All Things New Part 1

Welcome To REUNION

We are glad that you are here. We hope that you feel save, welcomed and relaxed. We are going to read the Bible, pray, sing a few songs and listen to a short Lead In. We might even have discussions

But.. you’re invited to participate as much as you want.

No expects you to speak or share. We do invite you to remain present. We believe that remaining present - even in our minds - is an act of love.

Sermon the Mount: Its first audience was a powerless crowd living under Roman occupation, yet Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5-7 have influenced cultures for centuries.

• Considered by most historians to be a compilation of Jesus’ most consistent messages given over the course of his ministry versus an actual single message given on a mountain or plain.

• Just over 100 verses short but incredibly impactful

• A response to Jesus’ call in Matthew 4:17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

  • Repentance means to turn back, or to get back on the road with God.

    • This sermon is therefore a highlight reel of what life of repentance - renewal with God looks like.

• We like to consider the Sermon the Mount a statement about HOW Christ’s reign and the Kingdom of God are “Making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

Making All Things New - Not Making New Things:

• We have an aversion to old.

• Have you ever felt too old, abused, used for God, yourself and others?

  • Jesus doesn’t look at you and say “Let’s get someone new.”

  • Jesus says “Let’s renew this wonderful person made in my image.”

    • this is also we believe God responds to the whole of creation.

    • Some have been taught that God will destroy this old place and start again. Our interpretation of Revelation is a Renewal of all things.

Questions to Consider:

• How was your Easter Long weekend?

  • share a single highlight

• Are you planning on watching the Eclipse?

• Sermon the mount:

  • what do you wonder, think or know about this sermon?

  • How do you react to the idea that this sermon is actually a compilation of “Jesus’ greatest hits.” versus a historical event where he preached on a mountain side?

  • Matthew had a purpose and agenda in writing his gospel. He wants his audience to see that Jesus is a second and greater Moses and the Messiah.

  • How do you react to the idea that authors in the bible had an agenda beyond just “telling the facts.”

  • How does idea of agendas affect your reading of the book of Matthew and Sermon the mount?

  • What is one strongly held idea about the Sermon the Mount you might find hard to “open up.”

Resources:

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/matthew-1-13/ —- Book Of Matthew Overview Part 1

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/matthew-14-28/ —- Book Of Matthew Overview Part 2