Grace Pointe Plainfield Sermons

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Ephesians 6:10-14.Key VersesEphesians 6:10-14John 8:44Revelation 12:92 Corinthians 11:14QuestionsPastor Jared mentioned that many people feel the same way at the end of the year as they did at the beginning. Why do you think this cycle of disappointment is so common?How does understanding that we're in a spiritual battle change your perspective on personal struggles and failures?The sermon describes Satan as 'the deceiver of the whole world' whose primary weapon is lies. What are some common lies or deceptions you see affecting people today?What does it mean practically to use Scripture as a 'filter' for the information and ideas we encounter daily?Pastor Jared talked about 'epistemic exhaustion' - being overwhelmed by too much information. How have you experienced this in your own life?The message emphasized the importance of being 'fully known' by someone who loves Jesus. What makes this kind of vulnerability so difficult, and why is it necessary?How can we distinguish between biblical truth and our own emotions or cultural messages when making decisions?What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you were 'unstoppable' when properly equipped with God's armor?Life ApplicationThis week, commit to reading entire chapters of Scripture rather than just individual verses. Choose a Bible reading plan and stick to it for the next seven days. Additionally, identify one person in your life who loves Jesus and loves you, and take a step toward greater honesty with them by sharing something you've been keeping hidden or struggling with privately.Key TakeawaysWe are engaged in spiritual warfare against principalities and powers, not against flesh and bloodSatan's primary weapon is deception and lies, which are particularly powerful in our information-saturated cultureThe belt of truth involves both anchoring ourselves in biblical truth and walking in personal honestyReading comprehensive portions of Scripture, not just isolated verses, helps us understand God's truth and resist deceptionBeing fully known by others who love Jesus allows us to experience the freedom and love that Christ offers------------------------------------------------------------------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 teacher Logan McDaniel. The scripture reference is from Isaiah 58:1-12.Key VersesIsaiah 58:6-7Isaiah 58:8-9Isaiah 58:11-12Matthew 25:35-402 Timothy 3:16QuestionsHow do you think the Israelites justified their religious practices while ignoring the needs of others around them?What's the difference between religious ritual and authentic faithfulness according to this passage?Why do you think God cares so much about how we treat the hungry, homeless, and oppressed?In what ways might we as modern Christians fall into the same trap as the Israelites in this passage?How does caring for physical needs relate to sharing the gospel message?What does it mean to be 'the repairer of the breach' and 'restorer of streets to dwell in' in our community?What barriers or fears might prevent us from actively pursuing justice and compassion in our daily lives?How can we balance internal spiritual practices with outward acts of service and justice?Life ApplicationThis week, identify one specific way you can actively care for someone in need in your community. This could be volunteering at a local organization, helping a neighbor, or reaching out to someone on your 'My Five' list. Take concrete action to be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone who needs practical help or encouragement.Key TakeawaysFaithfulness requires more than ritual and mandates active righteousnessTrue faithfulness is not exclusively focused internally but looks outward with compassionFaithful living entails action and comes with a cost - we must be willing to give of ourselvesFaithful action results in God's restoration and blessingBiblical justice involves meeting both physical and spiritual needs of others------------------------------------------------------------------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 Matthew 1:1-16.Key VersesMatthew 1:1-16Ruth 1:16Ruth 2:12Ruth 3:9Galatians 4:7Romans 16:20QuestionsRuth chose to follow Naomi into an uncertain future rather than return to the safety of her homeland. What does this teach us about the role relationships play in drawing us closer to God?The pastor mentioned that many people live as 'casual Christians' on the periphery of faith. What are some signs that someone might be living this way, and why is it ultimately unsatisfying?Boaz served as Ruth's 'kinsman redeemer' (goel). How does understanding this role help us better appreciate what Jesus has done for us?Ruth had to ask Boaz to redeem her - he didn't force it upon her. How does this reflect the way Jesus approaches us with salvation?The sermon noted that Ruth's story takes place during the violent time of the Judges, yet it reads like a 'Hallmark Christmas movie.' What does this contrast teach us about God's character?Elimelech and Naomi left the Promised Land during a famine, seeking provision elsewhere. In what ways do we sometimes 'wander' from God's will when life gets difficult?Ruth went from being a foreigner to being included in Jesus's genealogy. What does this tell us about who belongs in God's family?Pastor Jared challenged us to stop 'living on the margins' and 'being satisfied as a forager.' What would it look like practically to move from casual faith to full commitment?Life ApplicationThis week, examine your own relationship with Jesus. Are you living on the periphery of faith, taking what feels good but avoiding full commitment? If you've never fully surrendered your life to Christ as your Redeemer, consider taking that step. If you're already a believer, identify one area where you've been 'foraging' rather than fully trusting God, and commit to deeper faith in that area.Key TakeawaysJesus chose a complicated family genealogy to show that no one is too far gone for redemptionMany people are drawn to God initially through relationships with other believers, just as Ruth followed NaomiLiving as a casual Christian on the margins of faith is ultimately exhausting and unsatisfyingJesus serves as our perfect kinsman redeemer, buying back what we lost through sinGod doesn't force redemption on us - we must ask to be redeemed, just as Ruth asked Boaz------------------------------------------------------------------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 Joshua 2:1-21.Key VersesJoshua 2:1-21Joshua 2:11John 8:31-32Hebrews 7:22John 1:1-3QuestionsWhat made Rahab such an unlikely candidate to be part of God's family, and why do you think God chose her?How do you think Rahab's background as a Canaanite prostitute affected how others viewed her potential for faith?What stories of God's power had Rahab heard that led to her confession of faith? How do stories impact our own faith journey?Rahab showed incredible courage in protecting the spies and betraying her own nation. What does this teach us about the cost of following God?Pastor Jared mentions that we often take the 'path of least resistance' in evangelism. What are some examples of this in your own life?How does Rahab's urgency in reaching her family challenge our approach to sharing faith with those close to us?What does the scarlet cord symbolize, and how does it connect to Jesus' sacrifice for us?Pastor Jared asks 'If you don't [reach out], who will?' How does this question challenge you personally regarding the people in your life who need to hear the gospel?Life ApplicationThis week, take one concrete step toward reaching someone who seems unlikely or far from God. This could be picking up a 'Reach Bag' and prayerfully considering who to give it to, having a conversation where you share a story of God's freedom or victory in your life, or simply inviting someone to church. Don't let fear or assumptions about their receptiveness stop you from being obedient to God's call to be a faithful witness.Key TakeawaysGod often chooses the most unlikely people to be part of His family and accomplish His purposesWe cannot trust our own limited vision when it comes to who might be open to the gospelSharing stories of God's freedom and victory is a powerful way to help others recognize who God isTrue faith leads to urgent action in reaching others, especially our own family membersThe scarlet cord represents God's covenant of salvation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus' blood shed for us-------------------------------------------------------------------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 Genesis 38:12-26.Key VersesGenesis 38:12-26John 1:12Ecclesiastes 2:11 QuestionsHow does understanding that Jesus chose His family lineagechange your perspective on who belongs in God's family?What promises has the world made to you that have left youdisappointed? How have you responded to those broken promises?In what ways do you see yourself in Tamar's story ofdisappointment and taking matters into her own hands?Why do you think God included such scandalous stories inJesus' genealogy rather than only highlighting the 'good' people?How does chronic disappointment in life sometimes lead ustoward sin or unhealthy coping mechanisms?Who in your life have you written off as 'too far gone' forGod's grace? How might this story challenge that assumption?What does it mean that Jesus wants 'all of you' rather thanjust your money, time, or good behavior?How can recognizing our deep need for fulfillment actuallypoint us toward Christ rather than away from Him? Life ApplicationThis week, identify one area where you've been seekingfulfillment outside of Christ - whether through relationships, career success, possessions, or other means. Surrender that area to Jesus in prayer each day, asking Him to be your ultimate source of satisfaction. Also, reach out to one person you may have written off as 'too far gone' and show them Christ's love through a simple act of kindness or genuine conversation. Key TakeawaysJesus chose scandalous people like Tamar to be part of Hisfamily lineage, showing that God's grace extends to the unexpectedDisappointment and broken promises often drive us to seekfulfillment through sinful means, but they can also point us toward our need for ChristThe world's promises will always disappoint, but Jesusoffers the one promise that cannot be broken - belonging to His familyWe shouldn't presume to know who belongs at Jesus' table orwho is too far gone for God's graceTrue fulfillment comes only through surrendering our entirelives to Jesus, not through partial commitments or worldly pursuits-------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Director of Student Ministries Jayson Cromer. The scripture reference is from Acts 6:1-7.

Key Verses

Acts 6:1-7

1 Corinthians 12

Romans 12

Questions

What are some ways that conflicts or 'factions' can developin churches today, and how might they start small but grow into bigger problems?

The Hellenistic Jews felt their widows were being neglected.How important is it to speak up when we see unfairness or feel excluded in church settings?

The apostles said it wasn't right for them to 'give uppreaching the word of God to serve tables.' How do we balance staying focused on our calling while still being willing to serve wherever needed?

What does it mean to you that there is 'dignity in all parts' of the church body? How does this challenge or encourage you?

The apostles empowered others to solve the problem ratherthan handling it themselves. When is it wise for leaders to delegate, and when should they handle things personally?

All seven men chosen had Greek names, meaning the very group that felt excluded became part of the solution. What does this teach us about how God can use conflict for good?

Jayson mentioned that the best way to find your calling isto 'serve.' What opportunities to serve have helped you discover your gifts or passions?

How can we avoid the 'wombat method' of sticking our headsin the sand when conflicts arise, while also not creating unnecessary drama?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you can serve at churchor in your community. If you're already serving, consider how you can encourage someone else to discover their calling by inviting them to serve alongside you.

Also, if there's a conflict or tension you've been avoiding, pray about whether God is calling you to address it in a loving, constructive way.

Key Takeaways

Conflicts in the church must be addressed head-on ratherthan ignored, as they can grow and threaten unity if left unchecked

Effective leadership involves empowering others to serveaccording to their calling rather than trying to handle every problem personally

Every member of the church body has dignity and an important role to play in advancing God's mission

The best way to discover your calling is to start servingsomewhere and see where God leads

When conflicts are handled with wisdom and unity, they canactually strengthen the church and advance its mission

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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 Acts 5:17-32.

Key VersesActs 5:19-20Acts 5:29Acts 5:41-42QuestionsThe angel told the apostles to go back to the exact place they were arrested and preach 'the words of life.' How do you think you would have responded to that command?

Peter said 'We must obey God rather than men.' What are some areas in your life where you feel tension between obeying God and pleasing people?

The apostles rejoiced after being beaten for their faith. What does this teach us about finding joy in obedience, even when it's costly?

The religious leaders could only hear accusation when the gospel was preached, not the offer of forgiveness. Why do you think self-righteousness is such a barrier to the gospel?

How can we develop a 'reflex for obedience' like the apostles had, where we automatically choose to follow God's way?

Pastor Jared mentioned that we live in a comfortable society that struggles to understand the concept of needing forgiveness. How does this affect how we share the gospel today?

What kinds of resistance have you experienced (or do you fear experiencing) when trying to share your faith or live out your Christian values?

The passage ends with the apostles continuing to teach 'in the temple and from house to house' - both publicly and privately. How can we apply this balance in our own witness?Life ApplicationThis week, identify one specific area where you've been choosing to please people rather than obey God. It might be in sharing your faith, standing up for biblical values, or simply living out your Christian identity more boldly. Take one concrete step to 'obey God rather than men' in that situation, and be prepared to share with the group how God worked through your obedience, regardless of the response you received.Key TakeawaysEven though Satan's head has been crushed through Christ's victory, he still strikes back with dying thrashes that can cause real harm

Our job is not to force open doors but to be available and obedient when God opens them

The principle 'We must obey God rather than men' should become a reflex that guides all our decisions

Self-righteousness is one of the greatest barriers to people receiving the gospel message

Persistence in obedience, not numerical success, should be our measure of faithfulness in ministry

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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 Acts 5:1-11.

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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 GP Lead Pastor Dan Painter. The scripture reference is from Acts 4:21-31.

# Key Verses

Acts 4:21-31

1 Peter 4:12

John 15:20

Matthew 28:18-20

John 14:1

Joshua 1:9

Questions

Pastor Dan Painter mentioned that 78% of Grace Point attendees haven't shared their faith in six months to never.

What do you think are the main barriers that keep Christians from sharing their faith?

When facing difficult situations, what is typically your first response? How does this compare to the early church's immediate turn to prayer?

The early church prayed about God's sovereignty even while facing threats. How can remembering God's sovereignty help us when we face opposition or fear?

What's the difference between worldly boldness and kingdom boldness? Can you think of examples of each?

The sermon emphasized praying for our enemies and those who persecute us. Why is this important, and how might it change our perspective on difficult people in our lives?

How does understanding that we are 'servants' rather than owners of our lives change the way we approach prayer and decision-making?

Pastor Dan challenged us to pray for five people who don't know Jesus. What fears or hesitations do you have about praying for and reaching out to non-believers?

In what ways might God be calling you to be more faithful in sharing the gospel in your everyday life - at work, in your neighborhood, or with family and friends?

Life Application

This week, identify five people in your life who don't know Jesus and commit to praying for them daily. Use the My5 card mentioned in the sermon or create your own list. Pray specifically for opportunities to share the gospel with them, for God to work in their hearts, and for boldness to speak when those opportunities arise. Also, make prayer your first response when facing any challenges this week, rather than trying to solve everything on your own first.

Key Takeaways

Persecution of Christians is increasing globally and we should expect it, not be surprised by it, as Jesus warned us this would happen

We can be bold as faithful witnesses because God provides power through prayer - prayer should be our first response, not our last resort

Effective prayer includes five elements: praying truth with trust, submitting to God's will, praying for His purpose (the mission), praying for His power (boldness), and praying for the lost

The church's weakness often stems from prayerlessness - we know we should pray but often don't actually do it consistently

Our mission is to share the gospel with everyone everywhere we go, and this requires God's power which comes through depending on Him in prayer

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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 Acts 3:1-10.

# Key Verses

Acts 3:1-10

Acts 3:16

Questions

The lame man had been sitting at the Beautiful Gate dailyfor years. What does this tell us about his mindset and expectations? How might we sometimes settle for 'sitting outside the gate' in our spiritual lives?

Peter said 'I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.' What does this reveal about the source of true power and healing? How can we apply this principle in our own lives?

The sermon mentioned that sin makes us 'look at the ground'and avoid eye contact. How does shame from our past mistakes keep us from authentic relationships with God and others?

Why do you think Jesus walked by this man multiple timesbefore healing him through Peter and John? What does this teach us about God's timing?

The man immediately began 'walking and leaping and praising God.' How should restoration in our lives lead to visible change and worship?

Peter made direct eye contact with the beggar and said 'lookat us.' Why is this significant, and how can we practice truly 'seeing' people who are hurting around us?

The sermon described humanity as designed to be 'kings andqueens of creation.' How does sin prevent us from fulfilling our intended purpose, and how does restoration through Christ change this?

What are some 'scraps' that people in our culture settle forinstead of seeking true restoration through Jesus? How can we help others see they're worth more than these temporary fixes?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who seems to be'sitting on the mat' - struggling with discouragement, addiction, broken relationships, or feeling distant from God. Make intentional eye contact with them, ask how they're really doing, and be prepared to listen. Look for an opportunity to share how Jesus has brought restoration to your own life, and offer to pray with them or invite them to take a step toward healing through Christ.

Key Takeaways

We are all born with the spiritual dysfunction of sin,making us unable to fulfill our intended purpose without divine intervention

Like the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, we often settle for'scraps' and sit outside God's presence instead of entering into relationship with Him

True restoration comes only through the name and power ofJesus Christ - no human effort or good works can heal our spiritual condition

Jesus has the authority as the 'author of life' to completely restore us to our intended function as image-bearers of God

Once restored, we are called to help others up by making eyecontact with hurting people and offering them the hope of Jesus

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

Facebook: / 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