Fusion: week of 11/25

FAMILY THEME: LIFE-ALTERING CIRCUMSTANCES

Matthew 3:1-17  ;  14:1-12  ;  11:2-15

God had big plans for John the Baptist, yet these plans might

not be what he would have chosen for himself. Even when

things don't got the way we planned, God is still in control, and

we can trust Him.

1.  It Is Normal to Have Big Dreams in Life

     (Matthew 3:1-17)

     John the Baptist had a huge task: prepare the way for

     the Lord.

 
2.  Our Dreams Are Sometimes Dashed

     (Matthew 14:1-12)

     John spoke the truth and was thrown in prison because

     of it. That wasn't the end of his story, though.

 
3.  Trust in God's Love and Faithfulness When Disappointment

     Comes

     (Matthew 11:4-19)

     Sitting in prison, John wanted answers from Jesus. Today,

     you may have questions for Him too.

Fusion: week of 11/18

FAMILY THEME: DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

1 Kings 19 ; James 1:2-4 ; 1 Peter 5:7 ; Revelation 21:4

Life on this earth can certainly bring heartache. How comforting

to know that God can bring joy on this journey and bring growth

to make us stronger.

1.  The Trials of Life Can Lead to Depression and Anxiety

     (1 Kings 19)

     Sometimes it may seem that burying our heads in the

     sand, or hiding in a cave like Elijah did in today's 

     passage, would be the best alternative for facing

     life's difficulties.

 
2.  God Uses the Trials of Life to Help Us Grow

     (James 1:2-8)

     James had a positive outlook when it came to 

     facing trials, confident that they would have

     purpose in our lives.

 
3.  Cast Our Anxiety on Christ When Facing the Trials of Life

     (1 Peter 5:7 ; Revelation 21:4)

     God cares for us more than we can imagine!

Fusion: week of 11/11

FAMILY THEME: THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE

Acts 12:1-5 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ; Romans 8:38-39

Scripture teaches that believers do not grieve like those who

have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), but we still grieve at

the death of a loved one. Even at our times of greatest loss,

God's Word gives us strength and comfort.

1.  The Death of a Loved One is One of the Most Difficult

     Losses of Life

     (Acts 12:1-5)

     We should accept that death can come unexpectedly

     but remember it is no surprise to God.

 
2.  There Are Necessary Steps for Processing the Most

     Difficult Losses of Life

     (James 5:7-11 ;  Romans 8:38-39)

     We must be patient in the process of grief, certain

     that the Lord has promised never to leave or

     forsake us, especially in the loss of a loved one.

 
3.  Christians Have Reason to Hope Through the Most

     Difficult Losses of Life

     (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ; Psalm 46)

     We should never forget our resurrected Savior has

     sent the Holy Spirit it be our ever-present Comforter.

     God's Word gives us security and hope even in loss.

Fusion: week of 11/4

FAMILY THEME: BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Matthew 18:15-20 ; Luke 15:11-19

God created us to value and need relationships with others.

But in this fallen world, our relationships are affected. How

does a believer deal with painful broken friendships, family

situations, work relationships, and even marriages?

1.  Broken Relationships Are Inevitable and Painful

     (Matthew 18:15)

     We should value others by seeking to be at peace

     and harmony with them.

 
2.  Broken Relationships Follow a Process

     (Luke 15:11-19)

     Thinking of others will begin the process of solving

     a breach in any relationship.

 
3.  There Are Biblical Guidelines for Addressing 

     Broken Relationships

     (Matthew 18:15-20 ; Luke 15:20-25)

     The steps of discerning and reconciling a division

     between believers should be faithfully followed.