fusion

Technically speaking, the definition of FUSION is the process where two atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus, releasing enormous amounts of energy, which is nuclear fusion. However, the term FUSION has taken on some other meanings, generally referring to a merging or blending of different elements, like in “fusion cuisine” that combines different ethnic foods, or the union or uniting of political concepts, interest groups, or parties.

We named our West Oaks Fellowship monthly newsletter “FUSION” many years ago from the concepts of a merger or blending, because that concept applies to so many areas of our church and a believer’s spiritual life. While the word “FUSION” doesn’t appear in the biblical text, the word fuse is used in a few English translations, referring to things being joined together or united as used by Darby in Job 41:23. Nonetheless, the concept of spiritual union or unions, unity, and oneness, is a central and important biblical concept / theme that’s often emphasized in numerous contexts throughout the scriptures.

Oneness with our Lord and Father God is a supernatural “FUSION” that Christ Himself prayed for in John 17:20-21 in His High Priestly prayer, as well as for all of us as His followers. Perhaps our oneness should somehow mirror the perfect harmony and unification of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit). Needless to say, in this process we become more and more like Him!
We “abide” in Christ Jesus according to John 15:1-6. This “FUSION” is essential if one becomes, or hopes to become, a fruit-bearing believer. According to our Lord’s teaching, this intimate connection / joining / uniting of the “TRUE VINE” and branches is the only possible process by which Christians can bear fruit!
The Body of Christ, His CHURCH, according to 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, is a very unique “FUSION!” All true believers, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or language, are all spiritually baptized by God’s one Holy Spirit into one universal church body. This merging of diverse members into one spiritually-joined church body illustrates the unity, as well as the interdependence of believers in Christ.
The prophecy of Jeremiah 31:33 presents a beautiful futuristic “FUSION!” “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

In the realm of our bible-based Christian faith, genuine “FUSION” must be absolutely confined to the things / elements of TRUTH! There are many efforts to fuse pagan concepts with the things of the ONE TRUE GOD AND HIS WORD! However, spiritual “FUSION“ emphasizes a profound, transformative, experience of divine nature and character that highlights the powerful interconnecting of believers with the Lord God. This relationship is enjoined by His gracious salvation and then with one another in His Church Body through our shared experiences, ultimately seeking the same purposes in our lives of bringing glory and honor in this life to JESUS CHRIST!

So that’s why we have “FUSION!”

His & Yours, because of G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense),

FUSION, not to be confused with fission, is defined as a union, combination, mixture, or blending, according to contemporary English dictionaries. Beginning right now, I’d like you to join me in beseeching God to make this year of increased “fusion” at West Oaks Fellowship. As this dynamic occurs, each of us will be challenged to alter some of our “church“ thinking, opening our hearts (extremely wide) to the new opportunities our Lord has “prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

Too often, God’s people stumble, trip, and even fall down over what they believe or think “ought to be,” rather than recognizing what Christ is actually accomplishing in the midst of the congregation or attempting to carry-out in their own lives and ministry. This was certainly true in many Old Testament accounts like Sari, who laughed at God’s promise, Joseph’s jealous brothers who simply had no clue about God’s mechanisms, or the children of Israel who desired to return to Egypt, preferring quail instead of God’s supernatural provision. Later, their descendants chose Saul to rule over them as king, rather than God, not to mention his folly of turning to satanic powers for spiritual guidance. Nehemiah knew God’s purpose and plan, yet met tremendous opposition similar in spirit to that encountered by Joshua and Caleb when they returned with a good report about the Land of Promise.

Consider Christ’s own ministry in the New Testament, and the deep anguish of His heart in Matthew 13:13-15 when He said,

Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.

How about the frustration of Paul with the Corinthian church, when they “do not lack any spiritual gift” (1:7), yet in reality are “worldly, fleshly, mere babes?” (3:1) Let us agree – “not me,” and, “not at WOF!” God’s desire for the Corinthian church was increased “FUSION,” NOT FISSION! “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1:10-11) However, they were too immature to achieve a true spiritual blending or combining. They were selfish, pridefully debating the superiority of certain ministries, suing each other, bragging about sinful behavior, offering preferential treatment to some, and misusing their spiritual gifts while allowing complete disorder in the church’s ministry.

The days that lie ahead will offer everyone at WOF many new opportunities for growth and service. Neighborhood fellowship groups are on the near horizon, new member ministries are in waiting, and discipleship classes are starting. Many existing, new and/or struggling ministries are just waiting for you to jump in with resources and support. All this presents each person with an opportunity to either recognize what God is doing in our midst, or loose sight of His work. Are we mature enough to reach forward with increased FUSION? Can we stay focused on Christ, sacrificial offering our service and support in order to impact others lives and our community with Christ’s Gospel, in spite of what we think “ought to be?” Will we get tripped-up, seeing but not seeing, hearing but not hearing or understanding? Believe me, there will be plenty to gripe, complain and even gossip about, but instead, why not choose FUSION and pray?

Ask to see, hear, and understand. Just think about it. – Pastor Frank

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“WHY FUSION”

FUSION