Home for ChristmasThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one of the sermon series “Home for Christmas”. 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 shocking story behind Christmas that most people never hear about. While we typically focus on the nativity scene, the Christmas story actually begins with a scandalous genealogy in Matthew 1 that includes some of the most dysfunctional people in the Bible. This deep dive into Genesis 38 reveals the story of Judah and Tamar—a tale involving deception, sexual immorality, and family breakdown that seems completely out of place in the Christmas narrative.Learn why God intentionally included this controversial story in Jesus' family tree and what it teaches us about grace, redemption, and hope for broken people. This biblical exposition explores themes of family dysfunction, moral failure, and God's incredible grace that transforms even the most scandalous situations into part of His redemptive plan.Key topics covered include the significance of biblical genealogies, the cultural context of ancient marriage customs, the destructive patterns people use to cope with dysfunction, and how Christmas represents God's breakthrough into human brokenness. Perfect for anyone struggling with family issues, moral failures, or wondering if God can use broken people.Whether you're dealing with family dysfunction, personal moral struggles, or simply want to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond the traditional nativity story, this message reveals how God's grace extends to the most unlikely people. Discover why the Christmas story is ultimately about hope for moral failures and God's incredible ability to bring beauty from ashes.Ideal for Christmas season reflection, biblical study groups, or anyone interested in Old Testament stories that connect to the New Testament gospel message.Important VersesMatthew 1:1-3Genesis 38:26Romans 3:23Romans 6:23Think about it!Why do you think God chose to include scandalous stories like Judah and Tamar's in Jesus' genealogy?The pastor mentioned that we often treat the Bible like a 'moral storybook.' How does this story challenge that approach?What does it mean that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'? How is this more than just not measuring up to a standard?Which of the five dysfunctional ways of dealing with problems (avoidance, medication, revenge, masking, harsh judgment) do you most struggle with?How does Judah's statement 'she is more righteous than I' reveal the problem with comparing ourselves to others rather than to God's standard?How does Jesus' response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8) demonstrate the heart of the Christmas message?What would it look like to stop using 'dysfunction to solve dysfunction' in your current relationships or struggles?Apply it!This week, identify one area where you've been trying to solve a problem through dysfunctional means (avoidance, medication, revenge, masking, or harsh judgment). Instead of continuing that pattern, bring that situation to God in prayer and ask Him to show you how to respond with the grace and love He has shown you.Key TakeawaysEveryone is dysfunctional - all have sinned and fall short of God's gloryDysfunction is destructive - we cannot solve our brokenness through broken meansChristmas represents God's breakthrough - Jesus came to save hopeless moral failuresSalvation is received as a gift, not earned through good behavior

ACTS - PowerThis message is from Executive Pastor Jim George in week eight of the sermon series “Acts - Power”. 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 how the early church in Acts 6 transformed criticism into growth and mission advancement. When Greek-speaking widows were overlooked in food distribution, the apostles didn't get defensive or make excuses. Instead, they demonstrated humble leadership by listening to complaints, acknowledging problems, and involving the entire congregation in finding solutions. Learn powerful principles for church leadership, conflict resolution, and community care that remain relevant for modern congregations. This biblical example shows how addressing physical needs differs from humanitarian work by focusing on eternal purposes and spiritual conversations. The apostles appointed seven Spirit-filled men to handle food distribution, recognizing that ministry belongs to the whole church body, not just leaders. Explore how caring for physical needs builds trust, demonstrates God's love, and creates opportunities for gospel conversations. The remarkable results included rapid church growth and many priests coming to faith, proving that humble responses to criticism strengthen witness and advance God's kingdom. Perfect for church leaders, ministry teams, and anyone interested in biblical leadership principles, conflict resolution, community care, and church growth strategies. Important VersesActs 6:1-71 Peter 2:9Hebrews 10:25Matthew 14:13-21John 4:1-42Think about it!How does the early church's response to criticism in Acts 6 challenge or encourage you in how you handle feedback in your own life?The pastor mentioned that 'there's no finish line to health' for churches. What does this mean to you, and how might this apply to our personal spiritual growth?What's the difference between humanitarian work and church work as described in the sermon? Why is this distinction important?The apostles demonstrated humility by listening to complaints and recognizing their limitations. Where in your life do you need to show more humility in receiving feedback or acknowledging your limitations?How can we as a church better identify and address the physical needs of people in our community while maintaining our spiritual mission?What are some practical ways we can build 'relational bridges' with our neighbors, coworkers, or community members that could lead to spiritual conversations?Apply it!This week, identify one person in your 'list of five' (neighbors, coworkers, or community members) and look for a practical way to show God's love through meeting a physical or practical need they have. This could be as simple as bringing them a meal, helping with a task, or offering encouragement during a difficult time. As you serve them, pray for opportunities to build a deeper relationship that could lead to spiritual conversations. Also, spend time in prayer asking God to show you how you can better contribute to the mission of Grace Point beyond Sunday attendance.Key TakeawaysCompassionate care begins with humility - being open to feedback and acknowledging our limitationsThe church must address physical needs of others, following Jesus's example of caring for the whole personCompassionate care is the job of the entire church body, not just the staff or leadershipChurch work differs from humanitarian work by maintaining a spiritual mission focus that leads people to eternal life through relationship with God

ACTS - PowerThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week seven of the sermon series “Acts - Power”. 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 how gratitude transforms persecution from intimidation into opportunity for faithful Christian witness. This powerful message explores why following Jesus leads to suffering and how the early church found joy in persecution. Learn biblical principles for rejoicing in difficult circumstances and maintaining faithful witness despite opposition. The apostles in Acts 5 were beaten for preaching about Jesus yet left rejoicing, continuing their mission without ceasing. Find out how persecution creates unique evangelism opportunities, why suffering for Christ is a privilege, and how eternal security provides stability in every storm. Explore practical ways to practice gratitude in challenges, transform complaints into thanksgiving, and develop supernatural joy that removes persecution's power as Satan's intimidation tool. This message reveals five key reasons to give thanks during persecution: unique witnessing opportunities, suffering for One who is worthy, unshakeable heavenly security, proven divine promises, and being counted worthy for spiritual battle. Perfect for Christians facing opposition, church leaders encouraging persecuted believers, or anyone wanting to understand biblical perspectives on suffering and joy. Learn how gratitude fuels faithful witness and discover practical applications for rejoicing always and giving thanks in all circumstances. Essential viewing for understanding Christian persecution, biblical joy, faithful witness under pressure, and supernatural gratitude that transforms suffering into worship.Important VersesActs 5:29Acts 5:41-421 Thessalonians 5:16-181 Peter 4:12-13John 15:20Think about it!The pastor mentioned that persecution is 'when' not 'if' for faithful Christians. How does this challenge or change your perspective on living out your faith?In Acts 5:29, Peter says 'We must obey God rather than men.' Can you think of a situation where you've had to choose between pleasing people and obeying God? How did you handle it?The apostles rejoiced after being beaten for preaching the gospel. What makes it possible for someone to have joy in the midst of suffering for their faith?The sermon mentions five reasons we can give thanks during persecution. Which of these five resonates most with you and why?How can persecution actually provide unique opportunities for witnessing that we wouldn't have otherwise?The pastor talked about our security in heaven being unaffected by earthly circumstances. How does this truth impact the way you face difficult situations?The message emphasizes rejoicing 'always' and giving thanks 'in all circumstances.' What are some practical ways we can develop this kind of gratitude in our daily lives?Apply it!This week, practice the command from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 by intentionally rejoicing and giving thanks in at least one difficult or challenging situation you face. Look for opportunities to share God's goodness with others, even when circumstances aren't ideal. Consider how you can prepare your heart now for potential future persecution by developing a habit of finding reasons to praise God in all circumstances.Key TakeawaysPersecution is inevitable for faithful Christians who live out the Great CommissionWe can remain bold witnesses through the power of right rejoicing, especially during suffering for Christ