Sermon Recap | 10/11/2026
Date: October 11, 2026
Speaker: Pastor John Hardie
Sermon Series: What a Kingdom, What a King
Sermon: The Rewards of Faith
Scripture: Luke 7:1–10; Luke 8:40–56
Message Summary
Faith is more than simply believing that God exists. It is trusting in His goodness, authority, and power even when circumstances seem overwhelming. In Luke 7 and 8, we encounter three remarkable demonstrations of faith: a Roman centurion seeking healing for his servant, a woman suffering from twelve years of illness, and Jairus, a desperate father pleading for his dying daughter. Though their circumstances were very different, each turned to Jesus with hope and confidence in His power.
The centurion demonstrated remarkable humility and understanding of Jesus’ authority, believing that Christ needed only to speak for his servant to be healed. The suffering woman pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment, trusting that He could restore her. Jairus, confronted with the devastating news of his daughter’s death, heard Jesus say, “Do not fear; only believe.” In each encounter, faith brought boldness, overcame fear, persevered through uncertainty, and opened the way for Jesus’ miraculous work.
These accounts remind us that Jesus delights in faith and has the authority to bring life where there is suffering, despair, and even death. Yet faith does not mean that every prayer will be answered exactly as we hope. Even when the outcome is not what we expect, God remains at work. Death itself is not our master or our ultimate destiny. Through Christ, we have the assurance of life beyond death and the invitation to trust Him in every circumstance.
Quote of the Week
“No man has ever walked this earth with a heart more inclined to reward faith than Jesus. He still has the authority to bring forth new life on this earth, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Pastor John Hardie
Key Lessons
1. Faith brings boldness.
Trusting Jesus gives us the courage to approach Him and act upon His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.
2. Faith brings understanding. (James 1:5–7)
Faith recognizes God’s wisdom and authority, just as the centurion understood that Jesus could heal with a word.
3. Faith fights back fear.
Faith does not deny the reality of danger or suffering, but places our confidence in Christ above our fears.
4. Faith perseveres.
Like the suffering woman and Jairus, genuine faith continues to trust Jesus through delays, disappointments, and uncertainty.
5. Faith honors God. (Hebrews 11:6)
Our trust pleases God because it acknowledges His goodness, authority, and faithfulness.
6. Faith embodies hope.
Faith holds fast to God’s promises, believing that suffering and death will not have the final word.
7. Faith invites the miraculous.
Faith turns toward the One who has power to heal, restore, and bring new life, while trusting His wisdom in every outcome.
Reflection Questions
Of the seven expressions of faith, which one do I most need to grow in during this season of my life?
The centurion trusted Jesus’ authority without needing to see the miracle firsthand. Where is God calling me to trust His word rather than rely only on what I can see or understand?
Jesus told Jairus, “Do not fear; only believe.” What fears or circumstances in my life are challenging my faith, and how can I respond by trusting Christ?
When I pray faithfully but do not see the outcome I hoped for, how can I continue to recognize God’s presence, goodness, and work in my life?
Prayer Focus
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and authority over all things. Forgive us when fear, doubt, or disappointment weakens our trust in You. Remind us that You are the source of life and that neither suffering nor death can separate us from the hope we have in You.
Come, Holy Spirit, and awaken fresh faith within us. Give us faith that brings boldness and understanding, faith that fights back fear and perseveres through trials, faith that honors God and embodies hope, and faith that invites Your miraculous work into our lives.
Teach us to trust You even when we cannot see what You are doing. May our lives bring You joy as we continue to believe in Your goodness, Your promises, and Your power.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
