Fusion: week of 12/27

 FAMILY THEME: JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE

Matthew 3:13 - 4:11

Jesus is our example in humility (John 13:15),

in suffering (1 Peter 2:21), and in righteous

choices and interaction with others. We want

to be like Christ in all we do.

✞   Jesus Set the Example in Baptism

     (Matthew 3:13-17)

     Although He had nothing to repent of,

     Jesus offered Himself as a model to

     follow in baptism. God spoke, acknow-

     ledging Jesus' authority and identity as

     His obedient Son, when Christ was

     baptized.

✞   Jesus Set the Example in Overcoming Temptation

     (Matthew 4:21-11)

     Jesus overcame temptation by knowing

     and applying God's Word. He used 

     Scripture relating to the specific temp-

     tations as defense against Satan's

     attacks.

Fusion: week of 12/20

FAMILY THEME: THE PROMISED MESSIAH IS BORN

Matthew 1:18 - 2:12

We marvel at the way God set the stage for

Jesus' birth.

✞   Jesus' Birth Was Miraculous

     (Matthew 1:18-21)

     Joseph knew he was not the father of the

     baby Mary carried. God revealed to him in

     a dream that the baby was the son of God.

✞   Jesus' Birth Was Promised in the Old Testament

     (Matthew 1:22-25)

     The Scripture foretold the Messiah's birth 

     over and over. The Jewish people had

     eagerly anticipated it.

✞   Wise Men Worshiped the Promised Savior

     (Matthew 2:1-12)

     Even as a newborn, before He had done

     any good deeds or miracles. Jesus was

     worthy of worship. The wise men from far

     away followed the star, gave gifts of tribute,

     and acknowledged Jesus as King.

Fusion: week of 12/13

 FAMILY THEME: CONSIDER THE SOURCE

Psalm 119:89, 142, 160 ; John 17:17 ; 

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ; John 8:31-32

In a world system that embraces relative truth, as 

Christians we have truth that is absolute and sure.

✞   God's Word is Always True

     (Psalm 119:89,142, 160 : John 17:17)

     Truth is rooted in the character of God. My 

     opinion of the truth does not change it.

✞   Life and Freedom are Found in God's Word

     (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ; John 8:31-32)

     God's truth isn't just for our minds, but it

     changes our hearts and our actions too. His

     Word is true and life-giving.

Fusion: week of 12/6

 FAMILY THEME: TRUTH WE CAN TRUST

Hebrews 1:1-2 ; 2 Peter 1:21 ; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ; Hebrews 4:12 

The truth we believe as Christians is not something we have

made up; it finds its source and foundation in God.

✞   The Bible Reveals Truth About God

     (Heb. 1:1-2)

     God has not hidden Himself from us, but instead

     He has shown us who He is in a variety of ways-

     especially in His Word.

✞   The Bible is Inspired by God

     (2 Peter 1:21 ; 2 Timothy 3:16a)

     Men didn't fabricate God's Word, but instead were

     led by His Spirit to write the Scriptures.

✞   The Bible Gives Truth for Everyday Life

     (2 Timothy 3:16b-17 ; Heb. 4:12)

     The entire Bible works to change our lives into the

     likeness of Christ. We don't stand in authority over

     God's Word. Instead, It stands over us.