Do Christians actually need the Old Testament anymore?

What even is going on with all the strange laws, sacrifices, and commands in the Bible? And when Jesus came, did he just get rid of all of it?

In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus says something surprising:
“I have not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets… but to fulfil them.”

The Old Testament isn’t pointless or outdated. It was always pointing to Jesus.

But Jesus also exposes something deeper: our problem isn’t just outward behaviour. It’s our hearts.

And that leaves us with a question: If righteousness has to go deeper than appearances…

who could possibly be good enough?

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew 5-7 | Built Different
Topic: Jesus, the Old Testament, and True Righteousness
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:17–20
Date: 08/05/26 T2 W3
Website: restawe.com

Christians don’t get a neutral life. Whether you realise it or not, your life is already saying something about Jesus.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls his people the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In other words, followers of Jesus are meant to stand out. Not by trying to be noticed, but by reflecting him in the way they live.

Not blending in. Not pointing to themselves. But showing what God is like in a world that’s watching.

So the question is: Does your life point to Jesus?

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew 5-7 | Built Different
Topic: Salt and Light - Reflecting Jesus In A Watching World
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:13–16
Date: 1/5/26 Term 2 Week 2
Website: restawe.com

We all have a picture of the good life.
Success? Comfort? Approval? Control?

But what if we’ve got it completely wrong?

In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus lays out a picture of a good life. A blessed life.

*Spoiler alert* It’s nothing like what we expect!

The flourishing life isn’t proud, powerful, or put-together… but instead it's poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and even persecuted.

It’s upside down. It’s confronting. And if we’re honest, it’s not how we naturally live.

But here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t just teach this life - He lived it for us!

So the question is: which version of the good life are you building your life on?

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew 5-7 – Built Different
Topic: The Good Life According to Jesus
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12
Date: 24/04/26 T2 W1
Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

What if your place with God depended on passing a test perfectly?

No mistakes. No slipping up. No second chances.

In Matthew 4:1–11, a similar test happens. But you aren't the one taking it. Jesus is tempted, pushed to the limit, and offered shortcuts to an easier life and glory.

But where everyone else has failed - Adam, Israel, and us - Jesus doesn’t.

He passes.

Not just as an example, but for us.

This changes everything. Because being right with God isn’t about how well you perform - it’s about whether you trust the one who already passed the test in your place!

So when temptation comes, will you rely on yourself…

or stand in Him?

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew - This Is Jesus
Topic: Jesus Passed the Test for Us
Bible Passage: Matthew 4:1–11
Date: 27/03/26 T1 W8
Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

Why would a perfect person be baptised for repentance?

In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus steps into the water - not because He needs forgiveness, but because we do. Jesus chooses to stand in our place, identifying with sinners and committing Himself to a path that will lead to the cross.

This is a different kind of greatness.
A King who humbles Himself for his subjects.
A Son who fully pleases God.

And yet… faces God’s displeasure for us. for you.

This is Jesus. Will you trust in Him?

Speaker: David Burdis
Series: Matthew - This Is Jesus
Topic: The King who took our lowly place
Bible Passage: Matthew 3:13-17
Date: 20/03/26 T1 W7
Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

What would you do if you knew a king was about to arrive… and you weren’t ready?

In Matthew 3:1-12, John the Baptist appears in the wilderness with a blunt message: the King is coming. Get ready. Crowds come to hear him. Some repent. Others assume they’re already safe.

But John makes it clear that heritage, religion, or appearances won’t prepare anyone for the arrival of God’s King. The only way to be ready is repentance - honestly turning from sin and returning to God.

Because the coming King doesn’t just offer forgiveness.
He changes people.

The King is coming. Are you ready to meet Him?

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew - This Is Jesus
Topic: The King Is Coming. Are you ready?
Bible Passage: Matthew 3:1-12
Date: 13/03/26 T1 W6
Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

When we look at the world, it can feel hopeless. Families fleeing. Leaders abusing power. Innocence crushed.

In Matthew 2:13-23, we see a world in a similar situation. Jesus, the Son of God, is fleeing a violent king and living in humility and obscurity. But Matthew helps us see something bigger than the chaos: this is Jesus, the faithful Son, who enters the mess of our world and stays faithful.

From fleeing to Egypt, to the tragedy in Bethlehem, to growing up in humble Nazareth, Jesus is faithful on our behalf. Because of Him, we can trust Him, have hope in Him, and look forward to a better eternity - even when the world fails.

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew – This Is Jesus
Topic: The Faithful Son Who Brings Hope
Bible Passage: Matthew 2:13-23
Date: 06/03/26 T1 W5
Website: ⁠restawe.com

The Magi travelled from far away to worship Him.
Herod felt threatened enough to try and destroy Him.

How will you respond to Jesus?

In Matthew 2:1-12, we see two completely different responses to the birth of Christ. Foreigners pursue him with joy, surrender, and worship. A king sees a rival to his throne.

But this tension isn’t just historical - it’s personal.

If Jesus really is the true King for all people, admiration isn’t enough.
He deserves worship.

How are you responding to Him?

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew - This Is Jesus
Topic: The True King For All People, Worthy Of Worship.
Bible Passage: Matthew 2:1-12
Date: 27/02/26 T1 W4
Website: restawe.com

Trust often feels risky.

We find ourselves fact-checking, double-checking, and looking for a track record - because trust grows where faithfulness is proven.

In Matthew 1:18–25, we’re confronted with a scandal: an unmarried young woman found to be pregnant. It’s a moment where trust is tested. Yet in the middle of uncertainty and fear, we see trust and obedience flourish as a promise hundreds of years in the making is fulfilled.

The virgin birth isn’t just a miracle story; it’s a sign that God keeps His word.

In this episode, we explore what it means to trust this Jesus.

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew – This is Jesus
Topic: The Virgin-Born King You Can Trust
Bible Passage: Matthew 1:18–25
Date: 20/02/26 T1 W3
Website: restawe.com

Matthew’s Gospel opens with a long list of names and at first glance, it doesn’t seem very exciting.

But this genealogy isn’t random. It tells a story.

From Abraham to David to the exile, God made promises to bless, to send a forever King, and to bring His people home. For centuries, those promises seemed stuck...

Until Matthew writes: “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.”

Have a listen to this weeks episode to hear how Jesus is the promised blessing, the true King who brings freedom, and the way home to God.

Speaker: Sam Foster
Series: Matthew – This Is Jesus
Topic: Three Promises, One Fulfilment
Bible Passage: Matthew 1:1–17
Date: 2026 Term 1 Week 2
Website: restawe.com