Fusion: week of 3/28

FAMILY THEME: JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS

John 19:1-42 

Jesus' death on the cross wasn't a tragedy. It wasn't the death

of a martyr. Jesus' death was the sacrifice of a Savior, and it

was all according to God's plan for our redemption.

✞   Jesus' Own People Rejected Him

     (John 19:1-16)

     The Jewish leaders accused Him, and though Pilate

     refused to sentence Him as guilty, Jesus was given

     over to the Jewish people to be crucified.

✞   Jesus Paid the Penalty for Our Sins

     (John 19:17-22)

     Though He was the sinless Son of God, Jesus gave

     His life as a sacrifice on Calvary.

✞   Jesus' Crucifixion Fulfilled Messianic Prophecies

     (John 19:23-42)

     At least four prophecies were fulfilled in these 19

     verses, showing the reliability of God's Word.

Fusion: week of 3/21

FAMILY THEME: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR HELPER

John 14:15-27 ; 15:26-27

God provided the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort, and strengthen

believers. He has an active role in individual believers and the

church as a whole.

✞   The Holy Spirit Lives in Us and Helps Us

     (John 14:15-27)

     Not only does He fulfill God's promise to be with us and

     help us, but the Holy Spirit teaches us the truth of God's

     Word.

✞   The Holy Spirit Points People to Jesus

     (John 15:26-27)

     The Spirit always puts the spotlight on Jesus. He prompts

     believers to stand for Christ and share Him with others.

Fusion: week of 3/14

 FAMILY THEME: JESUS MODELED HUMILITY

John 13:1-20

As they gathered for the Last Supper, Jesus acted once again in service 

to His followers, leaving them a pattern to follow and a blessing when

they did.

✞   Jesus Modeled Humble Service

     (John 13:1-11)

     Though He was Master, Teacher, and Lord, He took on the most

     menial tasks to serve His disciples.

✞   Jesus Calls Us to Humble Service

     (John 13:12-20)

     Following Christ's example, we please God when we put pride

     aside to serve others.

Fusion: week of 3/7

FAMILY THEME: JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD

Matthew 17:1-13

Jesus' transfiguration revealed the divine glory that was His in Heaven.

✞   Jesus' Transfiguration Revealed His Glory

     (Matthew 17:1-2)

     God opened the curtains so Peter, James, and John could

     glimpse Christ's true nature. This would fortify them for the

     difficult days immediately ahead.

✞   The Father Affirmed Jesus as His Son

     (Matthew 17:3-8)

     Moses and Elijah, symbolic of the Old Testament Law and

     Prophets, met with the long-awaited Messiah, and God the

     Father pronounced His pleasure in His Son, confirming

     His authority.

✞   Jesus Knew He Would Suffer, Die, and Rise Again

     (Matthew 17:9-13)

     He asked His disciples not to speak of what they had seen

     until after His resurrection He wanted them to focus on His

     mission.

Fusion: week of 2/28

 FAMILY THEME: GOD PROVIDES FOR HIS PEOPLE

Genesis 45:1-28

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

way he had been treated.

✞   God Can Use the Worst of Circumstances to Accomplish His Purposes

     (Genesis 45:1-7)

     In spite of their abuse, Joseph had forgiven his brothers.

✞   God Can Provide for Our Needs

     (Genesis 45:8-13)

     God worked through the difficulties Joseph had experienced

     in order to provide for the needs of His people.

✞   God Can Restore Broken Relationships

     (Genesis 45:14-28)

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

Fusion: week of 2/21

FAMILY THEME: GOD IS IN CONTROL

Genesis 37:1-36  ;  39:1-5 

Joseph faced challenging circumstances, but God provided him

favor for the role he would play in His plan.

✞   God Accomplishes His Plans, Even in the Midst of Family Problems

     (Genesis 37:1-11)

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

     family. But God was still at work.

✞   God Accomplishes His Plans, Even When Life Seems Off Track

     (Genesis 37:12-35)

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

     slavery. They deceived their father and made him believe that

     Joseph was dead.

✞   God Can Use Us for His Glory in Any Work Situation

     (Genesis 37:36  ;  39:1-5)

     The Lord blessed Joseph's work and showed him favor while

     in captivity.

Fusion: week of 2/14

FAMILY THEME: GOD CREATED EVERYTHING

Genesis 35:1-29 

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

and renewed promise.

✞   Reflecting on What God Has Done Strengthens Us

     (Genesis 35:1-8)

     Jacob built an altar at an instrumental place in his

     spiritual journey.

✞   God is Always Working His Plan

     (Genesis 35:9-15)

     Jacob was clearly different than he had been when

     last he met God at Bethel. In this meeting, God 

     changed Jacob's name to reflect His promise.

✞   God is With Us Through the Ups and Downs of Life

     (Genesis 35:16-29)

     Although Jacob had received a blessing, he would

     soon be confronted with the realities of death and sin.