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A Kingdom Horizon

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6 February, 2022Pastor Mark SchultzBeyond Limits

Most of the breakthrough discoveries and remarkable inventions throughout history are the result of curiosity. They come from a willingness to have a go, to risk failure, to do something differently & explore novel possibilities. Curiosity seems natural to a child, but with age and our experience of mistakes and embarrassment, too many people get stuck between curiosity and a desire for security and predictability. “Risk” is not a word that appears in our vocabulary or is nurtured in our character. Jesus places no limit on what his Church can do, but instead points to the greater challenge, the higher risk, the deeper water of the unknown to discover his grace, power & abundance that transforms the world and our lives in the process.

#1 in Vision month series: 'Beyond Limits'

Luke 5:1-11

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4

Jesus is calling us deeper and further, where the catch is guaranteed.

  1. What is one thing that you are really curious about?
  2. At the present time, would you say spiritually that you a) have given up and are packing up the nets? b) in the boat but wonder if there is really a point, or c)ready to explore new horizons?
  3. What can you do this week to venture deeper in trust in your relationship with Jesus?

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