Fellowship Baptist Church

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
 

How to Know What God Wants You to Do in Any Situation (Part 1)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:9; 24:6 Acts 9:6; Psalms 37:4-5 & 23; 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 1:5; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Matthew 6:33
 
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 1
1. Ask the right questions.
A. What does the Bible say about this?
B. What is the wise thing to do?
 
2. Talk to the right people.
A. Go to God in prayer.
B. Go to wise counsel for good advice.
C. Go to Godly friends for support.
 
3. Discern the right circumstances.
A. Is there an opportunity God is presenting you?
B. Is there something you want?
C. Are your priorities in order?
 
Handout

ORIGINS: The Origin of Priorities

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 3:14-24 (Ephesians 2:1; Galatians 6:7-8; Genesis 2:17; 3:9-24; Numbers 32:23; Revelation 12:9; James 1:15; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:1; 1 Peter 2:24; John 16:33)
 
What makes life work? Sometimes it feels like we take two steps forwards and then three steps back. The harder we work, the more we fall behind.
All of the chapters of the Origin story of Genesis teach a basic principle of priorities. Without applying this principle, we will continue to fall short because there is only one way that life works....we must put God first!
 
Series description:
To understand life, we must understand where it all began. The question of, "Why are we here..." can be answered by, "Who made us." If we are here because of a cosmic accident, that means that we are part of a random accident that happened millions of years ago. But if we were created by a creator, then our life has purpose and meaning because we were planned and desired!To understand life, we must understand our beginning! Origins will be an in-depth study of the first chapters of the Bible that explains the foundations and purpose for everything!
 
ORIGINS: The Foundation of Life & Purpose
The Origin of Priorities
 
GOD MUST BE FIRST
— Is God first in our time?
— Is God first in our money?
 
Illustration #1: House with cracks
 
Illustration #2: House footers

Remember To Grow: Remember To Be Faithful (Lesson 4)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 2 Peter 3 (2 Peter 1:1; 3:1-18; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 4:12-16; ; Psalm 119:129-131; John 1:1-3; 3:16-17; 15:17-20; 17:17; Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 45:20-22; Revelation 21:1-7; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Matthew 6:19-21; Acts 11:19-23)
 
In this final lesson of our study in 2 Peter, we will be challenged to remain faithful to Jesus! By learning to take the truth with us as we live our lives, we will get a better understanding of what obedience actually means and what it looks like in the face of opposition. We will also think about how our view of God impacts our faith and obedience, and we will be confronted with a God that is high, holy, and that demands our worship! Ultimately, we will be called to a life of following Jesus—one that reflects His character, rests in His completed work, and is marked by consistent growth, all for the glory of God and the advancement of the Gospel.
 
Remember to Grow: A Study in 2 PeterRemember To Be Faithful (Lesson 4)
2 Peter 3
I. Take The Truth With YouA. who we are in ChristB. God has revealed Himself to usC. there will be opposition
II. Trust That God Is In ControlA. He is the CreatorB. He is the SustainerC. He is the Just Judge
III. Commit To A Life of Following JesusA. do what Jesus said to doB. rest in the work of JesusC. determine to keep growing
 
Notes
 
Series description:
How can we grow spiritually and make progress in our Christian lives?
In this study of the book of 2 Peter, we will learn that spiritual growth and formation does not happen because we get some new revelation from God, or because we discover a hidden secret that unlocks the blessed life. Spiritual growth and formation happens when we remember the truth that has already been revealed to us, and respond to it with faithfulness and obedience. We do not need something new, but instead we need to renew our commitment to the way of Jesus!
We need to remember so that we can grow!

ORIGINS: The Origin of Consequences

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Genesis 3:14-24 (Ephesians 2:1; Galatians 6:7-8; Genesis 2:17; 3:9-24; Numbers 32:23; Revelation 12:9; James 1:15; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:1; 1 Peter 2:24; John 16:33)
 
A universal question that we all have, "Why is life so hard?" I'm sure we have all asked this question as we work hard to provide and lead our families. We know the simple answer is, "Because of sin," but Genesis goes into great detail to help us understand the consequences of sin. The best part is how this passage ends! In the midst of pain and suffering, God gives hope!
 
Series description:
To understand life, we must understand where it all began. The question of, "Why are we here..." can be answered by, "Who made us." If we are here because of a cosmic accident, that means that we are part of a random accident that happened millions of years ago. But if we were created by a creator, then our life has purpose and meaning because we were planned and desired!To understand life, we must understand our beginning! Origins will be an in-depth study of the first chapters of the Bible that explains the foundations and purpose for everything!
 
ORIGINS: The Foundation of Life & Purpose
The Origin of Consequences
 
Bible Principle #1: Trespassing
Bible Principle #2: Sowing & Reaping
 
Because of the consequences of sin...
I. Family is a struggle
II. Life hurts
III. God is hope
 
Illustration #1: Keep Out -- No Trespassing sign
 
Illustration #2: Planting seeds (sow seeds)
 
Illustration #3: Glove Puppet
 
Illustration #4a: Jesus on the cross
 
Illustration #4b: Thorns on Jesus

Remember To Grow: Remember the Word of God (Lesson 3)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 2 Peter 2 (2 Peter 1:2 & 19; 2:1-22; 3:3-5)
 
There is an enemy who is actively working to deceive people and lead them away from the truth! We need to be on guard!
In this lesson, we will dive into 2 Peter chapter 2, where we will be challenged to hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word, enabling us to recognize false teachings and errors. We will be reminded of the subtlety of the enemy and the corrupting influence of the world. Ultimately, we will find encouragement in knowing and obeying God’s Word, equipping us to clearly contrast the evil and error in this world with the goodness and truth of God.
We need to remember there are false teachers, and we need to be prepared!
 
Remember to Grow: A Study in 2 PeterRemember There Are False Teachers (Lesson 3)
2 Peter 2
I. The Description of False Teachers and Their False TeachingA. they are unbelieversB. they are in disagreement with God’s WordC. they have sinful motivesD. they hurt the cause of Christ
II. The Judgement of God On UngodlinessA. the certainty of God’s JudgementB. the corruption of the World
III. The Calling of Every BelieverA. know the truthB. live the truthC. trust God
 
Notes
 
Series description:
How can we grow spiritually and make progress in our Christian lives?
In this study of the book of 2 Peter, we will learn that spiritual growth and formation does not happen because we get some new revelation from God, or because we discover a hidden secret that unlocks the blessed life. Spiritual growth and formation happens when we remember the truth that has already been revealed to us, and respond to it with faithfulness and obedience. We do not need something new, but instead we need to renew our commitment to the way of Jesus!
We need to remember so that we can grow!

Life Together

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Philippians 1:27 (Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11 & 27; 2:1-4; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
 
We are in this together, and we need each other!
In this study of Philippians 1, we will explore some of the most vital aspects of our shared life as believers. We'll discover how fellowship fuels faithfulness, and how prayer, encouragement, and accountability keep us pressing forward. We'll also be reminded of the importance of unity and the profound impact it has on our lives. Finally, we’ll challenge ourselves to fully engage in the work, collaborating to fulfill our mission together.
God’s plan is for His people to live in community. We are in this together, and we truly need each other!
 
Life Together
 
I. Committed
--- A. prayer
--- B. encouragement
--- C. accountability
II. Unified
--- A. resolve conflicts
--- B. humble ourselves
III. Occupied