that lays out in embarrassing detail the limits of God's law for the Israelites.
What can we learn from this strange book? Join us as we seek to understand its place in the larger narrative of the Bible, and learn how it speaks to us today.
The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus
Week 5
I. IntroductionA. “Be holy, as I am holy.”B. Holiness looks strange from the outside. 
II. God’s CharacterA. God is doing something specific with the Israelites, and is preparing them for a special destiny; they are to be God’s family, and to extend that idea to all humanity through adoption. --- 1. The Levitical system emphasizes order and sustainability. --- 2. The Levitical system emphasizes difference between the Israelites and other cultures. B. God cares about separation, and expresses that concern with separation through: --- 1. Concepts of purity and cleanliness--- 2. Concepts of sacred space--- 3. The idea that the closer you draw to the presence of God / sacred space, the more separate and different you must beC. God cares about life and order--- 1. To the ancient mind, certain substances and parts of the body suggested the idea of life-force--- 2. Certain ideas and concepts are emphasized or are part of the law because of the idea of order or rightness (i.e. a return to sacred space)
III. Sexual EthicsA. Sheer:  Close relationsB. Ermah:  Prohibited activityC. Justification / reason for these concepts:  they emphasize order and sustainability
IV. The Holiness CodeA. Leviticus 19:1-18; 20:  Rules for right conduct--- 1. 19:1-4:  Revere Father and Mother--- 2. 19:11-12:  Do not swear falsely in the Lord’s name--- 3. 19:14:  The deaf and the blind--- 4. 19:15:  Partiality in justice--- 5. 20:1-5:  Molech worship--- 6. 20:6:  Mediums and the raising of the dead--- 7. 20:9 Dishonoring parentsB. Against mixtures:  Leviticus 19:19

UNSUBSCRIBE: Choosing Christ Over Culture

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - Romans 12:1-2 (Romans 10:17; 12:1-2; Matthew 4:19; 16:13-18; 1 Peter 2:21; 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-13; John 8:31-32; 10:27; 15:17-19; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; Psalms 12:6-7; 119:105; Proverbs 3:13-18)
 
God’s way of living is so different than the world around us. Jesus has called his church out of the world to be His followers. It’s time to UNSUBSCRIBE from the world’s way of life and pursue biblical living.
 
UNSUBSCRIBE: Choosing Christ Over Culture
 
Why do we unsubscribe?
I. Who we follow = Jesus
II. What we believe = The Bible
 
 
The World Values --vs-- Jesus Values
 

Supernatural Reactions: How to NOT Freak Out

Pastor Chris Andrews (Discipleship + Missions Pastor) - Philippians 4:4-9 (Philippians 1:12-19; 4:1-9; James 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:29; Matthew 6:25-27 & 33-34; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 5:7; Proverbs 4:23)
 
Life is full of the unexpected. When those surprises are not pleasant, how can Christians respond in a way that displays our faith in Christ?
Listen to how we should react to negative circumstances.
Supernatural Reactions: How to NOT Freak Out1. Consider God's Goodness2. Proceed gently in your relationships3. Receive God's peace through prayer4. Think about what you are thinking about5. Take action on what you know to do now

Make-Believers

Pastor Bryce Copeland (Student Pastor) - Matthew 23 (Matthew 5:37; 11:30; 22:37-40; 23:1-36; 1 Corinthians 10:12)
 
What is your opinion of Religious people?
You know, the ones who have the holier than thou mentality. The ones who have tons of rules, and love to tell you about all their rules. What do you think Jesus thinks of those people? In Matthew 23, Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the religious scribes & pharisees. Jesus did not appreciate the fakes, the make-believers.
Learn how God wants you to have a relationship with Him, not be religious. 
 
Make-Believers
 
1. They lay oppressive burdens on others.
2. Image is everything.
3. They block the way to Heaven.
4. They steal from the vulnerable.
5. They build their kingdom.
6. They make false promises.
7. They major on the minors.
8. Inside and outside do not match.
9. They denounce the sins of the past but participate in present sins.

The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus (Week 4)

John Sullivan (FBC Trustee + Deacon) - Leviticus 11-15 (Leviticus 11:1-47; 12:1-8; Acts 10:1-22; 1 Peter 1:13-16; Mark 7:18-23)
 
Every year, thousands of people set out to read the Bible in its entirety; every year, a large percentage stop when they get to Leviticus, a book that lays out in embarrassing detail the limits of God's law for the Israelites.
What can we learn from this strange book? Join us as we seek to understand its place in the larger narrative of the Bible, and learn how it speaks to us today.
The Burden of Holiness: The Book of Leviticus
Week 4
I. RecapA. “Be holy, as I am holy.”B. Holiness is weird.
II. The “Holiness” Rules for Purity-ImpurityA. Being Clean versus Committing SinB. 4 Major Categories of Cleanliness Law--- 1. Leviticus 11: Clean and Unclean Food--- 2. Leviticus 12: Childbirth--- 3. Leviticus 13-14: Skin Diseases & Molds--- 4. Leviticus 15: DischargesC. Purpose--- 1. Symbolic practices reminding Israel of God’s holy presence--- 2. God is the author of life. Things connected with death: bodies, skin disease, blood, bodily fluid — create symbolic impurity. --- 3. Being “impure” is not a sin.--- 4. But barging into God’s presence in a state of impurity is a negative act.
III.  The Dietary LawsA. Classification of Animals--- 1. Beasts of the Field (11:3-8)--- 2. Fishes (11:9-12)--- 3. Birds (11:13-19)--- 4. Insects (11:20-23)--- 5. Four-Pawed Creatures (11:24-28)--- 6. Swarming Things (11:29-40)B. Why did the Dietary Laws exist?--- 1. Every meal sets the Israelites apart from their neighbors & emphasized God’s holiness.--- 2. Dietary reasonsC. Application in the New Testament--- 1. “Rise Peter” (Acts 10:9-16)--- 2. 1 Peter 1:13--- 3. The Final Word: Mark 7:18-23

Courageous Faith! Amazing God!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 1:29-38 (Luke 1:29-31 & 34-38; 2:35; Isaiah 9:6; 55:9)
 
The only way to truly face the challenges in life as a mother or as a Christian is with the help of God. It takes faith. Actually, it takes courageous faith! It is not just believing, but acting out on our faith. It requires us to know God so we can fully lean on Him and trust Him as we face the unexpected and the complicated issues of life. 
We can live out courageous faith, because we serve an amazing God!
 
Courageous Faith! Amazing God!
As you face whatever comes your way...KNOW THIS:I. He is the God of the UNEXPECTED
II. He is the God of the IMPOSSIBLE

REAL LIFE: Real Hope for Real Life (Part 2 - Embracing Hope!)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 13 (Psalm 13:1-6; 31:16; 1 Samuel 22:1-2; Hebrews 11:1)
 
How is life? No really, how are you doing? Sometimes life feels like it is falling apart. We get hit from every side and it wears us down.In Psalm 13, David got real with God. He expressed how he felt and how he was at his breaking point, but David did not stay in this state of mind. By the end of the chapter, David is singing and praising God. What is odd is that his circumstances were the same, but his perspective had changed.We don't have to stay down, depressed, and defeated. David went from being broken to experiencing a breakthrough. There is real hope for real life!
 
REAL LIFE: Real Hope for Real Life
Embracing Hope!
 
What do we do when life is falling apart?
I. Cry out to God
A. look unto me --- "consider me"
B. hear my request --- "hear me"
C. let me see hope --- "enlighten me"
 
II. Call to your mind God's faithfulness
 
III. Wait on God, because it's not over yet
 
Illustration #1: Pastor Tony, Logan & Jenny Liuzzo (left to right) right before surgery.
 
Illustration #2: Logan Liuzzo right after surgery.
 
Illustration #3: Worship & Prayer at Children's Hospital
 
Illustration #4: Prayer at FBC for Logan Liuzzo
 
Illustration #5: X Church praying over Logan Liuzzo
 
Illustration #6: Prayer & support from friends and family.
 
Illustration #7: Praying over Logan Liuzzo at Fellowship Baptist Church
 
Illustration #8: Hundreds of cards and support from all around the world.
 
Illustration #9: Support for Logan Liuzzo
 
Illustration #10: Scans of the cancer mass from July, August & September