UnstoppableThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week five of the sermon series “Unstoppable”. 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 11:15 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Discover how to protect your mind in spiritual warfare with the helmet of salvation. Learn the difference between worldly hope and biblical hope, and understand why your thinking matters in spiritual battles. This message explores the three aspects of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification, and how Satan uses incomplete sanctification to attack your confidence in salvation. Find practical strategies for taking thoughts captive and responding to spiritual accusations with gospel truth. Perfect for Christians struggling with doubt, discouragement, or questions about their salvation. Topics covered include spiritual warfare tactics, biblical hope versus wishful thinking, the armor of God, overcoming spiritual attacks, dealing with doubt and discouragement, understanding salvation, justification by faith, sanctification process, glorification promise, taking thoughts captive, gospel truth, Christian living, faith and doubt, spiritual protection, and finding hope in Christ. Whether you're facing spiritual attacks on your mind or want to strengthen your understanding of salvation, this message provides biblical answers and practical application for victorious Christian living.Important VersesActs 1:8Ephesians 6:10-17Proverbs 23:72 Corinthians 10:5Romans 5:1Philippians 1:61 Timothy 1:15Think about it!How does the pastor distinguish between the world's definition of hope (positive wishful thinking) and biblical hope (confident assurance)? Why is this distinction important?The pastor mentions that 70-90,000 people live within a 3-mile radius of the church. How does this reality challenge or motivate you regarding evangelism?Explain the three aspects of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification. How does understanding all three components strengthen our hope?How does the enemy use the 'holes in our sanctification' to attack our faith? Can you think of times when you've experienced this kind of spiritual attack?The pastor shares that Paul described himself as 'the worst of sinners' later in his ministry. Why might spiritual maturity actually make us more aware of our sin rather than less?Apply it!This week, when you face moments of discouragement, doubt, or spiritual attack, practice putting on the helmet of salvation by: 1) Remembering what God's Word says about your salvation, 2) Believing those truths even when your feelings say otherwise, and 3) Applying that hope by sharing the gospel with someone who needs to hear about the confident assurance available in Christ.Key TakeawaysTo stand faithfully on mission, your thinking must be controlled by the hope you have in ChristSalvation includes three components: justification (past), sanctification (present), and glorification (future) - all based on God's graceThe enemy attacks our minds by using our ongoing struggles with sin to make us doubt our salvationSpiritual maturity often increases our awareness of sin rather than decreasing it, which is normal and healthyWe must remember, believe, and apply the hope of salvation in our daily lives to resist spiritual attacks

UnstoppableThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Unstoppable”. 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 11:15 am. Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Discover the full extent of your salvation beyond just escaping hell. Many Christians are missing out on God's blessings because they're praying for things they already have. This teaching reveals how to appropriate what's already yours in Christ. Learn the difference between the Gospels (which tell Christ's story) and the Epistles (which reveal who you are in Christ). Understand three essential rights every believer has: reconciliation with God, divine healing, and spiritual blessing. Discover why many Christians have head knowledge without heart knowledge, and how faith bridges the gap between spiritual reality and natural manifestation. If you've been struggling with understanding your identity in Christ, feeling distant from God, battling illness, or experiencing lack, this message will transform your perspective. Learn practical steps to move from seeing God's promises as possibilities to embracing them as established truths.Important VersesEphesians 6:16Ephesians 6:10-13James 1:14-15Romans 8:32Psalm 46:1-3Hebrews 13:5Think about it!The pastor described Satan's 'flaming arrows' as lies about God, ourselves, others, and our circumstances. Which category of lies do you find yourself most susceptible to, and why?How does understanding that we're in a spiritual battle change the way you view everyday challenges and temptations?The sermon mentioned that the enemy often attacks during both hardship and success. Can you think of a time when you were more vulnerable to temptation during a season of blessing rather than difficulty?What does it mean practically to 'soak your shield in the faithfulness of God' rather than relying on your own faithfulness?The pastor shared about his disappointing doctor's appointment and how the enemy used that moment to send arrows of temptation. How do you typically respond when life doesn't go as you hoped?Romans 15:13 talks about the 'joy and peace that comes from trusting in Him.' How would you describe the difference between this kind of peace and the peace the world offers?Psalm 46:1 describes God as 'our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' How have you experienced God as your refuge during difficult times?The ultimate goal of standing firm in spiritual battle is to continue sharing the gospel. How does understanding spiritual warfare motivate you to be more intentional about evangelism?Apply it!This week, identify one specific area where you've been believing the enemy's lies or giving in to temptation. Practice 'taking up the shield of faith' by daily reminding yourself of God's faithfulness in that area - either through remembering what He did at the cross or recalling how He has been faithful to you in the past. When temptation comes, immediately turn to prayer and declare God's truth over the enemy's lies.Key TakeawaysChristians are in a spiritual battle where Satan uses lies and temptations (flaming arrows) to get us to stop sharing the gospelThe shield of faith is not our faith itself, but God as our refuge and strength that we access through faithOur faith must be soaked in God's faithfulness (demonstrated at the cross and through His ongoing provision) rather than our own ability to hold onJoy and peace that come from trusting God extinguish the enemy's attacks by removing the kindling of fear, anxiety, and discontentment

UnstoppableThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week three of the sermon series “Unstoppable”. 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 11:15 am. Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Discover how to stand firm in spiritual warfare with the right spiritual equipment. This powerful message explores the armor of God, specifically focusing on the shoes of readiness that every believer needs for spiritual battle. Many Christians struggle with fear, anxiety, and the need for human approval, but this message reveals how the gospel of peace provides both defensive protection and offensive power for advancing God's kingdom. Key topics covered include spiritual warfare tactics, gospel readiness, overcoming fear of rejection, finding true peace, breaking free from people-pleasing, and developing boldness in evangelism. Whether you're struggling with spiritual attacks, fear of sharing your faith, or seeking deeper peace in your Christian walk, this message provides biblical insights and practical application.Important VersesEphesians 6:10-15Acts 1:8Romans 5:1Isaiah 52:71 Corinthians 4:3-4Think about it!The pastor mentioned that Satan tries to 'get his foot in the door' of our lives. What are some common ways the enemy tries to gain a foothold in believers' lives today?What does it mean to have 'joyful urgency' when it comes to sharing the gospel? Do you currently feel this way about evangelism? Why or why not?The sermon emphasized that we often assume we're spiritually ready rather than intentionally preparing. What are some practical ways we can make sure we're actually putting on the 'armor of God' daily?How does trying to find peace through circumstances (money, relationships, success) ultimately fail us? Can you share an example from your own life?What's the difference between having peace with God versus trying to find peace in this world? How does this distinction change how we approach daily challenges?The pastor talked about living in the 'courtroom of human opinion.' How does seeking approval from others hinder our ability to share the gospel boldly?Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:3 that it was 'a very small thing' to be judged by human courts. How can we develop this same freedom from others' opinions while still caring about people?If someone asked you how to have peace with God, how would you explain the gospel to them based on what we discussed today?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you've been living in the 'courtroom of human opinion' - seeking approval or fearing judgment from others. Practice remembering, believing, and applying your identity as God's beloved, forgiven child in that specific situation. Also, look for one opportunity to share the good news of peace with God with someone in your life who needs to hear it.Key TakeawaysWe need to be spiritually ready for battle by putting on the shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peaceTrue peace cannot be found in circumstances but only through being justified by faith and having peace with GodThe enemy wants to gain a foothold in our lives by getting us to question God's goodness and live for human approvalBeing ready means having both joy and urgency about sharing the gospel with othersWe must get out of the 'courtroom of human opinion' and live in the freedom of God's verdict over our lives

UnstoppableThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Unstoppable”. 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 to stand strong in spiritual warfare with the breastplate of righteousness from Ephesians 6. This essential piece of spiritual armor protects your heart from enemy attacks and keeps you grounded in gospel truth. Learn why righteousness cannot be earned through good works and how Jesus Christ provides the only path to right standing with God. Explore the difference between works-based righteousness and faith-based righteousness, understanding how the enemy tries to deceive even believers into thinking they must earn God's favor. This biblical teaching covers Romans 3, 2 Corinthians 5, and other key passages about justification by faith alone. Perfect for Christians seeking to understand salvation by grace, spiritual warfare tactics, and how to maintain confidence in Christ's finished work. Whether you're struggling with pride, performance-based Christianity, or sharing the gospel effectively, this message provides practical steps for putting on the breastplate of righteousness daily. Topics include the nature of sin, the impossibility of self-righteousness, Christ's substitutionary atonement, and the spiritual discipline of resting in God's grace. Essential viewing for believers wanting to grow in their understanding of justification, sanctification, and living victoriously in spiritual battle. Learn how to resist the enemy's attacks on your identity in Christ and walk in the freedom that comes from knowing your righteousness is secure in Jesus alone.Important VersesEphesians 6:10-20Romans 3:10Romans 3:21-242 Corinthians 5:21Galatians 3:1-3Isaiah 64:6Think about it!Why does Paul use the metaphor of a breastplate to describe righteousness? What does this tell us about protecting our hearts in spiritual warfare?What's the difference between 'doing righteousness' and 'being righteous'? Why is this distinction important for believers?How does the enemy use both pride and self-hatred to keep Christians from sharing the gospel effectively?What are some ways Christians today might fall into the trap of works-based righteousness, even after being saved by grace?How does understanding that our righteousness comes from Christ alone change the way we approach confession and repentance?Apply it!This week, practice the spiritual discipline of putting on the breastplate of righteousness daily. Each morning, spend time in confession - not just of your sins, but also confessing any tendency to rely on your own good works for your standing with God. Remind yourself that your righteousness comes from Christ alone, and let this truth fuel your confidence in sharing the gospel with others.Key TakeawaysSpiritual warfare requires spiritual armor, and the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts from enemy attacksWe cannot create our own righteousness through good works - it must be received as a gift through faith in Jesus ChristThe enemy's strategy is to convince us that Jesus isn't enough and that we must earn our standing with God through our effortsWorks-based righteousness leads to either pride or despair, both of which prevent effective gospel sharingWe must daily practice remembering, believing, and applying the truth that our righteousness comes from Christ's finished work alone

UnstoppableThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one of the sermon series “Unstoppable”. 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 sharing the gospel involves spiritual warfare and learn to stand firm with the armor of God. This powerful message explores Ephesians 6 and the essential first piece of spiritual armor - the belt of truth. Learn why believers face opposition when sharing their faith and how to overcome spiritual attacks through biblical truth.Key topics covered include understanding spiritual warfare, identifying our real enemy versus people who need the gospel, recognizing deception as Satan's primary weapon, and applying the belt of truth in daily life. Explore how truth isn't just information but Jesus Christ Himself, and discover practical ways to take thoughts captive and stand firm in gospel truths.Perfect for Christians seeking to understand spiritual warfare, believers wanting to share their faith more effectively, church members learning about the armor of God, and anyone interested in biblical teaching on spiritual battles. This message provides practical application for putting on spiritual armor, overcoming deception and lies, standing firm in gospel truth, and developing a culture of gospel sharing.Whether you're struggling with spiritual opposition, want to understand your identity in Christ, or need encouragement in evangelism and witnessing, this biblical teaching offers hope and practical guidance. Learn about the invisible realm of spiritual forces, how to recognize and combat deception, and why surrendering to Jesus as Savior and Lord is essential for spiritual victory.Based on Ephesians 6:10-14, Matthew 16, Acts 1:8, John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and other key biblical passages about spiritual warfare, truth, and the Christian life.Important VersesEphesians 6:10-14Matthew 28:18-20Acts 1:8John 14:62 Corinthians 10:3-5Think about it!How can we distinguish between God's truth and the world's version of truth, especially when culture says 'you have your truth and I have mine'?The sermon states that Jesus is not just truth but THE truth. How does this impact how we share the gospel with others who may have different beliefs?What are some specific lies or deceptions that might keep Christians from sharing the gospel faithfully?How can we 'take every thought captive to obey Christ' when we're facing spiritual opposition or discouragement in our mission?In what ways might pride set us up for failure in spiritual warfare, and how can we maintain proper humility while still being bold in sharing the gospel?Apply it!This week, identify one specific lie or deception that has been hindering you from sharing the gospel faithfully. Write down the corresponding truth from God's Word that counters that lie. Commit to memorizing that truth and applying it when you face opposition or discouragement in your mission to share the gospel with others.Key TakeawaysWhen we share the gospel, we engage in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness, not against peopleThe enemy's primary weapon is deception, seeking to foster dissatisfaction and distrust of God to get us out of the fightThe belt of truth must be fastened around our lives - we must be secured by God's truth, not opinions or feelingsJesus is THE truth, not just a truth, and our lives must be submitted to Him as Savior and LordWe must fight with truth by taking every thought captive to obey Christ and rejecting the enemy's lies

The Invitation of a LifetimeThis message is from Pastor of Discipleship Rick Pierson in this one off sermon. 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 life-changing message behind Jesus' parable of the great banquet in Luke 14. This powerful story reveals God's invitation to salvation and why so many people reject it. Learn about the excuses people make to avoid accepting Christ, from being too busy with careers to wanting to explore other spiritual options first. Understand what happens when we reject God's invitation - the banquet continues without us and our seat gets given to someone else.This biblical teaching explores themes of salvation, grace, forgiveness, and evangelism. Jesus shows how God invites the broken, marginalized, and forgotten to His table - people who could never repay His kindness but desperately need His love. The parable demonstrates that no one is too far gone for God's grace and that Jesus embraces those society rejects.For Christians, this passage reveals our calling to actively share the gospel and compel others to come to Christ. It's not enough to passively believe - we must persistently invite others to experience God's love and forgiveness. The message addresses common objections to Christianity and shows why rejecting Jesus is ultimately irrational given His offers of unconditional love, complete forgiveness, and eternal life.Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of evangelism and salvation, this exposition of Luke 14 provides practical insights for both personal spiritual growth and sharing your faith with others. Learn how to move from making excuses to accepting God's invitation and then helping others do the same.Important VersesLuke 14:16-24Luke 14:1-6Isaiah 25:6-8Hebrews 4:15Think about it!How does Jesus' healing of the man with dropsy at the beginning of the passage set the stage for the parable that follows?What do you think the three excuses given by the invited guests (buying a field, buying oxen, getting married) reveal about their true priorities?The pastor mentioned that 'Jesus is not worried about catching what you've got - He's paying for what you've got.' How does this truth impact your understanding of God's love for you?Why do you think the host in the parable became angry when the invited guests refused to come? What does this reveal about God's heart?The parable shows the invitation going out to 'the poor, crippled, blind and lame.' What does this teach us about who God values and welcomes into His kingdom?How does this parable challenge us in our mission to 'compel' others to come to Jesus? What does it mean to compel someone without being pushy or manipulative?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your life who hasn't responded to God's invitation to salvation. Pray for them daily and look for an opportunity to share the gospel with them or invite them to church. Remember that you are called to 'compel' them - to urge them strongly but lovingly to consider Jesus' invitation. Don't let fear or past rejections stop you from extending God's invitation to others.Key TakeawaysGod's invitation to salvation is extended to all people, especially the marginalized and those who feel unworthyMany people will make excuses to avoid responding to God's invitation, but these excuses are ultimately irrational given what Jesus offersJesus embraces us in our brokenness and doesn't keep His distance from our problems - He pays for what we've got

Home for ChristmasThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week three 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 true meaning of Christmas through the powerful story of redemption found in the book of Ruth. This message explores why everyone needs a redeemer, regardless of their moral character or good deeds. Learn how Ruth's story perfectly illustrates our need for Jesus Christ as our kinsman redeemer.Key topics covered include:- Why moral people still need redemption- The biblical concept of kinsman redeemer explained- How Jesus became our kinsman through the Incarnation- The ultimate price Jesus paid for our salvation- Why both moral and immoral people need the same Savior- How to respond to suffering with trust instead of bitterness- Practical application for sharing the Gospel during ChristmasThe book of Ruth reveals profound truths about redemption, grace, and God's love. Ruth was an incredibly moral woman who showed sacrificial love and loyalty, yet she remained an outsider until Boaz redeemed her. Similarly, our good works and moral character cannot save us - we all need Jesus as our Redeemer.This Christmas message will help you understand the deeper meaning behind the Incarnation and why Jesus had to become fully human to redeem us. Discover how God's overwhelming love led Him to send His Son as our kinsman redeemer, paying the price we could never pay.Whether you consider yourself moral or immoral, this message reveals why everyone falls short of God's perfect standard and needs the same salvation found only in Jesus Christ. Learn how to move beyond familiarity with the Christmas story to experience fresh wonder at God's incredible gift of redemption.Important VersesRuth 1:16-17Ruth 3:9Ruth 4:9-10John 3:16Philippians 2:6-82 Corinthians 5:21Think about it!How does the context of the time of the Judges (when everyone did what was right in their own eyes) relate to our world today?What made Ruth's commitment to Naomi so remarkable, and what does this reveal about her character?Why do you think God included both immoral women (Tamar, Rahab) and a moral woman (Ruth) in Jesus' genealogy?How does Ruth's status as a foreigner who couldn't change her position relate to our spiritual condition before God?What are the key qualities that made Boaz an effective kinsman redeemer for Ruth?In what ways did Jesus fulfill the role of kinsman redeemer better than any human could?Apply it! This week, identify someone in your life who might be like Ruth or Naomi - someone who is struggling, broken, or in need. Consider how you can practically demonstrate God's love to them and look for opportunities to share the hope of the Gospel. Also, take time to reflect on whether you've been trying to earn God's favor through your own goodness rather than resting in Christ's redemption.Key TakeawaysEveryone has a broken heart due to living in a broken world caused by sin and rebellion against GodBoth moral and immoral people need a redeemer - morality alone cannot change our status before GodJesus is our perfect kinsman redeemer who became human (kinsman) and paid the price for our sins (redeemer)Christmas is fundamentally a love story about God's incredible love for us demonstrated through Jesus.

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

Home for ChristmasThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one 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 shocking story behind Christmas that most people never hear about. While we typically focus on the nativity scene, the Christmas story actually begins with a scandalous genealogy in Matthew 1 that includes some of the most dysfunctional people in the Bible. This deep dive into Genesis 38 reveals the story of Judah and Tamar—a tale involving deception, sexual immorality, and family breakdown that seems completely out of place in the Christmas narrative.Learn why God intentionally included this controversial story in Jesus' family tree and what it teaches us about grace, redemption, and hope for broken people. This biblical exposition explores themes of family dysfunction, moral failure, and God's incredible grace that transforms even the most scandalous situations into part of His redemptive plan.Key topics covered include the significance of biblical genealogies, the cultural context of ancient marriage customs, the destructive patterns people use to cope with dysfunction, and how Christmas represents God's breakthrough into human brokenness. Perfect for anyone struggling with family issues, moral failures, or wondering if God can use broken people.Whether you're dealing with family dysfunction, personal moral struggles, or simply want to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond the traditional nativity story, this message reveals how God's grace extends to the most unlikely people. Discover why the Christmas story is ultimately about hope for moral failures and God's incredible ability to bring beauty from ashes.Ideal for Christmas season reflection, biblical study groups, or anyone interested in Old Testament stories that connect to the New Testament gospel message.Important VersesMatthew 1:1-3Genesis 38:26Romans 3:23Romans 6:23Think about it!Why do you think God chose to include scandalous stories like Judah and Tamar's in Jesus' genealogy?The pastor mentioned that we often treat the Bible like a 'moral storybook.' How does this story challenge that approach?What does it mean that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'? How is this more than just not measuring up to a standard?Which of the five dysfunctional ways of dealing with problems (avoidance, medication, revenge, masking, harsh judgment) do you most struggle with?How does Judah's statement 'she is more righteous than I' reveal the problem with comparing ourselves to others rather than to God's standard?How does Jesus' response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8) demonstrate the heart of the Christmas message?What would it look like to stop using 'dysfunction to solve dysfunction' in your current relationships or struggles?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you've been trying to solve a problem through dysfunctional means (avoidance, medication, revenge, masking, or harsh judgment). Instead of continuing that pattern, bring that situation to God in prayer and ask Him to show you how to respond with the grace and love He has shown you.Key TakeawaysEveryone is dysfunctional - all have sinned and fall short of God's gloryDysfunction is destructive - we cannot solve our brokenness through broken meansChristmas represents God's breakthrough - Jesus came to save hopeless moral failuresSalvation is received as a gift, not earned through good behavior

ACTS - PowerThis message is from Executive Pastor Jim George in week eight 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 the early church in Acts 6 transformed criticism into growth and mission advancement. When Greek-speaking widows were overlooked in food distribution, the apostles didn't get defensive or make excuses. Instead, they demonstrated humble leadership by listening to complaints, acknowledging problems, and involving the entire congregation in finding solutions. Learn powerful principles for church leadership, conflict resolution, and community care that remain relevant for modern congregations. This biblical example shows how addressing physical needs differs from humanitarian work by focusing on eternal purposes and spiritual conversations. The apostles appointed seven Spirit-filled men to handle food distribution, recognizing that ministry belongs to the whole church body, not just leaders. Explore how caring for physical needs builds trust, demonstrates God's love, and creates opportunities for gospel conversations. The remarkable results included rapid church growth and many priests coming to faith, proving that humble responses to criticism strengthen witness and advance God's kingdom. Perfect for church leaders, ministry teams, and anyone interested in biblical leadership principles, conflict resolution, community care, and church growth strategies. Important VersesActs 6:1-71 Peter 2:9Hebrews 10:25Matthew 14:13-21John 4:1-42Think about it!How does the early church's response to criticism in Acts 6 challenge or encourage you in how you handle feedback in your own life?The pastor mentioned that 'there's no finish line to health' for churches. What does this mean to you, and how might this apply to our personal spiritual growth?What's the difference between humanitarian work and church work as described in the sermon? Why is this distinction important?The apostles demonstrated humility by listening to complaints and recognizing their limitations. Where in your life do you need to show more humility in receiving feedback or acknowledging your limitations?How can we as a church better identify and address the physical needs of people in our community while maintaining our spiritual mission?What are some practical ways we can build 'relational bridges' with our neighbors, coworkers, or community members that could lead to spiritual conversations?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your 'list of five' (neighbors, coworkers, or community members) and look for a practical way to show God's love through meeting a physical or practical need they have. This could be as simple as bringing them a meal, helping with a task, or offering encouragement during a difficult time. As you serve them, pray for opportunities to build a deeper relationship that could lead to spiritual conversations. Also, spend time in prayer asking God to show you how you can better contribute to the mission of Grace Point beyond Sunday attendance.Key TakeawaysCompassionate care begins with humility - being open to feedback and acknowledging our limitationsThe church must address physical needs of others, following Jesus's example of caring for the whole personCompassionate care is the job of the entire church body, not just the staff or leadershipChurch work differs from humanitarian work by maintaining a spiritual mission focus that leads people to eternal life through relationship with God