By Faith: The Word of the Year for 2025

Welcome to the first message of 2025! This year, our word is By Faith, inspired by Hebrews 11. Let’s unpack what it means to live a life rooted in faith—faith that transforms, moves mountains, and brings God’s promises to life.

When I couldn’t sleep one night, Hebrews 11 started playing in my Bible app. It wasn’t a “fall-asleep” chapter—it lit a fire in me. The writer wastes no time defining faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is like the sense that connects us to the unseen, just as your physical eyesight confirms what’s in front of you.

Hebrews 11 is often called the Hall of Fame of Faith. But these weren’t perfect people—they were flawed, just like us. Murderers, adulterers, even a prostitute made the list. What made them extraordinary wasn’t their perfection but their faith. Faith in God changed everything for them, and it can do the same for us.

Faith isn’t wishful thinking. It’s acting on God’s promises even when you can’t see the outcome. Think of Abraham—he left everything familiar because God called him. He didn’t have a map, just faith. Faith isn’t about control; it’s about trusting God to lead.

Want to grow your faith in 2025? Start small:

Read the Bible daily

Prioritize prayer

Make Sunday worship non-negotiable

Join a group or serve on a team