Embracing God's Generational Faithfulness and Legacy

Summary

God’s faithfulness has been the defining story of Horizon Church from its humble beginnings in a lounge room to a thriving community of 150 people. This journey has always been marked by obedience to God’s call, even when the path was unclear and the resources seemed insufficient. The story of Horizon is not just about growth in numbers, but about the legacy of faith that has been passed down and the evidence of God’s sustaining power through every season. Reflecting on the past is not about living in it, but about recognizing the seeds God planted long before we could see the fruit, and acknowledging that every step forward has been a testimony to His promises.

God is a generational God. Throughout Scripture, from His covenant with Abraham to the instructions given to Moses and Joshua, God’s promises and purposes are always cast in terms of generations. He calls His people to remember, to mark moments of His faithfulness, and to pass on the stories of His provision and rescue. The call is not just to experience God’s goodness, but to ensure that future generations know and trust Him as well. This is echoed in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples—ensuring that the life-giving message of the gospel does not end with one generation but continues to ripple outward.

Being a generational church is both a joy and a responsibility. There is deep encouragement in seeing people of all ages, backgrounds, and stories gathered together, united by hope in Jesus. The church is a family where the faith of one can inspire and uplift another, where children learn to worship by watching adults, and where every person, regardless of their stage in life, has a role to play. But this also means that each of us is called to intentional, everyday faithfulness—sharing our stories, investing in others, and recognizing that our decisions today can shape spiritual legacies for years to come. The invitation is to live with a vision that extends beyond ourselves, to be part of the legacy God is writing, and to trust that our obedience today will have an impact far beyond what we can see.

Key Takeaways

- God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our story. Looking back at the journey of Horizon Church reveals that every step, from the smallest beginnings to the present, has been sustained by God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. Even when resources or clarity were lacking, obedience to God’s call opened the way for His provision and blessing. Remembering and celebrating these stories strengthens our faith for the future. [00:48]

- God’s vision is always generational. Scripture consistently shows that God thinks in terms of generations, not just moments. His promises to Abraham, His instructions to Moses and Joshua, and the call of Jesus to His disciples all point to a God who desires His faithfulness to be known by those yet to come. Our lives are part of a much larger story that God is unfolding across time. [07:01]

- Passing on stories of God’s faithfulness is a sacred responsibility. The memorial stones in Joshua and the exhortation in Psalm 78 remind us that sharing testimonies of God’s work is not optional—it is essential for building faith in others. When we intentionally tell the next generation about God’s deeds, we create visible reminders that anchor their trust in Him. Our silence can rob others of the encouragement they need to believe. [13:15]

- The church is a family marked by diversity and unity in Christ. The beauty of a generational church is seen in the gathering of people from different ages, backgrounds, and experiences, all united by the hope of Jesus. This diversity is not just to be enjoyed, but to be celebrated as a sign of God’s kingdom—a place where everyone has a role and where faith is modeled and multiplied across generations. [18:27]

- Everyday faithfulness has a generational impact. The call to make disciples is not just for a select few, but for every believer. Our courage to share our faith, invest in others, and live intentionally can create ripple effects that reach far beyond our own lives. The decisions we make today, even when they seem small, can shape spiritual legacies and transform families, communities, and future generations. [21:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness
[01:16] - The Humble Beginnings of Horizon
[02:13] - Obedience and the Call to Canberra
[03:21] - God’s Preparation in Advance
[04:09] - Growth and God’s Blessing in Kids Ministry
[04:55] - Defying the Odds: Planting with Faith
[05:38] - Seeking God’s Vision for the Future
[06:29] - Introducing “Jesus for Generations”
[07:01] - God’s Generational Nature in Scripture
[10:13] - The Covenant with Abraham
[11:23] - Memorial Stones and Remembering
[13:15] - The Power of Passing on Stories
[15:23] - The Great Commission: A Generational Call
[18:00] - The Joy and Responsibility of a Generational Church
[20:28] - Everyday Faithfulness and Its Ripple Effect
[23:26] - Praying for a Lasting Legacy
[24:32] - Invitation to Join God’s Generational Story

Study Guide

Horizon Church Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Jesus for Generations”

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### Bible Reading

- Deuteronomy 7:9
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

- Genesis 15:5-6
“He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

- Joshua 4:6-7
“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

- Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Deuteronomy 7:9, what does Moses say about the nature of God’s faithfulness and how long it lasts?
2. According to Genesis 15:5-6, what promise did God make to Abram, and how did Abram respond?
3. In Joshua 4:6-7, what was the purpose of the memorial stones, and who were they meant to impact?
4. In the sermon, what are some specific ways Horizon Church has seen God’s faithfulness from its beginnings to now? ([01:16])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God emphasizes His faithfulness “to a thousand generations” rather than just to individuals or a single generation? How does this shape our understanding of His promises? ([08:15])
2. What is the significance of passing on stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation, as seen in Joshua 4 and Psalm 78? What might happen if we neglect this responsibility? ([13:15])
3. How does the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) connect to the idea of being a generational church? Why is it important that making disciples is not just for one group or time? ([15:23])
4. The sermon describes the church as a family made up of different ages and backgrounds. What are the strengths and challenges of this kind of community? ([18:27])

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### Application Questions

1. Think back over your own life. Can you identify a “memorial stone”—a moment or story where you clearly saw God’s faithfulness? How could you share that story with someone younger in faith this week? ([13:15])
2. The sermon says that “everyday faithfulness has a generational impact.” What is one small, intentional step you could take this week to invest in someone else’s spiritual journey? ([21:29])
3. Are there stories of God’s provision or rescue in your family or church history that you haven’t shared with others? What’s stopping you, and how could you make space to tell those stories? ([14:01])
4. The Great Commission is for every believer, not just leaders. Who in your life right now might God be prompting you to disciple, encourage, or invite to church? What’s one practical way you could reach out to them? ([15:23])
5. The sermon talks about the joy and responsibility of being a generational church. Which side do you find easier—enjoying the community, or taking responsibility to invest in others? Why? ([18:27])
6. When you think about the legacy you’re leaving, what do you hope future generations will say about your faith? What changes might you need to make now to help that become a reality? ([23:26])
7. The temptation is to live only for today. What is one area of your life where you need to shift your focus from the present to a more generational, long-term perspective? ([22:54])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help you see the generational impact of your faith and to give you courage to share your story and invest in others.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Faithfulness Spans Generations
God is a faithful, covenant-keeping God whose love and promises extend far beyond what we can comprehend, reaching into a thousand generations. His steadfastness is not limited by time or circumstance, and His unfailing love is lavished on all who love and obey Him, regardless of their background or season of life. This truth invites you to rest in the assurance that God’s commitment to His people is unbreakable and enduring, forming the foundation for a legacy of faith that outlives us all. [08:15]

Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV)
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s faithfulness for the generations to come, not just for yourself today?

Day 2: Faith That Leaves a Legacy
God calls us to trust Him even when the future seems impossible, just as Abram did, setting in motion a legacy that would bless countless generations. When you step out in faith, even without a clear path forward, you participate in God’s generational plan, impacting lives far beyond your own. Your simple acts of obedience and trust can become the seeds of a spiritual legacy that God multiplies in ways you cannot imagine. [10:32]

Genesis 15:5-6 (ESV)
"And he brought him outside and said, 'Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."

Reflection: What is one step of faith you sense God asking you to take today that could impact others beyond your lifetime?

Day 3: Remembering and Sharing God’s Works
God instructs His people to create visible reminders of His faithfulness, not just for themselves but for future generations, so that the stories of His power and provision are never forgotten. By intentionally sharing testimonies of God’s goodness, you help build faith in others and ensure that His mighty deeds are remembered and celebrated by those who come after you. Take time to recall and share the ways God has worked in your life, knowing that your story can inspire and strengthen the next generation. [12:29]

Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV)
"that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."

Reflection: What is one story of God’s faithfulness in your life that you can share with someone younger this week?

Day 4: Passing On the Faith to the Next Generation
Scripture calls us to intentionally tell the next generation about the glorious deeds, power, and wonders of the Lord, so that faith is cultivated and sustained across time. This is not just a suggestion but a posture of generational people—those who declare God’s faithfulness and actively invest in the spiritual growth of others. Consider how your words and actions today can help others, especially the next generation, know and trust the living God. [14:01]

Psalm 78:4 (ESV)
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about God’s work from you, and how can you intentionally share it with them this week?

Day 5: The Joy and Responsibility of Generational Mission
Being part of a generational church is both a joy and a responsibility—celebrating the diversity and unity of God’s family while courageously sharing your faith so that others may know Jesus. Every decision you make to live out and share your faith has a ripple effect, influencing not just your immediate circle but potentially shaping lives and destinies for generations. Embrace the call to be a disciple-maker, knowing that your faithfulness today can lead to transformation and hope for people you may never meet. [20:44]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can intentionally encourage or disciple this week, trusting that God can use your investment for generations to come?

Quotes

If we look back at the the way that God has worked in and through this church, the way that he's sustained us, uh we see God's hand time and time again. Uh some of you might know u moments of that story. Some of you have been here, a few handful been here for for a long time since nearly the start. Uh but Horizon started in a lounge room. And it started in a lounge room with just a handful of people that really felt this conviction that uh God was calling them to plant a lifegiving church. [00:00:56]

And so from the very beginning we carried this vision of being a church uh that would help people love God, love each other uh and love life. And we met together um prayed for a number of months in in the lounge room. And then we had our first public service um over at Chapman Primary School just kind of a few minutes away. But it's remarkable when you think about it because the story of Horizon Church actually started a long time before that kind of first public gathering. [00:02:26]

But years later the first service of at Horizon took place in the same suburb that they had originally moved to in a school hall where if you stood on the front of that school block you could actually see the house that they had first moved into. What an incredible thing it is. They had no idea at the time that when God was calling them to CRA what God was wanting to do. They just heard the call of God and and they went all in in obedience. But God was preparing well in advance the seeds of a church that would become Horizon. [00:03:09]

God has taken us from that journey from a church plant of 10 or so people in a lounge room to a church of about 30 meeting at Chapman to a church community here of around 150 people who call Horizon home. Now the remarkable thing is the research and all the advice that you get if you're planning a church. It says you need 50 people to plant a church. You need 50 people who are committing to plant that church. Otherwise, chances are the church will not run be running after 2 years. And yet, Horizon planted with a fraction of that. What a testimony that is to God's faithfulness, but also his sustaining power for that team who have faithfully served. [00:05:32]

God doesn't think just in terms of days or moments or years. God thinks in generations. I want to highlight this truth for you uh this morning in Deuteronomy 7. We're actually going to bounce around. Normally, if you if Horizon's your home, you know that this is the case. We normally have one passage that we work through verse by verse. This morning, we're actually going to jump around so you can turn there, but the words will be up on the screen as well. [00:07:37]

This vision of Jesus for generations. This vision is more than just a tagline or a catchphrase. Often that's what we think of slogans or that they're just kind of some kind of clever branding. I want you to capture this morning that this idea of Jesus for generations is a spiritual conviction. It's a vision that comes from this incredible truth that we see throughout the Bible. And that is that God is a generational God. [00:07:39]

Understand therefore that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. So Moses challenges the people with this powerful reminder that God is steadfast. He is faithful and he's deeply committed to his people. [00:09:31]

God's love is for mature Christians. God's love is for those who are new to faith. It's upon families and singles. It's those who don't have children, those who do. It's just like the multi-generational nature of our church. God's love is for you. Regardless of the season that you're in or the journey that you've walked, God's love is for you. [00:09:56]

I love the fact that God takes an old Abram who has no heir and he takes him and says, "Look up at the sky. That's your future. Look up at the stars. That's your future." It's outrageous, isn't it? And and to Abram, it appears completely impossible. Abram has no clear path forward, but he trusted God anyway. He trusted God anyway. [00:10:45]

See, God says, "Mark this moment. Create a memory." I want you to literally set up a visual reminder not for you but for the generations because God knows that there will come a time where the future generations will ask questions and God says that when they do I want you to have something to point to. I want you to have this visible testimony of my faithfulness, that I rescued you, that I have provided for you, that I brought you into this land, that I promise. [00:12:54]

Scripture is really clear. It says, "Tell them because this is a posture of a generational people. People who declare the stories of God's faithfulness. because we're reminded that the power of passing on the stories of God's grace and his rescue and his power builds faith in other people. You see, those stones were not just for those people there. They were actually to be a visible reminder of God's faithfulness." [00:14:38]

The reality is this. You and me are here today because of Matthew 28. We're here today because of Matthew 28. Because the disciples took that call really seriously because they took the call really seriously. The fact is you and I know Jesus. or if you don't know Jesus this morning, you're hearing about him this morning because all the way through history, God has called people to think not just in terms of the here and now, but to think generationally. [00:17:12]

There's something really special, I think, about being in a church that is made up of lots of different people, different ages, different stories, different life experiences, all gathered together around the same hope in Jesus. I I find it encouraging to look around on a Sunday and I I get a different view to what you get. like I get to look at you from the front, but um I find it really encouraging to look out on a Sunday morning and to see people who have been following Jesus for decades uh sitting next to people who are have only just started taking those steps in their in their walk with Christ. [00:18:16]

That's what it means to be a generational church. Not just being in the same room on a Sunday morning, but rather being part of the same family. being called together for the same mission mission and with the same story of faith. You know, that's the radical thing about the church right from the earliest pages of Acts. What set the church apart was that it stretched across cultures, across life stages, across backgrounds and journeys. [00:19:58]

If we really believe that God has called us to be a generational church, to think generationally, then each of us has a responsibility. Each of us carries a role of helping others come to know Jesus. And this is where it gets personal because this vision is about everyday faithfulness. It's about responding to that same call that the disciples responded to as Jesus gathered them together as Jesus says to them, I want you to be disciplemakers who courageously share your faith. [00:20:28]

When one person makes a decision to follow Jesus, it's never just about one life being changed. That one decision creates a ripple effect that can influence a whole family. It can shift the culture of a friendship group. It can break generational cycles and create new spiritual legacies. The result of your courage to share your faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. The reality of of that is that people you have never met, people perhaps in another city or another generation will be transformed by Jesus. [00:21:29]

Scripture actually tells us a different story because it reminds us again and again and again that the decisions you make today in faith matter. Not just for you but for the people that will come long after you. That's the generational impact of living out your faith. [00:23:01]

Chatbot

What does it mean to think in generations?

How does passing on stories strengthen faith across generations?

What is the significance of creating memorials in faith?