Follow Through - Faithful like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Follow Through - Faithful like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amDiscover the transformative power of faithful forgiveness through the biblical account of Peter's restoration. Learn how Jesus's approach to forgiveness goes beyond surface-level pardoning to address deeper heart issues and bring complete restoration. This powerful teaching explores the three key elements of true forgiveness: grace, heart transformation, and full restoration. Understanding Jesus's interaction with Peter provides practical insights for dealing with betrayal, handling broken relationships, and extending genuine forgiveness. Perfect for anyone struggling with forgiveness, dealing with broken trust, or seeking to understand God's grace in deeper ways. Topics include biblical forgiveness, spiritual restoration, Christian discipleship, dealing with betrayal, God's grace, spiritual transformation, relationship healing, Christian living, biblical teaching, spiritual growth, faith journey, Christian relationships, mercy, reconciliation, and personal development.Imporant VersesJohn 21:15-171 John 1:9Romans 8:1Matthew 16:18Think about it!How does Peter's story of denial and restoration give you hope in your own relationship with Jesus?Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him?What's the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow over sin?How does pride prevent us from experiencing and extending forgiveness?Why is confession important if God already knows our sins?What role does humility play in being restored to purpose after failure?How can we pursue others with forgiveness without minimizing the seriousness of sin?What practical steps can we take to imitate Jesus' pattern of faithful forgiveness?Apply it!This week, identify someone who has sinned against you and intentionally pursue them with Christ-like forgiveness. Rather than waiting for them to come to you, take the initiative to restore the relationship while maintaining appropriate boundaries.Key TakeawaysJesus pursues unfaithful followers with faithful forgivenessTrue restoration requires honest confrontation without condemnationOur security is based on Jesus' perfect love, not our imperfect love for HimHumility is essential for being restored to God's purposeWe are called to imitate Jesus' pattern of faithful forgiveness toward others

Follow Through - Faithful like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week three of the sermon series “Follow Through - Faithful like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amFinding Faith Through Doubt explores the journey from skepticism to genuine belief in Christianity. Discover how historical evidence, including the transformation of Jesus' brother James and testimony of over 500 eyewitnesses, supports the resurrection claims. Learn why doubt isn't the opposite of faith but can lead to deeper conviction. This message examines the historical facts challenging alternative explanations of the resurrection, the role of skepticism in faith development, and Jesus' patient response to doubters. Perfect for seekers, skeptics, and believers wrestling with questions about Christianity, faith, doubt, resurrection, historical evidence, apologetics, spiritual growth, religious transformation, truth-seeking, and authentic faith journey. Explore how to honestly investigate faith claims while respecting the process of moving from uncertainty to belief.Important VersesJohn 20:81 Corinthians 15:3-71 Peter 3:15Think about it!Why do you think doubt was such a common initial response to Jesus' resurrection, even among his closest followers?How does Jesus' patient response to doubt differ from how we might typically react to others' skepticism?What stands out to you about James' transformation from skeptic to martyr?How can we balance healthy skepticism with remaining open to truth?What evidence for the resurrection presented in the sermon do you find most compelling, and why?How can we apply Jesus' model of responding to doubt in our relationships with skeptical friends or family?What role does personal investigation play in developing genuine faith?How might our own doubts actually lead to stronger faith when handled properly?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you might have doubt or skepticism about your faith. Instead of ignoring it or letting it create distance between you and God, commit to investigating it further through prayer, Scripture study, and conversation with mature believers.Key TakeawaysDoubt is a natural response to supernatural events - even Jesus' closest followers initially doubtedJesus consistently responds to doubt with patient, faithful pursuit rather than condemnationThe transformation of skeptics like James provides compelling evidence for the resurrectionWe shouldn't let skepticism prevent us from honestly investigating truth claims about Jesus

Follow Through - Faithful like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Follow Through - Faithful like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amDiscover the transformative power of following Jesus in a world that pushes conformity. Learn practical steps for living a Christ-centered life, including overcoming self-centeredness, dealing with sin, and finding true identity in God's love. Explore biblical principles for trusting God's provision and living authentically for His approval alone. Perfect for Christians seeking deeper faith, new believers, spiritual growth, biblical teaching, Christian living, discipleship, spiritual transformation, faith journey, Christian values, biblical wisdom, spiritual development, Christian discipleship, faith in action, spiritual guidance, Christian lifestyle, biblical principles, spiritual maturity, Christian character, faithful living, spiritual disciplines, Christian commitment.Important VersesLuke 19:28-40Luke 9:23Philippians 4:192 Corinthians 5:9-10Think about it!What does it mean to 'deny yourself' in the context of following Jesus?How does our culture's view of the cross differ from its meaning in Jesus' time?What are some ways we try to please people instead of God in our daily lives?How can we maintain faithfulness when facing opposition or criticism?What does it mean to be 'mission driven' in our faith?How does God's provision help us stay faithful in difficult times?What are some practical ways we can choose the 'narrow gate' in today's world?How can we balance living in the world while not conforming to its values?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you've been trying to please others instead of God. Make a conscious decision to choose God's way in that situation, even if it means going against popular opinion or facing criticism. Keep a journal of how this decision impacts your faith and relationship with God.Key TakeawaysFaithfulness requires choosing the way of the cross dailyWe must depend entirely on God's provision for strength and resourcesLiving to please God alone rather than people is essential for faithful livingTrue faithfulness often means choosing a countercultural pathOur security comes from God's love, not others' approval

Follow Through - Faithful like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one of the sermon series “Follow Through - Faithful like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amDiscover the transformative power of faithful obedience through Jesus' example at His baptism. Learn how mission-driven purpose, genuine humility, and consistent obedience shape authentic faith. Understand why Jesus chose baptism despite being sinless, and how pride can prevent us from experiencing true spiritual growth. Explore practical ways to live out faithful obedience in daily life, overcome pride, and align with God's purpose. This message examines the contrast between Jesus' humble submission and the Pharisees' pride, offering valuable insights for modern believers. Perfect for those seeking to deepen their faith, understand biblical obedience, spiritual growth, Christian living, baptism significance, humility in faith, overcoming pride, following Jesus, discipleship journey, spiritual transformation, biblical teaching, Christian ministry, faith development, spiritual disciplines, Christian character, godly living.Important VersesMatthew 3:13-17John 13:14-15Philippians 2:6-8Romans 12:2Think about it!What does it mean to be faithful according to this sermon?Why was Jesus' baptism significant, given that He was sinless?How does pride prevent us from being faithful to God's calling?What role does humility play in living a faithful Christian life?How can we discern God's will for our lives according to the sermon?What is the connection between faithfulness and mission?Why is it important that our faithfulness be public rather than private?How does understanding Jesus' righteousness impact our own pursuit of faithfulness?Apply it!This week, identify one area where God is calling you to be faithful that requires both humility and public witness. Make a specific plan to follow through in obedience, even if it would be easier to compromise. Consider sharing this commitment with a trusted friend who can pray for you and hold you accountable.Key TakeawaysFaithfulness requires mission-driven, humble obedienceTrue humility is demonstrated through obedience to God's willOur faithfulness should be connected to God's larger mission of reaching the lostWe can only live faithfully through Christ's righteousness, not our own efforts

Good + Angry - Angry like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week five of the sermon series “Good + Angry - Angry like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amFinding Hope in Grief: Biblical Guidance for Handling Loss and Anger. Discover the powerful distinction between righteous and broken anger through the lens of Jesus' response to death and loss. Learn practical steps for processing grief, managing anger, and finding hope in difficult times. This essential message explores grief counseling, Christian perspectives on loss, biblical teaching on anger management, and spiritual healing. Perfect for anyone struggling with loss, grief counseling professionals, church leaders, and those seeking to support others through difficult times. Includes practical guidance on emotional healing, spiritual growth, and building resilience through faith. Key topics: grief recovery, Christian counseling, emotional healing, spiritual growth, biblical teaching, hope in suffering, anger management, faith and loss, Christian grief support, spiritual healing.Important VersesJohn 11:33John 11:35John 11:38Romans 8:28Philippians 2:3-4Think about it!How does Jesus' response to Lazarus' death challenge your understanding of God's love and timing?What's the difference between being angry with God and being angry at sin and its consequences?How have you experienced the connection between grief and anger in your own life?What does it mean to trust God's plan even when we can't see or understand it?How can we better support others who are grieving while processing our own grief?What role does community play in helping us process grief in a healthy way?How does Jesus' example teach us to channel our anger into serving others?In what ways can we maintain hope while acknowledging the reality of our grief?Apply it!This week, identify someone who is grieving and intentionally reach out to them. Rather than trying to fix their situation or offer solutions, simply be present with them, listen to their story, and share in their grief as Jesus did. Consider practical ways you can serve them during this difficult time.Key TakeawaysGood anger trusts God's plan rather than getting angry at GodRighteous anger is directed at sin and its consequences, not at GodJesus demonstrates how to serve others even while processing our own griefGod uses all circumstances, even painful ones, for good in the lives of believersSupporting others in grief involves presence, truth-telling, and practical service

Good + Angry - Angry like JesusThis message is from Executive Pastor Jim George in week four of the sermon series “Good + Angry - Angry like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amUnderstanding righteous anger and the dangers of religious legalism through Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees. Discover the profound difference between man-made rules and genuine faith, and learn how to break free from religious legalism that prevents authentic ministry. This powerful message explores the cycle of hardened hearts versus tender hearts, providing practical steps for authentic Christian living and effective ministry. Learn to identify and overcome self-imposed barriers to serving God and others. Topics include religious legalism, spiritual growth, church ministry, Christian leadership, Bible teaching, faith development, spiritual transformation, religious freedom, Christian service, biblical interpretation, spiritual disciplines, church community, Christian living, discipleship, and spiritual warfare.Important VersesMark 3:1-6John 13:14-15Ephesians 2:12 Corinthians 3:18Think about it!What are some modern examples of how we might create man-made rules that hinder genuine ministry?How can we tell the difference between legitimate reasons and excuses when it comes to serving or sharing our faith?What does it mean to have a 'hardened heart' and how might we recognize this in ourselves?The pastor describes Jesus being both angry and grieved at the Pharisees' hardened hearts. Why both emotions?What are some ways we might be unintentionally imitating the Pharisees in our Christian walk today?How does regular church attendance relate to using our spiritual gifts effectively?What steps can we take to move from the 'cycle of the hardened heart' to the 'cycle of the tenderhearted'?How might our excuses for not sharing our faith or serving others anger Jesus today?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you've been making excuses about serving or sharing your faith. Commit to taking one specific action step toward obedience in that area, whether it's volunteering at church, sharing your testimony with someone, or using your spiritual gift to serve others.Key TakeawaysMan-made rules and excuses can lead to hardened hearts that anger JesusRegular church attendance and service should be a priority for believersGod has given believers both spiritual gifts and the gospel message to reach othersMoving from excuses to obedience starts with prayer and reflection on God's work in our livesThe 'cycle of the tenderhearted' begins with obedience and leads to fruitful ministry

Good + Angry - Angry like JesusThis message is from Pastor Dan Painter in week three of the sermon series “Good + Angry - Angry like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amDiscover the transformative power of forgiveness and its essential role in Christian life. Explore the radical nature of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ and learn practical steps to overcome barriers to forgiving others. Understanding forgiveness, Christian forgiveness, biblical forgiveness, how to forgive others, dealing with unforgiveness, Matthew 18 parable, spiritual growth, Christian living, Bible teaching, forgiveness and reconciliation, overcoming bitterness, Christian relationships, spiritual transformation, grace and mercy, Christian discipleship, biblical principles, spiritual healing, emotional healing, relationship restoration, Christian counseling, faith journey, spiritual maturity, biblical wisdom, Christian growth, relationship advice, Christian community, biblical truth, spiritual development.Important VersesMatthew 18:21-22Matthew 18:32-33Colossians 3:12-131 John 1:92 Corinthians 5:21Think about it!How does understanding God's forgiveness of our own sins impact how we forgive others?What makes it difficult to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply?How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge our view of forgiveness?What's the difference between saying we forgive someone and truly forgiving from the heart?How can holding onto unforgiveness affect our relationship with God?What does it mean to be a 'steward' of God's forgiveness?How can we practice righteous anger without falling into sinful anger?What steps can we take to cultivate a more forgiving heart?Apply it!This week, identify one person you need to forgive. Spend time meditating on God's forgiveness in your own life, then take practical steps to extend that same forgiveness to them - whether through a conversation, letter, or intentional prayer for their well-being.Key TakeawaysChristians have received radical, extravagant forgiveness from God that they could never repayGod expects us to be good stewards of His forgiveness by extending it to othersTrue forgiveness must come from the heart, not just wordsUnforgiveness can be a sign of not fully understanding or accepting God's forgiveness in our own livesRighteous anger should move us toward reconciliation and restoration

Good + Angry - Angry like JesusThis message is from Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Good + Angry - Angry like Jesus” Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 amUnderstanding righteous anger and how to express it biblically. Learn the key differences between godly and ungodly anger, and discover practical ways to handle anger in relationships. Explore the biblical perspective on emotional management, conflict resolution, and spiritual growth. This teaching examines Jesus's example of righteous anger and provides practical steps for developing godly responses to challenging situations. Perfect for Christians seeking to grow in emotional maturity, relationship building, biblical counseling, spiritual development, anger management, conflict resolution, Christian living, discipleship, biblical teaching, emotional healing, Christian relationships, spiritual transformation, biblical wisdom, Christian character development, emotional intelligence, spiritual disciplines, Christian growth, biblical principles, relationship advice, Christian counseling, spiritual maturity.Important VersesEphesians 4:26James 1:19-20Matthew 21:12-161 John 4:10Think about it!What's the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger?How can we determine if we're angry about the right things?What are some common wrong ways we tend to express anger?How does Jesus' example in the temple demonstrate both strength and gentleness?What are the three wrong purposes we often pursue in our anger?How does understanding God's response to our sin help shape how we handle anger?What role does humility play in expressing righteous anger?How can we practically apply these principles in our daily relationships?Apply It!This week, when you feel anger rising, pause and ask yourself three questions: 1) Am I angry about the right thing? 2) How can I express this anger in a way that reflects God's character? 3) What is my true purpose in expressing this anger? Journal about your experiences and how these questions helped shape your response.Key TakeawaysRighteous anger must be about the right things, expressed in the right way, for the right purposeOur anger should be controlled by love and humility, just as Jesus demonstratedThe goal of righteous anger should be redemption and restoration, not revenge or reliefWe must deal with our own sin before addressing others' faults