Joy from the Ashes
New Horizon: 5 – 11 August 2023
Hundreds of Christians from across Northern Ireland and beyond united in Coleraine for a week of worship, Bible Teaching and fellowship in August.
As the music swelled, 2,000 people stood to their feet, like a wave rippling towards the shore. Their voices raised, young and old together, they sang praise to Jesus, the King of Kings. From Cork to Coleraine they came, united in worship, in fellowship and in their shared hunger to hear God’s Word together.
The sun has set on New Horizon 2023 but the memories live on as we look back on a week filled with joy. It seemed fitting on the final night to sing “Joy to the World” – those powerful lyrics are certainly not just for Christmas!
He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness
and wonders of His love.
Morning Bible Teaching
From Monday to Friday, Tony Horsfall brought five powerful and challenging messages as he unpacked Isaiah 61. You can read summaries of all these messages on our website (which also include Tony’s powerpoint slides) or listen back to the messages on our podcasts.
The Anointed Servant – “Jesus embodies good news. He demonstrates good news. He has come for the poor, lowly, needy, broken, bruised, fallen, failed. He comes to us full of grace and truth.”
Good News to the Poor – “Long before the great commission, Jesus announced the great compassion – God’s concern for a hurting world. He went around healing the sick and setting free those oppressed by the enemy. This was Jesus’ heart.”
The Year of God’s Favour – “Today we are going to look at the application – how the anointed servant applies good news to our lives.”
Oaks of Righteousness – “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, All His wonderful passion and purity, O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine, Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”
Delighted in God – “We have come from prison to praise, from mourning to dancing. Therefore, we can delight in God and find joy in who He is. The essence of worship is to delight ourselves in God.”
LISTEN TO THE RECORDINGS OF THE BIBLE TEACHING
Evening Celebrations
Arianna Walker and Archbishop Ben Kwashi spoke at the evening celebrations and when Ben’s flight was delayed, Bishop Ken Clarke stepped in to bring a message on Tuesday evening. Read summaries of the messages or listen to the podcasts.
The King in the Cave – with Arianna Walker. “Remember David was king in the cave long before he was king in the castle. Do not let what you are looking out on affect your outlook.”
Your Breakthrough Needs Walkthrough – with Arianna Walker. “There is always purpose in God’s process. God doesn’t want us to jump through hoops for the sake of it. Naaman wanted to be healed on the outside but God had a bigger plan.”
Even in the Fire – with Arianna Walker. “We are not without resource when God is with us. We have access to His love, peace, joy, wisdom and provision. – Turn your ‘what ifs’ into ‘even ifs’.”
Commands and Promises – with Bishop Ken Clarke. “I want more and more people on this island to see more and more of Jesus in the church.”
Waiting on God – with Archbishop Ben Kwashi. “It is okay to cry my friends. When you cry to the Lord, you will get answers.”
Take a Stand – with Archbishop Ben Kwashi. “God answers prayers. We have nowhere else to turn. The watchman watches the events internationally, nationally and locally. He does not have the answers but He turns to God.”
Joy from the Ashes – with Archbishop Ben Kwashi. “God is in charge of history. God created the heavens and the earth. God has won the victory.”
LISTEN TO THE RECORDINGS OF EVENING CELEBRATIONS
NH Explore Seminars
This year’s NH Explore seminars helped people to go deeper into the theme exploring issues of leadership and mission, digging into the Word of God and tackling relevant topics.