Fellowship Baptist Church

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 5)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Proverbs 8:32-36 (Proverbs 1:20; 4:14-15; 8:1-2, 10-11 & 32-36; 22:17-21; Psalms 1:1-3; Colossians 3:2)
 
Wisdom is available to all who want it! In this final lesson of our series, we will challenge ourselves to eliminate distractions, say no to the temptation of our flesh, and say yes to the blessings of receiving and obeying God’s truth!
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 5 (The Call of Wisdom)
Handout/Outline
I. A call to focused attentionA. eliminate distractionsB. eliminate danger zones
II. A call for patient affection
III. A call for a serious attitude

Don't give up.

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Galatians 6:9 (Galatians 6:7-9; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8; Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 11:28-29)
 
Have you ever felt like giving up?Maybe you’re facing a mountain of debt, a seemingly impossible relationship challenge, or a health crisis that feels never-ending. But what if on the other side of not giving up lies a harvest of blessings you can’t even imagine?Listen to this encouraging message called “Don’t Give Up.”We will explore the power of faith-fueled perseverance and how it can lead to finding peace in the midst of storms, seeing breakthroughs you thought were out of reach, and strengthening your faith in God. This may be the message you need to hear right now!
 
Don't give up.
I. Doing good is tiring.II. Success is still possible.III. Only if we don't give up.

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 4)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 3:13-18 (Proverbs 3:9-10, 13-18 & 27-28; 5:1-23; 6:6-11 & 16-17; 10:4 & 19; 11:24-25; 12:22; 13:4; 14:31; 15:1 & 28; 17:27-28; 19:17; 20:4; 21:20 & 23; 25:15 & 21-22; John 14:26; Galatians 5:22-23)
 
Let’s continue learning how to have The Happy Life! The book of Proverbs teaches about the character traits God wants to build in our lives. We will look at 5 character traits of the wise.
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 4
Handout/Outline
The Character of the Wise1. mastering your speech- never lie- soft speech makes a difference- don't speak too much
2. embracing a strong work ethic- learn to prepare in advance- diligence leads to material blessing3. resisting temptation and sin- learn to stay far away from temptation- find fulfillment at home with your spouse4. practicing wise financial management- God first- save- give5. treating others with love and respect- treat the poor with dignity- treat your enemies with love

Missions 2024 :: World Impact - Priority Check!

Calvin Houser (FBC Missionary, Philippines) - Luke 9:56-62 (Luke 9:44 & 56-62; Philippians 4:17; Matthew 28:18-20; John 3:16; Mark 16:15)
 
Jesus calls us to prioritize missions for world impact. Our goal for world impact is not merely a choice, but a command from Jesus. The Gospel sets all of our priorities for world impact and we must consider the significance of our giving to missions. Missions giving is not mandatory, but rather an opportunity for individuals to make a conscious choice to live for either this world's kingdom or for the Kingdom that is to come. It's time to evaluate our priorities and have a deeper commitment to living in a way that aligns with the principles of the Kingdom of God. It's time for a, "Priority Check!"
 
Missions 2024
Jesus calls all believers to follow Him and become fishers of men. That means each of us should be active and engaged in the mission to help people find and follow Jesus!
 
Priority Check!
I. WHERE will you follow Him?II. WHEN will you follow Him?III. HOW MUCH will you sacrifice as you follow Him?IV. WHY should you follow Him?A. He gave His life for you!B. He gave you a job to do.C. He has a Kingdom coming!
Illustration #1: Sky Priority/General Boarding Sign
Illustration #2: Manilla, Philippines Terminal

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 3)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Proverbs 4:1-9 (Proverbs 2:6; 3:3; 4:1-9 & 13; 6:21; James 1:5 & 21-25; Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
 
Wisdom comes from God! In part 3 of our series, we will learn that as we seek out truth in His Word and ask Him for wisdom, we begin to learn and grow! As we grow in wisdom, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us! Embrace wisdom, and watch how God uses it in your life!
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 3 (The Path of Wisdom)
Handout/Outline
I. Wisdom comes from GodA. Seek out truth in God’s WordB. Pray for wisdom
II. Wisdom is learnedA.Receive God’s truthB.Obey God’s truthC.Rest in God’s truth
III. Wisdom is passed on

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 2)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 2:1-6 (Proverbs 1:7 & 24-32; 2:1-22; 3:5-6; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16 & 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 24:21; 31:30; Matthew 10:28; John 15:13-15; Romans 1:21-25; Job 28:28; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)
 
We are diving deeper into Proverbs—a journey you won’t want to miss! We’re uncovering a game-changer: how embracing God’s wisdom starts with something powerful—the Fear of the Lord.Listen for an eye-opening experience in part 2 of our Happy Life series! 
 
Series description:
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 2
Handout/Outline
1. What is wisdom? How do I find it?
2. What is the fear of the Lord?
A. believing that God exists
B. believing that God has a say
C. practicing my beliefs by following God's ways + avoiding evil
3. Defining "the fear of the Lord."
A. reverence and awe
B. submission and obedience
C. relationship-based reverence
D. departure from evil

Draw Near (Psalm 73)

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Psalm 73:25-28 (Psalm 73:1-28)
 
Drawing close to God is about having a relationship with God that is personal and intentional. In this study of the 73rd Psalm, we will learn how this relationship is not easy! It is about struggle and surrender!
By learning to be honest about our sin, and to trust God, we can draw close to Him!
 
Draw Near
 
I. The Struggle
A. the temptation of the World
--- the superficial life
--- the selfish life
--- the self-sufficient life
B. the battle with doubt
 
II. The Surrender
A. acknowledge God's authority
B. humble yourself
C. commit to a life of worship

The Happy Life: Learning to live well by embracing wisdom. (Week 1)

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - Proverbs 3:13-18 (Proverbs 3:13-18; 22:3; 27:12)
 
We’re diving into the book of Proverbs, tapping into God’s wisdom for blessings, health, and a truly fulfilling life. Let’s learn together how to live well and experience the joy that comes from embracing His wisdom!
 
The Happy Life"Learning to live well by embracing wisdom."Week 1
Handout/Outline
1. Wisdom brings blessings.2. Wisdom is valuable.3. Wisdom brings rewards.4. Wisdom brings the happy life.

The Only Resolution You Need!

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Psalm 23:1-4 (Psalm 23:1-4; Isaiah 53:6; James 1:8; Matthew 16:18)
 
As we begin a new year, we like the idea of a fresh start. This is a new year, with new opportunities to start things off right and to make things better. Out of all the New Year's resolutions we can make, the book of Psalms gives us one that is the foundation to everything else.If we get this one right, everything else will fall in place! This truly can be the best year ever!
 
The Only Resolution You Need!
 
Resolution: I will follow God!
1. some things need to change
2. some things need to go

New Beginnings

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - Philippians 3:13-14 (Philippians 1:6-7, 12-14, & 20-24; 2:9-16; 3:4-9, 11-14 & 20-21; 4:6-13; 1 Timothy 1:14-15; Matthew 9:10-12; Acts 8:1-3; 16:25-26)
 
The New Year gives us an opportunity to step back, look at our lives, and evaluate.In this hopeful and challenging lesson, Pastor Matt points to the Bible character Paul as an example of someone who enjoyed a new beginning because of Jesus and the power of the Gospel.If you are struggling with doubt, guilt or regret as you head into the new year, there is hope! Look to Jesus and find a new beginning in Him!
 
New Beginnings
Handout/Outline
I. A new beginning despite sins of the pastA. self-righteousnessB. violence
II. A new beginning despite trials in the presentA. the faithfulness of GodB. the furtherance of the GospelC. the development of spiritual maturity
III. A new beginning despite the uncertainties of the futureA. the security of salvationB. the promise of resurrectionC. the certainty of Jesus' return

WONDERFUL

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Isaiah 9:6 (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:13)
 
Christmas is all about Jesus! We love to celebrate this time of year with parties, gifts, and fun decorations.  Like the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of year!" This is so true because Jesus is called Wonderful in the book of Isaiah. He is the reason this season is filled with awe and wonder!Christmas means so much more when we understand the great wonder that makes it wonderful!
 
Illustration #1: House decorated with Christmas lights
 
Illustration #2: Christmas Tree
 
Illustration #3: Christmas Cards
 
Illustration #4: Christmas Carols
 
Illustration #5: Christmas Movies (Charlie Brown Christmas)
 
Illustration #6: Christmas Shopping
 
Illustration #7: Festive Christmas Clothes
 
Illustration #8: Christmas Party
 
Illustration #9: Nativity Decorations
 
Illustration #10: Christmas Dinners
 
Illustration #11: Christmas Gift Exchange
 

Jonah: from running to revival (Angry with God - Lesson 5)

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Jonah 4 (Jonah 4:1-11; Romans 8:28)
 
The book of Jonah does not end the way you would expect it to end.
After Jonah preaches to the city of Nineveh, they repent and turn to God. This sounds like a victory, but Jonah does not see it that way. Jonah gets angry with God for showing mercy to the enemy.
How do we respond to God when He does things we think is unfair? This study ends with Jonah learning a valuable lesson from God that applies to all of us.
 
Series description: When we think of Jonah, we think of the guy that ran from God and got swallowed by a whale. There is nothing wrong with this thought, because it is what happened.
Have you stopped to think of why Jonah ran from God? He loved God, so why wouldn't he just obey. The truth is because Jonah struggled with something that we all struggle with in our daily lives. What is it? It is foundational to this story and we will expose it in this study!
 
Jonah: from running to revivalLesson 5 - Angry with God
Handout/Outline
Why do we get angry with God?I. We think that God doesn't get it.God is giving Jonah an object lesson:A. The Lord was helping Jonah understand through blessing him (by giving to him).B. The Lord was helping Jonah understand by taking.
II. Because we think He doesn't care.