A Church That Pleases God
(Acts. 13:1-3)
In the early church, following the martyrdom of Deacon Stephen while he preached the gospel, the believers in Jerusalem were scattered due to persecution. However, this scattering became an opportunity for the gospel to spread even more widely, resulting in a significant revival in Antioch, one of the three major cities of the Roman Empire. The Antioch Church became the central hub for missionary work, spreading the gospel throughout Asia and Europe. As we celebrate the 66th anniversary of our church's founding and look forward to the glorious 70th anniversary, we should aspire to follow the example set by the Antioch Church.

1. A Church that serves the Lord

The Antioch Church was led by a diverse group of leaders from various backgrounds. These included Barnabas, from a wealthy family and devoted to the church; Niger and Lucius, native Africans; Manaen, who was raised with King Herod; and Saul (Paul), a highly educated Roman citizen (Acts 13:1). Despite their different statuses, they were united in the Holy Spirit, strengthening the church with humility and gentleness. In the same way, our church must ensure that all believers, united under Jesus Christ as our head, love and serve one another as one body, advancing unshakably in faith.
　　　
2. A Church growing daily by God’s grace

　　　The Acts of the Apostles records that the great revival in Antioch occurred because the Lord’s hand was with them (Acts 11:21). When the Jerusalem Church heard of this revival, they sent Barnabas, a man of good character who was full of the Holy Spirit and faith, to Antioch. His presence significantly contributed to the further growth of the Antioch Church. As the people consistently proclaimed Jesus as the Christ and led in missions and charity, they became known as “Christians.” Similarly, we aspire to be a church dedicated to missions and charity, continually growing through the Lord’s grace, and earning the admiration of the world.

3. A Church committed to missions

　　　The Antioch Church was the first in church history to send out missionaries. The missionaries sent at that time were Barnabas and Saul (Paul), two crucial figures in the early church. Missions are the ultimate command of Jesus for the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Both our country and Yoido Full Gospel Church have come to know the gospel and thrive by obeying the Lord's command through the dedication of missionaries. This year marks the 50th anniversary of our church’s missionary work. As we move forward, may each of us be renewed as mission workers, embodying the missionary spirit of the Antioch Church, and fulfilling God’s plan of salvation for all nations.