Crazy Joy - Finding Eternal Joy in a Temporary World This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one of the sermon series “Crazy Joy - Finding Eternal Joy in a Temporary World” 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 am Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am Discover the transformative difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy in this powerful exploration of finding true contentment. Learn why 70% of people struggle with sadness and how to break free from circumstantial happiness. Uncover the biblical secrets to maintaining joy through life's ups and downs, and understand the profound connection between joy and your relationship with God. This life-changing message reveals practical steps to overcome grumbling, defeat discouragement, and experience genuine, lasting joy regardless of circumstances. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper spiritual fulfillment, dealing with depression, or wanting to understand biblical joy. Important Verses 1 Peter 2:21 John 15:11 Luke 10:20 Philippians 4:4 John 16:22 Think about it! What does it mean to have joy that is not dependent on circumstances? How can we imitate the joy of Jesus in our daily lives? Why is it important to have our joy rooted in what God has done for us? What are some common things people mistakenly place their joy in? How does understanding that joy is a command change your perspective on it? What role does gratitude play in maintaining a joyful heart? How can we remind ourselves of the joy that comes from knowing our names are written in heaven? What practical steps can we take to shift our focus from circumstances to God's promises? Apply it! This week, whenever you find yourself grumbling or complaining, pause and reflect on where your joy is rooted. Shift your focus to rejoicing in the fact that your name is written in heaven and give thanks to God for His unchanging promises. Finally... True joy for Christians should not be dependent on circumstances. God commands us to rejoice always, reflecting His joy. Our joy should be rooted in what God has done for us, not in our achievements. Disordered joy can lead to a loss of joy. Rejoicing in our salvation provides a foundation for constant joy.

Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Student Ministry Director Daniel Hooper in week five of the sermon series “Peace on Earth - The Gift of 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 am Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am Finding Peace in Seasons of Waiting | Biblical Guidance for Difficult Times. Discover powerful insights from John 14 about finding genuine peace during life's waiting seasons. Learn about Jesus's three key promises that transform anxiety into anticipation and give purpose to waiting. Explore practical ways to trust God's timing, rely on the Holy Spirit, and build meaningful community support. Perfect for anyone experiencing uncertainty, waiting for answers, or seeking spiritual growth. Topics include faith, trust, patience, spiritual growth, Christian living, Bible study, prayer, community, Holy Spirit, peace, anxiety, waiting on God, divine timing, spiritual warfare, emotional healing, Christian meditation, biblical promises, hope, encouragement, life purpose, and spiritual transformation. Gain practical tools for navigating life's challenges while maintaining faith and finding peace in God's perfect timing. Important Verses John 14:1-3 John 14:16-19 Romans 8:26 2 Timothy 4:16-17 Hebrews 10:24-25 Think about it! What are some of the challenges you face when waiting for something important? How does our modern culture's emphasis on instant results affect our ability to wait patiently? In what ways can the Holy Spirit provide comfort and guidance during times of waiting? How can community support us in our waiting periods, and what role do we play in supporting others? Reflect on a time when you experienced peace in a period of waiting. What contributed to that peace? How does the promise of Jesus' return influence your perspective on waiting? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's promises during difficult waiting periods? How can we encourage one another to trust in God's timing and promises? Apply It! This week, identify one area of your life where you are waiting for something. Write down any anxieties or frustrations you have about it, and then find a Bible verse that speaks to God's promises related to your situation. Meditate on this verse daily and pray for peace and trust in God's timing. Finally... Peace is not the absence of waiting but trusting in Jesus' promises. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and advocate, guiding us through times of waiting. Community is essential for support and encouragement during waiting periods. Jesus' victory on the cross assures us that our waiting is not in vain. Waiting refines our faith and teaches us dependence on God's sovereignty.

Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Peace on Earth - The Gift of 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 am Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am Discover the inspiring story of Don Richie, who saved nearly 500 lives near the Gap, a cliff in Australia, by simply asking, 'Can I help you?' This Christmas message delves into the true meaning of the holiday: peace and purpose. In a world filled with anxiety, stress, and despair, the message of Christmas offers a unique peace that surpasses all understanding. Learn how God's peace is different from the world's fleeting peace and how it can transform your life from the inside out. As Christians, we are called to share this peace with others, stepping into the lives of those struggling and proclaiming the good news of God's love and hope. This message encourages us to trust God, overcome our fears, and take responsibility for sharing the gospel. Join us in exploring how we can be 'angels in the gap,' offering help and hope to those in need. Verses to remember: 1. Luke 2:10-11 2. John 6:51 3. 1 Peter 2:21 4. Romans 1:16 5. 1 Peter 3:15 Think about it: 1. What does the story of Don Richie teach us about recognizing and responding to the needs of others? 2. How can we differentiate between the world's peace and God's peace in our daily lives? 3. Why is it important to understand the true message of Christmas beyond the traditions? 4. What are some symptoms of fear that you recognize in your own life? 5. How can we apply the concept of being 'angels in the gap' in our communities? 6. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the 'bread of life'? 7. How can we overcome the fear of sharing the gospel with others? 8. What steps can we take to ensure we are living out our purpose as Christians this Christmas season? Apply it! This week, identify one person in your life who may be struggling and reach out to them with a message of hope and peace. Offer your support and share the good news of Jesus with them. Don't forget: 1. The true message of Christmas is the good news of peace through Jesus Christ. 2. God's peace is constant and not dependent on circumstances. 3. Christians are called to share the gospel and be 'angels in the gap' for those in need. 4. Fear of rejection should not prevent us from fulfilling our purpose. 5. Our responsibility is to proclaim the gospel, trusting God for the outcome.

Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Peace on Earth - The Gift of 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 am Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am Discover how to find true peace by trusting in God's provision, power, and purpose. Many struggle with peace because they rely on their own strength and resources. In John 6, Jesus teaches His disciples about true peace through the miracle of feeding the 5,000, showing that faith in God's provision can turn the impossible into possible. Learn to break free from a scarcity mindset and adopt an abundant mindset, trusting that God will provide everything you need. Reflect on the cross, where God did not spare His own Son, and embrace His provision in your life. Step into challenges with faith, knowing that He will supply all your needs to fulfill His purpose. Important Verses 1. John 6:1-14 2. 1 Peter 2:21 3. Colossians 3:15 4. Philippians 4:11-13 5. 2 Corinthians 9:8 Think about it! 1. What does the story of feeding the 5,000 teach us about God's provision? 2. How can we identify and overcome a scarcity mindset in our own lives? 3. In what ways does God give us more than we can handle, and why? 4. How does trusting in God's provision lead to peace? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? 6. How can we apply the lesson of abundance in our daily lives? 7. What role does faith play in experiencing God's peace? 8. How can we be peace givers in our communities? Apply it! This week, identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed and consciously choose to trust God with it. Take a step of faith by acting on His promises, whether it's through giving, serving, or simply letting go of control. Don't forget: 1. God often gives us more than we can handle to teach us reliance on Him. 2. True peace comes from trusting in God's provision and power. 3. A scarcity mindset can hinder us from experiencing God's peace. 4. An abundant mindset acknowledges that God will provide all we need. 5. Faith in God's promises is essential for living a life of peace.

Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “Peace on Earth - The Gift of 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 am Grace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am Discover how to find peace amidst life's unexpected challenges by exploring the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4. Life often brings anxiety and stress, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers a way to navigate through these storms. Learn about the importance of surrendering to Jesus' plan and promises, and how His presence and protection can bring comfort and security. Reflect on key biblical promises and practical steps to let go of anxieties and embrace peace. Important Verses to Note: 1. John 14:27 2. Colossians 3:15 3. Mark 4:35-41 4. John 16:33 5. 1 Peter 2:21 Have you thought through these questions? 1. How do you typically react when things don't go as planned? 2. What are some expectations you have about life that often lead to disappointment? 3. How can we find peace in the midst of life's storms? 4. What does it mean to surrender to Jesus' plan and promises? 5. How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? 6. Why is it important to acknowledge the promise of pain in our lives? 7. How can we use our experiences of pain to help others? 8. What role does prayer play in finding peace during difficult times? Apply it! This week, identify one area of your life where you are struggling to find peace. Spend time in prayer, surrendering this area to God, and ask for His peace to rule in your heart. Reflect on His promises and trust in His plan for you. Finally...Remember: 1. Life often doesn't go as planned, leading to anxiety and stress. 2. The promise of Christmas is the promise of peace through Jesus. 3. Surrendering to Jesus' plan and promises is essential for experiencing peace. 4. Pain and challenges are part of life, but they can lead to growth and deeper faith. 5. Prayer and trust in God's will are crucial for maintaining peace in difficult times.