InimitableThis message is from Executive Pastor Jim George in week two of the sermon series “Inimitable”. 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 am.Discover the profound meaning behind Jesus' declaration 'I am the door' and how it impacts your life today. In a world filled with options and paths claiming to lead to fulfillment, Jesus makes an exclusive claim that challenges our modern sensibilities but offers the only true path to abundant life. This message explores why we need a door in the first place—examining our natural inclination toward selfishness and the growing gap between who we are and who we were designed to be. Learn how this separation leads to feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and purposelessness that can only be resolved through the door Jesus provides. Understand the context of Jesus' bold statement in John 10:9 following His healing of a blind man, and how He uses the metaphor of a sheepfold to illustrate our need for divine protection and guidance. Whether you've never walked through the door of faith, have entered but become distracted, or are walking closely with Christ, this message offers practical application for your spiritual journey. Learn how to recognize false doors in your life, share the truth about Jesus with others who are searching, and live purposefully as someone who has entered the sheepfold.Important VersesJohn 10:9John 10:10Ephesians 6:12John 3:16Think about it!In what ways have you experienced the 'revolving trick doors' that the pastor mentioned (wealth, power, substances, religious activity)? How did they fail to satisfy?The pastor said, 'We need a door.' Why do we need a door according to the sermon, and what happens if we never go through the door Jesus offers?How would you respond to someone who objects to Jesus being the 'only door' to salvation? How might you explain this concept with compassion?The pastor mentioned that Jesus being the 'one way' is actually an increase from zero ways without Him. How does this perspective change how we might view the exclusivity of Christ?What does it mean practically to 'go through the door' of Jesus? How would you explain this to someone who is unfamiliar with Christianity?Apply it!This week, identify one 'revolving trick door' in your life that may be distracting you from fully experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised. It might be the pursuit of wealth, influence, pleasure, or even religious activity without relationship. Commit to redirecting that energy toward deepening your relationship with Jesus instead. Additionally, pray for one specific person in your life who needs to know about the door of salvation, and look for an opportunity to share your testimony of how walking through that door has changed your life.Key TakeawaysWe need a door because our sin separates us from God and leads to everlasting destruction if we don't find the way to salvation.Jesus is not just a door but the only door to salvation, though this door is wide enough for everyone who chooses to enter.The enemy sets up many revolving trick doors (wealth, power, substances, religious activity) to distract us from the one true door.Jesus being the 'one way' is actually an increase from zero ways without Him - we should be grateful there is a way at all.Our responsibility as believers is not to push people through the door but to tell them about it and introduce them to Jesus.

InimitableThis message is from Pastor of Discipleship Rick Pierson in week one of the sermon series “Inimitable”. 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 meaning behind Jesus' declaration 'I am the good shepherd' in John 10. This message explores how Jesus' use of 'I am' directly connects to God's divine name YHWH (Yahweh) revealed to Moses at the burning bush. By claiming this name, Jesus makes the boldest statement in human history—that He is God incarnate. Learn how Jesus fulfills the role of the Good Shepherd in three powerful ways: He actively searches for His lost sheep and lays down His life for them; He leads with genuine care rather than pushing like hired hands; and He calls to His sheep with His voice amid a world of competing influences. Whether you're struggling with feeling lost, pressured by worldly influences, or confused by competing voices in your life, this message offers biblical insight into how Jesus—as Yahweh Himself—seeks, leads, and calls you personally. Discover how recognizing Jesus as the eternal 'I AM' can transform your understanding of who He is and how He relates to you today. Important VersesJohn 10:11John 10:14-15John 8:58Exodus 3:14Psalm 23Think about it!What does it mean to you personally that Jesus identifies Himself as 'I AM' - the same name God revealed to Moses?The pastor mentioned that 'the more we know Jesus, the more we see our need for Jesus.' How have you experienced this in your own spiritual journey?In what ways have you experienced Jesus as your Good Shepherd during difficult times in your life?Jesus contrasts Himself as the Good Shepherd with hired hands who abandon the sheep. What 'hired hands' or false shepherds do people tend to follow today instead of Jesus?The sermon mentions that sheep are vulnerable animals that need protection. How does this help you understand your own need for Christ's protection and guidance?Jesus says, 'I know my own and my own know me.' What does it mean to be known by Jesus, and how does that affect how you live?What competing voices in our culture make it difficult to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?Jesus says He lays down His life for His sheep. How does understanding this sacrificial love change how you respond to Him?Apply it!This week, take time each day to intentionally listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. Set aside 10 minutes of quiet time daily to read Scripture and pray, asking God to help you recognize His voice above all others. When you find yourself being influenced by other voices or feeling pushed in directions that don't align with God's Word, pause and ask, 'Am I following the Good Shepherd or a hired hand?' Write down instances where you recognize God's guidance as your Shepherd and share with the group next time how this practice affected your week.Key TakeawaysWhen Jesus says 'I AM,' He is identifying Himself as Yahweh (YHWH), the divine name of God revealed to Moses.The Good Shepherd came to get us when we were lost, to lead us rather than push us, and to call us to follow His voice.Unlike hired hands who abandon the sheep in danger, Jesus laid down His life to protect His sheep.We need to discern which voices we're listening to and following in our lives - the Good Shepherd or other influences.The early Christians identified primarily with Jesus as their Good Shepherd, finding comfort and security in this relationship.

Patience - Patient like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Patience - Patient 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 how to cultivate patience in challenging relationships by following Jesus' example. This message explores the concept of relationships as 'hard gifts' - blessings that also challenge us because they involve imperfect people still growing in faith. Learn from Jesus' response in Gethsemane, where He showed remarkable patience with disciples who repeatedly fell asleep during His hour of greatest need. Understand that true patience isn't permissiveness or passivity, but a deliberate response rooted in love and understanding. Explore practical ways to develop Christ-like patience: expecting relationship challenges, remembering God's patience with you, and practicing patience through imagination and reflection. Perfect for anyone struggling with difficult relationships, marriage challenges, church community tensions, or personal growth in Christian virtues. This teaching offers biblical wisdom on patience, forgiveness, community, sanctification, spiritual growth, Christian relationships, emotional regulation, and walking in love. Discover how the messy, non-linear process of sanctification requires patience with ourselves and others as we grow together in faith.Important Verses1 Thessalonians 5:14Matthew 26:36-46Ephesians 4:1-3Hebrews 4:15-16Think about it!How does understanding sanctification as a process help us be more patient with others?What makes it difficult to be patient with other believers in the church?How does remembering Jesus' patience with us help us be more patient with others?In what ways do you see the church as both a 'hard gift'?What's the difference between patience and passive acceptance of wrong behavior?How can we practice 'imaginative patience' in our daily interactions?What role does reflection play in developing greater patience?How can we maintain patience when others repeatedly disappoint us, as the disciples did with Jesus?Apply it!This week, practice 'reflective patience' by pausing before responding in frustrating situations. Take a moment to remember Jesus' patience with you and ask Him to help you respond with similar grace to others. Keep a journal of these moments and how choosing patience impacted the situation.Key TakeawaysExpect that patience will be needed in Christian community - it's normal, not a sign of failureRemember Jesus' ongoing patience with us in our own sanctification processPractice both imaginative and reflective patience in our daily interactionsPatience isn't passive acceptance but loving engagement that promotes growthOur ability to be patient flows from receiving and experiencing Christ's patience with us

Patience - Patient like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week three of the sermon series “Patience - Patient 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 how to imitate Jesus by participating in His mission to seek and save the lost. This message explores why we struggle with impatience when sharing our faith and how to develop Christ-like patience in evangelism. Learn from the disciples' mistake in Luke 9:51-56 when they wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus. Understand how impatience stems from a misalignment between our hearts and Jesus' heart, and between our mission and His mission. Explore God's incredible patience as described in 2 Peter 3:8-9 and why He gives people time to respond to the gospel. Discover practical ways to develop patience in evangelism by remembering Jesus' patience with us and adopting a gardener's mindset—understanding that spiritual growth takes time and isn't under our control. This teaching includes powerful insights from 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Titus 3, Colossians 3:12, and 1 Corinthians 3 about patience, evangelism, gospel sharing, spiritual growth, Christian mission, salvation, God's timing, and spreading the good news. Perfect for Christians seeking to grow in evangelism skills, develop spiritual patience, and better understand God's heart for the lost.Important VersesLuke 9:51-562 Peter 3:9Ephesians 5:1-21 Timothy 1:15-16Think about it!Why do you think we often struggle with being patient when sharing the gospel with others?How does remembering God's patience with us before our salvation help us be more patient with others?What does it mean to have a 'gardener's mindset' when sharing the gospel?How can we maintain patience when faced with rejection while sharing our faith?In what ways have you seen God's patience work in your own journey of faith?What's the connection between being a 'beloved child' and having patience with others?How does our culture's desire for immediate results affect our patience in ministry?What practical steps can we take to grow in patience while sharing the gospel?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your life who may be resistant to the gospel. Commit to praying for them daily and look for opportunities to demonstrate Christ's patient love to them, remembering how patient God was with you before your salvation.Key TakeawaysImpatience often results from misalignment between our heart and Jesus' heartRemembering God's patience with us helps us be patient with othersSharing the gospel requires a gardener's mindset - focusing on faithful planting and watering while trusting God for the growthToday is the day of salvation, not judgment, requiring us to respond with patience rather than condemnation

Patience - Patient like JesusThis message is from Preaching team member Doug Busch in week two of the sermon series “Patience - Patient 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 amDoubt is something we all experience, but how should we respond to it? This message explores Jesus' surprising patience with doubters through the powerful story of Thomas in John 20:24-29. When Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection without physical proof, Jesus didn't dismiss him—He compassionately invited Thomas to touch His wounds, transforming skepticism into profound faith. Discover why doubt can be valuable when approached correctly and how Jesus consistently demonstrated patience with uncertainty throughout His ministry. Learn practical ways to make doubt personal rather than taking it personally, create space for spiritual discovery, and experience the deliverance that comes when doubt is overcome through patience. Whether you're struggling with your own questions or trying to support someone who is doubting, this message offers biblical wisdom for finding faith in uncertainty. Explore how Jesus' approach to doubt differs from our culture's tendency to dismiss skeptics, and gain insights into creating safe spaces for spiritual exploration. Faith doubt Thomas skepticism resurrection evidence belief uncertainty spiritual growth questioning Christianity apologetics discipleship patience understanding spiritual journey religious questions faith crisis biblical answers Jesus Christ gospel truth seeking spiritual doubts overcoming doubt strengthening faithImportant VersesJohn 20:24-29Psalm 103:13Isaiah 55:81 Peter 1:8-9Think about it!How does Jesus' response to Thomas's doubt differ from how we typically respond to those who doubt us?What's the difference between taking something personally and making it personal? How did Jesus demonstrate this?Why do you think Jesus allowed Thomas to physically touch His wounds instead of just expecting him to believe?How can we create safe spaces for others to express their doubts about faith?What's the relationship between patience and faith according to this passage?How might our own doubts actually strengthen our faith when handled properly?In what ways can we imitate Jesus' patience when dealing with skeptics or doubters?How does Jesus' patience with Thomas encourage you in your own faith journey?Apply it!This week, when someone expresses doubt or skepticism about something (faith-related or not), practice making it personal instead of taking it personally. Rather than becoming defensive, engage with them patiently and help them explore their questions, following Jesus' example with Thomas.Key TakeawaysDoubt is powerful and shouldn't be wasted - it can lead to stronger faithJesus allows for doubt even from those closest to HimThe patience of Jesus doesn't dismiss doubters but makes it personalJesus' patience leads to deliverance and deeper faithBeing patient with doubters makes us instruments of God's grace

Patience - Patient like JesusThis message is from Pastor of Care John Spina in week one of the sermon series “Patience - Patient 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 amThe Patience of Jesus: Learning to Wait with Purpose explores how Jesus demonstrates divine patience in Luke 8:40-56. In our instant-gratification culture, patience seems outdated, yet it's a crucial Christian virtue. This message examines how Jesus paused His plans twice—first for Jairus, whose daughter was dying, and then for a woman suffering from a 12-year bleeding condition. Despite delays that resulted in Jairus' daughter being pronounced dead, Jesus remained steadfast, ultimately bringing miraculous healing to both situations. The key insight revealed is that patience and trust are inseparable—greater trust in God produces greater patience in our lives. Scripture consistently emphasizes patience as a fruit of the Spirit and a reflection of God's own character toward us. When Christians develop Christ-like patience, it not only transforms their relationships but also serves as a powerful testimony to God's work in their lives. This message includes practical application questions to help identify areas of impatience and develop strategies for growing in this essential spiritual quality. Discover how patience glorifies God, benefits others, and brings peace to your own life even in challenging circumstances. Christian living, spiritual growth, fruit of the Spirit, biblical patience, Jesus' miracles, faith under pressure, waiting on God, Luke 8, biblical teaching, spiritual transformation, Christian character, trust in God.Important VersesLuke 8:40-56Galatians 5:22-232 Peter 3:9Psalm 139:23-24Think about it!How does Jesus demonstrate patience in His interaction with both Jairus and the woman with the blood issue?Why do you think Jesus stopped to identify who touched Him when He was on His way to help Jairus's daughter?How does faith relate to patience in this passage?What does it mean that Jesus's patience results in His glory and benefits those who follow Him?How does our modern culture's emphasis on immediate gratification affect our ability to be patient?In what ways does God show patience toward us in our spiritual journey?How can we develop more patience in our prayer life?What practical steps can we take to grow in patience this week?Apply it!This week, identify one area in your life where you struggle with patience. Each time you face that situation, pause and pray, asking God to help you respond with the same kind of patience Jesus demonstrated. Keep a journal of how this practice affects your responses and relationships.Key TakeawaysJesus's patience caused Him to stop, listen, and help others even when it interrupted His plansTrust and patience go together - the more we trust God, the more patient we becomePatience is a fruit of the Spirit that God wants to develop in our livesGod's patience toward us leads to salvation and spiritual growthOur growth in patience can be a testimony to others of God's work in our lives

Holiness - Holy like JesusThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Holiness - Holy 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 amOvercoming Temptation: How to Use God's Word as a Weapon explores the critical choice believers face between following feelings or standing on biblical truth. This message examines why our emotions make unreliable spiritual guides and how Jesus modeled the perfect response to temptation in the wilderness. Learn the powerful pattern Jesus established by countering each of Satan's temptations with Scripture, saying 'It is written...' Discover practical steps to identify your specific vulnerabilities to temptation and how to find, memorize, and apply relevant Bible verses as your spiritual defense. This teaching unpacks Jeremiah 17:9, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 119:11, and other key passages that reveal how our hearts can deceive us and why God's Word provides the ultimate protection. Whether you're struggling with temptation in relationships, finances, career decisions, or personal habits, this message offers biblical strategies to overcome the enemy's attacks. Find freedom from emotional decision-making and learn to wield the sword of the Spirit effectively in your daily spiritual battles. Perfect for anyone wanting to strengthen their faith, develop spiritual disciplines, or break free from recurring sin patterns. Christian living, spiritual warfare, Bible study, temptation, spiritual growth, biblical truth, scripture memorization, overcoming sin, Jesus' example, spiritual disciplines.Important VersesHebrews 13:5Jeremiah 17:9-10Psalm 19Deuteronomy 8:3Proverbs 3:5-6Think about it!How does Satan try to manipulate our feelings to lead us away from God's truth?Why is it dangerous to follow our hearts/feelings without filtering them through God's Word?What does it mean that the heart is 'deceitful above all things' (Jeremiah 17:9)?How can we distinguish between emotions that are trustworthy versus those that are deceiving us?What practical steps can we take to better hide God's Word in our hearts?How did Jesus demonstrate the proper use of Scripture as a weapon against temptation?What's the difference between just knowing Scripture and actually using it as a weapon?How can we maintain trust in God's Word when our feelings are telling us something different?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you tend to follow your feelings rather than God's truth. Find and memorize a specific Bible verse that addresses that particular temptation. Practice using this verse as a weapon whenever those feelings arise.Key TakeawaysOur feelings are often unreliable due to sin's corruption of our heartsGod's Word is both true and good - designed for our flourishing, not our restrictionWe must not just know Scripture but learn to use it tactically against specific temptationsEffective use of God's Word requires both taking it up (knowing it) and going under it (submitting to it)Jesus demonstrated perfect resistance to temptation by consistently standing on God's truth

Holiness - Holy like JesusThis message is from Pastor of Care John Spina in week four of the sermon series “Holiness - Holy like Jesus”. This week, John takes a detour from the Holiness series in this once off message about the one thing God asks us about our focus. 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 message of Philippians 3 where Paul reveals the secret to true righteousness. In this powerful exploration of Paul's letter to the Philippians, we uncover how Paul's perspective on righteousness dramatically changed after encountering Christ. Learn about the historical context of the Philippian church, founded during Paul's second missionary journey, and understand why Paul wrote this urgent letter while imprisoned. The message addresses the timeless question: How do we gain righteousness before God? Paul confronts false teachers promoting a 'faith plus works' mentality and uses his own impressive religious background as a case study. Before Christ, Paul had the perfect religious resume - circumcised on the eighth day, from the tribe of Benjamin, a strict Pharisee, and blameless regarding the law. Yet he came to view these credentials as worthless compared to knowing Christ. Explore what it means to have a singular focus on Christ - to know Him intimately, experience His resurrection power, share in His sufferings, and become like Him. This teaching challenges us to examine what we're truly relying on for righteousness and encourages us to press forward in our relationship with Christ, remembering that our standing with God is based on Christ making us His own, not on our efforts to earn His favor. Perfect for anyone struggling with legalism, religious performance, or wondering if they're 'good enough' for God. Keywords: Philippians, Paul, righteousness, faith alone, legalism, religious performance, knowing Christ, singular focus, spiritual growth, Christian identity, faith journey, religious heritage, Pharisee, spiritual priorities.Important VersesPhilippians 3:7-8Philippians 3:10Philippians 3:13-14Psalm 27:4Think about it!What were some of the religious credentials Paul listed about himself, and why did he eventually consider them as 'rubbish'?How do people today try to earn God's favor through their own efforts instead of faith alone?What does Paul mean when he talks about 'forgetting what lies behind'? How can we apply this to our lives?What are the four aspects of Paul's singular focus mentioned in verse 10?How does Paul's transformation from persecutor to pursuer of Christ demonstrate God's power?What does it mean that Christ 'made us His own'? How should this impact our daily lives?What obstacles might prevent us from maintaining a singular focus on Christ?How can we as a church community help each other maintain this singular focus on Christ?Apply it!This week, identify one area of your life where you might be relying on your own efforts or religious performance rather than faith in Christ. Make a conscious decision to surrender that area to God and focus instead on knowing Christ more deeply through prayer and Scripture.TakeawaysRighteousness comes through faith in Christ alone, not through religious heritage or good worksWe should have a singular focus on knowing and following ChristTrue spiritual growth involves knowing Christ, His power, sharing in His sufferings, and becoming like HimWe press on toward Christ because He first made us His ownThis singular focus should be evident in our individual lives, families, and church community