Send us Fan Mail

Trouble is not a surprise, and peace is not a pretend feeling. We open John 16:28–33 and listen to Jesus speak plainly about where he comes from, where he is going, and what his followers are about to face. The disciples finally say they believe, and Jesus answers with a hard truth: they will scatter, he will be left alone, and yet the Father is with him. Then comes the line that anchors the whole message: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

From there, we zoom out to Lent and the lead-up to Easter. We get practical about spiritual disciplines and ask the uncomfortable question: are we choosing sacrifices that actually change us, or just temporary swaps we reverse after forty days? The point is not guilt or religious performance. The point is closeness to God, real discipleship, and preparation for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday with eyes open to the cost and the promise.

To make it real, we share stories that expose the heart: a pastor’s honest admission that he has come a long way but still has a long way to go, an apple seed that carries more future than we can measure, and a personal account of trying to avoid pain when you think you see it coming. That sets up Gethsemane, where Jesus knows exactly what awaits him, asks if there is another way, and still surrenders: “not my will, but your will be done.” If you’re searching for peace in Christ, wrestling with suffering, or wanting a grounded Easter reflection, this is for you.

Subscribe, share this with a mate, and leave a review so more people can find the podcast, then tell us: what sacrifice could help you draw closer to our Heavenly Father this Easter?

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are in the world - Welcome to Grapevine Ministries.

Support the show

Please feel free to check out my first publication, it is also available on Google and Amazon Books. 

https://www.xlibris.com/en-au/search?query=Phillip+Barker