Fusion: week of 9/18

FAMILY THEME: GODLY CONDUCT

James 3:1 -  4:12

Godly conduct includes controlling our speech, living humbly and

wisely, and submitting to God's will.

1.  Godly Living Includes Taming the Tongue

     (James 3:1-12)

     James emphasized the benefits of controlling the tongue as well

     as the destruction it can cause if not controlled.

 
2.  Wisdom Results in Godly Conduct That is Selfless and Humble,

     Not Envious and Prideful

     (James 3:13  -  4:3)

     Godly wisdom involves treating others well, while worldly wisdom

     is characterized by selfishness.

 
3.  Godly Conduct Involves Submitting to God Rather Than to

     Selfish Desires

     (James 4:4-12)

     Our lives should be characterized by humble submission to God's

     ways and resistance to our selfish desires.

Fusion: week of 9/11

FAMILY THEME: FAITH IN ACTION

James 2:14-26

While works do not save us, genuine fiath will resul in good works.

1.  Faith Without Action Is Worthless

     (James 2:14-17)

     Serving God and others with our actions demonstrates our faith.

 
2.  Faith is More Than Mere Belief in God

     (James 2:18-19)

     James described the ineptitude of nominally "believing" in God

     for salvation.

 
3.  We Are Counted as Righteous Based on Action-Producing Faith

     (James 2:20-26)

     James pointed to the faithful actions of Abraham and Rahab as

     examples of people acting on their faith. 

Fusion: week of 9/4

FAMILY THEME: FAITH UNDER TRIAL

James 1:1-18

Trials will come, but we can stand firm no matter what we face, and

our faith will grow as a result.

1.  Let God Use Trialsto Test and Grow Our Faith

     (James 1:1-8)

     We can face trials with joy because God uses them to develop our

     perserverance and faith.

 
2.  Glorify God Whatever Our Economic Status

     (James 1:9-11)

     Both the rich and the poor should focus on loving and serving God

     rather than on how much or how little they have.

 
3.  Stand Firm Under Trials and Temptation, Knowing God is Good

     (James 1:12-18)

     God is not the source of evil and temptation. We can look to Him

     for strength and power to stand firm under trials and temptations.

Fusion: week of 8/28

FAMILY THEME: DEFENDING THE FAITH

Acts 15:1-35

The church leaders at Jerusalem affirmed that salvation is by grace

through faith, not by works of the Law.

1.  Believers Must Defend the Faith Against False Teachers

     (Acts 15:1-5)

     Paul and Barnabas argued against those that taught salvation

     must include works of the Law.

 
2.  The Scriptures Affirm That Salvation is by Grace Through Faith Alone

     (Acts 15:6-21)

     The council confirmed salvation came by grace through faith,

     not the works of the Law.

 
3.  Believers Strive to Be in One Accord Over a Common Faith

     (Acts 15:22-35)

     The apostles sent a letter explaining their decision and encouraging

     the Jewish and Gentile believers to live and worship in unity. 

Fusion: week of 8/21

FAMILY THEME: SPREADING THE GOSPEL

Acts 13

Paul and Barnabas took the truth of the gospel to the Gentiles under

the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

1.  The Church Sends People Out With the Gospel

     (Acts 13:1-12)

     Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark were commissioned by the church 

     to spread the gospel.

 
2.  Believers use the Scripture to Support and Proclaim the Gospel

     (Acts 13:13-41)

     Paul used verses his hearers were familiar with to express the 

     truth of the gospel.

 
3.  Some Want to Hear the Gospel, but Others Oppose It

     (Acts 9:42-52)

     Despite facing death because of his message, Stephen remained

     faithful to the gospel.

Fusion: week of 8/14

FAMILY THEME: POWER OF THE GOSPEL

Acts 9

The gospel has the power to connect with and transform anyone.

1.  The Gospel Has Power to Transform the Direction of Our Lives

     (Acts 9:1-9)

     Saul, on his way to persecute Christians, had his life's course

     altered by the risen Christ.

 
2.  The Gospel Has Power to Change Our Reputation and Relationships

     (Acts 9:10-31)

     The power of the gospel can change a persecutor into a brother.

 
3.  The Gospel Has Power to Heal Our Total Being

     (Acts 9:32-43)

     Peter met the physical and spiritual needs of many through the

     power of Jesus' name.

Fusion: week of 8/7

FAMILY THEME: FAITHFUL TO THE GOSPEL

Acts 6:8-15;  7:51-60

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live faithfully and stand boldly

for the truth of the gospel.

1.  Empowered by the Spirit, Believers Can Be Faithful in Words,

     Actions, and Attitudes

     (Acts 6:8-15)

     Stephen preached in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.

 
2.  Empowered by the Spirit, Believers Can Faithfully Proclaim

     Truth, Even When It Seems Harsh

     (Acts 7:51-53)

     The Holy Spirit gives us the boldness and authority to deliver

      difficult truth.

 
3.  Empowered by the Spirit, Believers Can Be Faithful Despite

     Mistreatment

     (Acts 7:54-60)

     Despite facing death because of his message, Stephen remained

     faithful to the gospel.