Our Greatest Hope

In this sermon from Hebrews 11:1, Pastor Tom unpacks the nature of faith as an active, living trust in God’s promises—rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. He challenges believers to view faith not as a static belief, but as an ongoing action: to “faith” daily, living with confident expectation in what God has said, even when it is unseen. Using Scripture, practical examples, and personal reflections, he shows that faith anchors us through uncertainty, disappointment, and trials, providing stability when the visible world offers no guarantees. Pastor Tom warns against placing hope in possessions, friends, family, education, or money, as all can fail. Instead, he calls the church to place their full confidence in Christ, the solid rock, and to actively seek God’s will in all plans and decisions. He paints a hopeful vision of a future where divisions are healed, peace reigns, and God’s people live in unity—a hope ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s return. This hope includes a home in heaven, free from pain, suffering, tears, and death, where eternal peace and joy await. Through this eternal perspective, Pastor Tom urges believers to live by faith now, trusting in God’s unseen realities and extending the same grace and love to others that Christ has given to them.

Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Psalm 46:1–2

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea."

John 14:1–3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."

2 Corinthians 5:7

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Romans 8:24–25

"For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

Revelation 21:4

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have pass"

Main Points

1. Faith is an active daily choice

Faith is not a one-time decision but a continuous act of trusting God in all circumstances. It moves beyond feelings and holds firm even when life doesn’t make sense. This daily practice keeps believers grounded in God’s promises, regardless of what is seen or unseen.

2. Faith rests entirely on God’s character

God cannot lie or contradict His nature; every promise He makes will be fulfilled. Placing trust in Him means relying on His unchanging goodness, wisdom, and love. This assurance is the anchor that holds firm in every storm.

3. The Danger of Self-Reliance

Our hope is not in possessions, people, or status, but in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. He is the solid rock on which we stand, unshaken by the shifting sands of the world. In Him, our salvation and eternal future are secure.

4. Faith gives vision beyond the visible

Believers are called to live by faith, not by sight, trusting that God is working in ways unseen. This vision helps us endure trials and challenges with hope. It shapes how we respond to life’s struggles and how we treat others with grace.

5. Faith aligns our plans with God’s will

Instead of asking God to bless our own agendas, true faith seeks His guidance first. This posture allows God to direct our paths toward His purposes. Aligning with His will leads to lasting fulfillment and eternal rewards.

6. Faith produces a lasting hope

The hope born from faith is not dependent on present circumstances. It looks forward to Christ’s return, when every tear will be wiped away and peace will reign forever. This hope sustains believers through life’s challenges, pointing them toward their eternal home.