Fusion: week of 9/29

FAMILY THEME: RECONCILED THROUGH CHRIST

Philemon 1:1-22

While imprisoned, Paul sent a bold letter to his dear friend and

fellow-laborer, Philemon, on behalf of a slave converted in his

prison ministry. He based his appeal on love. How could Philemon

say no?

1.  Our Faithfulness to Christ Encourages Others

     (Philemon 1:1-7)

     Your faith doesn't just affect you, but also those who are

     watching you.

 
2.  Reconciliation With God Leads to Reconciliation

     With Others

     (Philemon 1:8-16)

     The gospel brings both peace with God and peace with

     those around us.

     

3.  Reconciliation Requires a Forgiving, Compassionate

     Heart

     (Philemon 1:17-22)

     Forgiveness proceeds from a heart that has already

     experienced forgiveness.

Fusion: week of 9/22

FAMILY THEME: SUBMISSION IN CHRIST

Colossians 3:18 - 4:6

Christianity should make a difference in our families and on

our jobs. If it does not, others have a right to question its

authenticity.

1.  Christian Family Relationships Should Submit to God's Design

     (Colossians 3:18-21)

     God designed the family, so we should trust His plan

     for the family.

 
2.  Our Workplace Conduct Should Bring Honor to Christ

     (Colossians 3:22 - 4:1)

     God's design for our lives has implications for not 

     only why we work, but also how we work.

     

3.  Prayer and Wise Living Help Us Influence Unbelievers

     (Colossians 4:2-6)

     Our lives, not just our words, are testifying to the

     hope we have in Christ.

Fusion: week of 9/15

FAMILY THEME: NEW IN CHRIST

Colossians 3:1-17

The apostle Paul used the imagery of putting off and putting on -

strip off the ungodly actions and dress instead in the righteous

actions and attitudes that make us look like Christ.

1.  Our Relationship with Christ Changes Our Focus

     (Colossians 3:1-4)

     When Christ is our King, it means we are no longer

     rulers over our own lives.

 
2.  We Must Decisively Cast Aside the Attitudes and 

     Actions The Belong to Our Sinful Nature

     (Colossians 3:5-9)

     In Heaven we will no longer struggle with sin, but

     as we live our Christian lives, we must still battle

     with our old desires.

     

3.  We Should Take On and Live Out Godly Actions

     and Attitudes

     (Colossians 3:10-17)

     As a Christian, you live your life according to a 

     different set of values and priorities.

Fusion: week of 9/8

FAMILY THEME: ALIVE IN CHRIST

Colossians 2:6-23

Jesus Christ makes a difference in every part of your life. Because

of Him, you are dead to your sins, buried with Him in baptism, freed

from your sinful past, and raised with Him to conduct your life differently.

1.  The Christian Experience is a Life-Long Process, Not

     a One-Time Event

     (Colossians 2:6-8)

     The Christian life is a continuation in Christ to a culmination

     with Christ in Heaven.

 
2.  God Gives Us Forgiveness and Spiritual Life in and Through

     Christ Who is Fully God and Fully Man

     (Colossians 2:9-15)

     Our focus should always be on Christ and what He has

     spiritually provided for us.

     

3.  True Spiritual Life is Found in Christ, Not in Human

     Philosophy or Tradition

     (Colossians 2:16-23)

     Christ is the living water in a spiritual desert.

Fusion: week of 9/1

FAMILY THEME: LORDSHIP OF CHRIST

Colossians 1:9-23

Our view of Jesus Christ affects everything else in life. When we

see Him as worthy of all praise and devotion, we are motivated

to please Him.

1.  Our Lives Should Be Marked by Faithful and Fruitful Living

     (Colossians 1:9-14)

     In order to glorify God, our lives should be marked by

     fruitful good works and an increasing understanding of

     God and His will.

 
2.  We Love and Serve the One Who is Preeminent Over All

     (Colossians 1:15-20)

     We worship and work for Jesus because He is God the

     Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of the universe.

     

3.  The Preeminent Christ Reconciled Us to God by His Death

     (Colossians 1:21-23)

     While our wicked works made us God's enemies, Christ's

     reconciling death made us saints.