The Grainery Church Podcast

PODCAST · religion

The Grainery Church Podcast

The Grainery Church Podcast is where you can listen to our weekly Sunday sermons from our Newcastle, NSW Campus

  1. 300

    A Mother’s Love: The Legacy We Carry | John Starreveld

    In this heartfelt Mother’s Day evening message, John Starreveld reflects on the deep impact mothers have on shaping our lives, often in ways we don’t fully recognise until later. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and moving testimonies from others in the church community, this message explores themes of sacrifice, resilience, unconditional love, and the quiet strength mothers carry every day.Whether your relationship with your mum has been full of joy, marked by loss, or somewhere in between, this message gently reminds us to pause and recognise the good that has been sown into our lives.At the centre of it all is a powerful truth: the nurturing love of a mother reflects something of the heart of God Himself, a love that comforts, supports, and stays faithful through every season.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and honour the people who helped shape your story.

  2. 299

    The Heart of a Mother: Faith, Sacrifice & Lasting Legacy | Ps Stu Brown

    What are the quiet things your mother gave you that still shape your life today?In this special Mother’s Day message, Ps Stu Brown reflects on the wisdom, sacrifice, and lasting influence of mothers through heartfelt stories, Scripture, and honest moments from everyday life. From practical acts of care to deep spiritual legacy, this message explores how mothers often reveal something profound about the heart of God.Through moving personal stories, including experiences of loss, resilience, faith, and unconditional love, we’re reminded that the greatest impact in life is often formed in ordinary moments of devotion and presence.Whether your relationship with your mother has been joyful, complicated, or painful, this message creates space to reflect on the people who shaped us and the love that carries through generations.At the centre of it all is the reminder that God sees us, nurtures us, and holds us close with compassion that never fades.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and remember the legacy of love that continues to shape your story.

  3. 298

    Do Not Forget: Remembering God's Generosity in Every Season | James Chapman

    Have you ever walked through something hard and wondered, “Where is God in this?”In this honest and relatable message from The Generosity of God series, James Chapman explores how easy it is to forget what God has already done, especially when life gets tough. Through the story of the Israelites, he highlights a tension we all feel: fear can quickly drown out faith, even after we’ve seen God come through before.But this message isn’t about guilt, it’s about perspective. God is still providing, still moving, still present… even when we can’t see it. And sometimes, remembering is the key to trusting again.With practical ways to build reminders into everyday life and a powerful personal story of finding hope in what others might call a limitation, this message speaks right into real life.If you’re in a season where it’s hard to see God’s goodness, this is for you.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and remember—you might not see the full picture yet, but God hasn’t stopped working.

  4. 297

    A GIft That Keeps Giving | Ps Sam Paul Pilli

    Have you ever wondered why some moments of giving stay with you long after they’re gone?In this message from The Generosity of God series, Ps Sam Paul Pilli shares personal stories that reveal how God’s generosity shows up in both the miraculous and the uncomfortable. From answered prayers in childhood to unexpected provision through others, this message paints a bigger picture: God doesn’t just meet needs, He multiplies impact.At the heart of it is a simple but powerful idea, generosity isn’t meant to stop with us. Like a seed, it grows, spreads, and changes lives beyond what we can see. Even the small things we offer can become something far greater in God’s hands.This is a timely reminder in a world that often holds back: you don’t need to have much to make a difference, you just need to be willing.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and consider where generosity might be flowing through your life right now.

  5. 296

    Everyday Moments, Eternal Impact: Stories of Faith & Invitation

    What if the small moments in your life are shaping someone else’s faith story?In this powerful panel from The Generosity of God series, Ange McPherson sits down with members of the Granary Church community to share real, honest journeys of coming to know Jesus. From growing up in faith, to finding purpose in the middle of chaos, to wrestling with big questions over time, each story reveals the same thread: God is already at work, and people matter more than we realize.This message reframes generosity as something deeper than giving, it’s about showing up. A conversation, an invitation, a consistent presence… these are the moments God uses to transform lives.If you’ve ever felt unsure about sharing your faith, or wondered if it even makes a difference, this will encourage you. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and consider who God might be inviting you to walk alongside this week.

  6. 295

    The Generosity of God | Ps Sue Irwin

    What if generosity isn’t about giving more… but about trusting that you already have enough?In this message from The Generosity of God series, Ps Sue Irwin explores how generosity flows from who God is, not just what we do. It’s not a nice extra for Christians, it’s a core part of how God’s kingdom works.Through honest reflection and powerful real-life stories, this message challenges the way we think about generosity. It’s not just about money. It’s in our words, our time, our thoughts, and how we treat people, especially when there’s nothing in it for us.At the heart of it is a simple but confronting truth: we hold back because we’re afraid there won’t be enough. But when we begin to truly rest in God’s love and provision, generosity becomes natural.If you’ve ever felt stretched, guarded, or unsure how to give, this message will help you reset your perspective and take a step forward.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and let God reshape how you live and give.

  7. 294

    A Generous Life: Stories from Ruth | Bev Murrill

    What if the way you treat people today could echo far beyond what you’ll ever see?In A Generous Life: Stories from Ruth, Bev Murrill unpacks a powerful story from Scripture that flips our assumptions about generosity. Through Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, we see that generosity isn’t about wealth or comfort, it’s about the posture of the heart, especially when life is hard.This message challenges the idea that generosity is just about money. It’s about how we respond to people, especially those we’d rather avoid. It’s about leaving margin in our lives, choosing kindness over reaction, and reflecting God’s heart in everyday moments.In a world stretched thin by pressure and distraction, this is a timely reminder: small acts of generosity can shape lives, shift atmospheres, and carry God’s love further than we realise.Take a moment to listen, reflect, and consider where generosity might be calling you next.

  8. 293

    The Great Commission | Ps Sue Irwin

    What if your purpose isn’t something you have to find, but something you’re already invited into? And what if the reason life can feel unclear is because you’re looking at it the wrong way?In The Great Commission, Ps Sue Irwin takes a fresh and relatable look at one of Jesus’ most well-known commands. Instead of pressure or performance, she reframes it as an invitation to live with meaning, purpose, and impact in everyday life.This message explores what it really means to be a disciple, not just believing in Jesus, but learning to live like Him. Through simple but powerful insights, Sue shows how your life, your relationships, and even your ordinary moments can reflect God’s love in a way that draws others in.At a time when so many people are searching for meaning, this message reminds us that following Jesus is not about having all the answers. It is about living a life that points to Him.If you’ve ever wondered what your purpose really is, this is a message worth sitting with.

  9. 292

    Easter Sunday | Asher Morrison

    This Easter Sunday message from Asher Morrison invites you to rediscover the heart of what Easter is really about. It is more than a moment in history. It is an invitation into new life.With honesty and clarity, Asher explores the reality of the resurrection and what it means for us today. It speaks to those moments where life feels uncertain, where hope feels distant, and where we are searching for something real to hold onto. The message reminds us that Easter is not just about remembering what Jesus has done, but stepping into what that means for us personally.There is a powerful sense that no matter your past or where you find yourself right now, God is still at work. The resurrection is a reminder that things can change, that hope is not lost, and that new beginnings are possible.If you are looking for encouragement, fresh perspective, or a reminder that your story is not finished, this message will meet you right where you are.

  10. 291

    Good Friday | Ps Sue Irwin

    This Good Friday message from Ps Sue Irwin invites you to see the cross in a way that is both deeply personal and life changing. No matter where you find yourself right now, whether you feel close to God, unsure, or even disappointed, this message meets you there and gently points you back to His love.Sue unpacks a powerful truth that many of us wrestle with. We often shape God in our own image, assuming He is distant, harsh, or waiting to punish us. But when we look at Jesus on the cross, we see something completely different. We see a God who chooses forgiveness, who steps into our pain, and who loves without holding anything back.This message also speaks to the deep longing we all carry. The desire to be fully known, fully loved, and to truly belong. It reminds us that this longing is not a mistake, but a sign pointing us back to God.If you have ever struggled with fear, doubt, or feeling not good enough, this is a message that will speak straight to your heart and help you rediscover the depth of God’s love.

  11. 290

    A Different Kind of Kingdom | Asuntha Charles & Matt Darvas

    This Palm Sunday evening message takes a different and powerful approach, inviting us to listen, reflect, and respond. Featuring guest speaker Asuntha Charles in conversation with Matt Darvas, this episode shines a light on real stories of faith, justice, and the work of God beyond our immediate world.Through this interview, we hear what it looks like to live out the heart of Jesus in practical ways, especially among those who are often overlooked or in need. It is honest, eye opening, and deeply challenging.Following this, Ps Sue Irwin brings a timely message that draws everything together. She reminds us that Palm Sunday is not just about celebration, but about recognizing the kind of King Jesus truly is and the kind of life He calls us into.This episode will stretch your perspective and encourage you to think beyond your own world. It is a call to live with compassion, courage, and a faith that moves into action.

  12. 289

    The King Who Came in Peace | David Ritchie

    On Palm Sunday, David Ritchie invites us to look again at a moment that can feel familiar but carries far more weight than we often realize. Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey might seem simple, but it was a deliberate act filled with meaning. This message unpacks how that moment was not about spectacle or power in the way people expected. It was a quiet but bold declaration of who Jesus truly is. A King, but not one who conquers by force. A King who brings peace, not through dominance, but through sacrifice.Drawing powerful parallels between history, scripture, and our own lives, David challenges us to rethink what it means to follow Jesus. It is not about control, status, or winning. It is about surrender, humility, and choosing to live differently in a world that often pushes the opposite.If you have ever wondered what it really means to live out your faith in everyday life, this message will give you something real to wrestle with.

  13. 288

    Turning Outward | Adrian Smith

    Adrian Smith continues our Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith series with a great question. What if faith was never meant to stop with us?This message unpacks a simple but confronting truth. Real encounters with God always turn us outward. Looking at 1 Corinthians 13 and stories throughout Scripture, Adrian shows that love is not just something we talk about or feel. It is something we live out in real relationships, especially with people we find difficult. With honesty and humour, he reflects on his own struggles with family and how easy it is to keep people at a distance, even while praying for them. But faith that stays inward misses the point. Transformation is not just for personal growth. It is for others. It is for your world, your relationships, and the people God is calling you toward.This episode will challenge you to move beyond comfort and take a step toward someone in your life. Not just with words, but with action.If you have ever wondered what living out your faith really looks like, this message will give you a clear and practical place to start.

  14. 287

    Living a Life Shaped by Love | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this weeks AM message as we continue going through Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Sue Irwin brings the series to a powerful and deeply personal point. What does it actually look like to reach the goal of faith?This message explores what it means to move beyond simply knowing about God to truly living in His love. Sue walks through the final stage of the journey, where faith is no longer about performance or understanding everything, but about becoming someone who knows and relies on the love of God in every circumstance. Through powerful stories, including the life of St Patrick and real examples of forgiveness and surrender, this message challenges us to rethink how we respond to pain, fear, and even our enemies. It is not about having life all figured out. It is about choosing love when it is hardest, trusting God when we do not understand, and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.If you have ever wrestled with fear, disappointment, or unanswered questions, this message points you toward a deeper freedom. A life where love, not fear, has the final word.

  15. 286

    Trusting God Through the Hard Seasons | Ps Sam Paul Pilli

    In Week 6 of the series Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Sam Paul Pilli explores what happens when our journey with God runs into a wall. Those moments when life feels confusing, painful, or uncertain are not the end of faith. They are often where faith grows deeper.Looking at the life of Peter, Sam shows how an ordinary fisherman was transformed through his encounters with Jesus. Peter experienced incredible moments of faith, but he also faced failure, fear, and the painful reality of denying Jesus. Yet even in those moments, Jesus did not abandon him. Instead, Peter was restored and called forward into a greater purpose.Sam also shares honestly from his own story, reflecting on seasons of grief, loss, and personal struggle. Through those difficult times he discovered something powerful. The goal of the Christian journey is not simply achieving something for God. It is allowing God to reshape our hearts, our identity, and our trust in Him.If you have ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure where God is in the middle of your circumstances, this message is a reminder that the wall may actually be the place where God is doing His deepest work in you.

  16. 285

    The Surrendered Life | Bev Murrill

    In Week 6 of the series Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Bev Murrill explores one of the most powerful turning points in the journey of faith. The moment when we come face to face with who we really are before God.Looking at the story of Jacob, Bev walks through the long and complicated journey that shaped his life. Jacob began as a schemer and a manipulator, chasing blessing in his own strength. Yet over time, through struggle, hardship, and difficult circumstances, God began to work on his heart. The defining moment came when Jacob wrestled with God and was forced to confront his true character. It was in that honest moment of surrender that transformation began. This message reminds us that faith is not a quick fix or a simple path to perfection. It is a journey that includes walls, inward reflection, and outward growth. As we allow God to work in our lives, we begin to move from relying on our own strength to trusting His.If you have ever wrestled with your faith, your identity, or the challenges of life, this message offers encouragement to stay in the journey and let God shape who you are becoming.

  17. 284

    Finding God at the Wall | Stu Brown

    In Week 5 of the series Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Stu Brown continues exploring one of the most difficult but transformative stages of the spiritual journey. The wall. Those moments when life feels stuck, prayers seem unanswered, and faith is tested in ways we never expected.Drawing from Psalm 23 and his own personal story, Stu reflects on how these dark valleys can shape us more deeply than seasons of comfort ever could. He shares honestly about walking through painful experiences, including the heartbreak of miscarriage, and how those moments forced him to wrestle with God, trust His timing, and listen for His voice.Rather than offering easy answers, this message points to something deeper. The wall is not the end of the journey. It is often where God begins a work of healing and transformation within us. As we surrender control, learn patience, and seek His voice, we discover that we are never walking the valley alone.If you have ever asked “Why God?” or felt stuck in your faith, this episode offers encouragement and hope for the road ahead.

  18. 283

    When Faith Hits the Wall | John Crawford

    In Week 4 of Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, John Crawford takes us into one of the most defining stages of spiritual growth. The wall. That moment when faith feels hard, disappointment sets in, and we begin to question what God is doing.With honesty and vulnerability, John shares from his own story of hurt, bitterness, and nearly walking away. He unpacks Psalm 73 and the journey of Asaph, a worship leader who almost lost his footing when envy and self focus clouded his vision. It is a powerful reminder that walls are not signs of failure. They are pivot points. Moments where we either drift further from God or choose to surrender more deeply.This message speaks to anyone who feels stuck, overlooked, frustrated, or spiritually dry. It gently exposes the danger of bitterness and self pity, while offering a hopeful path forward through obedience and trust. If you are at a crossroads in your faith, this episode will help you see that the wall is not the end of your story. It might just be the place where God shapes you most

  19. 282

    Living the Productive Life | Ps Sue Irwin

    In Week 3 of Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Sue Irwin unpacks what it really means to step into the productive life. This is the stage where faith moves from personal experience into active participation in God’s bigger story.Tracing the thread from Genesis to the New Testament, Sue reminds us that blessing was always God’s plan. We were created to reflect His image, to live in trustful dependence on Him, and to carry His blessing into the world. Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, that calling is restored. We are not just saved individuals. We are a community entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.This message challenges us to move beyond self focus and into surrender. It calls us to lay down pride, comparison, and self protection, and to find our true identity in Christ. When we do, we discover freedom, purpose, and the joy of serving together as one body.If you have ever wondered how your gifts, struggles, and faith journey fit into God’s greater plan, this episode will help you see the bigger picture and step into it with courage.

  20. 281

    The Sword and The Word | Ps Rachel Baker

    In this Week 2 PM message of Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Rachel Baker unpacks what it really means to discover eternal truth. With honesty, humour, and powerful personal stories, she explores how Scripture is more than information to memorize. It is a gift from God meant to shape, equip, and transform us.Rachel walks through the difference between knowing the written word and knowing Jesus, the Word made flesh. She explains how the Bible becomes like a sword in our hands, not to wound others, but to defend against lies and cut away what holds us back. Drawing from her own journey through fear, doubt, and hitting the wall, she shares how verses planted in childhood became lifelines when life felt dark and overwhelming.This message is both practical and deeply encouraging. It challenges us to move beyond collecting knowledge and instead allow God’s truth to renew our minds and anchor our identity in His love. If you have ever wondered how Scripture fits into real life, this episode will help you see it in a whole new way.

  21. 280

    Discovering Eternal Truth | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this second week of Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Sue Irwin takes us deeper into what it really means to grow spiritually. After the initial encounter with God, what comes next? Sue explains that faith is not just about a powerful experience or learning to serve. It is about allowing God’s truth to reshape the way we think.Drawing from Joshua, Psalm 23, and the temptation of Jesus, she shows why knowing Scripture is not about winning arguments or appearing spiritual. It is about renewing the mind. When we learn to meditate on God’s Word and invite the Holy Spirit to help us understand it, we begin to think differently. We stop being shaped by fear, comparison, and pride, and start living from trust, courage, and love.Sue also warns of the subtle trap of legalism and reminds us that the goal is not knowledge alone, but becoming like Christ. This message is a practical and powerful invitation to build your life on solid ground and allow God’s truth to form you from the inside out.

  22. 279

    Navigating Your Journey of Faith | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this opening message of our new series called Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Sue Irwin invites us to step back and reflect on the journey of faith we are all on. Rather than seeing faith as a checklist of right beliefs or good behaviour, Sue reframes it as a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. It is less about what we do and more about who we are becoming along the way.Through Scripture, personal stories, and the moving testimony of someone walking through grief, Sue explores how faith grows through experience, truth, service, and seasons of struggle. She reminds us that every believer will face moments where faith is tested, expectations are challenged, and easy formulas no longer work. These moments are not failures but invitations to deeper trust and transformation.This message is an encouraging starting point for anyone questioning where they are in their faith or wondering what the goal of following Jesus really is. It offers clarity, hope, and a fresh vision for navigating the journey with honesty, courage, and grace.

  23. 278

    Jesus Is Your Future | Asher Morrison

    In this final message of the Anxious for Nothing series, Asher Morrison brings the conversation to a powerful and hope filled close. With warmth, honesty, and insight, he helps us understand what anxiety is really pointing to beneath the surface. Fear is not random. It often reveals what we believe about our future, our worth, and our ability to cope with what lies ahead.Drawing from Philippians and his own experiences, Asher explains how anxiety can be like being winded. It alerts us that something deeper is going on. Rather than shaming us for feeling anxious, this message gently invites us to listen to what our fears are telling us and to bring them into the light of who Jesus is.Asher walks through some of the most common fears people carry, including loneliness, failure, suffering, and uncertainty about the future, and shows how Jesus speaks directly into each one. This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and deep encouragement. If anxiety has been shaping your thoughts or limiting your hope, this message reminds you that your future is not unknown. Your future is Jesus.

  24. 277

    Finding Peace When Anxiety Hits | John Crawford

    In this deeply honest and practical message, John Crawford speaks from lived experience about anxiety, fear, and the quiet weight many people carry every day. With vulnerability and wisdom, he reminds us that anxiety is not a failure of faith and it is not something to be ashamed of. It is part of living in a broken world, and it is something God cares deeply about.Drawing from Philippians 4, John unpacks what it really means to be anxious for nothing. Not by denying our struggles, but by learning how to respond when anxiety shows up. Through powerful stories, including moments from his own life, he explains the difference between happiness and joy, and why peace is rooted in relationship with God rather than circumstances.This message offers practical, biblical steps for anyone who feels overwhelmed, restless, or stuck in cycles of worry. It gently leads listeners toward praise, prayer, and a renewed focus on God’s love.If anxiety has been shaping your thoughts or stealing your peace, this episode offers hope, clarity, and a way forward grounded in grace.

  25. 276

    Safeguarding Your Faith | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this powerful and practical message, Ps Sue Irwin speaks directly to one of the quiet struggles many believers face: how faith can slowly weaken under pressure, worry, and disappointment. Drawing from Paul’s words in Philippians, she explores what it really means to rejoice in the Lord, not because life is easy, but because God is trustworthy in every circumstance.Sue unpacks how anxiety, fear, and hardship can gradually erode faith if we are not intentional about protecting it. With clarity and compassion, she shows that rejoicing is not denial or forced positivity. It is a conscious decision to place our trust in who God is rather than what we are facing. This kind of rejoicing becomes a safeguard, revealing when our hearts are growing weary and inviting us back to rest in God’s power and love.This message will resonate deeply with anyone feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or spiritually tired. It offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical steps to keep faith strong, hearts soft, and hope anchored in the Lord who holds all things together.

  26. 275

    Living From Who You Are | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this deeply grounding message, Ps Sue Irwin invites us to discover freedom from anxiety by understanding who we really are in Christ. Drawing from Philippians and Ephesians, she unpacks how much of our worry comes from striving to meet our own needs, prove our worth, or gain approval from others.Sue points us to Jesus as the ultimate example. Fully secure in the love of the Father, Jesus lived a life of humility and service, not out of fear or obligation, but from an abundance of love. This same invitation is offered to us. When we stop trying to earn love and instead receive God’s mercy, our mindset begins to change and so do our relationships.This message speaks with compassion to those carrying fear, shame, rejection, or past wounds. It gently challenges listeners to let go of control, surrender anxious striving, and live from the deep assurance of being loved by God. If you long for peace that reaches beyond circumstances, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a path toward lasting freedom.

  27. 274

    Anxious For Nothing | Ps Sue Irwin

    As we begin a new year, Ps Sue Irwin opens this series with a hopeful and practical message about living free from anxiety. Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, she reminds us that an anxious life is not fixed by willpower, positive thinking, or better planning, but by a deeper shift in what we believe about ourselves and about God.Sue gently explores how anxiety is often rooted in identity and misplaced trust, and how peace begins when we learn to live from who we are in Christ rather than striving to become someone through outcomes and achievements. Through Scripture, stories, and clear teaching, she invites us to experience God’s love personally, not just understand it intellectually.This message is a powerful starting point for the year ahead. It offers a fresh perspective on prayer, spiritual growth, and what it really means to be God’s children. If you are carrying worry, feeling overwhelmed, or longing for a steadier sense of peace, this episode sets a grounding and hope filled tone for 2026.

  28. 273

    The Inbetween | Ps Rachel Baker

    In this thoughtful and timely message, Ps Rachel Baker speaks into the space many of us find ourselves in at the end of the year. The in between. The moment after Christmas has passed but before the new year has begun. It is a season filled with reflection, expectation, uncertainty, and hope.Rachel explores why we are so drawn to planning, goal setting, and resolutions, and gently challenges the idea that we are the authors of our own outcomes. Drawing on Scripture and the stories of people who lived in the waiting between promise and fulfillment, she reminds us that God is always at work in these in between seasons. Not rushing us forward, but shaping our hearts and inviting us to trust Him more deeply.This message is an invitation to pause, to offer our plans to God, and to allow Him to guide what comes next. As the final podcast for 2025, it creates space to reflect, realign, and step into the new year with open hands and a heart ready to listen.

  29. 272

    Finishing The Year Well | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this encouraging and practical message, Ps Sue Irwin helps us reflect on the year we’ve just lived and shows us how to finish it well, no matter what it has held. As we look back on the highs, the lows, and the moments in between, Sue reminds us that nothing is wasted in God’s hands. Every experience can become a pathway for His blessing when our hearts and minds are aligned with Him.Using the story of King Jehoshaphat, she explores what it really means to trust God in the face of fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming circumstances. Rather than striving harder or trying to control outcomes, we are invited to realign our thinking, surrender our worries, and learn how worship, gratitude, and faith open the door for God to move.This message is especially meaningful for anyone feeling weary, anxious about the future, or unsure how to step into the year ahead. It offers hope, perspective, and practical encouragement to trust God more deeply and allow Him to turn valleys into places of blessing.

  30. 271

    Christmas Eve | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this thoughtful Christmas Eve message, Ps Sue Irwin invites us to see Christmas as more than a familiar story we know about, but as an encounter with someone we can truly know. While the nativity often looks peaceful and polished, Sue gently pulls back the curtain to reveal the deeper reality of what was happening when Jesus was born. Heaven was breaking into earth, and it was anything but simple or safe.Through Scripture, story, and rich imagery, she explores the idea of incarnation and why God chose to come to us as a humble, vulnerable baby. This was not weakness but intention. God wanted to meet us without fear, to speak our language, and to draw close to every human heart. Christmas becomes a rescue story unfolding both visibly on earth and powerfully behind the scenes.This message will encourage anyone longing for meaning, peace, or a deeper understanding of God’s presence. It is an invitation to move beyond knowing about Jesus and to experience Emmanuel, God with us.

  31. 270

    O Holy Night | Matt Darvas

    In this deeply reflective message, Matt Darvas invites us to wrestle honestly with the tension between the peace promised at Christmas and the pain we see in the world around us. Set against the realities of global conflict, personal loss, and the recent Bondi tragedy, Matt explores what it means to hope for peace when life feels anything but peaceful.Through Scripture, personal family history, and thoughtful reflection, he reminds us that Jesus did not enter a calm and orderly world. He entered a broken one. This is not a message that avoids hard questions. Instead, it gently guides listeners toward a deeper, truer peace that does not deny suffering but meets it with love, justice, and grace.The message also features Ps Stu Brown singing O Holy Night, allowing space to pause, reflect, and let the words of this timeless carol speak to weary hearts.If you are feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world or carrying quiet pain of your own, this episode offers space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover the peace that Jesus gives, not as the world gives, but as only He can.

  32. 269

    The Reality of Life for Mary and Joseph | Bev Murrill

    In this powerful and honest message, Bev Murrill takes us beyond the polished nativity scenes and into the real world Mary and Joseph lived in. Christmas was not calm, safe, or predictable. It was lived under occupation, fear, uncertainty, and enormous personal cost. Bev invites us to see how God’s light entered the darkness of ordinary, difficult life, not to remove the struggle, but to meet people within it.Through Mary’s courageous yes and Joseph’s quiet obedience, we are reminded that God’s favour does not mean comfort, approval, or ease. It often means surrender, misunderstanding, and perseverance. Yet it is through that costly faithfulness that God brings hope, justice, and redemption into the world.This message will resonate with anyone who feels caught between promise and pain, faith and fear. It offers deep encouragement to trust God in the now and the not yet, and to believe that even in hardship, His purposes are still unfolding through ordinary people who say yes.

  33. 268

    Heaven Came To Earth | Ps Stu Brown

    In this uplifting Christmas message, Stu Brown invites us to slow down and rediscover what the season is really about. With humour, honesty, and warmth, he challenges the busyness and consumerism that so easily take over December and reminds us that Christmas isn’t just a holiday, it’s the moment heaven came to earth.Through stories, Scripture, and reflection, Stu explores Jesus’ question to His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” and reminds us that how we answer that changes everything. Like Simeon and Anna at the temple, we’re called to recognize the true presence of Jesus and respond with praise, even in the middle of life’s messiness.Whether your Christmas feels joyful or complicated, this message will help you centre your heart on what really matters: the hope, peace, and love that arrived when Christ was born.

  34. 267

    Pearls and Holy Grails | Bev Murrill

    In this powerful message, Bev Murrill explores how God uses the challenges, pain, and irritations of life to shape us into something beautiful. Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the pearl of great price, Bev reminds us that true transformation takes time and surrender. Like an oyster forming a pearl around a grain of sand, God covers our pain, pride, and fear with His grace until it shines with His glory.She challenges us to let go of the “holy grails” we cling to. Our opinions, control, and need to be right and instead pursue the priceless treasure of becoming more like Christ. Real healing comes not from what we hold on to, but from what we release into God’s hands.This message will inspire you to trust God’s process, find beauty in difficulty, and keep seeking the pearl of great price, Jesus Himself. No matter the cost.

  35. 266

    The Power of Now | John Crawford

    In this encouraging message, John Crawford challenges us to stop living with a “not yet” mindset and start stepping into what God is calling us to do now. We all have good intentions, plans to grow closer to God, change habits, or become better versions of ourselves but too often we get stuck waiting for the perfect time.Through Scripture and personal stories, John reminds us that God’s kingdom is not a distant dream but something we can experience in our everyday lives when we choose to make Him the centre of everything. The distractions of the world, our possessions, ambitions, and self-focus can easily take our eyes off what really matters.This message will inspire you to stop delaying growth, confront what’s holding you back, and refocus on the one thing that lasts forever. God’s love and purpose are available now, not someday. The question is, will you let Him in today?

  36. 265

    Honest Hearts | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this heartfelt message, Ps Sue Irwin invites us to see confession not as something to fear, but as a doorway to freedom. Too often we hide what’s really going on inside because we expect judgment or rejection. But God’s heart is not to punish, it is to heal. When we come honestly before Him, we step out of shame and into grace.Through Scripture and real-life stories, Sue explains how confession is less about listing our mistakes and more about letting light into hidden places. It’s where belief becomes experience, where we discover that God’s mercy is greater than our guilt. She also challenges us to be the kind of friends who can hold another’s honesty without judgment, creating spaces where grace and healing can take root.This message will encourage you to stop hiding, to trust God’s kindness, and to experience the freedom that comes when we allow His love to make us whole.

  37. 264

    Sowing Seeds of Light | Bev Murrill

    In this heartfelt message, Bev Murrill reminds us that every follower of Jesus carries the light of God within themand that light is meant to be shared. Drawing from Psalm 97:11, she explains how light can be sown like seeds, spreading hope and truth wherever we go.Through touching personal stories, Bev reflects on her late husband legacy of shining God’s light and challenges us to do the same in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Even when the world feels dark, God calls His people to bring light into it. Not because we are perfect, but because His light never runs out.This message is a powerful encouragement for anyone who feels small or insignificant. One tiny flame can ignite thousands more. The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs people willing to shine. Bev’s words will inspire you to live courageously, sow seeds of light in dark places, and trust that God’s brilliance will shine through you for generations to come.

  38. 263

    The Kingdom of Fair and Grace | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this inspiring message, we are invited to look at life through the lens of grace rather than fairness. So often we find ourselves wondering why things happen the way they do or why life doesn’t seem fair. But through the story of Job, we are reminded that God is not building a world based on fairness. He is creating a kingdom built on grace.Grace is where love is freely given, not earned. It is what transforms hearts, heals relationships, and restores hope. When we stop trying to earn God’s favor and simply receive His love, everything changes.If you have ever struggled with disappointment, loss, or the feeling that life has been unfair, this message will encourage you to rest in God’s goodness. You will discover that in His kingdom of grace, every moment of pain and every act of love is redeemed for something far greater than fairness could ever offer.Note: The video clip from Les Miserables used in the original service is copyrighted and could not be included in this podcast recording.

  39. 262

    Generosity | Matt Darvas

    In this inspiring message, we are reminded that generosity isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s part of God’s design for human flourishing. From the laws of Moses to the life of Jesus and the early church, we see that God hardwired generosity into His plan for healing relationships, communities, and even nations.Through powerful stories from the streets of Nepal to the villages of Uganda and the everyday generosity happening within our own church we are invited to live with open hands and courageous hearts. True generosity isn’t reckless giving; it’s confidence in who we are and in the God who provides.This episode challenges us to see generosity as more than a transaction, it’s a transformation. When we live with open hearts and let God’s love flow through us, we become part of His story of renewal, justice, and hope in the world.

  40. 261

    Do Life One At A Time | Ps Sam Paul Pilli

    In this powerful and heartfelt message, Pastor Sam reminds us that life was never meant to be lived all at once. When we try to carry tomorrow’s worries or dwell on yesterday’s regrets, we miss the beauty of what God is doing right now. Drawing from Scripture, he challenges us to slow down, trust God’s timing, and take life one day at a time.Through personal stories of faith, forgiveness, and transformation, Sam shares how surrendering control opens the door for peace and freedom. Whether it’s breaking free from anxiety, learning to forgive, or simply choosing gratitude for today, this message will inspire you to live in the moment with God’s strength.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the future or burdened by the past, this episode is a timely reminder that God is in both but He meets you in the now.

  41. 260

    From Empty Cisterns to Living Water | Bev Murrill

    Have you ever realized your faith is running on autopilot? In this powerful message, Bev encourages us to move beyond routine Christianity and rediscover the life-giving relationship Jesus offers. Too often we live like people storing stale water in cracked cisterns—doing the right things but disconnected from the source of life.Through vivid imagery from Scripture, Bev reminds us that Jesus calls us to come and drink deeply from the living water He freely gives. When we draw from Him daily, His Spirit flows through us like a fountain. Refreshing, renewing, and bringing hope to others.This episode is a heartfelt invitation to stop striving, to stop trying to “be good enough,” and simply plug back into the source. Whether you’ve felt spiritually dry, distracted, or disconnected, this message will remind you that it’s never too late to come back to the well and let the living water flow again.

  42. 259

    Life Is Not a Zero Sum Game | David Ritchie

    In this message, David Ritchie invites us to see life through the lens of God’s generosity rather than scarcity. Using Jesus’ parable of the rich fool, he challenges the idea that success is about gaining more for ourselves. Life isn’t a zero sum game where someone must lose for another to win. It is an invitation to live with open hands and generous hearts.Through personal stories from his years in ministry and mission work, David shares how God’s kindness multiplies when we trust Him with our resources, fears, and worries. He reminds us that anxiety about the future adds nothing to our lives, but generosity toward God and others brings lasting joy and eternal reward.If you’ve ever struggled with fear, control, or the feeling that you might lose by giving too much, this message will help you rediscover the freedom of living with faith and gratitude, letting the river of God’s generosity flow through you.

  43. 258

    Let God Search Your Heart | Ps Stuart Brown

    In this message, Pastor Stu Brown continues the series Let the River Flow with a challenge to let God do a deep work in our hearts. He reminds us that true community begins with honesty before God and one another, not hiding behind busyness or surface-level connection.Drawing from Psalm 139, Stu encourages us to pray, “Search me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Like tidying a messy house, we need to bring everything into the light resentments, pride, addictions, hidden struggles and allow God to show us what needs to be surrendered.This is not about shame or endless self-criticism but about freedom. When we confess specifically and honestly, God’s grace meets us with healing, and His Spirit flows through us to others. If you’ve ever felt stuck, weighed down, or far from God, this message will help you take courageous steps toward honesty, surrender, and the fullness of life Jesus promises.

  44. 257

    This Is The Story That Found Me | Richmond Wanderra

    Richmond Wandera grew up in Uganda, where tragedy and poverty shaped his childhood. After his father was murdered, his family was forced into the slums of Naguru. At just eight years old, Richmond faced hunger, loss, and the fear of invisibility that poverty brings. But everything changed when a 15 year old girl on the other side of the world chose to sponsor him.That simple decision gave Richmond access to food, education and hope. It not only lifted him out of poverty but also transformed generations in his family. Today he leads pastors, trains leaders, and helps thousands of children find freedom and faith through Christ.This powerful message is not just about survival but about redemption. Richmond shares how God rewrites broken stories and invites us to join in His work of restoration. If you have ever wondered whether one life can make a difference, this story will inspire you to see how small acts of faith can change the world.

  45. 256

    Surrender That Leads to Life | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this message we are invited to discover what it really means to surrender to God. Too often we try to control our lives, clinging to our own plans and strength, but Jesus shows us a better way. Just as a seed must fall to the ground and die before it produces fruit, we are called to die to our self-centeredness and trust the One who loves us completely.This is not weakness or passivity. True surrender is an act of courage and faith. It means letting go of the blind spots, pride, and striving that hold us back, and finding new life in God’s Spirit. As we learn to surrender daily, we begin to see His love flow through us, bringing peace, joy, kindness, and hope into the world around us.If you long for freedom from the pressure to control everything, this message will encourage you to open your hands, lay down your burdens, and discover the life Jesus promises to all who follow Him.

  46. 255

    Fathers Day | John Crawford

    In this Father’s Day message we look at what it really means to be a good father. This is not just about raising children but also about mentoring and guiding others with love and wisdom. Too often the role of fathers is pushed to the side, yet the Bible shows us how important fathers are in shaping lives and building faith.Through the story of Moses, who grew up without a strong father figure, we see how he became the first to call God “Father.” We discover that God reveals Himself not only through His power and provision but also through His compassion, mercy, and grace.This episode encourages dads, grandfathers, and mentors to model the heart of God in everyday life. You will be inspired to see God as the ultimate Father and to reflect His character by leading with compassion, showing kindness, and pointing others toward His goodness.

  47. 254

    From “I Can’t” to “But God" | John Crawford

    In this powerful message, Pastor John reminds us that life is filled with moments when we feel like saying, “I can’t” or “I won’t.” Whether it’s the weight of hurts, habits, or hang-ups, we often hit the limits of our own strength. But Scripture points us to a greater truth. “But God.”Through humor, storytelling, and biblical insight, John explores how God meets us in weakness and turns our “but I” excuses into “but God” testimonies. From Paul’s struggles in Romans to Joseph’s long journey of betrayal and redemption, we see how God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness.This episode will encourage you to stop striving in your own strength and instead embrace the transforming power of God’s presence. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, discouragement, or the feeling that you don’t have what it takes, this message will remind you that hope and victory come not from ourselves, but from the God who redeems, restores, and sustains.

  48. 253

    Seek Peace | John & Kay Hodge

    In this inspiring episode, Seek Peace, we hear from John and Kay as they share powerful stories of faith, reconciliation, and the call to live as peacemakers in today’s world. Drawing from their ministry experiences in Nigeria, Lebanon, Kenya, and the UK, they reveal how the Gospel transforms conflict into hope and division into unity.Through personal testimony and Scripture, John and Kay explore what it means to embody biblical shalom—peace that is more than the absence of violence, but the flourishing of relationships rooted in Christ. From rebuilding communities torn by conflict to equipping churches for reconciliation, they highlight how God calls each believer to step into the role of peacemaker.Whether you’re facing broken relationships, struggling to forgive, or seeking to understand Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” this episode will encourage and challenge you. Be inspired to embrace everyday peace building and trust God to turn brokenness into beauty.

  49. 252

    Let The River Flow | Ps Sue Irwin

    In this episode Ps Sue Irwin begins our new series Let The River Flow with a heartfelt and powerful message about God’s healing presence. She shares from Scripture and everyday stories to show how admitting our weaknesses opens the way for the Holy Spirit to move in us. Sue encourages us to stop relying on our own strength and instead allow God’s love to flow through our lives bringing hope healing and transformation. This is more than just a message, it is an invitation to clear away the barriers in our hearts and experience the life-giving river of God.

  50. 251

    Soul Care | Mindy Caliguire

    In this powerful episode, Mindy Caliguire from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, unpacks the vital importance of soul care in our fast-paced, demanding world. Drawing from personal stories, Scripture, and her own journey through burnout, Mindy shares practical and heartfelt wisdom for staying connected to God, replenishing our inner reserves, and living from a place of overflow. With warmth, humor, and deep insight, she invites listeners to slow down, embrace healing, and discover the life-giving “streams of living water” Jesus offers. This conversation will inspire you to care for your soul and embody a peace that impacts the world.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Grainery Church Podcast is where you can listen to our weekly Sunday sermons from our Newcastle, NSW Campus

HOSTED BY

The Grainery Church

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