Fusion: week of 9/28

FAMILY THEME: RECONCILIATION

RECONCILED WITH GOD AND MAN

Ephesians 2:1-22

Paul explains the power and importance of grace.

1.  Our Depravity Separates Us From God

     (Ephesians 2:1-3)

     The spiritual state of those without Christ is dark.

 
2.  God's Grace Provides Reconciliation for Us

     (Ephesians 2:4-10) 

     Salvation is by grace through faith, not as a result of

     man's works.

 
3.  Jesus Brings Jews and Gentiles Into One Household

     (Ephesians 2:11-22)

     Jews and Gentiles were intended to be one unified

     body as a result of Christ's redemptive death.

Fusion: week of 9/21

FAMILY THEME: ADOPTION

ADOPTED BY BLOOD

Ephesians 1:3 - 23

Paul explains that salvation involves our adoption as children of God.

1.  Our Adoption is Initiated by God

     (Ephesians 1:3-12)

     God wholly and entirely initiates the plan for our salvation and 

     spiritual adoption.

 
2.  We Join God's Family by Hearing the Truth and Responding in Faith

     (Ephesians 1:13-14) 

     While God initiates our adoption, our inclusion still requires a

     response on our part.

 
3.  We Must Grow Deeper in our Understanding of Salvation

     (Ephesians 1:15-23)

     Being adopted is the beginning of what should be an ever-deepening

     understanding of our inheritance in Christ.

Fusion: week of 9/14

FAMILY THEME: HOPE

NOT SO SMOOTH SAILING

Acts 27 - 28

Paul was finally going to Rome, but not as a tourist or even an

evangelist. He went to Rome as a prisoner. But that was only

one of the difficulties he encountered on the trip.

1.  We Can Trust God's Promises and Plans, Even in Detours

     (Acts 27:1-32)

     Paul had been imprisoned, beaten, chained, and shipwrecked

     but never abandoned.

 
2.  We Can Thank God for Provision and Protection, Even in Disasters

     (Acts 27:33-44) 

     God clearly fulfilled His promise to spare the lives of everyone

     aboard the vessel.

 
3.  We Can Find Strength in Community, Even in a Strange Land

     (Acts 28:1-16)

     Paul drew strength and encouragement from the fellowship of

     believers.

Fusion: week of 9/7

FAMILY THEME: COURAGE

LIVING ON THE EDGE

Acts 21 - 23

Paul set an example of courageous faithfulness to Jesus.

1.  Courage is Obeying God Over Your Friends

     (Acts 21:1-16)

     God's will was far more important to Paul than safety

     or security.

 
2.  Courage is Telling Your Story, Even When It's Not Appreciated

     (Acts 21:27 - 22:29) 

     Paul never missed an opportunity to tell people how

     Jesus had changed his life.

 
3.  Courage is Taking Wise Action, While Trusting God's Plan

     (Acts 22:30 - 23:11)

     Paul trusted God but still acted wisely in his dealings with others.