{"id":10773,"date":"2025-03-03T21:18:33","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T03:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/?page_id=10773"},"modified":"2025-03-03T23:08:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T05:08:41","slug":"2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-1-ia-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-1-ia-1\/","title":{"rendered":"\u9748\u6027\u6210\u9577 \u7b2c\u4e00\u8f2a 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"10773\" class=\"elementor elementor-10773\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-604175e7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"604175e7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-60bbce02\" data-id=\"60bbce02\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a01556a elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"2a01556a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div class=\"trp_language_switcher_shortcode\">\n<div class=\"trp-language-switcher trp-language-switcher-container\" data-no-translation >\n    <div class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-current-language\">\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-disabled-language trp-ls-disabled-language\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/zh_TW.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_TW\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\t\t<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-language\">\n                <a href=\"#\" class=\"trp-ls-shortcode-disabled-language trp-ls-disabled-language\"  title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/zh_TW.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_TW\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\t\t<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10773#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"English\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/en_US.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"en_US\" title=\"English\"> English        <\/a>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10773#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"trp-flag-image\" src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/translatepress-multilingual\/assets\/images\/flags\/zh_CN.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_CN\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587        <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <script type=\"application\/javascript\">\n        \/\/ need to have the same with set from JS on both divs. Otherwise it can push stuff around in HTML\n        var trp_ls_shortcodes = document.querySelectorAll('.trp_language_switcher_shortcode .trp-language-switcher');\n        if ( trp_ls_shortcodes.length > 0) {\n            \/\/ get the last language switcher added\n            var trp_el = trp_ls_shortcodes[trp_ls_shortcodes.length - 1];\n\n            var trp_shortcode_language_item = trp_el.querySelector( '.trp-ls-shortcode-language' )\n            \/\/ set width\n            var trp_ls_shortcode_width                                               = trp_shortcode_language_item.offsetWidth + 16;\n            trp_shortcode_language_item.style.width                                  = trp_ls_shortcode_width + 'px';\n            trp_el.querySelector( '.trp-ls-shortcode-current-language' ).style.width = trp_ls_shortcode_width + 'px';\n\n            \/\/ We're putting this on display: none after we have its width.\n            trp_shortcode_language_item.style.display = 'none';\n        }\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br><br><br><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-47720ee9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"47720ee9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b723b77\" data-id=\"b723b77\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c042752 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5c042752\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Spiritual13-ia1-EN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><\/p><p><strong><b>James 1:2-4<\/b><\/strong><br \/><em><i>&#8220;My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.&#8221;<\/i><\/em><\/p><p>God tests our faith because we don\u2019t always know its strength. Trials reveal our weaknesses and help us grow. Without tests, there\u2019s no growth. The testing of faith produces steadfastness, which builds character. Without character, we fail. Tests force us to change, shaping us into who God wants us to be.<\/p><p><strong><b>The greatest test<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0recorded in Scripture was Abraham\u2019s in <strong><b>Genesis 22:1-2<\/b><\/strong>:<br \/><em><i>&#8220;Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, &#8216;Abraham!&#8217; And he said, &#8216;Here I am.&#8217; Then He said, &#8216;Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.&#8217;\u201d<\/i><\/em><\/p><p><strong><b>The First Test: What\u2019s Most Important in Your Heart?<\/b><\/strong><\/p><p>Tests can come in times of hardship\u2014loss, divorce, stress\u2014but also in times of comfort, when life is smooth, and faith weakens. Abraham had waited 25 years for a son. He finally had Isaac, the promised child. Life was good. But was his faith strong?<\/p><p>When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, He tested whether Abraham loved God more than his son. What is your &#8220;Isaac\u201d &#8212; your career, hobby, family, wealth? If God asked for it, would you surrender it?<\/p><p>A common test today might be a job that conflicts with faith\u2014like working on the Sabbath. Some serve God wholeheartedly when single but drift away when responsibilities increase. Parents who once prioritized worship may let a child\u2019s routine take precedence, weakening their own faith. God wants to see what holds the highest place in your heart.<\/p><p><strong><b>The Second Test: Do You Have Faith in Him?<\/b><\/strong><\/p><p>Sacrifices were common in Abraham\u2019s time, even among pagans who offered their children to false gods. Yet God had promised that through Isaac, a great nation would arise. Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. His faith rested in God&#8217;s faithfulness.<\/p><p><strong><b>Hebrews 11:17-19<\/b><\/strong><br \/><em><i>&#8220;By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son\u2026 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.&#8221;<\/i><\/em><\/p><p>The test wasn\u2019t about love, it was about faith. Would Abraham trust God even when the command seemed impossible?<\/p><p>Tests can feel unreasonable, even unbearable. You may wonder if you\u2019ll survive. But God wants you to believe in Him. Whatever He takes away, He can restore.<\/p><p><strong><b>Abraham\u2019s Response<\/b><\/strong><\/p><p>Genesis 22:3 tells us Abraham rose early in the morning\u2014he didn\u2019t hesitate. He didn\u2019t tell Sarah, knowing she might stop him. Sometimes, if someone might weaken your faith, it\u2019s best not to share. Yet if their faith is stronger, they can support you.<\/p><p>Abraham journeyed three days to Mt. Moriah. He had ample time to change his mind but didn\u2019t. He left his servants behind so they wouldn\u2019t interfere. Similarly, we must remove obstacles to faith.<\/p><p>The greatest test came when Isaac asked, <em><i>&#8220;Where is the lamb?&#8221;<\/i><\/em>\u00a0Abraham answered, <em><i>&#8220;God will provide.&#8221;<\/i><\/em>\u00a0True faith doesn\u2019t overthink; it trusts in God&#8217;s provision.<\/p><p>At the altar, Isaac displayed faith like his father. He allowed himself to be bound, showing complete trust. Abraham, unwavering, raised the knife\u2014but God intervened.<\/p><p><strong><b>Genesis 22:12-14<\/b><\/strong><br \/><em><i>&#8220;Do not lay your hand on the lad\u2026 for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.&#8221;<\/i><\/em><\/p><p>Abraham saw a ram caught in the thicket\u2014God had provided.<\/p><p><strong><b>Your Test Today<\/b><\/strong><\/p><p>When trials come, do you fear God, or do you fear losing what He gave you? He tests us not to harm us but to strengthen our faith. If you pass, you will see His provision. The truth is, He has already provided. He will continue to test you until you understand.<\/p><p>So, give God your best\u2014not your leftovers.<\/p><p><strong><b>Join Us and be Strong to Face Tests<\/b><\/strong><\/p><p>We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC)\u2014a time of worship, fellowship, and deepening our trust and faith in God. \u00a0Bring your family and friends as we learn how to create a Christ-centered life at home, work and beyond. \u00a0Save the date, we look forward to seeing you! \u00a0<\/p><p>Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM<br \/>Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM<br \/>Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM<\/p><p>Please find our church location below:<\/p><p><strong>4N550 Church Road<br \/>Bensenville,\u00a0IL\u00a060106<br \/><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/True+Jesus+Church+Chicago\/@41.945266,-87.9536702,18.39z\/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x880fb39f5fbd433d:0x72d82c41e185bf3e!2s4+S+Church+Rd,+Bensenville,+IL+60106!3b1!8m2!3d41.9448745!4d-87.9534209!3m5!1s0x880fb3a1e4e2dd49:0xd44299b704de1192!8m2!3d41.9453743!4d-87.9533863!16s%2Fg%2F1tdn02z1?hl=en\"><strong>Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday)\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/service\/live-sabbath-service\/\">services online<\/a>\u00a0or in-person.<\/p><p>Friday Evening Service:\u00a0 7:50PM \u2013 9:00PM<\/p><p>Saturday Morning Service:\u00a0 10:50AM \u2013 12:00Noon<\/p><p>Saturday Afternoon Service:\u00a0 1:30PM \u2013 2:40PM<\/p><p>Email us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org\">ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-33ea742f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"33ea742f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-75625243\" data-id=\"75625243\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-467df466 elementor-button-success elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"467df466\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Back to Landing Page<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>James 1:2-4&#8220;My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.&#8221; God tests our faith because we don\u2019t always know its strength. Trials reveal our weaknesses and help [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10773","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-06 10:37:39","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10773"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10773"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10777,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10773\/revisions\/10777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}