Faith Like a Tree
E.A. Johnston teaches that faith, like a sturdy tree with deep roots in God's promises, grows stronger through life's storms and stands as a testimony to Christ's enduring power.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the nature of faith by likening it to a sturdy tree with deep roots in God's promises. He emphasizes how faith grows stronger through life's trials and challenges, ultimately standing as a powerful testimony to Christ's sacrifice. Johnston encourages believers to look to Jesus as the author and finisher of faith and to pray for a deeper, more resilient trust in God.
Full Transcript
Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is like a sturdy tree whose top faces upward, and its roots run deep, wrapped around the promises of God. And although great winds may bend the tree down, as it is strengthened in the process, and faith grows stronger beneath the bending, as its roots stand firm in God's word.
For faith weathers the tempest of life, and demonstrates the power of the Almighty to intervene at any time, on the behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward Him. Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because He trusteth in Thee. Faith, like the tree, grows more resilient with each new testing and storm, and stands as a testimony to the living Lord who was crucified on a tree, and who died for me.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God, let us pray for a deeper and stronger faith. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Nature of Faith
- Faith as substance and evidence
- Faith compared to a sturdy tree
- Roots of faith in God's promises
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II. Faith Through Trials
- Faith strengthens through life's storms
- Resilience built by testing
- Faith as a testimony to God's power
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III. Christ, the Author and Finisher of Faith
- Looking unto Jesus as our example
- Endurance through the cross
- Christ's victory and intercession
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IV. Prayer for Deeper Faith
- Seeking stronger faith in God
- Trusting God's promises
- Commitment to spiritual growth
Key Quotes
“Faith is like a sturdy tree whose top faces upward, and its roots run deep, wrapped around the promises of God.” — E.A. Johnston
“Faith, like the tree, grows more resilient with each new testing and storm, and stands as a testimony to the living Lord who was crucified on a tree.” — E.A. Johnston
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Anchor your faith deeply in the promises of God to withstand life's challenges.
- View trials as opportunities for your faith to grow stronger and more resilient.
- Regularly look to Jesus as your example and source of faith to deepen your trust in God.