Pastor Matt Hodge (Discipleship Pastor) - ​​​​​​​​​1 Thessalonians 2:13; 5:11-15; Genesis 2:18; 1 Peter 3:8-11; 1 Corinthians 12:25-26; Romans 12:10-13; Ephesians 4:11-15; Acts 20:32; Hebrews 10:23-25; Matthew 28:19-20

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 6 - Notes

Daily Life vs. Life Together Diagram

FBC Discipleship Pathway

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 6 (John 6:1-14 & 16-21; Mark 6:35-37, 42 & 52; Ephesians 3:20)

If you follow Jesus, you’ll discover that He has the answers to everything. The disciples were learning this as they walked with Him. Jesus didn’t just want them to know who He was—He wanted them to trust Him. Trusting is easy when everything makes sense and your needs are met. But what about when the situation feels impossible? Do you still trust God when nothing adds up? Sometimes, those moments of need are actually a set-up—for God to show that He always has a plan, and He always provides.

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) - ​​​​​​​​​Matthew 4:18-22; Acts 12:2; Luke 6:46; 9:23-25; 14:25-30; Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 6:20; John 1:1 & 14; 8:31-32; 14:15; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:105; Mark 1:35

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

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 5 - Notes

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - John 5 (John 5:1-10, 14 16; Matthew 11:28)

When you’re in trouble, who do you turn to? Most of us would say, “Jesus,” but the truth is—we often run to everything but Him. In John 5, Jesus steps into a situation that catches everyone off guard. He performs an unexpected miracle for a man who was completely desperate. In doing so, He shows that He has power and authority over sickness. But Jesus wasn’t just a healer—He is God. And that miracle? It was just the beginning. It set the stage for what came next: Jesus intentionally stirred up the Pharisees to prove that His authority extends over everything.

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) - ​​​​​​​​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.