Our theme recently has been new horizons.

New Horizons comes from a pool of words:

• Rebirth
• Fresh start
• Reinvigorate
• Re-dig the wells
• Recharge
• Dream again

Psalm 119:96 (The Message)
I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can’t contain your commands!

Proverbs 25:3 (The Message)
³ Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

What is a horizon?

A horizon is an imaginary limitation that shows the perceived end of the landscape. Yet in fact, it is rather the beginning of what we cannot see with the human eye.

We all have horizons in life. Boundaries. Limitations. Weaknesses.

It takes new thinking and new faith to take new horizons.

What is something new that you can do today?

This Sunday we start a new teaching series. 1 & 2 Timothy: A Life That Pleases God.

Basically we are going to look at a new chapter each week and work our way through both of these books.

These letters written to Timothy were written under extreme pressure and in a unique context. Paul was in prison both times, and he knew his days were numbered. These letters then are his summation of everything that is important to our walk with God and the local church.

Each chapter contains a powerful theme, and some of the ones we will look at include:

• Principles and convictions
• Character
• Godliness
• Speech
• Faithfulness
• Relationship

We can spend so much of our lives trying to please other people, but how often do we live a life that is focused on please God?

I know every person will be equipped, empowered, and challenged by this series.

On Sunday night after the 6pm service we will also be having a question and answer forum where you can ask me a question that relates to my sermon. Should be fun!

We have recently been looking at Nehemiah as part of our Rise and Build giving over the next 12 months.

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NKJV)
¹⁷ Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” ¹⁸ And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me.

So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

Israel was the Old Testament Church. It is a picture for us today of rebuilding the walls of church. Nehemiah rallied a group of people to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.

Walls represent strength and influence.

Let’s be a part of rebuilding the walls of the church. We have seen other walls under attack in society such as the family unit, people’s finances, morals and convictions.

Here are some keys to giving:

1.     Know your God is able

2.     Let God stir your heart to give.

3.     Give sacrificially.

4.     Give out of your special treasure.

Generations are God’s tool for progress. Here are 5 things God does through generations in the Bible and in our lives today:

1.    Blessing
There are three types of generational blessings:

a.    Ministry generation: Elija and Elisha
b.    Spiritual generation: Paul and Timothy
c.    Natural generation: Isacc and his son Jacob.

Some of you feel like the only thing you got from your generational heritage is a generational curse. That’s not true. You are now spiritually part of God’s family. You are a child of the most high. That means everything flows down from him.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

2.    Multiplication
Abraham was the father of many nations. He was speaking regarding Abraham and all his generations that were to follow.

3.    Honour
Honour and respect are two different things: Respect is earned by a leaders performance but honour is a matter of your own character. It is easy to think we  are too good to honour anyone. We need to restore honour. Why? Becuase how you perceive someone is how you receive someone. Honour release the annointing on a persons life.

4.    Fulfillment
God’s plan for you will happen through your family. Both your spiritual family, and your natural family.
Matt 1:17    So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.

Notice God’s counting methodology. He didn’t count years here, or all the people. He actually counted in generations.

5.    Advancement
The local church is all about building for the future. And God’s way is always to be moving forward. Increasing, taking more land, reaching more people.

Jesus was referred to as the Son of David. Why? Because God’s plan always comes through the generations.

Start to look at your life generationally. As a Christian, who are you raising up from the next generation?