Figtree Anglican Church Podcast

In tonight’s sermon, Peter Lenehan explores the theme of contentment through Psalm 23 and Mark 6:30–44, challenging the cultural mindset of always wanting more. He highlights how modern consumerism fuels discontentment, even though both Scripture and lived experience show that material things never truly satisfy. Using the imagery of God as a shepherd, Peter points to the deeper rest, provision, and security found in God alone, both in good times and in life’s darkest valleys. He ultimately calls listeners to shift their focus from temporary luxuries to eternal hope in Jesus Christ, where true and lasting contentment is found.

 

5 Questions to Think About

1. Do I truly believe “the Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,” or do my daily habits suggest otherwise?
2. Where do I most often look for contentment—God, or material things and circumstances?
3. How does our culture shape my expectations of what I “need” versus what is actually a luxury?
4. What would change in my life if I genuinely trusted that God’s presence is enough, even in hard times?
5. How can I practically shift my priorities from accumulating more to living more generously?

 

3 Key Takeaways

• True contentment is not found in possessions but in a relationship with God, who provides rest, guidance, and security.
• A constant desire for “more” can distract from joy and spiritual growth, even when we know it doesn’t satisfy.

In today’s sermon on Psalm 24 alongside 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1, Langdon Stewart explores three key truths about God: that the Lord is Creator, worthy, and the victorious King. He explains that because God made and owns everything, all of life is lived under His authority and for His glory. The psalm then raises the question of who is worthy to stand before this holy God, highlighting humanity’s inability to meet the standard of “clean hands and a pure heart.” Langdon shows how this points to Jesus, the only one who is truly worthy, who through His death and resurrection makes people righteous before God. The sermon concludes with the image of the King of glory entering in victory, calling listeners to lift their heads, recognise Jesus as the triumphant King over sin and death, and respond in worship, trust, and wholehearted devotion.

 

5 Questions to Think About

1. How does knowing that “the earth is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1) shape the way you use your time, possessions, and influence?
2. What does Psalm 24 reveal about God’s holiness and your own need for forgiveness and grace?
3. Why is it significant that only Jesus perfectly meets the standard of “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4)?
4. How does Jesus’ death and resurrection give you confidence to approach God?
5. What does it look like in practice to “lift your head” and welcome Jesus as King in your life?

 

3 Things to Take Away from the Message

1. God is Creator and owner of all things — everything belongs to Him and is to be used for His glory (Psalm 24:1).
2. Only Jesus is truly worthy — through Him, believers are made righteous and able to stand before God (Psalm 24:4–6).
3. Jesus is the victorious King of glory — He has triumphed over sin and death and calls for a response of worship and surrender (Psalm 24:7–10).

In today’s sermon, Shane Dirks focuses on the importance of living with confidence in God’s promises and responding to the gospel with faith and perseverance. Drawing from Scripture, the message highlights how God’s faithfulness provides a secure foundation for believers, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances. Shane encourages the church to remain grounded in Christ, to support and encourage one another, and to live with a forward-looking hope that shapes everyday decisions and relationships.

 

5 Questions to Think About

1. What does it mean for you to be confident in God’s promises in your current circumstances?
2. How does your understanding of the gospel shape the way you respond to challenges?
3. In what ways can you remain more grounded in Christ throughout the week?
4. How can you encourage others in your church or community in their faith?
5. What practical step can you take to live with greater hope and perseverance?

 

3 Things to Take Away from the Message

1. God’s promises provide a firm foundation for faith, even in uncertainty.
2. Believers are called to perseverance, remaining grounded in Christ.
3. Hope in the gospel shapes everyday life, influencing attitudes, actions, and relationships.

In today’s sermon, Robin Kinstead continues exploring God’s purposes for His people by drawing on key biblical passages to highlight themes of trust, obedience, and gratitude. The message emphasises how God’s character and faithfulness shape the way believers live, calling the church to respond not with complacency but with intentional, Christ-centred living. Robin encourages listeners to reflect on how God’s work in salvation impacts everyday life, and to live in a way that honours Him through both attitude and action.

 

5 Questions to Think About

1. What does this sermon reveal about God’s character and His faithfulness?
2. How does understanding God’s work in your life shape the way you live day to day?
3. In what areas might you be drifting toward complacency rather than intentional faithfulness?
4. How can you actively respond to God with gratitude this week?
5. What practical step can you take to live more intentionally for Christ?

 

3 Things to Take Away from the Message

1. God’s faithfulness calls for a response — believers are invited to live with trust and gratitude.
2. Faith is active and intentional — following Jesus shapes daily attitudes and actions.
3. Christ-centred living honours God — our lives are meant to reflect His work in us.

In this sermon, Peter Lenehan encourages the congregation to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus faithfully at the start of a new season. Drawing on Scripture, the message focuses on God’s character, His ongoing work in the lives of His people, and the call for believers to live with trust, obedience, and perseverance. Peter highlights the importance of grounding faith in God’s promises rather than circumstances, urging listeners to centre their lives on Christ and to respond to the gospel with confidence and commitment.

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5 Questions to Think About

1. What does it mean for your life to be centred on Jesus rather than circumstances or personal goals?

2. How does trusting God’s character shape the way you approach uncertainty or change?

3. In what areas of your life might God be calling you to renewed obedience or faithfulness?

4. How can Scripture help you remain grounded when your faith is tested?

5. What is one practical way you can live out your faith more intentionally this week?

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3 Things to Take Away from the Message

1. God is faithful and unchanging, even as seasons and circumstances shift.

2. Following Jesus requires intentional trust and perseverance, not passive belief.

3. A Christ-centred life shapes priorities, decisions, and hope for the future.

In this sermon, Shane Dirks calls the congregation to begin the new season with renewed trust in God and a clear focus on following Jesus. Drawing on Scripture, the message highlights God’s faithfulness, the assurance believers have in Christ, and the importance of living with purpose and obedience. Shane encourages listeners to reflect on their priorities, to rely on God’s grace rather than self-effort, and to live as people shaped by hope, faith, and confidence in God’s promises.

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5 Questions to Think About

1. What does it mean to place your trust in God as you enter a new season or year?

2. How do God’s promises shape the way you view the future?

3. In what areas of your life are you being called to depend more fully on God?

4. How can faith in Jesus influence your daily choices and priorities?

5. What is one intentional step you can take to grow in trust and obedience this week?

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3 Things to Take Away from the Message

1. God is faithful and dependable, regardless of circumstances.

2. Following Jesus requires trust and intentional living, not passive belief.

3. Hope in Christ shapes how believers face the future, giving confidence and direction.

In this week's sermon, Ruth Smith encourages the congregation to reflect on what it means to live faithfully as followers of Jesus in everyday life. Drawing on Scripture, the message explores God’s character, His care for His people, and the way Christian faith shapes relationships, priorities, and responses to life’s challenges. Ruth highlights the importance of trust, obedience, and dependence on God, calling listeners to live out their faith with sincerity and confidence in God’s promises.

5 Questions to Think About
1. What does this sermon reveal about God’s character and His care for His people?
2. How does your faith in Jesus shape the way you approach daily decisions and relationships?
3. Where might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply right now?
4. How can Scripture guide you when facing uncertainty or challenge?
5. What is one practical way you can live out your faith more intentionally this week?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message
1. God is trustworthy and faithful, even when circumstances are uncertain.
2. Faith is lived out daily, shaping attitudes, actions, and relationships.
3. Following Jesus involves active trust and obedience, grounded in God’s Word.

In this week’s sermon, Peter Lenehan reflects on the significance of Jesus Christ and the implications of His life, death, and resurrection for everyday Christian living. Drawing from Scripture, the message highlights God’s faithfulness, the centrality of Christ in God’s purposes, and the call for believers to respond with trust, obedience, and perseverance. Peter encourages the church to consider how a right understanding of Jesus shapes faith, worship, and the way Christians live in light of God’s promises. 

5 Questions to Think About 

1. What stands out to you about who Jesus is and what He has done for you? 

1. How does the message challenge or reinforce your understanding of God’s faithfulness? 

1. In what areas of life are you being called to trust Jesus more fully? 

1. How should the truths of the gospel shape your daily priorities and decisions? 

1. What practical step can you take this week to live more intentionally as a follower of Christ? 

3 Things to Take Away from the Message 

1. Jesus is central to God’s purposes and to the life of every believer. 

1. Faith involves trust and response, not just knowledge or agreement. 

1. Living in light of the gospel shapes how Christians worship, serve, and persevere. 

In this sermon, Shane Dirks encourages the church to reflect on the hope, faith, and assurance found in Jesus Christ. Drawing on Scripture, the message points listeners to God’s faithfulness, the certainty of His promises, and the way Christian hope shapes how believers live in the present. Shane highlights how trusting God’s character anchors believers through uncertainty and calls the church to live with confidence, obedience, and encouragement toward one another as followers of Jesus.

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5 Questions to Think About

1. What does biblical hope look like in your everyday life, especially during challenging seasons?

2. How do God’s promises shape the way you respond to uncertainty or fear?

3. In what ways are you actively trusting God rather than relying on your own understanding?

4. How can you encourage others in their faith using the hope you have in Christ?

5. What practical step can you take this week to live more confidently as a follower of Jesus?

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3 Things to Take Away from the Message

1. Christian hope is grounded in God’s character, not in changing circumstances.

2. Faith calls for active trust—living in obedience even when outcomes are unclear.

3. Believers are meant to encourage one another, pointing each other back to Jesus and His promises.

In this sermon, Langdon Stewart explores how Christians can trust God in times of deep suffering and uncertainty, drawing from Job 38–41 and Colossians 1:15–23. By reflecting on God’s response to Job, the message highlights God as creator, sustainer, governor, carer, sovereign, and relational. The sermon then connects these truths to Jesus Christ, showing that the fullness of God revealed in Job is made known personally through Jesus, who reconciles all things through the cross. Listeners are encouraged to trust Jesus in difficult circumstances and to walk alongside others with hope grounded in the gospel.

 

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Questions to Think About

1. How do you usually respond when suffering or hardship feels unfair or unexplained?

2. What does God’s response to Job teach us about our limits and God’s wisdom?

3. Which aspect of God’s character (creator, sustainer, sovereign, carer, relational) do you find hardest to trust, and why?

4. How does Colossians 1 deepen your understanding of who Jesus is in the midst of suffering?

5. Who might God be calling you to walk alongside and encourage during a difficult season?

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Key Takeaways

• God remains sovereign, wise, and caring even when suffering does not make sense.

• Jesus reveals the fullness of God and reconciles broken creation through his death and resurrection.

• Trusting Christ in hardship allows us to find hope and to point others toward him in their struggles.