This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from Joshua 2:1-21.Key VersesJoshua 2:1-21Joshua 2:11John 8:31-32Hebrews 7:22John 1:1-3QuestionsWhat made Rahab such an unlikely candidate to be part of God's family, and why do you think God chose her?How do you think Rahab's background as a Canaanite prostitute affected how others viewed her potential for faith?What stories of God's power had Rahab heard that led to her confession of faith? How do stories impact our own faith journey?Rahab showed incredible courage in protecting the spies and betraying her own nation. What does this teach us about the cost of following God?Pastor Jared mentions that we often take the 'path of least resistance' in evangelism. What are some examples of this in your own life?How does Rahab's urgency in reaching her family challenge our approach to sharing faith with those close to us?What does the scarlet cord symbolize, and how does it connect to Jesus' sacrifice for us?Pastor Jared asks 'If you don't [reach out], who will?' How does this question challenge you personally regarding the people in your life who need to hear the gospel?Life ApplicationThis week, take one concrete step toward reaching someone who seems unlikely or far from God. This could be picking up a 'Reach Bag' and prayerfully considering who to give it to, having a conversation where you share a story of God's freedom or victory in your life, or simply inviting someone to church. Don't let fear or assumptions about their receptiveness stop you from being obedient to God's call to be a faithful witness.Key TakeawaysGod often chooses the most unlikely people to be part of His family and accomplish His purposesWe cannot trust our own limited vision when it comes to who might be open to the gospelSharing stories of God's freedom and victory is a powerful way to help others recognize who God isTrue faith leads to urgent action in reaching others, especially our own family membersThe scarlet cord represents God's covenant of salvation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus' blood shed for us-------------------------------------------------------------------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 Genesis 38:12-26.Key VersesGenesis 38:12-26John 1:12Ecclesiastes 2:11 QuestionsHow does understanding that Jesus chose His family lineagechange your perspective on who belongs in God's family?What promises has the world made to you that have left youdisappointed? How have you responded to those broken promises?In what ways do you see yourself in Tamar's story ofdisappointment and taking matters into her own hands?Why do you think God included such scandalous stories inJesus' genealogy rather than only highlighting the 'good' people?How does chronic disappointment in life sometimes lead ustoward sin or unhealthy coping mechanisms?Who in your life have you written off as 'too far gone' forGod's grace? How might this story challenge that assumption?What does it mean that Jesus wants 'all of you' rather thanjust your money, time, or good behavior?How can recognizing our deep need for fulfillment actuallypoint us toward Christ rather than away from Him? Life ApplicationThis week, identify one area where you've been seekingfulfillment outside of Christ - whether through relationships, career success, possessions, or other means. Surrender that area to Jesus in prayer each day, asking Him to be your ultimate source of satisfaction. Also, reach out to one person you may have written off as 'too far gone' and show them Christ's love through a simple act of kindness or genuine conversation. Key TakeawaysJesus chose scandalous people like Tamar to be part of Hisfamily lineage, showing that God's grace extends to the unexpectedDisappointment and broken promises often drive us to seekfulfillment through sinful means, but they can also point us toward our need for ChristThe world's promises will always disappoint, but Jesusoffers the one promise that cannot be broken - belonging to His familyWe shouldn't presume to know who belongs at Jesus' table orwho is too far gone for God's graceTrue fulfillment comes only through surrendering our entirelives to Jesus, not through partial commitments or worldly pursuits-------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Director of Student Ministries Jayson Cromer. The scripture reference is from Acts 6:1-7.

Key Verses

Acts 6:1-7

1 Corinthians 12

Romans 12

Questions

What are some ways that conflicts or 'factions' can developin churches today, and how might they start small but grow into bigger problems?

The Hellenistic Jews felt their widows were being neglected.How important is it to speak up when we see unfairness or feel excluded in church settings?

The apostles said it wasn't right for them to 'give uppreaching the word of God to serve tables.' How do we balance staying focused on our calling while still being willing to serve wherever needed?

What does it mean to you that there is 'dignity in all parts' of the church body? How does this challenge or encourage you?

The apostles empowered others to solve the problem ratherthan handling it themselves. When is it wise for leaders to delegate, and when should they handle things personally?

All seven men chosen had Greek names, meaning the very group that felt excluded became part of the solution. What does this teach us about how God can use conflict for good?

Jayson mentioned that the best way to find your calling isto 'serve.' What opportunities to serve have helped you discover your gifts or passions?

How can we avoid the 'wombat method' of sticking our headsin the sand when conflicts arise, while also not creating unnecessary drama?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you can serve at churchor in your community. If you're already serving, consider how you can encourage someone else to discover their calling by inviting them to serve alongside you.

Also, if there's a conflict or tension you've been avoiding, pray about whether God is calling you to address it in a loving, constructive way.

Key Takeaways

Conflicts in the church must be addressed head-on ratherthan ignored, as they can grow and threaten unity if left unchecked

Effective leadership involves empowering others to serveaccording to their calling rather than trying to handle every problem personally

Every member of the church body has dignity and an important role to play in advancing God's mission

The best way to discover your calling is to start servingsomewhere and see where God leads

When conflicts are handled with wisdom and unity, they canactually strengthen the church and advance its mission

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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 5:17-32.

Key VersesActs 5:19-20Acts 5:29Acts 5:41-42QuestionsThe angel told the apostles to go back to the exact place they were arrested and preach 'the words of life.' How do you think you would have responded to that command?

Peter said 'We must obey God rather than men.' What are some areas in your life where you feel tension between obeying God and pleasing people?

The apostles rejoiced after being beaten for their faith. What does this teach us about finding joy in obedience, even when it's costly?

The religious leaders could only hear accusation when the gospel was preached, not the offer of forgiveness. Why do you think self-righteousness is such a barrier to the gospel?

How can we develop a 'reflex for obedience' like the apostles had, where we automatically choose to follow God's way?

Pastor Jared mentioned that we live in a comfortable society that struggles to understand the concept of needing forgiveness. How does this affect how we share the gospel today?

What kinds of resistance have you experienced (or do you fear experiencing) when trying to share your faith or live out your Christian values?

The passage ends with the apostles continuing to teach 'in the temple and from house to house' - both publicly and privately. How can we apply this balance in our own witness?Life ApplicationThis week, identify one specific area where you've been choosing to please people rather than obey God. It might be in sharing your faith, standing up for biblical values, or simply living out your Christian identity more boldly. Take one concrete step to 'obey God rather than men' in that situation, and be prepared to share with the group how God worked through your obedience, regardless of the response you received.Key TakeawaysEven though Satan's head has been crushed through Christ's victory, he still strikes back with dying thrashes that can cause real harm

Our job is not to force open doors but to be available and obedient when God opens them

The principle 'We must obey God rather than men' should become a reflex that guides all our decisions

Self-righteousness is one of the greatest barriers to people receiving the gospel message

Persistence in obedience, not numerical success, should be our measure of faithfulness in ministry

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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 5:1-11.

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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 GP Lead Pastor Dan Painter. The scripture reference is from Acts 4:21-31.

# Key Verses

Acts 4:21-31

1 Peter 4:12

John 15:20

Matthew 28:18-20

John 14:1

Joshua 1:9

Questions

Pastor Dan Painter mentioned that 78% of Grace Point attendees haven't shared their faith in six months to never.

What do you think are the main barriers that keep Christians from sharing their faith?

When facing difficult situations, what is typically your first response? How does this compare to the early church's immediate turn to prayer?

The early church prayed about God's sovereignty even while facing threats. How can remembering God's sovereignty help us when we face opposition or fear?

What's the difference between worldly boldness and kingdom boldness? Can you think of examples of each?

The sermon emphasized praying for our enemies and those who persecute us. Why is this important, and how might it change our perspective on difficult people in our lives?

How does understanding that we are 'servants' rather than owners of our lives change the way we approach prayer and decision-making?

Pastor Dan challenged us to pray for five people who don't know Jesus. What fears or hesitations do you have about praying for and reaching out to non-believers?

In what ways might God be calling you to be more faithful in sharing the gospel in your everyday life - at work, in your neighborhood, or with family and friends?

Life Application

This week, identify five people in your life who don't know Jesus and commit to praying for them daily. Use the My5 card mentioned in the sermon or create your own list. Pray specifically for opportunities to share the gospel with them, for God to work in their hearts, and for boldness to speak when those opportunities arise. Also, make prayer your first response when facing any challenges this week, rather than trying to solve everything on your own first.

Key Takeaways

Persecution of Christians is increasing globally and we should expect it, not be surprised by it, as Jesus warned us this would happen

We can be bold as faithful witnesses because God provides power through prayer - prayer should be our first response, not our last resort

Effective prayer includes five elements: praying truth with trust, submitting to God's will, praying for His purpose (the mission), praying for His power (boldness), and praying for the lost

The church's weakness often stems from prayerlessness - we know we should pray but often don't actually do it consistently

Our mission is to share the gospel with everyone everywhere we go, and this requires God's power which comes through depending on Him in prayer

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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 3:1-10.

# Key Verses

Acts 3:1-10

Acts 3:16

Questions

The lame man had been sitting at the Beautiful Gate dailyfor years. What does this tell us about his mindset and expectations? How might we sometimes settle for 'sitting outside the gate' in our spiritual lives?

Peter said 'I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.' What does this reveal about the source of true power and healing? How can we apply this principle in our own lives?

The sermon mentioned that sin makes us 'look at the ground'and avoid eye contact. How does shame from our past mistakes keep us from authentic relationships with God and others?

Why do you think Jesus walked by this man multiple timesbefore healing him through Peter and John? What does this teach us about God's timing?

The man immediately began 'walking and leaping and praising God.' How should restoration in our lives lead to visible change and worship?

Peter made direct eye contact with the beggar and said 'lookat us.' Why is this significant, and how can we practice truly 'seeing' people who are hurting around us?

The sermon described humanity as designed to be 'kings andqueens of creation.' How does sin prevent us from fulfilling our intended purpose, and how does restoration through Christ change this?

What are some 'scraps' that people in our culture settle forinstead of seeking true restoration through Jesus? How can we help others see they're worth more than these temporary fixes?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who seems to be'sitting on the mat' - struggling with discouragement, addiction, broken relationships, or feeling distant from God. Make intentional eye contact with them, ask how they're really doing, and be prepared to listen. Look for an opportunity to share how Jesus has brought restoration to your own life, and offer to pray with them or invite them to take a step toward healing through Christ.

Key Takeaways

We are all born with the spiritual dysfunction of sin,making us unable to fulfill our intended purpose without divine intervention

Like the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, we often settle for'scraps' and sit outside God's presence instead of entering into relationship with Him

True restoration comes only through the name and power ofJesus Christ - no human effort or good works can heal our spiritual condition

Jesus has the authority as the 'author of life' to completely restore us to our intended function as image-bearers of God

Once restored, we are called to help others up by making eyecontact with hurting people and offering them the hope of Jesus

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Welcome to Grace Pointe! We're so happy you could join us onlineMore 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 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