I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. – 2 Corinthians 12:12
We’re signposts to others, guiding them through our actions, words, and presence… As followers of Christ, it’s essential to live in a way that honors God and points others toward Him. – Christian Fellowship Community
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Signs are everywhere, and they matter. They tell us where to go, what to buy, and sometimes, they even make us laugh. The legendary baseball player and broadcaster Joe Garagiola once recalled an old outfield wall in Philadelphia. It featured a large advertisement reading, “The Phillies use Lifebuoy soap.” Underneath it, a clever fan had scrawled, “And they still stink.”
It is a funny image, but it carries a serious spiritual truth: nobody likes false advertising. I want us to think for a moment about the signs around our church—both the physical ones on our grounds and the living ones we display every day.
Most of us “old timers” could navigate our church grounds blindfolded. We know exactly which sidewalk leads to the office entrance, where the community room is, and which door is closest to the kitchen. But we must constantly think about the neighbors from our community who do not yet know the lay of the land.
Our campus is meant to be a true sanctuary—a safe, peaceful haven from the noise of the world. Clear, welcoming signs on our property are essential to enhance that welcome and safety. They help visitors find exactly what they are looking for without anxiety. A well-placed sign says, “We expected you, you are safe here, and we care about your experience.” Let’s ensure our physical space reflects that radical hospitality.
Even more important than the wood and metal signs on our lawn and the smaller signs in our gardens are the living signposts we create with our lives. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, the Apostle Paul reminds us that true faith is accompanied by “signs, wonders, and miracles.”
The people in our broader community are looking to us to find their way. They might not be completely “lost” in life, but they may still be searching for direction, meaning, and a place to belong. They are deciding their own paths, and our daily Christian walk should serve as an attractive, helpful guide. When they look at us, they should see a community that embodies the peace of the sanctuary we invite them into.
This brings us back to that Philadelphia outfield wall. If our church signs point people to a place of love, but our actions do not match, we are guilty of false advertising.
If we claim to offer a sanctuary of grace but walk in judgment or division, our message “stinks” to the outside world. Our internal character must match our external message. Let us pray that our lives are a “sweet aroma of Christ” (2 Cor. 2:15), offering a genuine, trustworthy refuge to everyone in our community who walks through our doors.
Peace,
Pastor Layne
