FAC Podcast

In this opening sermon for the World Missions Conference, Warwick de Jersey takes us to Psalm 145, showing how King David's song of praise points us to Jesus—the ultimate singer who invites us into his chorus of mission. David praises God's greatness, faithfulness, compassion, and justice, and Warwick highlights how Jesus fulfills these realities in even greater ways through his death and resurrection. World mission, he reminds us, begins with simply praising God—“blathering” about who he is and what he has done—trusting that God uses our words to draw others to himself. Through personal testimony and practical encouragement, Warwick challenges us to find our “one thing” to rave about God and to join Jesus in his global mission of praise (Psalm 145; Matthew 28:18–20). 5 Questions to Think About: What stands out to you most in Psalm 145 about God's character, and how does it inspire praise? How does seeing Jesus as the ultimate fulfiller of Psalm 145 deepen your understanding of mission? What is the “one thing” about God's work in your life that you can't help but rave about? How can you practice “blathering” about God naturally in everyday conversations? In what ways can you support or partner with others in world mission—through prayer, giving, or going? 3 Takeaways from the Message: Mission begins with praise—telling others what God has done and who he is (Psalm 145:1–7). Jesus fulfills David's song, embodying God's compassion, justice, and salvation for the world (Psalm 145:8–20; Matthew 28:18–20). Every Christian is called to join Christ's chorus—whether by speaking, praying, sending, or going—so that all nations may know and praise the Lord.

In this second week of the World Missions Conference, Warwick de Jersey unpacks Genesis 11:1–9 and Romans 15:1–13 to show God's great mission of reversing Babel through Christ. While human sin led to division, scattering, and hostility at Babel, God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) and its fulfillment in Jesus brings reconciliation and unity. Warwick highlights how the church today—diverse in culture, language, and background—is a living miracle and a foretaste of Revelation 7, where all nations gather in worship. He reminds us that unity in Christ is not achieved by rules or human effort but by God's transforming work in our hearts and minds, shaping us to think like Jesus and to overflow with joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:5–13). 5 Questions to Think About: How does the story of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) help us understand the divisions we see in the world today? What does Romans 15:5–7 teach us about the source of true unity in the church? In what ways have you experienced the “miracle” of diverse people being united in Christ? How might asking God for the “mind of Christ” (Romans 15:1–3, 5) change the way you relate to others in the church? What role can you play in God's global mission of gathering all nations under Christ (Genesis 12:3; Revelation 7:9–10)? 3 Takeaways from the Message: Human sin creates division, but God's mission has always been to gather all nations under his blessing (Genesis 11–12). Unity in the church is a miracle of God's Spirit—rooted in Christ's sacrifice and sustained by God's transforming work (Romans 15:5–7). Every local church is a foretaste of the heavenly gathering, and we are called to join God's mission so that all nations may glorify him (Romans 15:9–13; Revelation 7:9–10).

In this sermon, Peter Lenehan explores the tension in Romans 13:1–7 between submitting to governing authorities and remaining faithful to God above all. Drawing on the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, Peter reminds us that while Christians are called to respect and submit to authorities as instruments established by God, there are limits when obedience would mean denying God or harming others. He unpacks the spectrum of Christian responses—from quiet submission to active engagement—and challenges us to consider when to remain silent and when to speak up. Ultimately, our submission to human authority must flow from our greater submission to Christ, seeking to love our neighbour and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21; 13:8–10). 5 Questions to Think About: How do Romans 13:1–7 and Daniel 3 together shape our understanding of submission to authorities? In what situations might silence demonstrate faithfulness, and in what situations might speaking up be necessary? How does the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Romans 13:9–10) guide when civil disobedience may be required? How does Jesus' own submission to unjust authorities challenge the way we think about power and obedience? In your current context—school, workplace, or community—are you more prone to staying quiet when you should speak, or speaking when you should stay quiet? 3 Takeaways from the Message: The default Christian posture toward governing authorities is submission, recognising them as established by God (Romans 13:1–2). Submission is not blind obedience—Christians must never deny God or obey in ways that harm others (Acts 5:29; Romans 13:10). Our ultimate calling is to honour Christ in every decision, whether by being quiet or by speaking up, seeking always to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Romans Chapter 12 - 16: A Shaping Gospel Today's Readings: Leviticus 19:9-18 Romans 13:1-14 In this sermon on Romans 13:1–14 and Leviticus 19:9–18, Steve Dinning explores what it means to live “gospel-shaped Mondays” by being faithful citizens, loving neighbours, and living in light of Christ's return. Using relatable modern-day scenarios, he unpacks Paul's call to submit to governing authorities as established by God (Romans 13:1–7), to fulfil the ongoing debt of love to others as the heart of the law (Romans 13:8–10; Leviticus 19:18), and to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” while rejecting deeds of darkness (Romans 13:11–14). The message challenges believers to let the gospel shape everyday decisions, relationships, and priorities in view of God's mercy. 5 Questions to Think About: 1. How does Romans 13:1–2 challenge your attitude toward government authorities, especially when you disagree with them? 2. What does it mean for you personally to have an “ongoing debt to love one another” (Romans 13:8)? 3. In what situations do you find it most difficult to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 13:9–10)? 4. How does the reality that “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11) shape your daily choices? 5. What might it look like for you to “clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14) in a current challenge you face?   3 Things to Take Away: 1. God's sovereignty over authority — All governing powers ultimately derive their authority from God (Romans 13:1–2), and our submission reflects trust in His order. 2. Love as the fulfilment of the law — Every command is summed up in loving your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 13:8–10). 3. Live ready for Christ's return — Put aside deeds of darkness and intentionally live in the light of Jesus' coming day (Romans 13:11–14). Figtree Anglican Church figtree.church

Love for the Illawarra - Community Crisis - 30 March 2025

Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Robin Kinstead Title: Mother's Day Special  Readings: Luke 1:45-55 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Robin Kinstead Title: Gentle and Lowly Readings: Micah 6:1-8 Matthew 11:25-30

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Robin Kinstead Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-8 Title: Beautiful Feet Readings: Habakkuk 1:12 - 2:5  Romans 1:1-17

In this message, Langdon Stewart walks through Romans 12, focusing on the theme of responding to God's mercy with whole-life worship, as emphasized in Romans 12:1. Drawing on biblical exposition and personal experience, Stewart explains key concepts such as being “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), exercising humility in community (Romans 12:3–8), and demonstrating sincere love in action (Romans 12:9–21). The sermon emphasizes resisting conformity to worldly values and instead embodying the gospel through actions empowered by the Holy Spirit—such as serving others, giving generously, showing mercy, and blessing those who cause harm. The message outlines Romans 12 as a call to live a life that reflects God's mercy through practical obedience and love. Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 32:34–39 Romans 12:1–21 Reflection Questions: According to Romans 12:1, in what ways can believers present their bodies as a “living sacrifice” in daily life? Are you being shaped more by cultural influences or by the renewing work of God's Word and Spirit? (Romans 12:2) How do you assess your role in the body of Christ—in humility, as Romans 12:3 encourages, or through comparison? What spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12:6–8 might apply to you, and how are they being used for the benefit of the church? Romans 12:14–21 speaks of loving enemies and overcoming evil with good—how might this apply to your relationships this week? Key Takeaways: Romans 12:1–2 presents worship as a holistic, daily commitment to God, not limited to religious rituals or settings. Romans 12:3–8 teaches that all believers have distinct gifts and responsibilities within the church community. Romans 12:9–21 emphasizes sincere love, peacemaking, and trusting God for justice while responding to others with kindness—even in adversity.

In this final sermon of the Romans 9–11 series, A Sharing Gospel, Robin Kinstead explores Paul's passionate hope for the salvation of ethnic Israel and the unity of both Jews and Gentiles under God's mercy. Through vivid imagery of broken pottery, beautiful feet, and now restored branches, Robin challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes—warning against hubris, calling us to humility, and encouraging us to step forward with holy chutzpah. With clear biblical teaching and a heart for mission, this sermon reminds us that God's promises are irrevocable and his mercy extends to all who place their faith in Jesus, the Messiah for both Jew and Gentile. 5 Questions to Think About: What does Paul mean when he says “all Israel will be saved,” and how should that shape our understanding of God's faithfulness? How have pride or spiritual complacency shaped your view of salvation? In what ways do you see yourself as a grafted branch in God's olive tree? How does humility impact the way you share your faith with others? What does boldness (chutzpah) in your walk with Christ look like this week? 3 Takeaways from the Message: God has not rejected Israel — His promises are still active, and a full inclusion is coming. Gentiles are grafted in by grace — not superiority or works, but through faith in Jesus. We are called to mission — to provoke others to faith, both Jews and Gentiles, with humility and courageous love.      

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Peter Lenehan Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-8 Title: Bad News Readings: Romans 1:18 - 2:4 Romans 3:9-20

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Langdon Stewart Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-8 Title: But Now... Readings: Psalm 32: 1-11 Romans 3:21 - 4:25

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Shane Dirks Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-8 Title: Shalom with God Readings: Genesis 3: 17-24 Romans 5: 1-21

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Peter Lenehan Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-8 Title: Obedient Slaves Readings: Joshua 1:1-9 Romans 6:1-23

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Shane Dirks Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1 - 8 Title: Death Springs to Life!  Readings: Judges 2:6-15 Romans 7:1-25

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Ruth Smith Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1 - 8 Title: Death Springs to Life! Readings: Judges 2:6-15 Romans 7:1-25

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Shane Dirks Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-8 Title: Free Readings: 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 Romans 8:1-17

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Warwick de Jersey Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 1-9 Title: The Hope of Suffering Readings: Psalm 44:20-26 Romans 8:18-39

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Robin Kinstead Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 9-11 Title: Broken Pottery Readings: Isaiah 29:11-16 Romans 9:11-16

We continue with our sermon series, working our way through the book of Romans and discovering how Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents us with a saving gospel, a sharing gospel, and a shaping gospel. Figtree Anglican Church Speaker: Robin Kinstead Topic: The Book of Romans - Chapters 9-11 Title: Beautiful Feet Readings: Joel 2:28-32 Romans 10:1 - 11:10