Grace Pointe Plainfield Sermons

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Acts 2:42-47.

# KeyVerses

Acts 2:42-47

Matthew 6:21

Questions

Pastor Jared mentioned that our world is 'obsessed with power while realizing we are actually pretty weak.' How do you see this playing out in society today, and how does this relate to your own life?

What does it mean to be 'devoted to the apostles' teaching' rather than just interested in it? How can we practically model our lives after Scripture?

The early church attended the temple daily for worship. What challenges do you face in maintaining consistent spiritual rhythms, and how might community help with this?

How does the idea that 'our primary goal is transformation, not belonging' challenge or encourage you? Why is this distinction important?

The pastor used the illustration of walking toward the same destination to explain unity. How does pursuing Christlikeness naturally draw believers closer together?

What does it look like for a modern church to be financially committed to one another like the early church was? How can we apply this principle today?

The sermon states that 'the tightest bonds are forged in the hottest fires.' What are some ways we can 'struggle together' as a church community for spiritual growth?

How can we move from being 'casually committed' to 'radically committed' in our church relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific way you can demonstrate deeper commitment to your church community. This could be through consistent attendance, joining a small group, volunteering for a ministry, or reaching out to support someone in need. Choose something that requires sacrifice of your time, resources, or comfort zone, and commit to it for the next month as a step toward the kind of radical commitment seen in the early church.

Key Takeaways

The church is the primary vessel for change in the world, not just individual faith journeysTrue Christian community is built on devotion to God's Word as the unchanging foundationThe primary goal of church is transformation into Christlikeness, which naturally leads to belongingUnity comes from walking toward the same destination (becoming like Christ) rather than walking in the same directionRadical commitment in spiritual, financial, and time investment is necessary for a powerful church that changes the world

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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 2.

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Acts 1.

This sermon is given by Rusty Ford, a GPP supported Missionary to Spain. The scripture reference is from Jonah 4.

# Key Verses

Jonah 1:1-3

Jonah 1:17

Jonah 3:1-2

Jonah 4:2

Questions

The sermon states that 'God is more concerned with advancing your faith than advancing your career.' How have you seen this play out in your own life?

Pastor Rusty talked about 'golden handcuffs' that can keep us from God's plan. What kinds of 'handcuffs' might be holding you back from fully following God's specific plan for your life?

How do you typically respond when God gives you a second chance after you've made a mistake?

Jonah obeyed God outwardly but his heart wasn't aligned with God's heart for the Ninevites. In what areas of your life might you be going through the motions without your heart being fully engaged?

The sermon points out that Jonah didn't want God to showmercy to his enemies. Are there people in your life that you struggle to want God to bless or show mercy to?

How can we discern God's specific plan for our lives versusjust following what seems logical or beneficial to us?

Pastor Rusty mentioned that our country is more divided than ever. How can we as Christians love those who are different from us while still standing firm in biblical truth?

What's the difference between modifying our behavior and experiencing a true heart change? How have you experienced this distinction in your own spiritual journey?

Life Application

This week, take time to honestly evaluate if there are any'handcuffs' holding you back from fully following God's plan for your life. These might be financial concerns, comfort zones, relationships, or prejudices against certain people groups. Choose one specific area where you need to surrender control to God, and take a concrete step toward obedience. This might mean having a difficult conversation, adjusting your budget priorities, reaching out to someone different from you, or spending time in prayer asking God to reveal His specific plan for your next steps. Write down what God reveals to you and share it with a trusted friend or family member who can pray with you and hold you accountable.

Key Takeaways

God has a specific plan for each of our lives, not just ageneral suggestion, and running from that plan is running from God.

God is a God of second chances who mercifully restores us torelationship and ministry even after we fail Him.

God's plan for us often includes our sanctification -pruning sinful attitudes and behaviors from our hearts.

We can be outwardly obedient like Jonah while our heartsremain unchanged and unaligned with God's heart for others.

True faith means putting our complete trust in Jesus alone,not in our good works or religious activities.

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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 Jonah 1:17-2:10.

# Key Verses

Jonah 1:17

Jonah 2:6

Jonah 2:9

John 3:5

Questions

In the sermon, Pastor Jared mentions that 'dissent is descent' - disobedience leads to a downward spiral. Can you share a time when a small act of disobedience in your life led to bigger consequences?

Jonah describes being at 'the roots of the mountains' with 'weeds wrapped around his head.' How does this imagery help us understand the depths of despair that sin can bring?

The sermon points out that Jonah 2:6 is the hinge point ofthe entire book: 'Yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.' How does this verse capture the essence of the gospel message?

How has God provided 'fish moments' in your life - times when He placed you in circumstances that helped you reflect on His rescue?

Pastor Jared  compares Jonah's experience in the fish to being 'born again.' What similarities do you see between Jonah's experience and spiritual rebirth?

After experiencing God's rescue, Jonah says, 'Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.' What are some modern 'vain idols' that keep people from experiencing God's love?

How might remembering our own rescue story make us more effective and motivated in sharing the gospel with others?

The sermon suggests we shouldn't stay 'comfortable in the fish' but should allow God to 'vomit us back onto dry land' for His mission. What might this look like practically in your life?

Life Application

This week, take time to write down your personal rescuestory - how God has delivered you from the consequences of sin and brought you new life. Be specific about where you were, how God intervened, and what difference it has made. Then, pray for an opportunity to share some aspect of this story with at least one person who needs to hear about God's rescuing love. Remember, you don't need to have all the theological answers - just a testimony of how God brought you up from the pit.

Key Takeaways

When we disobey God, we begin a downward trajectory away from Him - dissent is always descent.

At our lowest points, when we feel crushed by sin and shame,God is always ready to send rescue.

God often places us in quiet, reflective spaces (like Jonah in the fish) so we can internalize the beauty of our salvation.

Remembering our own rescue should motivate us to share God's steadfast love with those who are worshiping 'vain idols' and missing out on true hope.

God doesn't rescue us just for our comfort, but to redirect us toward His mission of reaching others.

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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.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

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Jonah 3.

# Key Verses

 Jonah 3:1-2

Jonah 3:4-5

Jonah 3:9

Joel 2:14

Questions

 In the sermon, Pastor Jared mentions that Jonah is the onlycharacter in the book who disobeys God. How does this perspective change how you view the story?

The sermon states, 'God doesn't need perfection. He just needs you to move in the right direction.' How does this truth encourage you in your own spiritual journey?

Jonah's sermon was only eight words long, yet it sparked acity-wide revival. What does this teach us about how God works through our imperfect efforts?

What are some ways we might be 'foxhole Christians' in ourown lives - making promises to God in difficult times but forgetting them when things improve?

Pastor Jared suggests that evangelism should happen 'not on street corners, but in kitchens and around dining tables and around bonfires and around grills.' How might this relational approach to sharing faith look in your life?

The king of Nineveh says, 'Who knows? God may turn andrelent...' (Jonah 3:9). How might adopting this 'who knows?' attitude change how we approach sharing our faith?

What are some things we might need to 'leave behind'(comfort, tribal security, etc.) to effectively share God's message with others?

Pastor Jared mentions that Gen Z is the first generationmore likely to attend church than their parents. How does this information challenge or encourage you?

Life Application

This week, adopt the 'Who knows?' mindset whenever you feel a prompting to share your faith. Identify one person in your life with whom you could have a spiritual conversation. Pray for them daily, asking God for an opportunity to naturally share something about your faith journey. When that moment comes, resist the urge to withdraw and instead step forward with the simple thought: 'Who knows what God might do through this conversation?' Then, take that step of obedience, trusting God with the results.

Key Takeaways

When a message is powerful and urgent enough, the style ofdelivery matters less than ensuring the message reaches its destination.

God doesn't need perfect messengers - He just needs people willing to move in the right direction.

Effective evangelism happens relationally - in everydayconversations and authentic relationships, not just formal presentations.

The most powerful evidence for Christianity is a lifewell-lived that makes others curious about what makes you different.

Adopting a 'Who knows?' attitude helps us step into gospel conversations, trusting God with the results.

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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 Jonah 1.

# Key Verses

Jonah 1:1-2

Jonah 1:9

Jonah 1:14-15

Hebrews 2:9

Questions

The sermon mentions that Jonah was a 'Jewish nationalist' who believed God was exclusively on Israel's side. In what ways might we develop similar attitudes that limit our understanding of God's mission?

Why do you think God specifically sent Jonah to Nineveh, a place and people he despised, rather than somewhere more comfortable?

Pastor Jared stated that 'as disobedience increases, faith decreases.' Have you experienced this in your own life? How?

What fears or hesitations do you have about sharing your faith with others in your neighborhood or workplace?

The sermon suggests that many Christians acknowledge they should share their faith but don't actually do it. What barriers prevent you from being more open about your faith?

How does seeing Jesus as the 'true and better Jonah' change your perspective on sacrifice and obedience?

Pastor Jared mentioned that 'the cure for cynicism is obedience.' Can you share an example from your life where obedience to God helped overcome doubt or cynicism?

Who are the 'Ninevites' in your life - people who might be difficult to love or share your faith with? What small step of obedience might God be asking you to take toward them?

Life Application

This week, commit to taking one small step of obedience toward being a faithful witness. Choose one person from your 'five' list (or create that list if you haven't yet) and take a specific action: pray daily for them, invite them to coffee, ask them about their spiritual background, or share a meaningful part of your faith journey with them. Remember that even small steps of obedience can powerfully reveal God's nature to others. Come prepared next week to share what happened - whether it felt successful or not - and what you learned through the experience.

Key Takeaways

Our world desperately needs Jesus, yet statistics show only 14% of Christians regularly share their faith despite believing they should.

Like Jonah, we often misunderstand God's mission, limiting it to people like us rather than embracing His heart for all people.

Disobedience to God's call leads to cynicism and diminished faith, while even small steps of obedience can powerfully reveal God to others.

Jesus is the true and better Jonah who willingly sacrificed himself so that everyone else might be saved from the storm of God's judgment.

Being a faithful witness isn't about growing our church but about revealing God's redemptive plan for the world.

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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.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

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Matthew 28:16-20.

Key Verses:

1.  Matthew 28:18-20

2.  John 3:17

3.  Exodus 3:11-12

4.  Isaiah 6:8

5.  Psalm 73:16-17

Questions: 

1.    The sermon mentions that America is experiencing the most rapidly de-Christianizing decade in its history. How have you personally observed this trend in your workplace, neighborhood, or among friends?

2.  Pastor Jared says our world has a 'built-in bias for comfort.' How have you seen this play out in your own spiritual life or in the church?

3.  When you hear the call to share your faith, what is your honest first reaction? Are you more like Moses with his excuses or Isaiah with his eagerness?

4.  What fears or hesitations do you have about sharing the gospel with others? Which of Moses' excuses resonates most with you?

5.  The sermon suggests that our ability to witness effectively is connected to our worship. How does your personal worship life affect your confidence in sharing your faith?

6.  If Grace Point were to disappear tomorrow, who would notice? How can we as individuals ensure our presence in the community is meaningful?

7.  Who are the five people God is placing on your heart to pray for consistently? What specific barriers might they have to accepting the gospel?

8.  Pastor Jared mentioned that we're not called to be more 'attractional' but more 'missional.' What's the difference, and how might this change our approach to church and evangelism?

 Life Application

This week, complete your 'My Five' card by prayerfully identifying five people in your life who don't know Jesus. Place one copy somewhere you'll see it daily (like your Bible or bathroom mirror) and the other in your wallet or purse. Commit to praying for these five people every single day this week, asking specifically for:

1) that you would be a good witness to them through your life,

2) for opportunities to share your faith,

3) for boldness when those opportunities arise, and

4) for the right words to say.

Additionally, take one concrete step toward one person on your list - perhaps inviting them to coffee, sending an encouraging text, or simply asking how you can pray for them.

Key Takeaways

1.  The church is called to obey Jesus' Great Commission in a time of rapid spiritual decline in America

2.  Our mission is to make as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible because the world truly needs Jesus

3.  Like Moses at the burning bush, God equips us for the mission despite our excuses and hesitations

4.  The three-part strategy is to worship authentically, go on mission to meet community needs, and intentionally share the gospel

5.  Consistent, persistent prayer for specific individuals is a powerful evangelistic practice

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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.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

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Matthew 7:15-29.

# Key Verses

Matthew 7:15-29

Matthew 7:21

Matthew 7:16

James 1:22

Questions

Pastor Jared compared intellectual Christianity to thinkingabout exercise without actually exercising. In what areas of your faith might you be guilty of knowing what to do but not actually doing it?

How would you explain the difference between being justified (saved by grace) and the ongoing process of sanctification (growing in holiness) to someone new to Christianity?

Jesus says we will recognize true followers by their fruits. What kind of 'fruit' should be evident in the life of someone who is building on the rock?

The sermon defined holiness as being 'set apart to reveal God's heart.' How might this definition change how you think about holiness in your daily life?

What are some areas where you find it particularly challenging to obey Jesus' teachings rather than following your own instincts or cultural norms?

Pastor Jared mentioned that we often 'sacrifice obedience on the altar of authenticity.' What do you think this means, and have you seen examples of this in your own life?

Jesus warns that storms will come to test the foundation of our faith. Have you experienced storms that revealed the strength or weakness of your spiritual foundation?

How might our church community better support each other in the hard work of 'digging deep' to build our lives on the rock of Jesus' teachings?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific teaching of Jesus that youfind challenging to obey. It might be loving your enemies, forgiving someone who hurt you, being generous with your resources, or speaking truth with love.

Rather than just thinking about this teaching or studying it more, commit to taking one concrete action to put it into practice. Write down what you plan to do, pray for God's strength to follow through, and then share your experience with someone in your group next time you meet.

Remember, we're not building on the rock by simply understanding Jesus' words, but by doing them.

Key Takeaways

Holiness means being set apart to reveal God's heart, whichrequires active obedience, not just intellectual understanding.

Jesus distinguishes between the wise person who hears Hiswords and does them (building on rock) and the foolish person who hears but doesn't obey (building on sand).

Our obedience to Christ is the most powerful apologetic we have - it either adorns the gospel or makes Christianity unbelievable to the world.

Sincerity is not an excuse to sin - we need to let Jesus change us at the most fundamental level, even when it doesn't feel natural.

When storms come (and they will), only a faith built on the foundation of obedience to Christ will stand firm.

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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.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

This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from John 15:1-6.

 Key Verses

John 15:1-6

John 5:19

John 5:30

Galatians 5:17

Questions

Pastor Jared contrasted 'Where are you going when you die?' with 'Where are you going while you live?' How might these different questions shape our understanding of the Christian life?

What does it mean to 'abide in Christ' in practical terms? How is this different from just trying harder to be good?

The sermon mentioned that we often make decisions based on power, comfort, or recognition. Can you identify a recent decision where you were motivated by one of these rather than by abiding in Christ?

How do you distinguish between healthy authenticity and using 'being true to yourself' as an excuse to avoid God's commands?

Pastor Jared suggested that what we call 'authenticity' might actually be 'brain plasticity' - habits we've formed. How might this perspective change how we view our struggles with sin?

What areas of your life might God be wanting to 'prune' right now? What makes it difficult to trust the pruning process?

How has your understanding of what's best for your life changed over the past 10 years? How might this help you trust God's perspective more?

The sermon challenged us to sometimes 'go through the motions' even when we don't feel like it. How might spiritual disciplines help reshape our desires over time?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you've been making decisions based on your own desires for power, comfort, or recognition rather than abiding in Christ. Choose a specific spiritual practice (prayer, Scripture reading, worship, or service) that you will commit to doing daily - even when you don't feel like it - to help you abide more deeply in Christ.

Each time you practice this discipline, ask God to help you trust His pruning process and to draw your life from Him rather than from yourself.

Key Takeaways

Christianity isn't just about where we go when we die, butabout how we live purposefully while on earth.

Jesus is the true vine and the source of all life - we cannot bear fruit apart from abiding in Him.

Our own authenticity and self-reference can become idols that prevent us from following Christ's commands.

Trusting God's pruning process, though painful, is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Abiding in Christ transforms how we see and treat others, especially those different from us.

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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.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