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, eternal, almighty Creator—and to unite believers across time and cultures. The message highlights the importance of right belief (“we believe”) over mere ritual, emotion, or cultural expression, calling listeners to trust in and correctly identify the one true God who reveals himself as Father and sustains his people.

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 submission to God’s plan. Logan explains how this “great exchange” applies to all people, showing that humanity shares in Barabbas’ guilt, yet can receive freedom and new identity as children of God through faith in Jesus. Listeners are challenged to consider their response to this exchange and how they will live in light of the freedom Jesus provides.

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 that our lives must reflect the message we proclaim—that Jesus is better than anything this world can offer.

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 Saviour, but also as King over every area of our lives.

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 believers to bring their true feelings to God, remain obedient, and depend on prayer. Through Jesus’ example, listeners are encouraged to trust God even when life does not go as hoped, recognising the importance of honesty, submission, and continual prayer in the Christian life.

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 Testament sacrificial system, and calls us to respond by living lives of humble service, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.

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, they are secondary to God’s ultimate authority. Robin emphasises that believers are called to live faithfully under both, recognising that they bear God’s image and belong to him, even when following Jesus leads to rejection or hardship.

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, willingly heading toward the cross, and is the true and only hope for salvation. The sermon calls listeners to recognise Christ’s authority, trust in his finished work, and respond to his call to watch, believe, and proclaim the good news.

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 Jesus’ body and blood, while also addressing the seriousness of rejecting him. Listeners are challenged to consider both the warning of betrayal and the invitation to remain at Jesus’ table, responding with honest repentance and lives of sacrificial worship.

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 “why you,” directing attention to God’s character—holy, faithful, and attentive throughout history. The sermon emphasises that while circumstances may not immediately change, a shift in perspective toward dependence on God leads from despair to confident declaration, grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

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