Thrive in College & Career (6)




College campuses can indeed be filled with challenges for young students. As we step into newfound independence and freedom, we encounter a world filled with temptations. From meeting new people and forming friendships to social events and parties, the allure of worldly pleasure can be quite enticing. And let’s not forget about the access to alcohol and other substances, the desire to fit in can lead some of us down dangerous paths.

But we are not alone, for our Lord is here to help us through these trials and temptations. When we face these challenges, it is not always easy to discern right from wrong. Evil has a way of disguising itself, making it hard for us to resist. But our Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides us with the wisdom we need to identify these temptations and make righteous choices. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6, NIV) It is a great blessing to have Him by our side, guiding us through the darkest of times!

1 Corinthians (10:13, NIV) also says: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” When faced with temptation, God will provide a means of escape or endurance so that we can overcome it. Even if we stumble and fail to resist a temptation, fear not, for our loving God forgives us when we come to Him with a repentant heart.

So, let us lean on the wisdom and strength that our Lord provides. When we encounter temptations in this journey called life, let us turn to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance and forgiveness. With His help, we can overcome any temptation that comes our way and walk the path of righteousness.

Yield not to temptation.  Come and join us to build your strength, rely on God and have fellowship with spiritual buddies.  Attend our Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) from September 14 to 17, 2023 at our church location as follows:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.

For regular service hours, please click here.

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org

As you start college life, you begin to make a lot of decisions on your own. One of the most important decisions is choosing friends.  Because you will be spending time with them, they can influence your value system, practices, and priorities.  As Christians, you ought to include God in your major decisions, such as choosing what kind of people to be your friends. How do you choose Godly friends? Be prepared to face challenges and stress from college by building your spiritual buddy support system.  Godly friends help build and strengthen you when you do things that are pleasing to God together.  Where and how do you find friends like that?

With freedom as a young adult entering college comes the lure of temptation.  On the one hand you want the freedom to choose, act and decide but on the other, you may be nervous or even scared to do things on your own.  Temptations can lure you to choices that seem reasonable and attractive but in fact lead to setbacks, downfalls, and failures.  Understanding the nature of temptations, its dangers and how to deal with it can strengthen, increase your faith and reliance on God.  Learn from a brother’s testimony on how he faced, challenged, and transformed himself in the face of temptations.

When it comes to choosing a college, selecting one that is prestigious, top-notch, and better growth for graduate school as well as future career seems reasonable and logical.  How do you factor in other criteria such as familiarity, comfort in fitting in, proximity to home, friends, and spiritual growth?  What is the key deciding factor and why?  How do you handle the transition to college?