Figtree Anglican Church Podcast

In this Good Friday sermon, Shane Dirks unpacks Mark 15 and the crucifixion of Jesus, presenting the cross as the decisive moment where Jesus, the Son of God, secures a place for people in God’s family. Through the eyewitness testimony of the women, the motivation of Jesus’ own words, and the perspective of the centurion, the sermon highlights the historical reality of Jesus’ death and its meaning as a “rans...

In this Resurrection Sunday sermon, Ruth Smith explores Mark 16:1–8 and Lamentations 5, explaining why the resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event in history. She connects humanity’s deepest pursuits—achievement, love, and control over life and death—to their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus, who alone conquers death and offers eternal life. The sermon highlights key implications of the resurrection:...

In this sermon, Ruth Smith explores the section of the Nicene Creed focused on God the Son, drawing from Hebrews 1 to explain the full identity and significance of Jesus. She unpacks key theological truths such as Jesus being eternally begotten, fully God, of the same essence as the Father, and active in creation and sustaining the universe. The sermon highlights the importance of rightly understanding Jesus—not as a created ...

In this sermon, Shane Dirks explores the Nicene Creed alongside Hebrews 1 to explain the identity of Jesus as fully God and fully human. He outlines how the Creed was formed to guard against false teachings and emphasises that Jesus is “God from God, light from light,” eternally begotten and not created. The message highlights the significance of the incarnation—God becoming truly human—showing that Jesus bo...

In this sermon, Shane Dirks introduces a new series on the Nicene Creed by exploring its purpose and significance for the Christian faith. Drawing from Isaiah 40 and the opening line of the Creed, he explains how the early church developed the Creed to clearly identify the true God in response to false teaching, particularly around the nature of Jesus. Shane emphasises that the Creed serves to both define who God is—one, eter...

In his first sermon at Figtree, Logan Brailey explores Mark 15:1–15, focusing on Jesus’ trial before Pilate and the striking injustice of the event. He highlights how the innocent Jesus is condemned while the guilty Barabbas is set free, revealing the core message of the gospel: the innocent King suffers in place of the guilty. The sermon unpacks Jesus’ silence as fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of his willing ...

In tonight’s sermon, Peter Lenehan explores Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17–34, challenging us to consider the true place of wealth, possessions, and ambition in our lives. Peter unpacks Jesus' loving but confronting words, showing that while wealth can easily become an idol, Jesus calls each person to wholehearted discipleship. He reminds us that following Christ is worth any sacrifice, and tha...

In this sermon, Ruth Smith explores Mark 10:17–34, focusing on Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler and the challenge of wholehearted discipleship. Ruth highlights that eternal life cannot be earned through good works or obedience, but is received as a gift through faith in Jesus. She also examines the danger of wealth and other idols, reminding us that Jesus calls for our ultimate loyalty, trusting Him not only as Savi...

In this sermon, Peter Lenehan explores Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14) alongside Lamentations 3, focusing on how to trust God in times of deep sorrow and unfulfilled desires. He highlights Jesus’ humanity as he expresses overwhelming distress and honestly asks the Father for another way, while still submitting to God’s will. The message emphasises that faith does not remove sorrow, but allows b...

In this sermon, Robin Kinstead explores the trial of Jesus before Pilate in Mark's Gospel, revealing how the crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus powerfully displays the heart of the gospel. As the innocent King is rejected and the guilty rebel is released, we see the great exchange at the centre of Christianity—Jesus taking the place of sinners. Robin unpacks how Christ willingly bore our judgment, fulfilled the Old Testame...

In this sermon, Robin Kinstead explores Mark 12 alongside Psalm 118, focusing on the theme of honouring authority under God. He explains how Jesus confronts the religious leaders who question his authority, using parables and teaching to reveal their rejection of God’s servants and ultimately God’s Son. The message highlights that while earthly authorities—such as governments—are to be respected and honoured...

In this sermon, Shane Dirks explores Mark 14 and the events surrounding the Last Supper, highlighting the “ironic” nature of Jesus’ mission. Through moments such as the prepared Passover, the announcement of betrayal during a fellowship meal, and Jesus redefining the covenant in terms of his own body and blood, the message reveals a Messiah who overturns expectations. Shane emphasises that Jesus is fully prepared,...

In this sermon, Peter Lenehan unpacks Mark 14:12–31, focusing on Jesus’ final meal with his disciples in the context of betrayal and denial. He highlights how Jesus knowingly shares the Passover meal with those who will abandon him, revealing his extraordinary grace, patience, and commitment to relationship. The message explains the significance of the Lord’s Supper as a covenant of ongoing friendship through Jesu...

In this sermon, Shane Dirks unpacks Psalm 22 alongside Matthew 27, showing how the psalm’s cry of “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus on the cross. He explores the tension between human emotion and theological truth, encouraging listeners to engage both heart and mind in times of suffering. Rather than focusing on “why me,” the message reframes the question to &...

In today’s sermon, Shane Dirks explores Jeremiah 7 and Mark 11, drawing a powerful connection between the temple, the fig tree, and Jesus’ cleansing of the temple courts. He explains how both passages confront the danger of outward religion without inward transformation—“leafy” appearances without true spiritual fruit. By unpacking Jesus as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, the message highlights...

In tonight’s sermon, Ruth Smith explores Jeremiah 7:1–11 and Gospel of Mark 11, unpacking Jesus’ unexpected actions as he enters Jerusalem as the promised Messiah—prophet, priest, and king. Through the triumphal entry, the cursing of the fig tree, and the cleansing of the temple, Ruth explains how Jesus confronts false religion and exposes the danger of outward appearances without true spiritual fruit. She h...

In today’s sermon, Robin Kinstead explores the transfiguration of Jesus in Mark 9 alongside the prophecy of Malachi 4, revealing the brilliance of God’s glory and the depth of His transforming grace. He highlights how Jesus is not merely reflecting God’s glory but is Himself the radiant Son of God, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. The message emphasises that God’s kingdom and restoration come not through...

In today’s sermon from Mark 1–8, Shane Dirks introduces a new series by giving an overview of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the central questions: Who is Jesus, and what has He come to do? Drawing from passages including Mark 1:1–13 and Mark 8:22–38, he explains how Jesus is revealed as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the true image bearer who embodies God’s kingdom. Shane highlights that Jesus&rsqu...

In tonight’s sermon, Ruth Smith explores key passages from Gospel of Mark, tracing the question at the heart of its opening chapters: Who is Jesus? Beginning with Mark 1:1–13 and moving to Mark 8:22–38, the message highlights how Jesus is revealed as the Messiah and Son of God through his authority, teaching, and miracles. Ruth focuses on Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah and the surprising reality...