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