Fellowship Baptist Church

Gospel Change: A Gospel Influence

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 (1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2:1-9 & 11-12; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1 & 3-4; Romans 1:15-16; Acts 4:31; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; John 3:26-36; 1 Timothy 1:15)
 
Does what people think about us really matter? Absolutely yes!
 
In this lesson, we will see how Paul understood that to have a lasting influence on others, we need to be people of character and integrity! We cannot be people who say one thing, and do something else! We need to teach the way of Jesus and live the way of Jesus!
 As we live the way of Jesus, we will have an influence that makes a difference—a Gospel influence!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Influence"1 Thessalonians 2:10-13
Handout/Outline
 
I. Gospel influence is rooted in characterA. holyB. justC. unblameable
II. Gospel influence is focused on discipling and mentoringA. teachB. encourageC. exemplify

Let's talk about...MENTAL HEALTH — Dealing with Depression

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - I Kings 19:1-19 (I Kings 19:1-19; Psalms 6:6; Jeremiah 20:18)
 
All of us have bad days, this is simply part of life. But let's talk about how life feels when the bad days don't go away. We will face seasons in our life where we feel as if things will not get better. Depression is real! It is an overwhelming feeling of defeat that doesn't just go away. It is important that we know that there is hope!
The Bible not only gives us examples of good people that faced times of depression, it also gives us the truths of how they experienced change and victory. Please know that even when we don't feel like it, there is hope!
 
Let's talk about...MENTAL HEALTH
"Dealing with depression"
 
How to deal with depression:
1. Don't deal with it alone!
2. Know that God cares!
3. Listen to the whispers of God!
— God whispers truth
— God whispers hope
— God whispers purpose
 
Mental Health Resources
 
Illustration #1: Christine's Story (Pastor Tony Liuzzo and sister, Christine Atwood)
 
Illustration #2: Christine Atwood with family

Gospel Change: A Gospel Approach

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 (1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2:1-9 & 11-12; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1 & 3-4; Romans 1:15-16; Acts 4:31; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; John 3:26-36; 1 Timothy 1:15)
 
If we are going to be effective witnesses for Jesus, then we need to take our approach to Gospel ministry seriously!In this lesson, we will see how Paul followed the example of Jesus' public ministry, was bold in his Gospel witness, and showed us what it looks like to truly care for people!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Approach"1 Thessalonians 2:1-9
Handout/Outline
 
I. BoldnessA. What boldness is?1. boldness is a willingness to share the truth of the Gospel2. boldness is of the Holy SpiritB. What boldness is not?1. boldness is not deceitfulness2. boldness is not pridefulness
II. GentlenessA. What gentleness is not?1. gentleness is not deceitfulness2. gentleness is not permissivenessB. What gentleness is?1. gentleness is to place value on people2. gentleness is to genuinely care for others

Let's talk about...MENTAL HEALTH — God's Battle Plan for Anxiety

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Philippians 4:6-8 (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7; Romans 8:31; 12:2; Philippians 4:6-8; John 8:32; 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 5:7-8; Psalms 27:13-14; 118:29; 143:5 & 8)
 
Anxiety can consume and tear us apart. The Bible is clear that anxiety is not part of God’s plan for our lives. The good news is that God has given us a battle plan for anxiety. We can experience victory!
 
Let's talk about...MENTAL HEALTH
"God's battle plan for anxiety"
 
1. Tell God every anxious thought.
2. Ask God for help.
3. Thank God for the good in your life.
4. Fill your mind with truth.
 
Mental Health Resources

Gospel Change: A Gospel Testimony

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Acts 1:8; 17:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 5:24; Romans 1:15-16; 10:9-14; Hebrews 10:38; 11:6; Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:35; 16:33; 1 Peter 1:3-9 & 22; 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
 
What does Gospel change look like? In this lesson, we will hear a testimony of God’s grace at work in people's lives! We will learn that the Gospel changes the way we live, and we will see what a life of following Jesus looks like practically.Finally, we will see how God can use the faithful witness of obedient believers to bring others to faith in Christ. God can use your story to reach others with the Gospel so that they can experience change—Gospel Change!
 
Series description:
We believe the Gospel has the power to change lives, but how often do we see this transformational power in the lives of people we know?In this series, we will consider the example of Paul’s Gospel preaching ministry in the ancient city of Thessalonica. As we study 1 Thessalonians, we will see the difference the Gospel makes, and be challenged with practical steps that we can take to become more effective Gospel witnesses! Our world is desperate for real change—Gospel Change!
 
Gospel Change"A Gospel Testimony"1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Handout/Outline
 
I. A testimony of salvationII. A testimony of life changeA. a work of faithB. a labor of loveC. a patient hopeIII. A testimony of a faithful witnessA. God blesses obedienceB. God can use us and our stories

Let's talk about...MENTAL HEALTH — Exposing Anxiety

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Philippians 4:6-7 (Ephesians 6:10; Lamentations 3:17-18; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 10:4-5; Philippians 4:5-8; 1 Kings 19:4; Psalms 55:4-5; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
 
"My anxiety is really killing me right now." This is a common thing to hear in our world today. We live in a day and age where the word anxiety is part of our everyday lives. It is a growing problem among every age group.Have you wondered why? It might be something we struggle with, but it does not have to be the norm. The Bible addresses every issue in life, including anxiety. Let's talk about Mental Health, because the Bible has the answer!
 
Let's talk about...MENTAL HEALTH
"Exposing Anxiety"
 
Exposing the truth about anxiety
1. You are not alone.
— you are no the only one with this struggle
A. Elijah
B. David
C. Paul
— you are not alone in this struggle
2. You don't have to live defeated by anxiety.
— God has a plan.
— God made a promise.
3. There is help!
 
Mental Health Resources

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about the Trinity?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Jude 20-21 (Jude 20-21; Exodus 20:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 45:5-6; Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 3:16; Genesis 1:1-2 & 26; Colossians 1:14-17; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:18-20; 1 Peter 1:2; John 1:1-3 & 14; 10:32-33; 20:28-31; Acts 5:3-4) 
 
What does it mean that God is a Trinity? In this lesson, we want to look to Scripture to see how God is triune in nature, and what exactly that means for us today.
As we study, not only will we come to see this doctrine clearly supported in Scripture, but we will see how this mystery and majesty gives us a more complete view of God, and elevates our worship of Him!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...the Trinity?
Handout/Outline
 
I. There is one GodII. God exists in three personsIII. Each person is fully GodA. The Father is GodB. The Son is GodC. The Spirit is God

Hope for You! (Easter at Fellowship :: 2024)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - James 1:15; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:12 & 17; 10:9-10 & 13; John 10:10 & 17-18; 11:25; Ephesians 2:1
 
We love to celebrate Easter because it represents victory and hope! The day Jesus rose again and conquered death changed the world forever! But when we look at the world around us, we don't always feel like we live in victory. Why? Because we daily push through struggles, disappointments, and hurts.  Maybe it's time to revisit the Easter story to understand why it brings hope. Let's not live frustrated with the reality of this broken world. Let's embrace the hope that Jesus gave us that changes everything!
 
Easter at Fellowship
 
Hope for You!
 
There is hope for you...
1. because Jesus is greater!
2. because Jesus changes everything!
3. because Jesus offers hope!
 
Illustration #1a: Michigan ("M")
 
Illustration #1b: The Ohio State Buckeyes ("O")
 
Illustration #1c: Nike
 
Illustration #1d: McDonalds
 
Illustration #1e: Amazon Smile
 
Illustration #1f: Amazon Logos
 
Illustration #2: A cross
 
Illustration #3: A modern day tombstone
 
Illustration #4: A typical tomb during Jesus' time

Love for You! (Good Friday at Fellowship :: 2024)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 7:6; 15:13; 18:39-40; 19:23 & 30; Mark 15:7 & 34; Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 12:2; Galatians 2:20
 
Every Good Friday, we pause to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose the cross? Corporate punishment happened in different ways, but the cross was reserved for special circumstances. Jesus could have died for our sins in other ways, so why the cross?  When we understand the purpose of the cross, we understand the great love that God showed us on Good Friday!
 
Good Friday at Fellowship
 
Love for You!
1. He took our guilt!
2. He took our shame!
3. He took our punishment!
**IT IS FINISHED!**
 
Illustration #1: Jesus & Barabbas
 
Illustration #2: Jesus carries cross
 
Illustration #3: Walking out of a courtroom with a guilty verdict

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about demonic activity?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Ephesians 6:11-12 (Ephesians 4:22-27; 6:11-12 & 18; Deuteronomy 32:16-17; 1 Samuel 23:14-16 & 23; Matthew 4:24; 8:16-17; 9:32-34; 12:22-28; 17:14-18; 28:18-20; Acts 5:16; 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 10:20; James 2:19; 4:1-10; 1 John 3:7-11; 4:1-3; Luke 9:1; 10:1 & 17-21; 22:31-32; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Mark 5:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
 
Are there unseens forces of evil at work in the world? What are they doing, and how can we recognize their activity?
 
In this lesson, we will look to Scripture for answers to these and other important questions related to demonic activity! Ultimately we will see that we do not need to live in fear of the evil in this world! We can live with faith, hope, and courage in this world because of what Jesus has done for us!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...demonic activity?
Handout/Outline
 
I. Recognizing demonic activityA. Demonic activity in the Bible--- 1. in the Old Testament--- 2. in the New TestamentB. manifestations of demonic activity
--- 1. physical sickness and distress
--- 2. paganism & idolatry
--- 3. blatantly false doctrinal statements
--- 4. a lifestyle of sin & selfishness
--- 5. spiritual attacksC. demonic possession
II. Responding to demonic activityA. the GospelB. discernmentC. payerD. engage

Grace for You! (Easter Communion at Fellowship :: 2024)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Luke 14:8-10; 22:6-12; John 13:25-26 & 28; Matthew 26:23; 1 Corinthians 11:28
 
One of the most powerful words in any language is the word Grace! Grace means that you get what you don’t deserve. Grace gives us second chances, love when you don’t deserve it, and hope when things seem hopeless.One of the greatest illustrations of Grace happened in the least expected place to the least expected person. This story illustrates just how amazing Grace truly is!
 
Easter Communion at Fellowship
Grace for You!
 
Illustration #1: Wedding head table
 
Illustration #2: Thanksgiving dinner table
 
Illustration #3: Last Supper (traditional depiction)
 
Illustration #4A: Last Supper (three sides)
 
Illustration #4B: Last Supper (three sides)

Tough Questions: What does the Bible say about God's will for our lives?

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Romans 12:1-2 (Romans 11:33-36; 12:1-2; Isaiah 46:9-10; Psalm 119:105; 139:16; Matthew 6:25-34; 10:29-30; Acts 4:27-28; 1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 13:20-21; Deuteronomy 29:29; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 5:16-18; Ephesians 2:1-10; 5:15-17; Luke 9:23; 1 Peter 4:1-2)
 
What does the Bible say about God’s will for our lives?
“How can I know I am in the perfect will of God?” This is a question that many believers have struggled with over the course of their journey following Jesus.
 
To understand God’s will, and what it means for us, we need to look to Scripture. When we do, we find that God’s plan for our lives is not a hidden code to be deciphered, but rather a life of faith and obedience to be lived out every day of our lives!
 
Series description:
Does God love me? The answer is, YES! Don't you wish all our questions were this easy? For so many, there are some tough questions that we wonder about, but have never had the courage to ask. Here is your chance!
This teaching series will address the tough question that we have about the Bible. We are talking about topics that are often skipped over because, well, they are complicated. Not this time! Let's tackle the tough topics and get Biblical answers! "What does the Bible says about ______?"
 
Tough Questions"What does the Bible say about..."...God's will for our lives?
Handout/Outline
 
I. God’s will definedA. God’s decreed willB. God’s desired willC. God’s specific will
II. God’s will realizedA. Surrender your life to GodB. Seek the Kingdom of GodC. Do the will of God--- 1. Holiness & sanctification--- 2. Rejoice, pray & give thanks--- 3. Steward our time--- 4. The salvation of sinners