Fusion: week of 8/5

FAMILY THEME: ABSOLUTE TRUTH

Psalms 119:89, 142, 160 ; John 17:17 ; John 8:31-32

In a world system that embraces relative truth, as Christians

we have truth that is absolute and sure.

1.  Because God Exists, There Is Absolute Truth

     (Psalms 119:89, 142, 160)

     Truth is true, not because we say it is, but because

     it ultimately comes from God.

 
2.  If God Has Spoken, Then His Words are True 

     and Life-Giving

     (John 17:17)

     God's truth isn't just for our minds, but it changes

     our hearts and our actions too.

 
3.  Knowing Absolute Truth Sets Us Free

     (John 8:31-32)

     In God's absolute truth comes absolute freedom.

Fusion: week of 7/29

FAMILY THEME: SONGS OF WORSHIP

Psalms 121, 127, 130

Biblical hope is a well-grounded, well-founded assurance 

that God will do what He has said He would do. The study

this week gives us a reason for this hope.

1.  Our Help Comes From the Lord

     (Psalm 121)

     The psalmist affirmed that he would look exclusively

     to the Lord for help.

 
2.  Our Efforts Are in Vain Without the Lord

     (Psalm 127)

     All our efforts become ineffective without God's help.

 
3.  Our Only Hope is in the Lord and His Mercy

     (Psalm 130)

     God is generous with grace, always ready to pardon

     our sin.

Fusion: week of 7/22

FAMILY THEME: A SONG OF GOD'S LOVE

Psalm 118

God's love and goodness toward us inspire praise and 

devotion from us.

1.  God's Love for Us Will Never End

     (Psalm 118:1-4)

     The writer was apparently so overwhelmed by the

     goodness and mercy of God that he called upon

     all believers to join him in worship.

 
2.  God Demonstrates His Love by Helping Us

     Through Difficulty

     (Psalm 118:5-18)

     During this period of opposition, the psalmist was

     victorious because God was for him.

 
3.  God Accomplishes His Plan by Using What

     Others Reject

     (Psalm 118:19-29)

     What the world rejects, God often uses to accomplish

     His will. This is His specialty.

Fusion: week of 7/15

FAMILY THEME: A SONG OF DISTRESS

Psalm 44

During difficult seasons, it is often hard to understand why

we face troubles. The psalmist wonders this as well.

1.  When Times Get Tough, Reflect Upon God's Goodness

     in the Past

     (Psalm 44:1-8)

     In a time of desperation the psalmist remembered

     what God had done in the past.

 
2.  In Difficult Seasons, Be Honest About Your Situation

     Before God

     (Psalm 44:9-16)

     In difficult times we confess our feelings of despair

     and shame.

 
3.  When Confused, Take a Spiritual Assessment

     of Your Life

     (Psalm 44:17-22)

     We should search our hearts in difficult times and

     confess any sin.

4.  When in Difficult Circumstances, Call Out to

     God for Help

     (Psalm 44:23-26)

     The psalmist pleaded for God's help.

Fusion: week of 7/8

FAMILY THEME: A SONG OF THANKSGIVING

Psalm 34

The goodness of God moved David to praise his great God and 

invite others to experience God's goodness.

1.  Praise God for Answered Prayer

     (Psalm 34:1-6)

     Answers to prayer compelled David to praise God

     and encourage others to praise Him as well.

 
2.  Praise God for His Protection and Provision

     (Psalm 34:7-10)

     David invited the reader to "taste" or personally

     experience the Lord's goodness by taking refuge

     in Him.

 
3.  God's Favor is on Those Who Fear Him and Do His Will

     (Psalm 34:11-16)

     David reminded God's people of the value of

     a life of righteousness.

4.  Praise God for His Presence and Deliverance

     (Psalm 34:17-22)

     Even the righteous have many problems, trials, 

     and difficult circumstances. But the constant

     presence of God is reassuring.

Fusion: week of 7/1

FAMILY THEME: A SONG OF WISDOM

Psalm 1

Is there a way to live that enhances our ability to be blessed?

Check out what Psalm 1 has to say about this.

1.  Choosing the Right Influences Results in Spiritual Blessings

     (Psalm 1:1-2)

     The person who carefully monitors his relationships and his

     counsel will be blessed.

 
2.  Our Choice of Influences Affects Our Spiritual Stability

     (Psalm 1:3-4)

     The righteous who saturate themselves with God's Word are

     likely a healthy tree that is planted by a river.

 
3.  There is an Eternal Contrast Between the Life of the Righteous

     and the Life of the Wicked

     (Psalm 1:5-6)

     The righteous and ungodly are not only different on earth, but

     also in eternity.

Fusion: week of 6/24

FAMILY THEME: THE BELIEVER'S STRENGTH

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Selflessness, humility, and personal weakness in a believer's

life are, ironically, potential virtues of true strength. These may

become conduits through which the power of God flows.

1.  Seek to Exalt Christ Rather Than Self

     (2 Corinthians 12:1-6)

     The mistake pride often makes is taking credit

     for what Christ or others have done. Paul found

     it difficult to boast.

 
2.  God May Use Difficulty to Keep Us Humble

     (2 Corinthians 12:7)

     Because of the inclination of fallen human 

     nature to exalt self is so powerful, especially

     when one is talented or successful, God used

     a "thorn in the flesh" to keep His servant humble.

 
3.  God's Power Shines Brightest Through Our

     Weaknesses

     (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

     God did not always grant even the apostle

     Paul's requests. But He always had a good

     reason for not doing so. Grace and power

     were released into his life and ministry.