Make the Move or Miss the Moment

Matthew 16:13-20

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When Jesus defined His church, He gave His followers authority and showed us how He would build it through us. At Journey Church, we are dedicated to being a church that launches and supports other churches. But we’ve realized that most people view the church as just a place you go—like a building, a service, or an event. If that’s all the church is, then what we’re doing here won’t truly make a difference. If we don’t understand who we are, we’ll never fully embrace what God is calling us to do.

This week, we will explore the question: What does it actually mean to be the church Jesus promised to build?

1. 1. What’s the most significant move you’ve ever made in your life (could be a physical relocation, a career change, a relationship step, etc.)? What made you decide to make that move rather than stay where you were comfortable?
   2. In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” before making it personal by asking, “Who do you say I am?” Why do you think Jesus made this distinction, and what does it reveal about the nature of faith?
   3. Pastor James described the church as “not a place you go, but a people who are sent.” How does this definition challenge or affirm your understanding of what church is?
   4. Read Matthew 16:13-20. What was significant about Peter’s confession that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God”? Why did Jesus say this revelation came from God rather than from human understanding?
   5. Jesus told Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). What does this promise teach us about:
   • • Who is ultimately responsible for building the church?
     • The church’s relationship to spiritual opposition?
     • The durability and resilience of Christ’s church?
   6. Read Matthew 16:19. Jesus gave the disciples “keys of the kingdom of heaven”. What do these keys represent, and how does this authority empower believers today?
   7. Pastor James described three ways we connect people: to Christ, to community, and to calling. Which of these three connections has been most meaningful in your own spiritual journey, and why?
   8. The sermon states, “As we move, God moves through us.” Can you share a time when you stepped out in faith and saw God work in ways you couldn’t have imagined?
   9. Read Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go…” How does knowing that Jesus has all authority change how you approach the mission He’s given you?
   10. Read Acts 1:8. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now fills you. This is not just for pastors or leaders. This is for every believer. You are anointed. The Spirit is the fuel for the mission. Anointed = empowered for assignment. You may not feel qualified, but you are anointed. What assignment do you believe God has given you in this season, and what would it look like to move forward in the Spirit’s power rather than your own strength?
   11. Choose one person in your life who is “far from God but close to you” and commit to praying for them daily this week. Consider what “keys” God has given you to unlock heaven’s reality for them.
   12. Take time to pray about what God might be asking you to contribute to the Expansion Offering. Journal about what He places on your heart.

Would you consider joining us for a time of worship and prayer? Plan to go together as a group.

The Retreat at One Daytona – 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach FL, 32114.  Learn More Here!