Fusion: week of 2/24

FAMILY THEME: INTENTIONAL FAITH

Philippians 3:7-14 ; Hebrews 12:1-4 ; 2 Timothy 2:20-26

The longer the apostle Paul lived and served, the more Christ

increased in his life. It was more than just planting churches for

him. It was about a growing person relationship with Christ.

1.  Growing in Christ is an Intentional Active Pursuit

     (Philippians 3:7-14)

     Spiritual growth in Christ does not happen automatically.

     It requires God's grace and the Holy Spirit, but also

     significant self-discipline, commitment, and daily effort.

 
2.  Growing in Christ is a Way of Life

     (Hebrews 12:1-4, 12-14)

     A believer's outward behavior proceeds from an inner

     profession of faith. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness

     indicate an authentic relationship with Christ.

 
3.  Growing in Christ Requires a Balanced Lifestyle

     (2 Timothy 2:20-26)

     Every Christian should distinguish between the doctrines

     of justification and sanctification. Justification relates to

     what Jesus has done for us. Sanctification often relates

     to what we do. These doctrines blend together perfectly

     into a balanced view of what it means to be a Christian.

Fusion: week of 2/17

FAMILY THEME: DISCIPLINED LIVING

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ; Titus 2:1-14 ; Proverbs 23:1-8

We admire the Biblical virtue of self-discipline when we see it

on display. Self-discipline enables even not-so-naturally-talented

individuals to "soar above the level of mediocrity".

1.  Live With Purpose

     (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

     Material awards and public honor for personal achievements

     have a limited shelf-life. However, human effort, married to

     Biblical objectives, has eternal value contributing to something

     that lasts forever!

 
2.  Live to Benefit Others

     (Titus 2:1-14)

     Most virtues within us are not automatic or naturally occurring.

     They must be taught to us.

 
3.  Live With Restraint

     (Daniel 1:1-21 ; Proverbs 23:1-9)

     Babylonian culture was foreign to Daniel and his three friends

     in their captivity.

Fusion: week of 2/10

FAMILY THEME: BIBLICAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Galatians 2:11-14 ; 2 Peter 1:1 ; 1 Samuel 15:17-31 ; Psalm 51:1-17 ; Galatians 6:1-5

Sometimes believers would like to avoid the Bible's command to

confess our sins to one another (James 5:16), trying to protect

the reputation and image we have built. But this fundamental step

toward authentic Christian living can help us to grow more like 

Christ. How can we improve our accountability to one another?

1.  All Believers Benefit from Accountability

     (Galatians 2:11-14 ; 2 Peter 1:1)

     We must be willing to speak and hear the truth.

 
2.  Accountability Requires Honesty and Humility

     (1 Samuel 15:17-31 ; Psalm 51:1-17)

     When confronted with our sin, no excuse should be given. If

     we cover our sins, we cannot be delivered from our sins.

 
3.  Accountability Requires Trust

     (Galatians 6:1-5)

     We should build confidence in one another by caring and by

     sharing our burdens.

Fusion: week of 2/3

FAMILY THEME: AUTHENTIC FAITH

Psalm 103:1-14; Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 7:15-25

Taking off our masks may require courage. We like to hide (or at least

disguise) our weaknesses when we are around others. God can do His

best work, though, when we are transparent and genuine with each other.

Even in our weakness, He is strong. Even in our inadequacies, He is

sufficient. He gets the glory when we allow His grace to shine from our

struggles.

1.  We Can Be Authentic With God

     (Psalm 103:1-14)

     We can bless the Lord because He knows all about us

     and loves us anyway.

 
2.  We Can Be Authentic With Ourselves

     (Ephesians 2:1-10)

     We can accept ourselves because God has accepted

     us in Christ.

 
3.  We Can Be Authentic With Others

     (Romans 7:15-25)

     Paul shared his struggles with us and we should wisely

     share our struggles with others.

Fusion: week of 1/27

FAMILY THEME: SELFLESS LIVING

Romans 14:1  -  15:7

What happens when Christians disagree on certain issues? Do we 

push for our way? Do we separate from one another? Or is there a

way to respect one another and continue to work together for the

Kingdom? Paul answers these questions in this lesson.

1.  Leave Judgment to God in Matters Not Clearly Spelled Out

     in Scripture

     (Romans 14:1-12)

     Paul instructed both parties not to judge each other

     for their differing opinions in such disputable matters.

 
2.  Walk in Love, Building Up Rather Than Hindering Others' Faith

     (Romans 14:13-23)

     Paul challenged his readers to make every effort to

     build up one another spiritually.

 
3.  Follow Christ's Example of Pleasing Others Rather

     Than Ourselves

     (Romans 15:1-7)

     Paul urged believers to please others, following Christ's

     example of putting the need of others ahead of His own.

Fusion: week of 1/20

FAMILY THEME: SUBMISSIVE LIVING

Romans 13:1-14

What should the disciple's relationship be with the government?

Paul gives us some guidance in this week's study.

1.  Submit to Those in Authority

     (Romans 13:1-7)

     Having Heavenly citizenship does not free us from

     earthly obligations and authority.

 
2.  Submit to the Law of Love

     (Romans 13:8-10)

     The law of love is the primary law for the believer

     to submit to.

 
3.  Submit to Christ-Like Living

     (Romans 13:11-14)

     Since we are living in the last days, we should be 

     focused on making the greatest impact possible.

Fusion: week of 1/13

FAMILY THEME: TRANSFORMED LIVING

Romans 12:1-21

Thinking about all Jesus has done for us should motivate us to live

for Him. But what does that look like? Romans 12 answers this 

question.

1.  Respond to God's Mercy by Giving All to Him

     (Romans 12:1-2)

     To make your life a living sacrifice is to make a conscious,

     rational, thoughtful, and intelligent offering of one's self as

     an act of worship.

 
2.  Use the Gifts God Has Given You

     (Romans 12:3-8)

     As disciples we are part of the church and are called to

     serve God and the others who make up His body.

 
3.  Act Lovingly Toward All People

     (Romans 12:9-21)

     The transformation of the gospel is seen in the way we

     treat people.