{"id":11179,"date":"2025-03-28T21:43:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T02:43:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/?page_id=11179"},"modified":"2025-03-28T22:43:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T03:43:54","slug":"2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3-ia-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/2025-spring-essc-spiritualgrowth-3-ia-3\/","title":{"rendered":"\u7075\u6027\u6210\u957f 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"11179\" class=\"elementor elementor-11179\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3ea6c7e7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3ea6c7e7\" 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-1695ae1d\" data-id=\"1695ae1d\" 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-402f4fe5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"402f4fe5\" 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=\"\u7b80\u4f53\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_CN.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_CN\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7b80\u4f53\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=\"\u7b80\u4f53\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_CN.png\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" alt=\"zh_CN\" title=\"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\"> \u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587\t\t<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11179#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_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11179#TRPLINKPROCESSED\" title=\"\u7e41\u9ad4\u4e2d\u6587\">\n            <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        <\/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-2c15090e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2c15090e\" 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-14faca1d\" data-id=\"14faca1d\" 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-3461b88b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3461b88b\" 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\/2025S_SpiritualGrowth_3_IA_3_EN.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><\/p><p><strong>No Substitute for Vigilance<\/strong><\/p><p>Priest or prophet, king or commoner\u2014all are vulnerable to sin. As long as we live in this world, we are never immune to temptation. We either yield to it or overcome it. Too often, we find ourselves yielding, not because we don\u2019t know better, but because we\u2019re not watchful enough. A major cause of spiritual failure is a lack of vigilance in our faith.<\/p><p>Even among faithful church members\u2014elders, deacons, and workers\u2014complacency can creep in. Over the years, we\u2019ve seen once-zealous believers fall, damaging not only their own faith but also that of others. Ironically, those most active in church life may be the most at risk. Years of service can subtly build a false sense of spiritual immunity. When we let our guard down, we create space for the devil to work.<\/p><p><em>\u201cBe always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.\u201d<\/em> (Luke 21:36)<\/p><p>Spiritual negligence leads to two dangerous outcomes: first, we begin to worship God on our own terms; second, we may slowly replace God with idols in our hearts.<\/p><p><strong>Worshipping God Our Way<\/strong><\/p><p>When we grow careless, we begin to serve God as we please instead of as He commands. This was the downfall of Aaron and the Israelites in Exodus 32. Though Aaron was Israel\u2019s first high priest and had witnessed God\u2019s power firsthand, he helped the people build a golden calf when Moses delayed his return from Mount Sinai. In their impatience and fear, the people crafted their own form of worship\u2014one that suited their desires.<\/p><p>We may not bow before golden calves today, but the danger remains. Secular elements can infiltrate our worship in subtle ways\u2014music styles, emotionalism, or entertainment masked as evangelism. While creativity and outreach are not wrong, we must guard the sanctity of our worship. The power to transform lives belongs to the Holy Spirit, not human performance.<\/p><p>We also alter worship out of convenience. Skipping Sabbath for personal plans or favoring preachers we prefer may seem harmless, but it reflects a heart centered on self rather than God. Saul lost his kingship for offering sacrifices before God&#8217;s appointed time\u2014reminding us that obedience matters more than intention (1 Samuel 13).<\/p><p><strong>Idols in the Heart<\/strong><\/p><p>Vigilance not only affects how we worship, but also whom we worship. Without it, idols take root\u2014subtly replacing God.<\/p><ol><li><strong> Self-Glorification<\/strong><br \/>We live in a world that rewards image, recognition, and influence. Even in church, it\u2019s tempting to enjoy praise or seek approval. Yet Paul and Barnabas, after healing a man in Acts 14, rejected worship from the crowd, crying, <em>\u201cWe are also men with the same nature as you.\u201d<\/em> They knew all glory belongs to God. Jesus warned, <em>\u201cHow can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?\u201d<\/em> (John 5:44). We must live not for praise, but for God\u2019s approval.<\/li><li><strong> Money<\/strong><br \/>Jesus said plainly, <em>\u201cYou cannot serve God and mammon\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 6:24). Still, many try to chase both spiritual growth and material gain. But a life focused on wealth slowly displaces our devotion to God. Today\u2019s culture of prosperity\u2014even in some churches\u2014makes it easy to keep up religious appearances while quietly worshipping success and security.<\/li><\/ol><p>As believers, we must constantly examine who truly sits on the throne of our hearts.<\/p><p><strong>Stay the Course<\/strong><\/p><p>The Christian life is a marathon. While spiritual highs may give us short bursts of zeal, only consistent vigilance will carry us to the finish. Along the way, distractions and temptations will try to pull us off course.<\/p><p>To be vigilant is to obey God as He has commanded\u2014not as we feel or prefer. Like the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, we are still waiting. But unlike them, may we be found faithful when our Mediator\u2014Jesus Christ\u2014returns.<\/p><p>Let us worship with reverence, guard our hearts, and stay alert\u2014because there truly is no substitute for vigilance.<\/p><p>Join us for our <strong>Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation<\/strong> (ESSC)\u2014a time of worship, fellowship, and growing spiritually.<\/p><p><strong>We look forward to seeing you!<\/strong><\/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>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><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-240c2bbc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"240c2bbc\" 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-8584562\" data-id=\"8584562\" 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-2093f78e elementor-button-success elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2093f78e\" 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-3\/\">\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>No Substitute for Vigilance Priest or prophet, king or commoner\u2014all are vulnerable to sin. As long as we live in this world, we are never immune to temptation. We either yield to it or overcome it. Too often, we find ourselves yielding, not because we don\u2019t know better, but because we\u2019re not watchful enough. A [&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-11179","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-06 09:43:27","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11179"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11179"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11221,"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11179\/revisions\/11221"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tjc-chicago.org\/zh_cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}