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

Good + Angry - Angry like JesusThis message is from Pastor Dan Painter in week one 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 profound difference between righteous and unrighteous anger through Jesus's powerful example at the temple. Learn how genuine righteous anger stems from love and concern for God's will, not personal preferences. This essential teaching explores biblical anger, temple cleansing, worship transformation, spiritual growth, Christian living, biblical truth, Jesus's teachings, spiritual development, church life, and personal faith. Understand how to examine your own anger triggers and ensure your worship focuses on God's purposes rather than personal preferences. Gain practical insights for aligning your heart with God's concerns and experiencing true spiritual transformation through authentic worship. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith, understand biblical principles, or grow in their Christian walk.Important VersesMatthew 21:12-13Ephesians 4:26Isaiah 56:7John 13:14-15Think about it!How does Jesus' anger in the temple differ from the anger of the Pharisees?What's the difference between righteous anger and selfish anger?How can we tell if our anger is aligned with God's will?Why was the temple's court of Gentiles significant, and what does it tell us about God's heart for all people?How does self-centered worship manifest in our lives today?What role should our preferences play in worship?How can we ensure our worship remains focused on God rather than ourselves?What steps can we take to develop righteous anger rather than selfish anger?Apply it!This week, when you feel anger rising, pause and ask yourself: 'Is this anger centered on God's concerns or my preferences?' Keep a journal of these moments and pray for wisdom to develop righteous anger that reflects God's heart.Key TakeawaysRighteous anger is a movement of love in response to what's wrongOur anger should align with God's Word and will, not our preferencesTrue worship is centered on God, not our personal preferences or feelingsWe become what we worship - self-centered worship leads to self-centered living

More than a Feeling - Compassion like ChristThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “More than a Feeling - Compassion like Christ” 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 Christ-like compassion and learn how to move beyond sympathy into meaningful action. Explore the barriers that prevent us from showing true compassion and understand Jesus's perfect model of humble service. Learn practical steps for developing genuine compassion, from recognizing our own need for mercy to building meaningful relationships with those in need. This message examines how pride affects our ability to help others and provides concrete ways to demonstrate God's love through both actions and words. Keywords: compassion, Christian living, Jesus Christ, humble service, helping others, spiritual growth, Christian ministry, love in action, servant leadership, biblical teaching, Christian compassion, spiritual development, Christian community, faith in action, practical Christianity.Important VersesMatthew 20:34Philippians 2:3-41 Peter 2:21Matthew 20:26-28Think about it!What are some ways pride can prevent us from showing compassion to others?How does understanding Jesus's compassion toward us help shape our compassion toward others?What's the difference between sympathy, empathy, and true biblical compassion?Why is it important to address both physical and spiritual needs when showing compassion?How can we better identify needs in our community that we might be overlooking?What practical steps can we take to develop more humility in our daily lives?How can we balance meeting immediate needs while also addressing deeper spiritual needs?What barriers do you face in showing compassion to others, and how can you overcome them?Apply it!This week, intentionally look for opportunities to show Christ-like compassion to others. Choose one person in your life who has a specific need (physical, emotional, or spiritual) and make a concrete plan to serve them with humility, addressing both their immediate and deeper needs.Key TakeawaysTrue compassion starts with humility and moves beyond just feeling to actual actionWe must address both physical and spiritual needs to show complete Christ-like compassionPride in various forms prevents us from showing true compassionCompassion is a powerful tool for the church to impact the world

More than a Feeling - Compassion like ChristThis message is from Pastor Jared Seeland in week three of the sermon series “More than a Feeling - Compassion like Christ” 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 Opportunities in Life's Distractions: A powerful exploration of Christ-like compassion and how to embrace life's interruptions as opportunities for meaningful impact. Discover practical ways to develop genuine compassion in a world filled with distractions and competing priorities. Learn how Jesus's example of responding to interruptions can transform your approach to daily challenges and relationships. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith, improve their relationships, or find purpose in life's unexpected moments. Topics include emotional intelligence, spiritual growth, Christian living, biblical teaching, personal development, ministry, discipleship, faith journey, life purpose, and relationship building. Explore how to overcome compassion fatigue, develop emotional resilience, and make a lasting difference in others' lives through practical, actionable steps.Important VersesLuke 7:11-17John 11:35Matthew 9:36Think about it!How do you typically respond to interruptions in your daily plans?What prevents us from showing genuine compassion to others in need?How can we better recognize opportunities for ministry in our daily distractions?What does it mean that 'death is not a natural part of life' as mentioned in the sermon?How can we maintain compassion in a world filled with negative news and tragedy?What does it mean to 'interrupt hopeless processes by interjecting Jesus'?How can we balance protecting our own emotional well-being while still showing compassion to others?What practical steps can we take to expand our 'sphere of influence' for showing Christ's compassion?Now, Apply it!This week, instead of avoiding interruptions, intentionally look for opportunities to show Christ's compassion in unexpected moments. Keep a journal of these encounters and how God used these 'distractions' for His purposes.Key TakeawaysCompassion sees opportunity in every distractionJesus welcomes interruptions and moves toward brokennessTrue compassion leads to restorationWe must be willing to see people and their pain as Jesus doesOur sphere of influence is where we can make the most impact

More than a Feeling - Compassion like ChristThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two of the sermon series “More than a Feeling - Compassion like Christ” 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 compassionate forgiveness and how it mirrors God's unconditional love. Learn practical steps to move beyond hurt and bitterness toward genuine reconciliation. Explore the profound lessons from the prodigal father's example of extraordinary grace and radical forgiveness. Understanding true compassion, healing relationships, forgiveness, Christian living, spiritual growth, biblical teaching, relationship restoration, emotional healing, Christian counseling, faith journey, personal transformation, grace, mercy, reconciliation, prodigal son story, father's love, God's forgiveness, spiritual development, Christian character, biblical principles, life application, practical Christianity, emotional wellness, family relationships, Christian community, spiritual maturity, biblical wisdom, relationship advice, Christian leadership, pastoral teaching, biblical interpretation, spiritual guidance.Important VersesLuke 15:20Colossians 3:12-13Romans 2:41 John 3:2Philippians 1:6Think about it!How does the father's response in the parable challenge our typical human responses to being wronged?What's the difference between empathy and true biblical compassion?Why do you think it's significant that the father ran to meet his son while he was still far off?How does focusing on God's compassion toward us help us develop compassionate hearts toward others?What are some practical ways we can 'put on compassionate hearts' in our daily lives?How does the world's view of forgiveness differ from God's model of forgiveness?What role does pride play in preventing us from extending forgiveness to others?How can remembering God's forgiveness of us motivate us to forgive others?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your life whom you've struggled to forgive. Spend time each day praying for them and asking God to help you see them through His compassionate eyes. Take one practical step toward extending forgiveness to them, whether through a conversation, letter, or act of kindness.Finally...True compassion is more than a feeling - it's a movement that starts in the heart and leads to actionGod's forgiveness is based on His compassion, not the quality of our repentanceWe are called to forgive others as radically as God has forgiven usDeveloping compassion starts with understanding and receiving God's compassion for us

More than a Feeling - Compassion like Christ This message is from Pastor of Discipleship Rick Pierson in week one of the sermon series “More than a Feeling - Compassion like Christ” 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 power of divine compassion through Jesus Christ's example. Learn about the deep meaning of 'splanknizomai' - the unique Greek word that describes Jesus's compassionate heart and actions. Explore powerful examples of Christ's compassion in action, from feeding thousands to healing the sick and comforting the grieving. Understand how this divine compassion can transform your life and relationships. Key topics include biblical compassion, Christian living, spiritual growth, Jesus's ministry, healing, miracles, discipleship, Christian character, faith in action, and practical Christianity. Learn how to develop Christ-like compassion through spiritual surrender, Holy Spirit guidance, and practical application in daily life. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith, understand God's heart, or learn how to show genuine compassion to others. Important Verses Exodus 34:6-7 Matthew 15:29-38 Mark 1:40-42 Luke 7:11-15 Matthew 9:35-38 Think about it: What does the word 'compassion' mean to you personally? How does Jesus' compassion differ from human compassion? Why do you think compassion is described as a catalyst for action in the sermon? Can you recall a time when you felt moved to act out of compassion? What was the outcome? How can we cultivate a heart of compassion in our daily lives? What barriers might prevent us from acting compassionately, and how can we overcome them? In what ways can our compassion reflect the character of Jesus to others? How can we ensure that our compassion leads to meaningful action rather than just feelings? Apply it! This week, identify one person in your life who is in need of compassion. Take a specific action to help them, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a thoughtful gesture, and reflect on how this aligns with the compassion of Jesus. Key Takeaways Compassion is a defining characteristic of God, as seen in Jesus' actions. True compassion leads to action, not just feelings of sympathy. Jesus' compassion is deeply rooted in His character and is a model for us to follow. Compassion can transform lives and bring glory to God. Believers are called to embody Jesus' compassion in their interactions with others.