Crazy Joy - Finding Eternal Joy in a Temporary World This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two 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 Finding true joy through suffering might seem contradictory, but it's a transformative spiritual principle that changes lives. Discover how embracing challenges with love, obedience, and service leads to lasting fulfillment. Learn practical ways to maintain joy during trials, develop Christ-like character, and find purpose in difficulty. This powerful message explores the connection between suffering and joy, spiritual growth, Christian living, faith journey, biblical teaching, spiritual transformation, purpose in pain, Christian character development, finding meaning in hardship, and living a purpose-driven life. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper spiritual understanding, dealing with trials, or wanting to grow in their faith journey. Gain insights into maintaining peace during difficulties and discovering God's purpose in challenging seasons. Important Verses John 15:8-11 Matthew 7:13-14 1 Peter 2:21 Colossians 3:16 Romans 8:17 Think about it now: What does it mean to you that all humans seek happiness, as Blaise Pascal suggests? How do you differentiate between temporary happiness and lasting joy? Why do you think Jesus spoke about joy in the context of suffering? How can we apply the concept of 'target fixation' in our spiritual lives? What are some ways we can suffer for the right things, as Jesus did? How does abiding in God's love help us endure suffering? Can you share a time when suffering led to a deeper joy or understanding in your life? What steps can we take to ensure our life's purpose aligns with glorifying God? How to apply it: This week, identify one area in your life where you can choose to suffer for the right reasons—whether it's through serving others, obeying God's commands, or loving sacrificially. Reflect on how this choice can lead to a deeper joy. Don't forget! True joy is found in choosing the right kind of suffering. Jesus' joy was complete even in the shadow of the cross. Abiding in God's love is essential for enduring suffering. Our life's purpose should be to glorify God. Suffering can enhance our ability to reflect Christ and point others to Him.

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.