Humble Beginnings

Ben Johnson - September 13, 2026

Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT) – When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

The Church isn’t our IDEA. It’s Jesus’ PLAN.

Acts 2:41-47 (NLT) – Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

CELEBRATE God in WORSHIP.

Acts 2:46 (NLT) – They worshiped together…

CONNECT with other BELIEVERS.

Acts 2:46b (NLT) – …shared their meals with great joy…

GROW as a DISCIPLE.

Acts 2:42 (NLT) – All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…

SERVE others in LOVE.

Acts 2:44b (NLT) – …met together in one place and shared everything they had.

SHARE in people being SAVED.

Acts 2:47b (NLT) – …the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Jesus didn’t SAVE us just to SIT in a church. He saved us to be a PART of the church He is BUILDING.

Life Group Discussion & Questions

BREAKING THE ICE: Imagine you’re walking into a church for the very first time. What are some of the emotions, questions, or fears you might be feeling? What would you be most nervous about: finding a seat, knowing when to stand, talking to people being judged, or not knowing what to expect?

DIGGING IN: Read Matthew 16:13-18 and Acts 2:41-47.

1. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” What does it mean to you that the Church belongs to Jesus and isn’t simply something people created?

2. Acts 2 says the believers “devoted themselves” to teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. What does being devoted to the Church look like beyond simply attending on Sunday?

3. Which of these five areas comes most naturally to you, and which one challenges you most: celebrate, connect, grow, serve, or share?

4. Think about someone coming to church for the first time. What could you do to help them move from feeling like a visitor to feeling like they belong?

5. Jesus didn’t save us just to sit in a church. He saved us to be part of the Church He is building. What do you believe your part is right now?

BRINGING IT HOME: Take a few minutes to pray over our church and the Church Jesus is building. Ask a few people to pray specifically for our church and pastors, our Kids and Youth, families, our building and what God wants to do through it, and our community that needs Jesus. Pray that God would fill us with His power and presence and use us to reach more people with the NEW LIFE found in Jesus.