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.

Fusion: week of 7/31

FAMILY THEME: GOD PROVIDES FOR HIS PEOPLE

Genesis 45

Joseph used his power and position to provide for his family in spite

of how he'd been treated.

1.  God Provides Deliverance

     (Genesis 45:1-7)

     Joseph had forgiven his brothers and sought only to provide

     deliverance for them and the rest of his family. 

 
2.  God Provides Sustenance

     (Genesis 45:8-13)

     God worked through the difficulties Joseph had experienced

     in order to provide for the needs of His people.

 
3.  God Provides Restoration

     (Genesis 45:14-28)

     God allowed Joseph's family to be reconciled and restored.

Fusion: week of 7/24

FAMILY THEME: GOD IS IN CONTROL

Genesis 37:1-36;  39:1-5

Joseph faced challenging circumsances, but God provided him favor

for the role he would play in His plan.

1.  God is in Control in the Family, Whether Strong or Dysfunctional

     (Genesis 37:1-11)

     Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's dreams caused strife withing their

      family. 

 
2.  God is in Control in Time of Trouble

     (Genesis 37:12-35)

     Joseph's brothers, considering murder, chose to sell him into

     slavery.

 
3.  God is in Control in Our Work Situations

     (Genesis 37:36;  39:1-5)

     The Lord blessed Joseph's efforts and work and showed him

     favor while in captivity.

Fusion: week of 7/17

FAMILY THEME: GOD ESTABLISHED A NATION

Genesis 35

Jacob returned to his spiritual roots to reflect and received a blessing

and renewed promise.

1.  Returning to Our Spiritual Roots Can Strengthen Us

     (Genesis 35:1-8)

     Jacob returned to an instrumental place in his spiritual journey.

 
2.  God Made Jacob the Father of a Nation

     (Genesis 35:9-15)

     God again appeared to Jacob, this time changing Jacob's name

     to reflect His promise.

 
3.  Believers Will Experience Ups and Downs of Everyday Life

     (Genesis 35:16-29)

     Although Jacob had received a blessing, he would soon be confronted

     with the realities of death and sin.