Grace Pointe Plainfield Sermons

This sermon is given by GPP Director of Student Ministries Jayson Cromer. The scripture reference is from Daniel 4:31-33.

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Welcome to Grace Pointe!

We're so happy you could join us online

More Information ↓

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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL

Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield

Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Daniel 3:8-23.

Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online

More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Daniel 2:26-30.Key Verses

• Daniel 2:27-28

• Daniel 2:29-30

• Daniel 2:44

• Matthew 16:18

• What do you think it means that Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful man in the world, couldn't sleep because of his dreams? How do you think power and success can sometimes lead to anxiety rather than peace?

• Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that no earthly wisdom could solve his problem, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. How does this apply to the struggles and questions people face today?

• Pastor Jared mentioned that 'breaking points reveal false foundations.' Can you think of a time when difficulty or crisis helped you or someone you know see what was really important in life?

• Daniel said the mystery was revealed 'so that you may know the thoughts of your mind' - suggesting God was already working in Nebuchadnezzar's heart. How does this change the way we should approach sharing our faith with others?

• Pastor Jared asked if we pray for people to reach breaking points. This sounds harsh - what do you think he meant by this? How can we pray for people who seem content but are trusting in false foundations?

• Nebuchadnezzar's dream showed that all earthly kingdoms will fall, but God's kingdom will endure forever. How should this truth affect the way we view current events, politics, and worldly success?

• Daniel and his friends chose to 'love the city' that had conquered them rather than just survive or hate it. What does it look like practically to love our community, even when we disagree with its values?

• Pastor Jared emphasized speaking 'God's hope into the world's nightmares.' What are some of the 'nightmares' or fears that people in our community are facing, and how can we offer biblical hope?

• Breaking points in life often reveal the false foundations we've been trusting in, making people more open to hearing about God's truth

• When sharing our faith, we're not going in 'cold' - God is already working in people's hearts and we're simply clarifying what He's already doing

• All earthly kingdoms, achievements, and sources of security will eventually crumble, but God's kingdom is eternal and will fill the earth

• Loving our city means speaking God's hope into the world's nightmares, not conforming to false promises or withdrawing in hatred

• True wisdom and answers to life's deepest questions can only come from God in heaven, not from earthly sources

QuestionsLife ApplicationThis week, identify one person from your 'five names' list (or someone God brings to mind) who may be experiencing anxiety, dissatisfaction, or a 'breaking point' in their life. Instead of trying to fix their problems or debate them, simply listen for how God might already be working in their heart. Look for an opportunity to acknowledge their struggle and gently point them toward the hope that can only be found in God's eternal kingdom. Pray specifically that God would reveal Himself to them through their circumstances.Key Takeaways------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Daniel 1:8-16.Key Verses

• Daniel 1:8

• Daniel 1:16

• Jeremiah 29:4-7

• Isaiah 46:1-3

• Daniel and his friends were around 14 years old when they were taken to Babylon. How do you think their age affected their ability to stay faithful to God in a hostile environment?

• Pastor Jared mentions that God told the exiles 'I have sent you' rather than 'you are stuck there.' How does this perspective change the way we view difficult circumstances or places we don't want to be?

• What are some examples of 'worldly wisdom' that our culture promotes as 'good food' that might actually be harmful to our spiritual health?

• Daniel refused to eat food that had been offered to idols, even though it was the best food available. What are some modern equivalents of this kind of compromise that Christians face today?

• Pastor Jared challenges us to 'seek the welfare of your city.' What are practical ways we can love and serve our communities while maintaining our Christian convictions?

• How can we tell the difference between loving our city and losing our soul? Where do we draw the line?

• Pastor Jared mentioned that every other god requires you to carry them, but our God carries us. How does this truth impact the way you approach your relationship with God?

• If you were to take the '10-day challenge' mentioned in the sermon, what area of your life would you want to test living by godly conviction instead of worldly wisdom?

QuestionsLife ApplicationThis week, identify one area where you've been following worldly wisdom instead of godly conviction. Commit to a '10-day challenge' where you intentionally choose God's way over the world's way in that specific area. It could be related to finances, relationships, schedule priorities, entertainment choices, or any other area where you've been 'eating the world's food.' At the end of the 10 days, evaluate how this change affected your spiritual health and relationship with God.------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:10-20.Key Verses

• Ephesians 6:18

• James 5:16

• Romans 8:26

• Acts 19:13-16

• Pastor Jared mentioned that the Ephesians were desperate for power and willing to sacrifice anything to get it. What are some ways people in our culture today sacrifice things to gain power or control?

• Paul says to 'pray at all times.' What are some practical barriers that keep you from praying more consistently, and how might you overcome them?

• The sermon asks whether we pray for people as much as we complain about them. Can you think of a relationship where you need to shift from complaining to praying? How might this change your perspective?

• What does it mean to you that 'prayer is the lifeblood' of the armor of God? How does this change how you view the importance of prayer?

• Pastor Jared shared that prayer requires both believing prayer is powerful AND recognizing our own weakness. Which of these two is harder for you to accept, and why?

• Romans 8:26 says the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. How does knowing the Holy Spirit is already praying for you impact your approach to prayer?

• The sermon mentioned 'praying in the Spirit' involves listening first before speaking. How comfortable are you with silence and listening in prayer? What might this look like practically?

• Paul asks for prayer that 'words may be given to me to make the gospel known.' How does prayer connect to our mission of sharing the gospel with others?

• Prayer is the essential power source that animates all pieces of spiritual armor - without it, the armor becomes useless metal

• Effective prayer requires two paradigm shifts: believing prayer is genuinely powerful and recognizing our own weakness and need for God

• We should pray for people as much as we complain about them, and pray for our country as much as we post about it

• Praying 'in the Spirit' means listening first to what the Holy Spirit is already praying for us, then joining in unison with His intercession

• The purpose of spiritual armor and prayer is not just defense but advancing God's kingdom and taking territory from the enemy

QuestionsLife ApplicationThis week, choose one person you tend to complain about or feel frustrated with (whether a family member, coworker, neighbor, or public figure). Commit to praying for them daily instead of complaining about them. Start each prayer time with 2-3 minutes of silent listening, asking the Holy Spirit what He wants you to pray for this person, then join your prayers with His intercession for them.Key Takeaways------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:17.Key Verses

• Ephesians 6:17
• Hebrews 4:12
• John 16:8
• Acts 2:37-38

• How does Pastor Jared’s description of Christianity as a 'boot camp' rather than an 'all-inclusive resort' challenge or confirm your understanding of the Christian life?
• What does it mean that the sword belongs to the Holy Spirit rather than to us? How should this affect how we approach and use Scripture?
• Pastor Jared says we must 'be cut by the sword before we can carry it.' Can you share a time when God's word convicted or challenged you in a significant way?
• Why is training with the sword of the Spirit (studying and memorizing Scripture) so important for spiritual warfare?
• How can we avoid the two dangerous traps mentioned: false security (thinking we're not that bad) and hopelessness (thinking we can never change)?
• What does it look like practically to use Scripture to 'talk back' to temptation and lies from the enemy?
• Pastor Jared emphasizes that the sword is for 'close quarters' combat, not throwing from a distance. How does this change how we should share God's word with others?
• How can we better prepare ourselves to use Scripture to help 'liberate hostages' - those bound by sin and lies in our daily interactions?

• True Christianity is not a comfortable waiting room but an active spiritual battlefield where believers are called to be warriors
• The sword of the Spirit belongs to the Holy Spirit and represents God's word as our primary weapon against spiritual enemies
• We must first allow God's word to cut and convict us before we can effectively wield it to help others
• Training with Scripture through study and memorization is essential for effective spiritual warfare
• The sword is meant for close-quarters ministry - building relationships and speaking truth directly into people's lives rather than distant proclamations

QuestionsLife ApplicationThis week, identify one area where you frequently face temptation or struggle with lies from the enemy. Find 2-3 specific Bible verses that speak truth into that situation and commit them to memory. Practice 'talking back' to those temptations with God's word, and look for opportunities to share these truths with someone who might be struggling in a similar area.Key Takeaways------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:17.Key Verses

• Ephesians 6:17

• John 3:16

• Titus 1:2

• Philippians 3:18-19

• James 1:12

• Pastor Jared mentions that when our minds wander, they tend to go in a negative direction like a 'toilet bowl' rather than staying neutral. Can you relate to this? What are some common negative thought patterns you find yourself falling into?

• How does the idea that 'if the devil can't corrupt you, he'll distract you' resonate with your own spiritual experience? What are the biggest distractions that pull you away from focusing on your salvation?

• The Roman soldiers became vulnerable when they removed their armor and lost focus, thinking they were safe. In what areas of your spiritual life do you sometimes let your guard down?

• What does it mean practically to 'wrap your head around the reality of salvation' in your daily life? How can we keep this truth at the forefront of our minds?

• How does understanding that your salvation is secure (not something you have to earn) change the way you approach challenges, failures, or uncertainties in life?

• The helmet of salvation serves as a signal of hope to others who are 'lost on the battlefield.' How can your confidence in salvation become a beacon of hope for people around you who don't know Christ?

• The sermon mentioned that we should 'meditate our utmost revenge' on the sin that holds us captive. What does it look like to hate sin while still showing grace to ourselves when we fail?

• The helmet of salvation protects our minds from the enemy's attacks of distraction and negative thinking

• Our salvation provides unshakeable purpose and security - it's not a risky hope but a guaranteed promise from God who never lies

• When we're focused on salvation, we can hate sin for what it really is - something that holds us back from who God created us to be

• Christians wearing the helmet of salvation serve as signals of hope for others who are lost and searching for direction

• One day Jesus will exchange our helmet of salvation for the crown of life as we enter into eternal glory with Him

QuestionsLife ApplicationThis week, identify one area where you've been letting worry, negative thinking, or distraction dominate your thoughts. Each time you catch your mind going there, intentionally redirect it to the truth of your salvation - that you are secure in Christ, loved unconditionally, and have an eternal hope that cannot be taken away. Consider writing down John 3:16 or another verse about salvation and reading it whenever you need to 'put your helmet back on.'Key Takeaways------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:16.Key Verses- Ephesians 6:16- 1 Thessalonians 3:5- Zechariah 3:1-4- Romans 15:13- Colossians 1:23Questions- Pastor Jared mentioned that everyone has faith in something - they just choose different 'shields.' What are some common things people put their faith in besides God, and why do these become 'paper shields'?- How does our culture's emphasis on being smart and sophisticated make it harder for people to embrace faith in Christ? Have you experienced this tension personally?- The sermon described three main 'fiery darts' from Satan: temptation, accusation, and cynicism. Which of these do you find most challenging to defend against, and why?- What does it mean that 'faith is trust' rather than just blind belief? How does this definition change how we think about having faith in Jesus?- Pastor Jared emphasized that we can't hold the shield of faith alone - we need community. How have you experienced the importance of Christian community in strengthening your faith?- When facing accusations from Satan about our worth or identity, how does faith in Christ's promises help us respond differently than we might naturally?- The story from Chronicles of Narnia showed dwarves who were 'too smart' to be helped. How can we guard against cynicism while still being wise and discerning?- What practical steps can we take to 'soak our shield' in faith, similar to how Roman soldiers soaked their shields in water before battle?Life ApplicationThis week, identify one area where you've been trusting in a 'paper shield' (relationships, success, appearance, wealth, etc.) instead of putting your faith fully in Christ. Each day, practice consciously transferring that trust to Jesus by praying about that specific area and reminding yourself of His promises. Also, reach out to at least one person in your Christian community to share a struggle or ask for prayer, practicing the 'shield formation' concept of not trying to hold faith alone.Key Takeaways- Faith is not blind belief but trust in who God is and what He has promised to do- Everyone has faith in something - the question is whether we're trusting in temporary things or in the eternal truth of Jesus Christ- Satan attacks through temptation, accusation, and cynicism, but faith in Christ's promises extinguishes these fiery darts- We cannot hold the shield of faith alone - we need Christian community to form a protective formation together- The strength of our shield comes not from the quantity of our faith but from the object of our faith - Jesus Christ------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:15.Key VersesEphesians 6:15Ephesians 4:26-272 Corinthians 2:10-11Galatians 2:20Romans 5:1John 14:27QuestionsHow does Satan use anger and conflict as weapons against Christians, and why is this strategy so effective in our current culture?What does it mean to have 'peace with God, peace with people, and peace with ourselves'? Which of these three do you struggle with most?How can we distinguish between being peaceful and being passive when facing injustice or difficult conversations?Pastor Jared mentioned that 'people are not enemies to fear, but hostages to rescue.' How does this perspective change the way we approach conflict with others?What are some practical ways we can 'put on the readiness of the gospel of peace' in our daily interactions?How can Christians engage in controversial topics (like the sanctity of life) while maintaining the peace and love of Christ?What role does social media play in stirring up anger and contempt? How can we use it more wisely?How can we help our church community become a place characterized by peace rather than conflict?Life ApplicationThis week, identify one relationship or situation in your life where you've been walking in anger, contempt, or conflict. Commit to approaching that situation with the 'shoes of peace' - seeking reconciliation, showing compassion, and responding with Christ-like love rather than reacting in anger. Practice taking a moment to pray for peace before engaging in any potentially difficult conversation.Key TakeawaysSatan's strategy is to lure Christians into the muddy ground of anger and conflict where they become vulnerable to spiritual attackThe gospel of peace provides firm footing through three types of peace: peace with God, peace with people, and peace with ourselvesPeace doesn't mean passivity - Christians are called to engage difficult conversations and fight injustice while maintaining Christ-like love and gracePeople are not enemies to fear but hostages to rescue, which changes how we approach conflict and controversyWalking in peace requires intentional effort to resist the cultural pull toward outrage and contempt------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:14.Key VersesEphesians 6:14Proverbs 4:232 Corinthians 5:21Isaiah 64:62 Corinthians 3:18QuestionsWhat's the difference between imputed righteousness and imparted righteousness? Why is it important to understand both?Pastor Jared mentioned that our enemy aims for 'the area of greatest effect' - our hearts. What are some ways Satan tries to plant seeds of sin in our hearts?How does wearing the 'breastplate of righteousness' change the way we interact with others who don't share our faith?Pastor Jared talked about righteousness being defined by truth, not our own understanding. Can you think of a time when you thought you were doing the right thing but later realized it wasn't aligned with God's truth?What does it mean to 'become the kind of person who does what is right' rather than just trying to do the right things?Pastor Jared used the analogy of feeding a 'cute puppy' that becomes a 'wolf.' What are some seemingly small sins that can grow into bigger problems if left unchecked?How can we practically 'put on' the breastplate of righteousness each day? What would this look like in your daily routine?The C.S. Lewis story about the lizard illustrates our attachment to sin. What makes it so difficult to let Jesus 'kill' the sin in our lives?Life ApplicationThis week, do an honest self-evaluation of your heart. Identify one area where the enemy may have gained a foothold through sin, compromise, or wrong thinking. Confess this to God and consider sharing it with a trusted Christian friend for accountability. Create a practical plan to 'starve' this sin while 'feeding' righteousness in that area of your life.Key TakeawaysWe cannot create our own righteousness through good works - it must come from JesusThe enemy targets our hearts because they are the wellspring of life and the source of our decisionsRighteousness involves both right standing with God (imputed) and becoming more like Christ (imparted)Wearing spiritual armor feels heavy and uncomfortable, but it's better than receiving wounds from the enemyTrue righteousness means becoming the kind of person who naturally chooses what is right according to God's truth------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us online More Information ↓ 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 network with campuses in Naperville IL and Plainfield IL Connect with us: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gracepointe.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: / gracepointeplainfield Instagram: / gppchurch YouTube: / @gracepointe / @gracepointeplainfield Join us in-person at any of our service times: Naperville, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM Plainfield, Sundays at 9 and 10:45AM