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.