This message begins with an exploration of the inner world of Joseph who seems to have developed a heightened emotional intelligence and an ability to not only dream prophetic dreams but to interpret them as well.

In refining Joseph’s character in prison, God was using bad things and bringing good out of them. The result is that Joseph, filled with equanimity, becomes second in command in the world’s most powerful nation.

The lesson for us - firstly faith in God. Secondly, an understanding of God who doesn’t go from A to B in a straight line so life’s twists and turns are not detours but a part of God’s ultimate plan. Thirdly the promise to Abraham, that he would be a blessing to all nations, is also being fulfilled through the church. Positive developments in politics, law, and science are three prime examples of the Christian faith’s contribution to the development of a prosperous modern world. As a part of the Church, we are all contributing to something of cosmic significance.

Ps Sue Irwin - Genesis 39 by The Grainery Church

Naomi Fraser - God Is At Work by The Grainery Church

Theo Rule - What are you dreaming about? by The Grainery Church

WARNING: This message contains challenges that could change your heart and your life!!!

For the next eight weeks, the Grainery preaching series will be drawn from the story of Joseph in the Old Testament book of Genesis chapters 37-50. Sue launches this series with a focus on the messy family of origin that Joseph was born into, and the unjust and broken nature of the world of his time as well as the world of our time.

It is, however a message of hope as we realize that in the midst of all these difficulties, God was in control, had a good plan, and outworked that plan through unusual means - dreams and visions.

Sue unpacks the role of dreams and visions in our life, and the role they can play in transforming a nation, as we serve joyfully and faithfully where we are planted.

In February 1997 the Grainery Church was born. It was the product of a vision God had planted in the hearts of a small group of Christians, mainly Novocastrians. Speaking from Genesis 12:2-3 and the story of Abraham’s faith, Sue outlines some of the history and foundational principles of the Grainery church which have brought blessings to so many. and explains how our destiny is in building God’s church together. Small groups. An inter generational family atmosphere. Team work. Mission focus. Relying on the Holy Spirit and prayer. Bringing heaven to earth is our vision. Our mission is to build the kingdom of God within, among and beyond ourselves.

Plans to grow the church further and reach our region for the kingdom of God are unveiled in this seminal message.

Freedom is a big deal to God - see Ephesians 5:1.

Alex explains three different types of freedom found in the Bible and outlines freedom as described by Jesus - it’s about switching your yeast and to understand more you will need to listen to Alex as he describes the difference between these.

God has tied our fruitfulness to his glory and tied his glory to our ruling and reigning in life. Preach. Heal. Set people free. Exercise the authority and ability God has given you to make disciples. These are the key themes of this encouraging message in which Alex shows how we can bear this good fruit. It is in a deep relationship with Jesus - especially as we allow him to “prune” our lives, helping us to die to ourself. Character flaws, wrong priorities, wrong thinking etc can be brought to light and pruned if only we choose to surrender to him and allow his creative word to remain in us.

Most popular and successful stories in literature and film share a number of common elements. We may call this the “heroes’ journey “. The Biblical narrative of God’s relationship with man and mankind’s journey towards salvation and transformation in Jesus is at the centre of Sue’s message - and explains the popular attraction of the heroes’ journey.

Sue encourages us to be bold and faith-filled in stepping out on the spiritual journey towards powerful ministry in people’s lives. She encourages us to examine the state of our soul and consequently go on the journey of transformation from the inside out. This journey of transformation involves awakening. purgation, illumination and union. Stories of the transformational power of prayer, our confession and God’s word in this message help to build our faith.

The story of the transfiguration of Christ is at the heart of this message, with a focus on personal and corporate spiritual awakening. The disciples awoke on the mountain to an experience of the glorified Christ. Like wise God desires individuals and even nations to experience a spiritual revival or great awakening which will bring the kingdom of God unto the human kingdoms and bring heaven to earth.

Paul speaks prophetically of the beginnings of revival in the Grainery Church, the Hunter Region and the nation of Australia.