Living HopeThis message is from GP Preaching Team member Mike Fern in week three 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.Discover the biblical truth about heaven and what Jesus actually promised about our eternal home. This message explores heaven not as a place of self-centered pleasure, but as a celebration centered on Jesus Christ. Learn what Scripture reveals about heaven: a throne with Jesus at the center, God dwelling perfectly with His people, and the elimination of tears, death, and pain. Understand the wedding feast metaphor Jesus used and what it teaches us about who will experience this heavenly hope. Find out why a personal relationship with Jesus—being known by Him—matters more than religious activities or theological understanding. This teaching challenges us to make Jesus the center of our lives now rather than waiting until eternity, showing how proper alignment with God brings peace, joy, and purpose even amid life's difficulties. Reflect on whether Jesus truly knows you or if you're just going through religious motions. Like the thief on the cross who simply recognized Jesus as King, discover how to experience the reality of heaven in your daily life today. Keywords: heaven, Jesus Christ, eternal life, God's presence, wedding feast, Revelation, hope, salvation, relationship with God, Christian living, eternal hope, kingdom of God, afterlife, paradise, Jesus return, Christian theology, biblical heaven, eternal home, God's throne, New Jerusalem.Important VersesMatthew 25:1-13John 14:3Revelation 4:1-11Revelation 21:1-4Think about it!What are some common misconceptions people have about heaven? How does the sermon challenge those ideas?In the parable of the ten virgins, what do you think the oil represents in our spiritual lives?The sermon mentions that in heaven, Jesus will be the center of attention, not us. How does this differ from how many people imagine heaven?How does the concept of "God dwelling with man" develop throughout Scripture, from Eden to the tabernacle to the Holy Spirit in believers?What was the difference between the two funerals described at the beginning of the sermon? How did faith (or lack of it) impact the atmosphere?The pastor said that when our lives are properly aligned with God, good things happen. What examples have you seen of this in your own life?What does it mean for Jesus to "know you" in the context of the parable? How is this different from just knowing about Jesus?What's holding you back from making Jesus the center of your life right now rather than waiting until later?Apply it!This week, take time to evaluate where Jesus fits in your life. Is He at the center with everything revolving around Him, or is He just one part among many? Choose one area where you've been maintaining control rather than surrendering to His will, and deliberately place it before Him. Then, spend at least 10 minutes each day focusing solely on Jesus - not on what He can do for you, but on who He is and why He deserves to be the center of your attention both now and in eternity.Key TakeawaysWhen God's people are properly aligned with Him as the center, they experience good things - peace, joy, and the absence of pain and sorrow.The key to entering heaven isn't just religious activities but having a genuine relationship where Jesus knows you.God's plan throughout history has been to dwell with His people, and heaven is the ultimate fulfillment of that plan.

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.

GenerosityThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Generosity”. 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 transformative power of true servanthood in this powerful message about imitating Jesus. Learn the critical difference between merely serving and being a servant at heart, and why many Christians struggle with this distinction. This teaching explores how our need for validation and recognition often prevents us from experiencing the freedom of genuine service.The message dives deep into Mark 10:35-45, where Jesus confronts His disciples' desire for position and power with His own example of sacrificial service. Understand how Jesus, the powerful 'Son of Man' who deserves all worship, chose instead to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.You'll discover how receiving Jesus's gift of salvation provides not just forgiveness but a secure identity as God's beloved child - the very foundation needed for selfless service. Learn practical ways to transform your approach to serving others through:- Changing your thinking from 'What can I get?' to 'What can I give?'- Using your spiritual gifts not for personal gain but for others' benefit- Extending your servant's heart from church into your communityThis message offers biblical insights on Christian service, spiritual growth, finding purpose, living without regrets, and following Jesus's example. Whether you're struggling with burnout in ministry, seeking your spiritual gifts, or wanting to make a greater impact with your life, this teaching provides practical guidance for becoming more like Christ through selfless service.Important VersesMark 10:45Ephesians 5:1-2Philippians 2:3-5Matthew 5:14-16Think about it!What's the difference between simply serving and being a servant? Why is this distinction important?The pastor mentioned a 'hole in our significance' that we often try to fill. How have you experienced this in your own life?How might serving for recognition or appreciation reveal something about our motives?In what ways does finding our identity in Christ free us to serve others selflessly?The sermon suggests we should ask 'What can I give?' rather than 'What can I get?' in every situation. How might this mindset change your daily interactions?What are some ways you've seen people use their power or position to lift others up rather than promote themselves?How does our culture's emphasis on status and recognition make Jesus' teaching about servanthood countercultural?What's one area of your life where you need to move from serving to truly being a servant?Apply it!This week, identify one relationship or environment (home, work, church, community) where you tend to seek recognition or status. Each day, ask yourself, "What can I give?" rather than "What can I get?" in your interactions. Keep a journal of how this shift in thinking affects both your actions and your heart attitude. Key TakeawaysBeing generous like Jesus requires learning to be a servant, not just serving occasionally.It's impossible to be a servant if you're not serving, but it's possible to serve without being a servant if your motives are selfish.True servanthood begins with finding your identity in Christ rather than seeking significance through recognition.Imitating Jesus' servanthood happens from the inside out - from our thinking to our actions, from our gifts to our giving, and from the church to the world.A servant thinks not about what they can get, but what they can give to lift others up.

GenerosityThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one of the sermon series “Generosity”. 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 transformative power of true servanthood in this powerful message about imitating Jesus. Learn the critical difference between merely serving and being a servant at heart, and why many Christians struggle with this distinction. This teaching explores how our need for validation and recognition often prevents us from experiencing the freedom of genuine service.The message dives deep into Mark 10:35-45, where Jesus confronts His disciples' desire for position and power with His own example of sacrificial service. Understand how Jesus, the powerful 'Son of Man' who deserves all worship, chose instead to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.You'll discover how receiving Jesus's gift of salvation provides not just forgiveness but a secure identity as God's beloved child - the very foundation needed for selfless service. Learn practical ways to transform your approach to serving others through:- Changing your thinking from 'What can I get?' to 'What can I give?'- Using your spiritual gifts not for personal gain but for others' benefit- Extending your servant's heart from church into your communityThis message offers biblical insights on Christian service, spiritual growth, finding purpose, living without regrets, and following Jesus's example. Whether you're struggling with burnout in ministry, seeking your spiritual gifts, or wanting to make a greater impact with your life, this teaching provides practical guidance for becoming more like Christ through selfless service.Important VersesMark 10:45Ephesians 5:1-2Philippians 2:3-5Matthew 5:14-16Think about it!What's the difference between simply serving and being a servant? Why is this distinction important?The pastor mentioned a 'hole in our significance' that we often try to fill. How have you experienced this in your own life?How might serving for recognition or appreciation reveal something about our motives?In what ways does finding our identity in Christ free us to serve others selflessly?The sermon suggests we should ask 'What can I give?' rather than 'What can I get?' in every situation. How might this mindset change your daily interactions?What are some ways you've seen people use their power or position to lift others up rather than promote themselves?How does our culture's emphasis on status and recognition make Jesus' teaching about servanthood countercultural?What's one area of your life where you need to move from serving to truly being a servant?Apply it!This week, identify one relationship or environment (home, work, church, community) where you tend to seek recognition or status. Each day, ask yourself, "What can I give?" rather than "What can I get?" in your interactions. Keep a journal of how this shift in thinking affects both your actions and your heart attitude. Key TakeawaysBeing generous like Jesus requires learning to be a servant, not just serving occasionally.It's impossible to be a servant if you're not serving, but it's possible to serve without being a servant if your motives are selfish.True servanthood begins with finding your identity in Christ rather than seeking significance through recognition.Imitating Jesus' servanthood happens from the inside out - from our thinking to our actions, from our gifts to our giving, and from the church to the world.A servant thinks not about what they can get, but what they can give to lift others up.

InimitableThis message is from Youth Pastor Daniel Hooper in week four of the sermon series “Inimitable”. 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.Understanding the Inimitable God: What Jesus' 'I Am' Statements RevealDiscover the profound meaning behind Jesus' divine declarations and how they transform our understanding of God's nature. This message explores the concept of Jesus as 'inimitable'—having no equal or rival—and how His 'I am' statements throughout Scripture reveal His divine identity.Learn about the powerful moment in John 18 when Jesus simply said 'I am' during His arrest, causing armed soldiers to fall to the ground. This wasn't coincidental but a physical response to encountering divine presence, similar to other biblical accounts of people encountering God.Beyond the metaphorical 'I am' statements (bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, etc.), Jesus' simple declaration 'I am' connects directly to God's self-revelation to Moses as 'I AM WHO I AM' in Exodus 3, establishing His divine nature.

Important VersesJohn 18:5-6Exodus 3:14Isaiah 43:11Philippians 2:10-11Think about it!In the sermon, Pastor Daniel mentioned that 'Scripture does not teach us merely what to think, but it teaches us how to think.' How has your understanding of Scripture evolved over time?When Jesus said 'I am' to the soldiers, they fell to the ground. What does this reaction reveal about the power of Jesus' identity, even when he appeared to be in a position of weakness?How might having an incomplete or lopsided view of God's character affect how we live our daily lives?The sermon emphasized that 'God is never one attribute at the expense of another.' Which attributes of God do you tend to emphasize, and which ones might you need to better understand?In difficult times, how does your understanding of who God is shape your response to challenges?Pastor Daniel asked, 'Who do you believe God is?' How would you answer this question, and how has your answer changed throughout your faith journey?How does understanding Jesus as the great 'I AM' change how you approach worship, prayer, and your relationship with Him?Apply it!This week, take time to reflect on who God truly is to you personally. Write down the attributes of God that you most connect with and those you might struggle to understand or embrace. Then, choose one attribute you tend to overlook and intentionally study it through Scripture. Each day, look for evidence of this attribute in your daily life and journal about how recognizing this aspect of God's character changes your perspective on your circumstances. Consider how a more complete view of God might transform your decisions, relationships, and responses to challenges.Key TakeawaysJesus leads with full authority - even in his arrest, he was in complete control of the situation, stepping forward to identify himself rather than being captured.When Jesus declares 'I am,' it commands a response - the soldiers falling to the ground demonstrates the power of his divine identity being revealed.Jesus wasn't merely identifying himself but declaring his identity as Yahweh, the great I AM of the Old Testament.How we view God determines how we live - incomplete or incorrect views of God can lead to idolatry and lopsided living.God is never one attribute at the expense of another - He is always fully himself, perfectly embodying all His attributes simultaneously.

InimitableThis message is from GP Preaching Team's Wayne Kriemelmeyer in week three of the sermon series “Inimitable”. 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 profound meaning behind Jesus' bold declaration: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' This message explores why this statement is both controversial and comforting, offering deep insights for spiritual growth. Learn what it means that Jesus is 'the way'—providing the only path to eternal life through His sacrifice rather than our good works. Understand how Jesus as 'the truth' offers the ultimate source of wisdom in our post-truth world, being the Creator who knows all things. Experience what it means that Jesus is 'the life,' offering abundant spiritual vitality (zoe) that transcends mere physical existence. This teaching provides practical steps to renew your mind with biblical truth, develop a spiritual mission statement, and intentionally share Christ's life-giving presence with others. Perfect for anyone seeking direction, struggling with relativism, or feeling spiritually drained. Discover how to navigate life's challenges by embracing Jesus as your way, truth, and life. Important VersesJohn 14:6John 14:1-6John 8:32John 10:10Romans 12:2Think about it!Why do you think Jesus's claim to be 'the way, the truth, and the life' is so offensive to many people in our culture?The pastor mentioned that many people try to create their own 'buffet-style' religion. Have you observed this trend, and why do you think it's appealing to people?How has the 'truth crisis' the pastor described affected your own ability to discern what's true in today's world?The sermon distinguished between 'bios' (physical life) and 'Zoe' (abundant spiritual life). In what areas of your life do you most need to experience more of Jesus's 'Zoe' life?What media sources or inputs might you need to fast from to make more room for God's truth in your life?The pastor challenged us to create a 'Zoe mission statement.' What might yours look like if you were to write one today?When have you felt most spiritually alive and fulfilled? What were you doing, and how might that inform your understanding of your purpose?How can we practically reflect Jesus as 'the way, the truth, and the life' to people in our everyday interactions this week?Apply it!This week, create your own 'Zoe mission statement' that expresses how you want to share Christ's abundant life with others. Then, commit to at least three intentional conversations with people you encounter in your daily routine (store clerks, neighbors, coworkers) where you ask them what they're looking forward to or celebrating in the coming weeks. Listen attentively and, if appropriate, offer to pray for them. Notice how these interactions affect both them and your own sense of spiritual vitality.Key TakeawaysJesus is THE way (not A way) - the only road to eternal life, which is offensive to those who want to customize their own path.Jesus is THE truth - the creator and sustainer of all things who brings renewal to our minds in a world full of deception and half-truths.Jesus is THE life ('Zoe') - offering abundant spiritual life that revives our spirits in ways that temporary substitutes never can.We need to increase our intake of God's Word and decrease consumption of media that contains less truth to renew our minds.Living out a 'Zoe mission statement' helps us experience and share Christ's abundant life with a dying world.

InimitableThis message is from Executive Pastor Jim George in week two of the sermon series “Inimitable”. 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 profound meaning behind Jesus' declaration 'I am the door' and how it impacts your life today. In a world filled with options and paths claiming to lead to fulfillment, Jesus makes an exclusive claim that challenges our modern sensibilities but offers the only true path to abundant life. This message explores why we need a door in the first place—examining our natural inclination toward selfishness and the growing gap between who we are and who we were designed to be. Learn how this separation leads to feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and purposelessness that can only be resolved through the door Jesus provides. Understand the context of Jesus' bold statement in John 10:9 following His healing of a blind man, and how He uses the metaphor of a sheepfold to illustrate our need for divine protection and guidance. Whether you've never walked through the door of faith, have entered but become distracted, or are walking closely with Christ, this message offers practical application for your spiritual journey. Learn how to recognize false doors in your life, share the truth about Jesus with others who are searching, and live purposefully as someone who has entered the sheepfold.Important VersesJohn 10:9John 10:10Ephesians 6:12John 3:16Think about it!In what ways have you experienced the 'revolving trick doors' that the pastor mentioned (wealth, power, substances, religious activity)? How did they fail to satisfy?The pastor said, 'We need a door.' Why do we need a door according to the sermon, and what happens if we never go through the door Jesus offers?How would you respond to someone who objects to Jesus being the 'only door' to salvation? How might you explain this concept with compassion?The pastor mentioned that Jesus being the 'one way' is actually an increase from zero ways without Him. How does this perspective change how we might view the exclusivity of Christ?What does it mean practically to 'go through the door' of Jesus? How would you explain this to someone who is unfamiliar with Christianity?Apply it!This week, identify one 'revolving trick door' in your life that may be distracting you from fully experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised. It might be the pursuit of wealth, influence, pleasure, or even religious activity without relationship. Commit to redirecting that energy toward deepening your relationship with Jesus instead. Additionally, pray for one specific person in your life who needs to know about the door of salvation, and look for an opportunity to share your testimony of how walking through that door has changed your life.Key TakeawaysWe need a door because our sin separates us from God and leads to everlasting destruction if we don't find the way to salvation.Jesus is not just a door but the only door to salvation, though this door is wide enough for everyone who chooses to enter.The enemy sets up many revolving trick doors (wealth, power, substances, religious activity) to distract us from the one true door.Jesus being the 'one way' is actually an increase from zero ways without Him - we should be grateful there is a way at all.Our responsibility as believers is not to push people through the door but to tell them about it and introduce them to Jesus.

InimitableThis message is from Pastor of Discipleship Rick Pierson in week one of the sermon series “Inimitable”. 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 amDiscover the profound meaning behind Jesus' declaration 'I am the good shepherd' in John 10. This message explores how Jesus' use of 'I am' directly connects to God's divine name YHWH (Yahweh) revealed to Moses at the burning bush. By claiming this name, Jesus makes the boldest statement in human history—that He is God incarnate. Learn how Jesus fulfills the role of the Good Shepherd in three powerful ways: He actively searches for His lost sheep and lays down His life for them; He leads with genuine care rather than pushing like hired hands; and He calls to His sheep with His voice amid a world of competing influences. Whether you're struggling with feeling lost, pressured by worldly influences, or confused by competing voices in your life, this message offers biblical insight into how Jesus—as Yahweh Himself—seeks, leads, and calls you personally. Discover how recognizing Jesus as the eternal 'I AM' can transform your understanding of who He is and how He relates to you today. Important VersesJohn 10:11John 10:14-15John 8:58Exodus 3:14Psalm 23Think about it!What does it mean to you personally that Jesus identifies Himself as 'I AM' - the same name God revealed to Moses?The pastor mentioned that 'the more we know Jesus, the more we see our need for Jesus.' How have you experienced this in your own spiritual journey?In what ways have you experienced Jesus as your Good Shepherd during difficult times in your life?Jesus contrasts Himself as the Good Shepherd with hired hands who abandon the sheep. What 'hired hands' or false shepherds do people tend to follow today instead of Jesus?The sermon mentions that sheep are vulnerable animals that need protection. How does this help you understand your own need for Christ's protection and guidance?Jesus says, 'I know my own and my own know me.' What does it mean to be known by Jesus, and how does that affect how you live?What competing voices in our culture make it difficult to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?Jesus says He lays down His life for His sheep. How does understanding this sacrificial love change how you respond to Him?Apply it!This week, take time each day to intentionally listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. Set aside 10 minutes of quiet time daily to read Scripture and pray, asking God to help you recognize His voice above all others. When you find yourself being influenced by other voices or feeling pushed in directions that don't align with God's Word, pause and ask, 'Am I following the Good Shepherd or a hired hand?' Write down instances where you recognize God's guidance as your Shepherd and share with the group next time how this practice affected your week.Key TakeawaysWhen Jesus says 'I AM,' He is identifying Himself as Yahweh (YHWH), the divine name of God revealed to Moses.The Good Shepherd came to get us when we were lost, to lead us rather than push us, and to call us to follow His voice.Unlike hired hands who abandon the sheep in danger, Jesus laid down His life to protect His sheep.We need to discern which voices we're listening to and following in our lives - the Good Shepherd or other influences.The early Christians identified primarily with Jesus as their Good Shepherd, finding comfort and security in this relationship.

Patience - Patient like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Patience - Patient like Jesus”. 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 amDiscover how to cultivate patience in challenging relationships by following Jesus' example. This message explores the concept of relationships as 'hard gifts' - blessings that also challenge us because they involve imperfect people still growing in faith. Learn from Jesus' response in Gethsemane, where He showed remarkable patience with disciples who repeatedly fell asleep during His hour of greatest need. Understand that true patience isn't permissiveness or passivity, but a deliberate response rooted in love and understanding. Explore practical ways to develop Christ-like patience: expecting relationship challenges, remembering God's patience with you, and practicing patience through imagination and reflection. Perfect for anyone struggling with difficult relationships, marriage challenges, church community tensions, or personal growth in Christian virtues. This teaching offers biblical wisdom on patience, forgiveness, community, sanctification, spiritual growth, Christian relationships, emotional regulation, and walking in love. Discover how the messy, non-linear process of sanctification requires patience with ourselves and others as we grow together in faith.Important Verses1 Thessalonians 5:14Matthew 26:36-46Ephesians 4:1-3Hebrews 4:15-16Think about it!How does understanding sanctification as a process help us be more patient with others?What makes it difficult to be patient with other believers in the church?How does remembering Jesus' patience with us help us be more patient with others?In what ways do you see the church as both a 'hard gift'?What's the difference between patience and passive acceptance of wrong behavior?How can we practice 'imaginative patience' in our daily interactions?What role does reflection play in developing greater patience?How can we maintain patience when others repeatedly disappoint us, as the disciples did with Jesus?Apply it!This week, practice 'reflective patience' by pausing before responding in frustrating situations. Take a moment to remember Jesus' patience with you and ask Him to help you respond with similar grace to others. Keep a journal of these moments and how choosing patience impacted the situation.Key TakeawaysExpect that patience will be needed in Christian community - it's normal, not a sign of failureRemember Jesus' ongoing patience with us in our own sanctification processPractice both imaginative and reflective patience in our daily interactionsPatience isn't passive acceptance but loving engagement that promotes growthOur ability to be patient flows from receiving and experiencing Christ's patience with us

Patience - Patient like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week three of the sermon series “Patience - Patient like Jesus”. 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 amDiscover how to imitate Jesus by participating in His mission to seek and save the lost. This message explores why we struggle with impatience when sharing our faith and how to develop Christ-like patience in evangelism. Learn from the disciples' mistake in Luke 9:51-56 when they wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus. Understand how impatience stems from a misalignment between our hearts and Jesus' heart, and between our mission and His mission. Explore God's incredible patience as described in 2 Peter 3:8-9 and why He gives people time to respond to the gospel. Discover practical ways to develop patience in evangelism by remembering Jesus' patience with us and adopting a gardener's mindset—understanding that spiritual growth takes time and isn't under our control. This teaching includes powerful insights from 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Titus 3, Colossians 3:12, and 1 Corinthians 3 about patience, evangelism, gospel sharing, spiritual growth, Christian mission, salvation, God's timing, and spreading the good news. Perfect for Christians seeking to grow in evangelism skills, develop spiritual patience, and better understand God's heart for the lost.Important VersesLuke 9:51-562 Peter 3:9Ephesians 5:1-21 Timothy 1:15-16Think about it!Why do you think we often struggle with being patient when sharing the gospel with others?How does remembering God's patience with us before our salvation help us be more patient with others?What does it mean to have a 'gardener's mindset' when sharing the gospel?How can we maintain patience when faced with rejection while sharing our faith?In what ways have you seen God's patience work in your own journey of faith?What's the connection between being a 'beloved child' and having patience with others?How does our culture's desire for immediate results affect our patience in ministry?What practical steps can we take to grow in patience while sharing the gospel?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your life who may be resistant to the gospel. Commit to praying for them daily and look for opportunities to demonstrate Christ's patient love to them, remembering how patient God was with you before your salvation.Key TakeawaysImpatience often results from misalignment between our heart and Jesus' heartRemembering God's patience with us helps us be patient with othersSharing the gospel requires a gardener's mindset - focusing on faithful planting and watering while trusting God for the growthToday is the day of salvation, not judgment, requiring us to respond with patience rather than condemnation