The Object of Our Faith

Summary

What is the difference between simply believing in God and actually living by faith? This message explores the distinction between belief as knowledge and faith as belief put into practice. Drawing from James, Hebrews, Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal, and Jesus’ teaching about faith the size of a mustard seed, we discover that the power of faith does not come from how strongly we believe, but from the One in whom we place our trust. True faith is not about believing harder, demanding better outcomes, or placing ourselves at the centre—it is about confidently trusting Christ and allowing that trust to shape the way we live.

Outline

1. Belief vs. Faith — Belief acknowledges something as true, while faith puts that belief into practice through trust, commitment, and action.
2. Faith Must Be Lived — Drawing on James, the message challenges us to recognise that intellectual agreement or theological knowledge alone is not the same as a faith that transforms how we live.
3. The Object of Our Faith Matters — Faith itself has no magical power. The strength of faith depends not on the person believing, but on the trustworthiness and power of the one in whom that faith is placed.
4. Faith Is Not About Us — Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal demonstrates that sincere, passionate belief cannot make an unworthy object worthy of trust. Faith does not create truth; rather, we place our faith in what is true.
5. Faith in the Living God — We do not need enormous or perfect faith to begin trusting Christ. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can grow when it is anchored in the living God.