Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​1 Thessalonians 1:5-10​; 2:1-​13 & 19-20; 5:21-24​; Acts 16:22-​24​; Matthew 5:14-16​

What gives your words weight when you talk about Jesus? In this episode, we explore how Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica demonstrates that credibility isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you live. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 1–2, we identify five powerful traits of a life that backs up the Gospel with integrity: courage, authenticity, humility, relational care, and consistency. If you want your witness to carry real impact, this lesson will challenge and encourage you to walk the walk—not just talk the talk.

Summer Teaching Series:

This is not just another series on the Great Commission—this is a challenge. Do we really want to be a disciple-making church? Are we willing to move beyond good intentions and take Jesus’ final command seriously? Find & Follow is a 9-week journey designed to help you step boldly into the Great Commission. In the first half of the series, we’ll explore how to share the gospel—from trusting its power to telling our personal stories and living as a witness. Then, we’ll shift our focus to discipleship—what it means to truly follow Jesus, grow in community, and invest in others.

Lesson 4 - Notes

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - John 4 (John 4:1-42; Romans 5:8; Luke 5:32; Matthew 11:28; 1 John 1:9)

We all carry something—regret, shame, secrets, or just the weight of being tired of pretending. But what if Jesus is sitting at the well, waiting for you? We’re diving into John 4—when Jesus intentionally walked miles through the heat to meet a woman no one else wanted. She had a past. So do we. But He met her with unexpected forgiveness… and it changed everything. If you’ve ever felt worn out, unseen, or unworthy—come hear how Jesus sees you, knows your story, and still wants you.

Series description:

Have you ever experienced something that completely threw you off because it was so different from what you expected? When we read the Gospels, it's easy to wonder why so many people rejected Jesus. Why didn’t they recognize Him as the Messiah and worship Him? The truth is—everything about Jesus was unexpected. From the way He entered the world—born to poor parents and laid in a manger—to the way He loved and forgave sinners, outcasts, and even enemies. The Gospel of John is especially unique because it highlights the surprising, counter-cultural things Jesus said and did. It shows us a Savior who pursued personal relationships with the most unlikely people. Through John’s account, we’re invited to take a journey and experience the unexpected grace and love of Jesus—a love that still transforms lives today.

Pastor Chris Andrews (Associate Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​John 9:1-27 (John 9:1-27; 14:16; 1 Corinthians 1:27; 3:6-7 Isaiah 6:5; Proverbs 18:16; 29:25; Matthew 10:28; 2 Timothy 1:6-7)

What if the most powerful tool for sharing the Gospel is your own story?

Summer Teaching Series:

This is not just another series on the Great Commission—this is a challenge. Do we really want to be a disciple-making church? Are we willing to move beyond good intentions and take Jesus’ final command seriously? Find & Follow is a 9-week journey designed to help you step boldly into the Great Commission. In the first half of the series, we’ll explore how to share the gospel—from trusting its power to telling our personal stories and living as a witness. Then, we’ll shift our focus to discipleship—what it means to truly follow Jesus, grow in community, and invest in others.

Lesson 3 - Notes

Mike Matheny (former MLB Player & Manager) - Psalm 23:4; Genesis 1:1; Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16

Mike Matheny shares his inspiring journey of faith and leadership, urging us to reach those around us with urgency and eternal impact. Through the lens of growing in Christ, fighting the good fight, loving others deeply, and serving selflessly, Mike challenges us to live out our calling with boldness and purpose.

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​​​​​​​Romans 1:16; 3:10 & 23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9, 13-15 & 17; 1 Corinthians 3:6; 15:1-4; John 3:16; 6:68; 8:32; 17:17; 18:36; 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:3; Revelation 2:13; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:26; Genesis 1:3; Hebrews 4:12; Acts 1:8; 2:37; Mark 1:15; 4:3-14; Isaiah 55:11; Psalms 126:5; 1 John 4:4; Matthew 28:20

How do we reach the hearts of those who seem so far from God?

Summer Teaching Series:

This is not just another series on the Great Commission—this is a challenge. Do we really want to be a disciple-making church? Are we willing to move beyond good intentions and take Jesus’ final command seriously? Find & Follow is a 9-week journey designed to help you step boldly into the Great Commission. In the first half of the series, we’ll explore how to share the gospel—from trusting its power to telling our personal stories and living as a witness. Then, we’ll shift our focus to discipleship—what it means to truly follow Jesus, grow in community, and invest in others.

Lesson 2 - Notes

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 3 (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; John 2:19 & 23-25; 3:1-17; 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Romans 10:9-11 & 13; Matthew 7:21-23)

One thing we all strive to know is the truth. This sounds basic and simple, but in a world of lies, we seek out to know the truth. There was a man in John 3 that came to Jesus to ask some questions, but the conversation went in a very unexpected direction. Jesus turns the encounter into a heart to heart conversation about eternal life. This man simply wanted to talk to Jesus, but he left that day with the truth that would change his life. In a world filled with confusion and lies, Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, and the life!

Series description:

Have you ever experienced something that completely threw you off because it was so different from what you expected? When we read the Gospels, it's easy to wonder why so many people rejected Jesus. Why didn’t they recognize Him as the Messiah and worship Him? The truth is—everything about Jesus was unexpected. From the way He entered the world—born to poor parents and laid in a manger—to the way He loved and forgave sinners, outcasts, and even enemies. The Gospel of John is especially unique because it highlights the surprising, counter-cultural things Jesus said and did. It shows us a Savior who pursued personal relationships with the most unlikely people. Through John’s account, we’re invited to take a journey and experience the unexpected grace and love of Jesus—a love that still transforms lives today.

Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:6-8; John 3:16-18; 14:15; 20:19-23

What kind of church do we want to be? Friendly, generous, serving—all of these are good, but if we want to be faithful to Jesus, there's one thing we must be: a disciple-producing church. In this lesson, we explore the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28 and echoed across the New Testament. Jesus calls us to a life of mission—preaching the Gospel so others can find Him, and obeying His commands so we can follow Him. This is more than a church mission statement—it's the heartbeat of the Christian life. Whether you’re a longtime believer or just beginning to explore faith, this conversation will inspire you to take your next step in the cycle of discipleship that multiplies and transforms.

Summer Teaching Series:

This is not just another series on the Great Commission—this is a challenge. Do we really want to be a disciple-making church? Are we willing to move beyond good intentions and take Jesus’ final command seriously? Find & Follow is a 9-week journey designed to help you step boldly into the Great Commission. In the first half of the series, we’ll explore how to share the gospel—from trusting its power to telling our personal stories and living as a witness. Then, we’ll shift our focus to discipleship—what it means to truly follow Jesus, grow in community, and invest in others.

Lesson 1 - Notes

Illustration #1: FBC Mission Statement

Illustration #2: Discipleship

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 2 (John 1:4; 2:1-21; 10:10; 15:11; Exodus 30:19-21; Leviticus 11:32; Titus 3:5; Revelation 7:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The beginning of the public ministry of Jesus was not what you would expect. John chapter two does not begin with a giant crowd, a public miracle, or a deep message from Jesus. It begins with John telling us the heart and mission of Jesus, but in an unexpected way. It begins at a party...a wedding celebration with friends and family. This story usually gets told from the perspective of the miracle of turning the water into wine. Yes, this is definitely a miracle, but the reason for this miracle is the real message. Before Jesus confronts the disorder of the temple worship, He teaches the disciples a powerful message about His purpose and mission. Then, Jesus steps into a crowd and confronts some issues in a way that they would never forget.

Series description:

Have you ever experienced something that completely threw you off because it was so different from what you expected? When we read the Gospels, it's easy to wonder why so many people rejected Jesus. Why didn’t they recognize Him as the Messiah and worship Him? The truth is—everything about Jesus was unexpected. From the way He entered the world—born to poor parents and laid in a manger—to the way He loved and forgave sinners, outcasts, and even enemies. The Gospel of John is especially unique because it highlights the surprising, counter-cultural things Jesus said and did. It shows us a Savior who pursued personal relationships with the most unlikely people. Through John’s account, we’re invited to take a journey and experience the unexpected grace and love of Jesus—a love that still transforms lives today.