Building a firm foundation of faith

(This is a condensed verion of the sermon preached by Michael Larsen on Aug 3, 2025.)

When I was in high school, my track coach insisted we have proper insoles in our running shoes. I even had custom inserts made to prevent injury. That experience taught me the importance of having a firm foundation—not just in sports, but in life.

One of the strongest foundations we can have as followers of Jesus is faith.

In Romans 4, Paul points to Abraham as an example of what faith looks like. Against all odds—his old age and Sarah’s barrenness—Abraham believed God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations. Paul writes that Abraham “did not weaken in faith,” but was “fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” That kind of faith, anchored in God’s character, was counted to Abraham as righteousness.

Paul then offers a powerful contrast: “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Walking by sight means being guided by the circumstances right in front of us—what we can see, touch, and measure. But living by faith means trusting in what God says, even when reality seems to say otherwise.

So how do we build that kind of faith?

Romans 10:17 tells us: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” That’s why engaging with the Bible regularly is essential. Scripture teaches us God’s values, His promises, and the way life is meant to be lived. But reading the Bible isn’t just about gaining knowledge. It’s about obedience—allowing God’s Word to shape us, challenge us, and even correct us.

Many of us want God’s blessings without accepting His boundaries. But the truth is, God's boundaries often exist for our blessing. Galatians 6 reminds us that we reap what we sow. When we live to please the Spirit, we experience lasting life and peace.

This applies to every area of life—our relationships, our sexuality, our integrity, and even our generosity. In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul calls believers to honor God with their bodies because we are temples of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 9, he writes that God blesses those who give cheerfully and generously. Living by faith means trusting that God's way leads to true fulfillment.

Another way to grow in faith is by praying God’s promises. Abraham's faith grew stronger as he believed in God’s promise. We can do the same—reading Scripture, identifying God’s promises, and praying them back to Him. Whether it's asking God for peace, guidance, or salvation for our families, we are encouraged to approach Him with confidence.

Ultimately, building a life of faith means choosing to trust God’s voice over our circumstances. It means obeying His Word even when it’s hard, and praying His promises even when we don’t see immediate results.

Let’s be people who walk by faith—not by sight—and build our lives on the firm foundation of God’s truth and love.