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Week 1 - introduction week

Sermon Recap

This week’s message reminds us that God delights in choosing ordinary people like us to carry out His extraordinary mission. In 1 Peter 2:9, Scripture says we are chosen, set apart, and called into His marvelous light. When we look at the disciples Jesus picked, it gives us hope. They weren’t the brightest or most qualified—they were fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday men overlooked by the religious system. But Jesus didn’t care about their résumés; He cared about their willingness to say “yes.” That means if He welcomed and empowered them, He will do the same with us.

As we think about their journey, we can see how quickly they realized Jesus was different. His authority wasn’t based on position, education, or the approval of others—it came directly from the heart of God. The disciples saw Him heal the sick, feed multitudes, set captives free, and even command nature itself. Every miracle was more than just proof of His power; it was a glimpse of the Kingdom of God breaking into this world. Following Him wasn’t about adding a few spiritual lessons to life—it was about stepping into a completely new reality, one where His presence changes everything for us.

One of the most powerful stories is when Peter walked on water in Matthew 14. When Jesus called Peter out of the boat, it wasn’t just about doing the impossible—it was an invitation to live differently, to trust in a Kingdom where storms obey His voice and the impossible becomes possible. The boat represented safety and predictability, but Peter had to risk it all to step out toward Jesus. Even when he faltered, Jesus reached out, lifted him up, and showed that His grace will never fail us, even when our faith does.

That story challenges us to make a choice. Will we stay in the boat, clinging to what feels safe and secure in the world’s system, or will we step out and trust the authority of Jesus’ word? Kingdom culture means living by faith instead of fear, and choosing to see life through the lens of heaven rather than the limits of earth. Just like the first disciples, we are invited to say “yes” to Jesus—and when we do, we discover that His Kingdom is way beyond anything we could hold onto in the boat.


Key Scripture


Discussion Questions

  1. Jesus chose ordinary, unqualified people to be His disciples. How does that truth encourage us in our own walk with Him? In what ways have you seen God use your weaknesses or limitations for His glory?

  2. Peter stepping out of the boat is a picture of living in Kingdom reality. What “boats” of safety or comfort do we tend to cling to in our lives? What might it look like for us to step out in faith where Jesus is calling us?

  3. The disciples witnessed Jesus’ authority over sickness, the spiritual realm, and even nature itself. How does seeing His authority in these areas strengthen our faith today? Which area do you personally need to trust His authority in right now?


Prayer 

Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing ordinary people like us and inviting us to follow You into the life of Your Kingdom. Help us to trust Your authority over every storm, every struggle, and every limitation we face. Give us the courage to step out of the boat, leaving behind what feels safe, so that we can walk in faith with You. May our lives declare Your power, Your love, and the hope of Your Kingdom to the world around us. Amen.


Life Application

  • Say “Yes” to Jesus daily — Choose each day to respond to His invitation to follow Him, whether that means trusting Him with a struggle, obeying His Word, or stepping into something that feels outside your comfort zone.

  • Step out of the boat in faith — Identify one area of your life where fear, comfort, or security has kept you from trusting God fully, and take a specific step this week to move forward in faith, believing that Jesus’ authority is greater than your limitations.



Don’t Forget!


Additional Resources

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