ACTS - PowerThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week seven of the sermon series “Acts - Power”. 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.Discover how gratitude transforms persecution from intimidation into opportunity for faithful Christian witness. This powerful message explores why following Jesus leads to suffering and how the early church found joy in persecution. Learn biblical principles for rejoicing in difficult circumstances and maintaining faithful witness despite opposition. The apostles in Acts 5 were beaten for preaching about Jesus yet left rejoicing, continuing their mission without ceasing. Find out how persecution creates unique evangelism opportunities, why suffering for Christ is a privilege, and how eternal security provides stability in every storm. Explore practical ways to practice gratitude in challenges, transform complaints into thanksgiving, and develop supernatural joy that removes persecution's power as Satan's intimidation tool. This message reveals five key reasons to give thanks during persecution: unique witnessing opportunities, suffering for One who is worthy, unshakeable heavenly security, proven divine promises, and being counted worthy for spiritual battle. Perfect for Christians facing opposition, church leaders encouraging persecuted believers, or anyone wanting to understand biblical perspectives on suffering and joy. Learn how gratitude fuels faithful witness and discover practical applications for rejoicing always and giving thanks in all circumstances. Essential viewing for understanding Christian persecution, biblical joy, faithful witness under pressure, and supernatural gratitude that transforms suffering into worship.Important VersesActs 5:29Acts 5:41-421 Thessalonians 5:16-181 Peter 4:12-13John 15:20Think about it!The pastor mentioned that persecution is 'when' not 'if' for faithful Christians. How does this challenge or change your perspective on living out your faith?In Acts 5:29, Peter says 'We must obey God rather than men.' Can you think of a situation where you've had to choose between pleasing people and obeying God? How did you handle it?The apostles rejoiced after being beaten for preaching the gospel. What makes it possible for someone to have joy in the midst of suffering for their faith?The sermon mentions five reasons we can give thanks during persecution. Which of these five resonates most with you and why?How can persecution actually provide unique opportunities for witnessing that we wouldn't have otherwise?The pastor talked about our security in heaven being unaffected by earthly circumstances. How does this truth impact the way you face difficult situations?The message emphasizes rejoicing 'always' and giving thanks 'in all circumstances.' What are some practical ways we can develop this kind of gratitude in our daily lives?Apply it!This week, practice the command from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 by intentionally rejoicing and giving thanks in at least one difficult or challenging situation you face. Look for opportunities to share God's goodness with others, even when circumstances aren't ideal. Consider how you can prepare your heart now for potential future persecution by developing a habit of finding reasons to praise God in all circumstances.Key TakeawaysPersecution is inevitable for faithful Christians who live out the Great CommissionWe can remain bold witnesses through the power of right rejoicing, especially during suffering for Christ