Home for ChristmasThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Home for Christmas”. 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 the surprising connection between Christmas and the story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute whose faith saved her family from destruction. This powerful message explores why God included scandalous stories in Jesus' genealogy and what it reveals about His character and our spiritual condition. Learn about the warning that comes with Christmas - the reality of coming judgment and Christ's second advent. Understand how Rahab's scarlet cord represents salvation through Christ's blood and why her story of faith appears in Hebrews 11. Explore themes of spiritual adultery, God's patient pursuit of the lost, and the transformation that comes through genuine faith. This sermon addresses questions about God's justice, the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation history, and practical applications for modern believers. Perfect for those seeking to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond the traditional nativity story. Topics covered include biblical genealogies, Old Testament typology, salvation by faith, spiritual transformation, and Christian mission. Whether you're struggling with questions about God's judgment or seeking to understand your own spiritual condition, this message offers hope and challenge. Discover how God's faithfulness to unfaithful people is the true heart of the Christmas message and what it means to be marked by Christ's blood in a world facing judgment.Important VersesJoshua 2:9-11Joshua 2:18Joshua 6:22-25Matthew 1:1-5Hebrews 11:31Think about it!What stands out to you most about Rahab's story, and why do you think God chose to include her in Jesus' genealogy?How does Rahab's response to the spies demonstrate faith in action, not just words?The pastor mentioned that we are all like spiritual prostitutes, giving our hearts to things other than God. What are some common things people turn to for fulfillment instead of God?How does the story of God's patience with the Canaanites help us understand both His justice and His mercy?What does the scarlet cord represent, and how does it point forward to Jesus Christ?How should the warning of Christ's second coming affect the way we live today?In what ways do you see God's faithfulness in your own life, even during times when you've been unfaithful?Who are the 'Rahabs' in your life - people who need to hear about God's grace and salvation?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your life who needs to hear about God's grace and salvation (your 'Rahab'). Pray for them daily and look for an opportunity to share the hope you have in Jesus Christ. Also, examine your own heart for any areas where you might be seeking fulfillment from things other than God, and commit to turning back to Him as your ultimate source of satisfaction.Key TakeawaysChristmas comes with a warning - Jesus came once as a baby, but He will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to bring final judgmentChristmas comes with an opportunity - God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentanceChristmas comes with a challenge - we must respond with genuine faith that goes beyond words to submission and surrender to Jesus ChristGod faithfully pursues unfaithful people, demonstrating His grace by including people like Rahab in the lineage of JesusWe are all called to be on mission, looking for opportunities to share the gospel with the 'Rahabs' in our lives