{"id":11177,"date":"2025-03-28T21:45:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T02:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/?page_id=11177"},"modified":"2025-03-28T22:43:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T03:43:41","slug":"2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3-ia-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3-ia-1\/","title":{"rendered":"\u9748\u6027\u6210\u9577 1"},"content":{"rendered":"<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 loading=\"lazy\" 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 loading=\"lazy\" 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\/11177#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"English\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" 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\/11177#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" 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<p><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2025S_SpiritualGrowth_3_IA_1_EN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Now Is the Time to Bear Fruit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Gardening can be a rewarding experience\u2014planting, watering, and watching for fruit to grow. But imagine nurturing a fruit tree for years, only to find the fruit bitter or sour. All that effort feels wasted, and you&#8217;re tempted to cut the tree down.<\/p>\n<p>Jesus used this very image to describe our spiritual lives. Like trees, we are expected to grow and bear fruit. But what kind of fruit are we producing? Is it sweet and pleasing to God, or dry and bitter?<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Parable of the Fig Tree: Act Now<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Luke 13:6\u20139<\/strong>, Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that bore no fruit for three years. The owner wanted to cut it down, seeing it as a waste of space and resources. But the keeper pleaded for one more year to care for it.<\/p>\n<p>This parable reminds us that while God is patient, He also expects results. \u201cI\u2019ll serve God later\u201d may be too late. We must act now\u2014while we still have the chance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Abide in Jesus and His Word<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Jesus said,<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cI am the vine, you are the branches.\u00a0 He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.\u201d<\/em> <em>(John 15:5)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Our spiritual growth depends on our connection with Him. But how do we stay connected when He\u2019s no longer physically with us?<\/p>\n<p>He explains in <strong>John 15:7<\/strong>,<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cIf you abide in Me, and My words abide in you\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To abide in Jesus is to treasure and live by His word. If God&#8217;s word no longer moves or challenges us, then our hearts may have grown dull.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Condition of Our Hearts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Matthew 13<\/strong>, Jesus compares our hearts to soil in the Parable of the Sower.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some seeds fall by the wayside\u2014quickly snatched away by the devil.<\/li>\n<li>Others fall on stony ground\u2014initially received with joy, but wither under pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Some fall among thorns\u2014choked by worldly worries and desires.<\/li>\n<li>Only seeds that fall on good ground take root and bear abundant fruit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Which type of soil describes your heart today?<\/strong><br \/>We must clear away the stones and thorns\u2014spiritual distractions and worldly desires\u2014that hinder growth.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Remove Carnal Desires<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Paul reminds us in <strong>Romans 7:4\u20135<\/strong> that our old sinful passions bear fruit to death. But through Christ, these passions can be crucified.<\/p>\n<p>After baptism, we are called to live by the Spirit\u2014not by the flesh. Yet many of us cling to our old ways, treating sinful desires as precious.<\/p>\n<p>But <strong>Galatians 5:16<\/strong> offers hope:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cWalk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Through the Holy Spirit, we receive strength to overcome sin and bear good fruit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Support One Another<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Spiritual growth isn\u2019t meant to be a solo effort. Hebrews encourages us to meet often, stirring one another to love and good works.<\/p>\n<p>Whether during spiritual convocations or informal fellowship, we can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pray together<\/li>\n<li>Share testimonies<\/li>\n<li>Reflect on God\u2019s word<\/li>\n<li>Encourage one another in love<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These habits strengthen our walk and help us grow fruitfully as a body of Christ.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Embrace Trials and Discipline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Finally, trials and God\u2019s discipline are part of bearing fruit.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>1 Peter 1:6\u20139<\/strong>, we are reminded that trials refine our faith, making it more precious than gold.<\/p>\n<p>And <strong>Hebrews 12:11<\/strong> tells us:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cNo chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t reject trials or discipline. Embrace them as God\u2019s way of cultivating your heart to produce lasting fruit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What fruit are you bearing today?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are you rooted in Christ?<\/li>\n<li>Nourished by His word?<\/li>\n<li>Empowered by the Holy Spirit?<\/li>\n<li>Enduring God\u2019s trials and discipline with faith?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now is the time to bear fruit\u2014while the keeper still pleads on your behalf. Don\u2019t delay. Produce fruit worthy of the Lord\u2019s vineyard.<\/p>\n<p>Come join us for the Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-1\/\">spiritual growth<\/a> and bear fruits for God.\u00a0 <strong>We look forward to seeing you!<\/strong><\/p>\n<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>\n<p>Please find our church location below:<\/p>\n<p><strong>True Jesus Church<br \/>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>\n<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>\n<p>Friday Evening Service:\u00a0 7:50PM \u2013 9:00PM<\/p>\n<p>Saturday Morning Service:\u00a0 10:50AM \u2013 12:00Noon<\/p>\n<p>Saturday Afternoon Service:\u00a0 1:30PM \u2013 2:40PM<\/p>\n<p>Email us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org\">ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBack to Landing Page<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Now Is the Time to Bear Fruit Gardening can be a rewarding experience\u2014planting, watering, and watching for fruit to grow. But imagine nurturing a fruit tree for years, only to find the fruit bitter or sour. All that effort feels wasted, and you&#8217;re tempted to cut the tree down. Jesus used this very image to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"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-11177","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-26 16:45:54","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"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\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11177"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11215,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11177\/revisions\/11215"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}