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.