Fellowship Baptist Church

UNSHAKEN: A Letter to the Thessalonians (Lesson 5 - Unshakable Purity)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 4 (1 Thessalonians 4:1-18; Romans 9:21; 2 Timothy 2:21; John 14:3; 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Matthew 24:40-42)
 
What comes to mind when you think about holiness? In reality as a Christian, we are called to holiness. Paul addressed a lot of issues concerning outside opposition, but Paul then turned the focus on the inward battle of purity and holiness. This church was challenged to have unshakable purity.
 
Series description:
During Paul's missionary journeys, God was doing some amazing things in the lives of new believers. The church was growing and spreading, but so was the opposition against the church. The church in Thessalonica was under extreme opposition, but they stood strong and continued to flourish.Paul writes them a powerful letter to encourage them and give them hope. This letter is called Thessalonians. It is a letter on how to hold on and remain unshaken in the midst of challenging times.
 
Unshaken: A Letter to the ThessaloniansLesson 5: Unshakable Purity
 
III. Chapter 4
A. Goldy Instructions
--- 1. to please God
--- 2. to abstain from sexual immorality
B. Walk in love
--- 1. as they are taught by God to love one another
--- 2. to increase more and more
C. Walk in diligence
--- 1. to work with their hands
--- 2. to walk properly toward those who are outside
D. Walk in hope
--- 1. with no sorrow concerning those who have died
--- 2. for we will be rejoined with them when Christ returns
 
What will happen?
1. The Lord personally will return for the saved.
2. The saints will be called up to meet Him in the air (Rapture).
3. We will be called home with "the trump of God."
4. The dead in Christ will come with Christ and be "changed."
5. We will be together!
 
Notes

MADE FOR THIS: The Church is a Family

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 2 (Acts 2:41-47; 5:14; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18 & 25; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:16)
 
To most people the church is a group of people that gather together on a Sunday. This is partially true, but the question is, "Why do we gather?" Acts 2 explains that this first church was connected in a special way! They cared for each other, shared life, prayed, and met each other's needs. The church is more than a group that gathers, the church is a family!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church is a Family"
 
The Church...
1. studied God's Word
2. had deep connection (fellowship)
3. prayed together
4. gathered together
5. cared for eachother
6. worshiped together
7. reached their community together
 
FAMILY...
1. Must be connected
2. Must take notice of each other
3. Must care for each other
 
Illustration #1a: Life Group
 
Illustration #1b: Life Group
 
Illustration #2: Primetimers
 
Illustration #3: Real Life Students
 
Illustration #4: Catalyst Young Adults
 
Illustration #5: Bible Study

UNSHAKEN: A Letter to the Thessalonians (Lesson 4 - Unshakable Love)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 3 (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13; 4:1-8; Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 4:11-12 & 24; 6:12; Acts 6:4; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Romans 6:22; 12:10; 2 Corinthians 77:1; 1 Peter 2:9)
 
One of the most distinguishable characteristics of a Christian should be love. If God is love and we have God in our lives, then the love of God will show through our lives. Paul received the report about the church in I Thessalonians that they were known by their faith and love. This was their reputation and it was obvious. How are you known by others?
 
Series description:
During Paul's missionary journeys, God was doing some amazing things in the lives of new believers. The church was growing and spreading, but so was the opposition against the church. The church in Thessalonica was under extreme opposition, but they stood strong and continued to flourish.Paul writes them a powerful letter to encourage them and give them hope. This letter is called Thessalonians. It is a letter on how to hold on and remain unshaken in the midst of challenging times.
 
Unshaken: A Letter to the ThessaloniansLesson 4: Unshakable Love
 
II. Chapter 3
III. Chapter 4
A. Godly Instructions
--- 1. Walk in holiness
 
Notes

Our Defender

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 3 (2 Samuel 17:1-3; Psalm 3:1-8; Ephesians 6:16)
 
Sometimes life gets to be just too much! We can all handle a lot, but we all have a breaking point. King David faced a time like this in his life. It was so bad, that his enemies even stated that not even God can get him out of this situation. In the midst of this, God gave David overwhelming peace! David knew that God was his defender and as long as this was true, everything would be ok! We have a great defender and He cares about you!
 
Our Defender
Faith and Blue Sunday
 
Illustration #1: Police Shield
 
Illustration #2: Shield from Medieval Times

UNSHAKEN: A Letter to the Thessalonians (Lesson 3 - Unshakable Faith)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 2 & 3 (1 Thessalonians 2:1-20; 3:1-10; Acts 16:22-23; Romans 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 6:12)
 
The church in Thessalonica was full of new believers and they were facing lots of opposition. What was so encouraging to Paul was that they were so unshaken in their faith. Even though they were facing trails, they were unwavering. Paul writes this letter out of love, like a father, and encourages them to stay strong! We can have unshakable faith even in the midst of great tribulation.
 
Series description:
During Paul's missionary journeys, God was doing some amazing things in the lives of new believers. The church was growing and spreading, but so was the opposition against the church. The church in Thessalonica was under extreme opposition, but they stood strong and continued to flourish.Paul writes them a powerful letter to encourage them and give them hope. This letter is called Thessalonians. It is a letter on how to hold on and remain unshaken in the midst of challenging times.
 
Unshaken: A Letter to the ThessaloniansLesson 3: Unshakable Faith
 
I. Chapter 2
B. Regarding His conduct
--- 1. the manner of his preaching
C. Regarding His concern
--- 1. for their faithfulness
II. Chapter 3
 
Notes

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Serve

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 2 (Matthew 4:18-20; Acts 2:1-8, 14, 37 & 41; Romans 12:4-7; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10; John 21:3-5 & 15-16)
 
Did you know that you are uniquely made and gifted by God? When God saved you, He placed His Spirit inside of you and equipped you to be part of the mission of God. You are more than just saved by the Spirit, you are equipped by the Spirit! You have a purpose! You play a huge role in the mission of the church.
This is all so amazing, but it gets even better. When you step into your role, you will find fulfillment in a way that you can't find doing anything else. The world needs hope and they need Jesus, but the good news is, You are Made for This!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Serve"
 
The Church must...
I. Step into your role
A. we ALL have a role
B. we ALL have been equipped
--- 1. God gives us talents
--- 2. God gives us spiritual gifts
--- 3. stop making excuses
II. Start experiencing God's fulfillment

UNSHAKEN: A Letter to the Thessalonians (Lesson 2 - Unshakable Joy)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 1 & 2 (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 2:1-20; 3:1; Acts 16:22-23; Romans 15:1-2)
 
In the first chapter of Thessalonians, Paul is elated over the testimony and genuine joy that this church was experiencing. Their testimony and passion was spreading to the surrounding cities.Satan was trying to discourage them through opposition, but the opposition was just proving to them that God was working. They had an unshakable joy! A joy that comes from the Spirit of God and not from circumstances. This reminds us that God gives us this same joy through the working of His Spirit! We too can have unshakable joy!
 
Series description:
During Paul's missionary journeys, God was doing some amazing things in the lives of new believers. The church was growing and spreading, but so was the opposition against the church. The church in Thessalonica was under extreme opposition, but they stood strong and continued to flourish.Paul writes them a powerful letter to encourage them and give them hope. This letter is called Thessalonians. It is a letter on how to hold on and remain unshaken in the midst of challenging times.
 
Unshaken: A Letter to the ThessaloniansLesson 2: Unshakable Joy
 
A. Introduction
--- 1. salutations
--- 2. thanksgiving for their faith, hope & love
--- 3. their reputation in every place
B. Regarding his conduct
--- 1. the manner of his preaching
C. Regarding his concern
--- 1. for their faithfulness
 
Notes

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Be Spirit Filled

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1 & 2 (Acts 1:3, 8 & 14; 2:1-5; Genesis 1:1-2; Judges 13:25; Isaiah 61:1; 2 Peter 1:21; Romans 8:11; Hebrews 12:29; 1 Kings 18:38; Ephesians 3:20; 4:30)
 
We love to read the Bible stories where God shows up to do great things in the least expected ways through average people. It was never about their abilities, talents, or positions, but about the power of God working through them.When God moves, the impossible happens! When God shows up, things change! Without the working of the Spirit of God, there is no power! This is why the church must be Spirit filled!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Be Spirit Filled"
 
I. The Spirit of God does the work
II. The Spirit of God is the power of God
What is the power of God?
--- A. a divine force
--- B. miraculous power
III. The Spirit of God works through us
--- A. God made His presence known
--- B. God made His power known
 
What is missing today?
1. God requires holiness
2. God requires surrender
 
Illustration #1: Trees
 
Illustration #2: Wind
 
Illustration #3: Jesus on the cross

UNSHAKEN: A Letter to the Thessalonians (Lesson 1 - Introduction)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 1 (Acts 1:1-2; 17:1 & 4-15; 18:1 & 5; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 & 10; 2:19; 3:1-5 & 13; 4:13; 5:23; Micah 5:2; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 11:1 & 10; 53:1-12; Daniel 9:24-27; Romans 10:17; 16:21)
 
During Paul's missionary journeys, God was doing some amazing things in the lives of new believers. The church was growing and spreading, but so was the opposition against the church. The church in Thessalonica was under extreme opposition, but they stood strong and continued to flourish.Paul writes them a powerful letter to encourage them and give them hope. This letter is called Thessalonians. It is a letter on how to hold on and remain unshaken in the midst of challenging times.
 
Unshaken: A Letter to the ThessaloniansLesson 1 (Introduction)
1 Thessalonians 1
 
Notes

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Be Prayerful

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1:1-14 (Acts 1:1-14; 2:41-43; 4:1-4; 5:14; 6:7; 17:6; Psalms 37:39; 143:1; Revelation 3:17-18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:10; Matthew 7:7; Jeremiah 33:3)
 
How did we survive before Amazon? We love to order things on our phones and have them delivered to our doors. Did you know that this incredible business started with one guy in a garage? It started off with some fundamental principles that grew into the successful business that we know today.
 
We can learn a lot from studying the first church. What do you think the very first thing was that they did? This church started a revival, a fire that spread and changed the world. The first thing they did must be the priority if we are to ever see a move of God!
 
Series description:
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Be Prayerful"
 
I. We must recognize our need
II. We must be a praying church
 
Illustration #1: Amazon/Jeff Bezos started in a garage
 
Illustration #2: Sunday Prayer at 8 AM in Student Center

How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any Situation (Part 2)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Proverbs 3:1-8
 
Making decisions is not always easy, but we have been given some instructions! In this follow up lesson, we will study Proverbs 3 and learn about the need for a solid foundation of biblical wisdom!
 
We will be encouraged to receive God’s truth as a loving Word from a loving Heavenly Father, take the truth with us as we live our lives, and refuse to depend on ourselves! These three rules will help provide us with a framework for making good choices and bringing glory to God!
 
Series description:
Life is full of challenging questions and moments of uncertainty, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. This teaching will equip you with biblical principles and practical tools to discern God’s will, even when the path isn’t clear.Discover how to find God’s direction in every decision and step forward with confidence in His plan for your life. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and find clarity in the midst of life’s toughest choices!
 
How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any SituationPart 2
1. Receive the truth of God2. Take the truth with you3. Depend on the truth
 
Handout

MADE FOR THIS: The Church Must Continue

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1 (Revelation 3:16-17 &19; 2 Timothy 3:1; Acts 1:1, 8 & 14; 2:38, 44 & 47; 6:7; 17:6; Matthew 4:19; 16:18; Luke 11:1; Proverbs 29:18)
 
Our hearts break every time we hear of a school shooting or another person that we love that is diagnosed with cancer. It reminds us that this world is hurting and broken. We are divided by politics, struggling with the economy, and searching for answers.
 
There is hope in the midst of all this, it's called the church! God has placed the church in the midst of this broken world to bring hope! The world is a mess, but remember, We were made for this!
 
MADE FOR THIS
"The Church Must Continue"
 
The Early Church...
1. was Spirit filled
2. was united
3. made prayer a priority
4. focused and preached truth
5. was a family
6. had vision
 
We will fail...
1. if we compromise
2. if we are divided
3. if we lose our vision
 
Illustration #1: Church for sale
Illustration #2: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's family several years ago
Illustration #3: Pastor Tony Liuzzo's family today