"FOLLOW THE SIGNS" Billy Lile, Main Campus Congregational Pastor

Key takeaways

Generosity can lead to impactful change – the church raised $35,000 for those affected by the LA fires.
Evidence and signs play a crucial role in guiding individuals toward faith in Jesus, as shown through the Centurion's transformation.
Historical and archaeological findings bolster the truth of the gospel, affirming that events of Jesus’ life and resurrection truly occurred.
The way Christians respond to trials can serve as powerful testimonies of faith and can lead others to Christ.
Discipleship is essential for Christians to reflect Jesus in their lives and effectively point others to the hope he offers.

Summary

Introduction to Faith and Signs

Pastor Billy Lile welcomes the congregation and emphasizes the importance of being present in church. He shares gratitude for the generous contributions made to aid the LA Fire Relief, highlighting the church’s mission of hope during crises. The pastor sets the tone for the sermon, which revolves around the theme of hope found in the gospel and recognizing the signs that lead people to faith.

The Story of the Centurion

The sermon explores the life-changing moment of the Roman Centurion witnessing the death of Jesus. The pastor discusses how the Centurion's observation of extraordinary signs, such as darkness covering the land and the temple curtain tearing, led him from skepticism to belief. Reflecting on this transformation, the pastor encourages the congregation to pay attention to God’s signs in their lives that guide them toward faith.

Historical Accuracy and Evidential Faith

Pastor Lile discusses the historical context surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and emphasizes the reliability of biblical accounts. He references archaeological findings, such as the Pilate Stone, which corroborates scripture and reinforces the historicity of Jesus’ life and death. The message focuses on the significance of belief grounded in history and the validity of Christian claims through the faithful testimonies of early witnesses.

Prayer, Perseverance, and Response to Trials

The pastor examines Jesus’ profound responses during his crucifixion, particularly his prayers of forgiveness and trust. He speaks on the importance of believers’ reactions to personal suffering as a testament to their faith. Just as Jesus’ actions spoke volumes during his trial, so too should the actions of Christians in their hardships bear witness to the hope found in Christ.

Discipleship and Christian Living

Concluding the sermon, Pastor Lile emphasizes the call for Christians to grow as disciples so that their lives reflect Jesus’ character and responses. He urges the congregation to consider how their own lives serve as signs to others, encouraging growth in patience, kindness, and love as well as fostering opportunities for the gospel to be demonstrated through their experiences.

Show notes

At the cross, a Roman Centurion, assigned to crucify Jesus makes a life-changing declaration; “Surely he was the Son of God!” This declaration of faith came from what he saw and what he heard from Jesus. He witnessed miraculous events surrounding Jesus' death and heard amazing declarations of forgiveness, mercy, and grace from Jesus’ declarations while suffering and facing imminent death. Like the centurion, we too must respond with faith when we see Jesus for who He truly is. We are also called to model Jesus' responses of faith and love when we face injustice or seasons of testing so that others can encounter Jesus through our example.

Pastor Billy Lile

Sunday January 19, 2024 Live at 9:15 AM