The year 2026 will be a very special year for our church. From an outward perspective, it is special because we will be building the Bethel Hall. For the church, this is a significant milestone—a major step forward. Yet the outward construction is ultimately only a process for a season; a year will pass quickly. During the building process, we will encounter difficulties and challenges of many kinds, but as time goes on, these things will also pass. What truly matters is this: through the outward construction and external challenges, God is building us as His people and building His church. We must seize this opportunity to experience God’s deeper work in our lives and allow 2026 to become a year in which God really builds us up.

When we are willing to offer even a little to God, and when we think that one day—even after we have left this world—there will still be a brick or a tile here that remains for the Lord, enabling our descendants and many around us who do not yet believe to walk into the Bethel Hall, to worship God, to encounter God, and to enjoy His presence—how worthwhile that is! Therefore, we must truly seize this year before the Lord. Let us come together! In this year, by faith, with one heart and one accord, let us pray together, give together, and allow God’s house to be filled with His glory.

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice” reminds us to be willing to give our very best without keeping anything for ourselves—to present ourselves clean and pure, inwardly and outwardly, to God; to be willing not to live for ourselves, to deny ourselves, to be wholly given over for God’s pleasure, entirely for Him. Even more importantly, every offering must be presented with wholehearted love for God. We are not only the sacrifices being offered; we are also those who serve God in His temple.

In truth, whether in service or in offering, this is simply what is right—it is not for appearances or to please anyone, but because we have been bought with a price and already belong to Him. As Paul said, he became “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:1). The word “prisoner” shows that we are servants of Jesus, belonging to Him, purchased by Him. Therefore, it is only right that we return ourselves to Him and offer ourselves to Him. Yet when we give ourselves to Him, we discover how highly God values and honors us. God says that when we offer ourselves, His heart rejoices; when we serve Him, “My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12:26b). That God would delight in us is truly His grace and mercy.

Therefore, if out of love for God you offer anything—your time, money, strength, or anything else—even if no one praises you and no one thanks you, please do not waste God’s joy. His joy is our strength, enabling us to continue serving and giving. Through the book of Haggai, God says, “Go up into the hills and bring wood and build the house…” (Hag. 1:8a). He also says, “…that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified” (Hag. 1:8b). Let us do one thing together this year: we ourselves are the materials for building the temple. Let us offer these materials to God. These materials are for the building of His dwelling place. May this year become a year in which we together bring joy to the Lord and glory to His name.

— Excerpted from Brother Yu’s 2026 New Year Conference message