Living HopeThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Living Hope”. Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Is following Jesus Worth It? The Hope of Eternal gain in a world where Christians face persecution and sacrifice for their faith, many wonder if following Jesus is truly worth the cost. This message explores the profound encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, revealing why some walk away from Jesus while others find the courage to follow Him completely.Discover why wealth and possessions often become idols that prevent us from experiencing true fulfillment in Christ. Learn how Jesus promises that everyone who sacrifices for His sake will receive a hundredfold return—both in this life and in eternity.Key topics include:• The difference between worldly hope and biblical hope• Why it's difficult for the wealthy to enter God's kingdom• The eternal rewards promised to faithful followers• Finding new family and community in the body of Christ• Practical steps to identify and surrender your idolsWhether you're considering following Jesus for the first time or struggling with the cost of discipleship, this message offers biblical encouragement for your journey. Understand how the temporary sacrifices of following Jesus pale in comparison to the eternal gain that awaits those who remain faithful.

Important VersesMatthew 19:29Matthew 7:13-14Matthew 16:24Romans 8:28Philippians 1:6

Think about it!The pastor mentioned that 'imitating the hope of Jesus means living with the assurance that the cost of following today will be overwhelmed by eternal gain.' What does this mean to you personally?In what ways have you experienced the cost of following Jesus in your own life?The rich young man walked away sad because he wasn't willing to give up his possessions. What might be your equivalent of his 'great possessions' that would be hardest to surrender?How do you respond to Jesus' teaching that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God's kingdom?Peter asked Jesus, 'We've left everything to follow you. What will we have?' Have you ever had similar thoughts in your faith journey?Jesus promised a 'hundredfold' return for what we give up to follow Him. Have you experienced any of this 'present day fulfillment' the pastor mentioned?How might your daily decisions change if you truly lived with an eternal perspective rather than a temporal one?Apply It!This week, identify one area where you've been settling for temporary hope or fulfillment rather than trusting in God's eternal promises. It might be related to your finances, relationships, career, or personal comfort. Choose one concrete step to surrender that area to God. This might mean giving something away, having a difficult conversation, setting new boundaries with your time, or committing to a spiritual discipline you've been avoiding. Write down your commitment and share it with someone in this group who can pray for you and hold you accountable. Remember that whatever you surrender for Christ's sake will be returned to you in ways far greater than you can imagine.Key TakeawaysFollowing Jesus costs everything, but the eternal rewards far outweigh any temporal sacrifices.We all have something we must surrender to truly follow Christ.Jesus promises that whatever we give up for His sake will be returned a hundredfold, both in this life (though with persecutions) and in eternity.