“Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.” (Psalm 87:3) What does this have to do with us? The Bible tells us that this glorious city represents the heavenly church. On the day we were born again and saved, we were already brought into the body of Christ. Therefore, you and I are part of this glorious holy city, and our destiny is closely related to it. Today, God continues His work among us, fulfilling His promise through the building of the Bethel Hall: His glory will fill our midst! May God open our spiritual eyes to truly see what He desires and what He is doing among us.

Reflecting on our first building journey, we were once a small church facing three giants: signing the purchase contract, raising enough funds, and obtaining government permits (Get the Deal, Get the Money, Get the Permit). Each of these seemed insurmountable. But when God speaks, what we need to do is learn to “believe and obey.” We trust that whatever God says will come to pass. Of course, we have our own opinions, preferences, worries, and fears, but before God’s will, we learn to let go. Through God’s mighty power and grace, the giants miraculously fell one by one, showing us that the God who is Emmanuel walks among us, revealing His glory.

So why are we building Bethel Hall now? First, that land has been vacant for over sixteen years. God, through His servants, continually reminds us not to “occupy land in vain,” wasting the resources He has given us. When God speaks, we must obey. Second, God wants to use the construction of this external project to help us fully engage in passing on the spiritual inheritance and building up his church. Third, we want to raise pillars and stones for future generations so they can remain true to His original purpose, for God has promised us that He will fill this land with His glory.

Our address is “3131 Bowers Avenue,” where “Bowers” means “to bow in worship.” We hope that whenever we mention it, we are reminded that we are a people worshiping God in this place. Brothers and sisters, whether we stay here for just one day, a week, a year or two, or even ten or twenty years, as long as we are here, it should be to come to seek and worship God. As long as this place exists, we will lift up Christ here, making it a stronghold of the Gospel; a place where those in need of equipping and nurturing can be perfected; a refuge where the sorrowful can find comfort and a spiritual home. Because the Triune God is here, working in unity to build us into a dwelling place that pleases Him.

Do we truly care about what God cares about? He has given us an unshakeable kingdom. The author of Hebrews reminds us to be thankful and to serve Him with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28). We know that God is always doing new things; “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former” (Haggai 2:9). May we all see that God is at work among us, glorious things are happening, and may we willingly offer our “five loaves and two fish,” joining in this great building ministry, and being built up by God!

(Excerpted from Pastor Yu’s message at 2024 LDC)