Discussion Questions for Sermon Series 90-Ninety Week 4
 

If you aren’t religious or you gave up religion, you probably had good reason to walk away or stay away. You’re a reasonable person, and there are plenty of good reasons to reject religion. But reconsider Jesus. He wasn’t an extension of the old religion. He came to introduce something brand new.
 

1. Talk about a time when you felt like your reason was in conflict with religion. How did you respond?
    

2. Read Matthew 5:3–12 aloud together. In what ways do these verses challenge our cultural values? Do you find Jesus’ statements challenging or comforting? Why?
    

3. Read Matthew 5:13–16 aloud together. Is it difficult for you to believe that how you follow Jesus might have an eternal impact on the lives of others? Why or why not? If you took these verses to heart, how might it change your perspective and decision-making?
    

4. During the message, Jon said, “Jesus was a hinge, born under God’s covenant with Israel to fulfill it, end it, and replace it . . .” Do you agree? Why or why not?
    

5. What group of people is it tempting for you to exclude from Jesus’ invitation to follow? What is one thing you can do to begin to see that group the way God does?
    

6. Is your faith motivated by Old Testament rule-keeping or a personal relationship with God based on following Jesus? What would it look like for you to trust that God loves you as your heavenly Father? In what ways might it set you free?
    

Jesus came to fulfill the old and introduce the new. The old covenant was a divinely created and scripted cocoon from which God’s love was revealed to the world. That was the purpose of God’s relationship with Israel. The new covenant is the full expression of his love for the entire world. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Follow him. That’s the purpose of God’s relationship with you. 
 

Pray