{"id":9974,"date":"2024-11-26T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/?page_id=9974"},"modified":"2025-01-06T23:59:42","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T05:59:42","slug":"2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-1\/","title":{"rendered":"2024\u79cb\u5b63\u9748\u6069\u6703\u5f8c\u53cd\u601d (1)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><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\/9974#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\/9974#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><br \/>\n<br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Post_Fall_ESSC_2024_Reflections_1_ENG.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"650\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Stepping Up in Faith: Trusting God&#8217;s Plan Beyond What We Can See<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>During the Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) in September 2024, I had the privilege of listening to Pastor Chen deliver a message that truly touched my heart. His sermon was centered around the profound truth: \u201cWalk by Faith, Not by Sight.\u201d As I sat there, I couldn\u2019t help but reflect deeply on the message and how it spoke to me personally.<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Chen shared three powerful examples from Scripture, each one illustrating what it truly means to walk by faith. The first was the story of David and Goliath (<em>1 Samuel 17<\/em>). It\u2019s such a familiar story, yet it never fails to inspire me. Here\u2019s this young shepherd boy, David, standing up against a giant warrior, Goliath. David wasn\u2019t relying on his physical strength or the sight of the daunting enemy in front of him\u2014he relied on his faith in God. His victory was proof that faith can conquer what seems impossible. As Pastor Chen reminded us, David didn\u2019t focus on the size of his problem but on the greatness of his God.<\/p>\n<p>The second story was about the Israelites, who didn\u2019t trust the good report from Joshua and Caleb (<em>Numbers 13-14<\/em>). Instead of walking by faith and entering the Promised Land, they allowed their fear to guide them. As a result, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before finally entering the land God had promised them. This example struck a chord with me, reminding me that when I doubt God\u2019s promises, I can find myself stuck in a wilderness of uncertainty. But when I trust Him, even when I can\u2019t see the way forward, He leads me to His promises.<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Chen also spoke about Noah and the ark (<em>Genesis 6-7<\/em>). Noah\u2019s story is one that I think we often take for granted. Imagine building a massive ark, preparing for a flood that no one else believed was coming! Yet, Noah obeyed God\u2019s command. He didn\u2019t see rain. He didn\u2019t have any physical evidence that a flood was coming. But he trusted God\u2019s word, and because of his faith, Noah and his family were saved. This, to me, is the essence of walking by faith.<\/p>\n<p>What causes us to see things differently?\u00a0 The carnal man sees things visually that can benefit or threaten him.\u00a0 The spiritual man sees things in ways that will show God\u2019s glory.\u00a0 Such vision and wisdom come from our experience with God which in turn depends on our faith in Him.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s discard our carnal self and put on the new, spiritual self.\u00a0 We need to listen, speak and walk with faith.<\/p>\n<p>After the ESSC, I spent some time reflecting on <em>2 Corinthians 5:7: \u201cFor we walk by faith, not by sight.\u201d<\/em> This verse reminds me that as believers, we\u2019re called to trust in God\u2019s promises, even when we can\u2019t see the outcome. <em>Hebrews 11:1<\/em> says it perfectly: <em>\u201cNow faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.\u201d <\/em>Faith is about trusting in the unseen\u2014knowing that God is working behind the scenes, even when our circumstances seem uncertain.<\/p>\n<p>From Pastor Chen\u2019s sermon and my own reflections, I realize that I, too, need to make decisions based on faith, not sight. When challenges come, I want to rely on God\u2019s wisdom and guidance, not my limited perspective. As <em>Philippians 2:5<\/em> says, <em>\u201cLet this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/em> I\u2019m trusting that God will guide my steps and strengthen my faith.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like to dive deeper into this powerful message, I encourage you to watch the sermon here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=twf43iO_imA\">Watch Sermon<\/a>. It might just change your life, as it has mine.<\/p>\n<p>At True Jesus Church, we are a family that walks by faith together. Join us for worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. We look forward to walking this journey of faith with you!<\/p>\n<p>Please find our church location below:<\/p>\n<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>\u00a0Google 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\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-1\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (1)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-2\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (2)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-3\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (3)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-4\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (4)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-5\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (5)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-6\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (6)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-7\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (7)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/2024-fall-post-essc-reflection-8\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Post Fall ESSC Reflections (8)<\/b><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a role=\"button\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore to come<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stepping Up in Faith: Trusting God&#8217;s Plan Beyond What We Can See During the Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) in September 2024, I had the privilege of listening to Pastor Chen deliver a message that truly touched my heart. His sermon was centered around the profound truth: \u201cWalk by Faith, Not by Sight.\u201d [&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-9974","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-22 20:25:28","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\/9974","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=9974"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9974\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10367,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9974\/revisions\/10367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}