Fusion: week of 9/30

FAMILY THEME: STANDING FOR TRUTH

1 Kings 18:19-46

There's not a better Scriptural example of someone so brave,

with such tremendous faith, capable of standing alone against

the majority than the prophet Elijah.

1.  We Will Often Be in the Minority When Standing for the Truth

     (1 Kings 18:19-24)

     Though he felt outnumbered, Elijah boldly challenged

     the false prophets.

 
2.  God Honors Our Bold Stance for the Truth

     (1 Kings 18:25-40)

     The frantic pleading of the hundreds of false prophets

     could not compare to Elijah's direct petition for God's 

     power. God came through, leaving no doubts about 

     who was the false god and Who was the true God.

 
3.  God Hears His People When They Pray

     (1 Kings 18:41-46)

     Elijah is an example for us in praying because of his

     sincerity and his confidence in God.

Fusion: week of 9/23

FAMILY THEME: CONFRONTING SIN

1 Kings 16:29 - 17:7 ; 18:1-8

God used the great prophet Elijah to demonstrate the folly of

idolatry, contrasting it with the wisdom of relying on God's power,

provision, and principles. Elijah was used to call a nation back

to worshiping the one true God!

1.  Sin Leads to Devastation

     (1 Kings 16:29 - 17:1)

     Obedience leads to life and blessing. Disobedience or sin

     ultimately ends with death or destruction. This is true for

     an individual, a family, or a nation. The sins of Jeroboam

     and Ahab were extremely destructive on every level.

 
2.  God Takes Care of Those Who Follow His Will

     (1 Kings 17:2-7)

     When Elijah stood for God, God provided for Elijah. He

     has His eyes on His children!

 
3.  May God Place Us in a Position to Confront Sin

     (1 Kings 18:1-8)

     Love, courage, truth, the power of the Spirit, and

     circumstances converge providing an opportunity

     to speak to others about Christ.

Fusion: week of 9/16

FAMILY THEME: FOLLOWING WISE COUNSEL

1 Kings 12:1-33

After the pinnacle of peace and prosperity, celebrating the

new Temple in Jerusalem and the worldwide fame of Solomon,

Israel's descent into idolatry and rebellion began with Rehoboam's 

reign and the division of the northern (Israel) and the southern

(Judah) kingdoms.

1.  Be Careful Whom You Listen To

     (1 Kings 12:1-15)

     Solomon's son lacked his father's wisdom. King Rehoboam

     listened to the wrong counselors.

 
2.  Rejecting Wise Counsel Often Leads to Division

     (1 Kings 12:16-24)

     When Rehoboam added to the tax burden and workload

     of the Israelites, they rebelled and ten tribes seceded from

     the union.

 
3.  Division Among God's People Hinders the Advance of

     His Kingdom

     (1 Kings 12:25-33)

     Though this separation was prophesied, the division of

     the 12 tribes left them vulnerable to false religion and 

     to enemy attack.

Fusion: week of 9/9

FAMILY THEME: SEEKING GOD'S PRESENCE

1 Kings 8:1-61

As the Temple was completed, Israel gathered for the

dedication and saw the glory of God's presence.

1.  God Responds When We Humbly and Obediently

     Seek His Presence

     (1 Kings 8:1-11)

     The dedication of the Temple was marked by

     sacrifice and celebration.

 
2.  God is Faithful to Keep His Promises

     (1 Kings 8:12-21)

     Solomon's speech at the Temple dedication

     focused on the faithfulness of God in

     fulfilling His Word.

 
3.  God Forgives and Helps When His People Repent

     and Call on Him

     (1 Kings 8:22-53)

     Solomon requested that God would forgive and

     restore the nation of Israel when they were

     unfaithful to Him.

4.  God's Presence and Work in Our Lives Points

     Others to Him

     (1 Kings 8:54-61)

     The glory of God and the advancement of His

     Name and reputation were the primary purposes

     of the Temple.

Fusion: week of 9/2

FAMILY THEME: CHOOSING GOD'S WAY

1 Kings 2:1-4 ; 3:3-15

As Solomon began his reign over the nation of Israel, he

wisely honored his father David's instruction and asked

God for wisdom in his new assignment. God answered

his prayer!

1.  Encourage Our Children to Choose to Live

     According to God's Ways

     (1 Kings 2:1-4)

     David's last words to Solomon equipped him

     to better serve as Israel's king.

 
2.  Choose Godly Wisdom Over Riches and Fame

     (1 Kings 3:3-9)

     An understanding heart, a discerning mind, and

     good judgment were the request of the young

     King Solomon when God offered to give him

     whatever he asked for. Anyone, at any age,

     would be wise to do the same.

 
3.  God Blesses Those Who Seek Wisdom

     (1 Kings 3:10-15)

     When Solomon asked God for wisdom instead

     of long life, riches, or fame, God gave him "all

     of the above". God rewarded his wise choice.