Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two 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 Discover how to find true peace by trusting in God's provision, power, and purpose. Many struggle with peace because they rely on their own strength and resources. In John 6, Jesus teaches His disciples about true peace through the miracle of feeding the 5,000, showing that faith in God's provision can turn the impossible into possible. Learn to break free from a scarcity mindset and adopt an abundant mindset, trusting that God will provide everything you need. Reflect on the cross, where God did not spare His own Son, and embrace His provision in your life. Step into challenges with faith, knowing that He will supply all your needs to fulfill His purpose. Important Verses 1. John 6:1-14 2. 1 Peter 2:21 3. Colossians 3:15 4. Philippians 4:11-13 5. 2 Corinthians 9:8 Think about it! 1. What does the story of feeding the 5,000 teach us about God's provision? 2. How can we identify and overcome a scarcity mindset in our own lives? 3. In what ways does God give us more than we can handle, and why? 4. How does trusting in God's provision lead to peace? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? 6. How can we apply the lesson of abundance in our daily lives? 7. What role does faith play in experiencing God's peace? 8. How can we be peace givers in our communities? Apply it! This week, identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed and consciously choose to trust God with it. Take a step of faith by acting on His promises, whether it's through giving, serving, or simply letting go of control. Don't forget: 1. God often gives us more than we can handle to teach us reliance on Him. 2. True peace comes from trusting in God's provision and power. 3. A scarcity mindset can hinder us from experiencing God's peace. 4. An abundant mindset acknowledges that God will provide all we need. 5. Faith in God's promises is essential for living a life of peace.

Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one 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 In a world overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, finding peace can seem unattainable. Yet, God commands us to 'not be afraid,' reminding us that we were designed for peace. This message delves into why fear and anxiety are prevalent and how they stem from a broken relationship with God. Discover how Jesus, the 'Prince of Peace,' offers a unique peace that exists within our busy lives, not by removing responsibilities but by aligning our lives with God's design. Learn practical steps to achieve this peace by seeing, receiving, and imitating Jesus' peace through prayer and prioritizing God's will. Important Verses 1. Isaiah 9:6 2. Luke 10:38-42 3. Mark 1:29-39 4. John 14:27 5. 2 Corinthians 5:21 To Think About: 1. Why do you think God repeats the command 'Do not be afraid' so often in the Bible? 2. How does the concept of 'shalom' differ from our usual understanding of peace? 3. What are some ways we try to cover our insecurities with activity? 4. How can we find our identity in Christ rather than in our achievements? 5. What does it mean to live for an audience of one? 6. How can prayer help us realign our lives with God's peace? 7. What are some practical steps we can take to prioritize God's will in our daily lives? 8. How can we support each other in our struggles with stress and anxiety? Apply it! This week, take time each day to sit quietly in prayer, focusing on your identity as a beloved child of God. Reflect on how you can prioritize God's will in your daily activities and responsibilities. Key Takeaways 1. God's repeated command to not be afraid highlights our design for peace. 2. Stress and anxiety stem from a broken relationship with God and a misplaced identity. 3. True peace comes from receiving God's grace and living for His approval. 4. Prayer is essential for maintaining peace and aligning with God's will. 5. Living for an audience of one helps us prioritize what truly matters.

Peace on Earth - The Gift of Jesus This message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week two 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 Discover how to find peace amidst life's unexpected challenges by exploring the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4. Life often brings anxiety and stress, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers a way to navigate through these storms. Learn about the importance of surrendering to Jesus' plan and promises, and how His presence and protection can bring comfort and security. Reflect on key biblical promises and practical steps to let go of anxieties and embrace peace. Important Verses to Note: 1. John 14:27 2. Colossians 3:15 3. Mark 4:35-41 4. John 16:33 5. 1 Peter 2:21 Have you thought through these questions? 1. How do you typically react when things don't go as planned? 2. What are some expectations you have about life that often lead to disappointment? 3. How can we find peace in the midst of life's storms? 4. What does it mean to surrender to Jesus' plan and promises? 5. How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? 6. Why is it important to acknowledge the promise of pain in our lives? 7. How can we use our experiences of pain to help others? 8. What role does prayer play in finding peace during difficult times? Apply it! This week, identify one area of your life where you are struggling to find peace. Spend time in prayer, surrendering this area to God, and ask for His peace to rule in your heart. Reflect on His promises and trust in His plan for you. Finally...Remember: 1. Life often doesn't go as planned, leading to anxiety and stress. 2. The promise of Christmas is the promise of peace through Jesus. 3. Surrendering to Jesus' plan and promises is essential for experiencing peace. 4. Pain and challenges are part of life, but they can lead to growth and deeper faith. 5. Prayer and trust in God's will are crucial for maintaining peace in difficult times.