Faith

8 February 2026

By Pastor John Macindoe - Senior Pastor

In the Christian life, the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Gal 5:6). We’ve tried to capture this truth in our 2026 church theme: With Praise for the Past and Faith for the Future. We must be people of faith.

But where can faith be found? And how much faith do we need for it to be effective? Such questions misunderstand the nature of true faith. Faith is not a substance to be acquired. It is not something to be measured and weighed for comparison.

Faith, when understood in these ways, quickly mutates into a work we have to perform. We start to think that God won’t accept us because we don’t have ‘enough’ faith, or that we are on a higher spiritual plane because of our ‘superior’ faith.

Faith is not a good work that must reach a certain standard to be acceptable to God. Instead, faith is letting go of any dependence on our good works and falling, instead, in complete dependence upon the grace of God. Only faith eliminates pride and fear, for faith involves complete trust in the sovereign Lord who has done all that is necessary to secure our salvation.

Anthony Hoekema tells the story of a Bible translator in Africa struggling to find the appropriate word for ‘faith’. As he was pondering, a member of the tribe came into his hut, threw himself on a chair, and uttered an expression which meant, “I’m leaning all my weight on this chair”. At once the missionary leapt to his feet and shouted, “I’ve got my word! Faith is leaning all your weight on Christ!” Much more could be said, but surely, he touched the heart of the matter.

‘Faith for the Future’ means leaning all our weight on Jesus Christ as we move forward confidently, seeking to do His will.