034| STABILITY AND GROWTH: ROOTED TO RISE| SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE

  SERMON NOTES: STABILITY AND GROWTH: ROOTED TO RISE Speaker: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Main Text: Psalm 92:12–15 "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing." Central Idea July marks a transition from "building the ecclesia" (June) into a season of Stability and Growth. Stability is not stagnation — it is the foundation God requires before productivity and lasting legacy can happen. POINT 1: Relationship with His Person vs. Relationship with His Principles Relationship with His Person (Jesus): brings salvation, sanctification, and peace. This is received by faith — justification. Relationship with His Principles: governs practical manifestation — prosperity, health, expansion. Even when an inheritance is legally yours, you must apply the principles to actually possess and enjoy it. Takeaway: Knowing Christ saves you; applying His principles positions you to walk in what He's already provided. POINT 2: From "Present" to "Planted" Drawn from Psalm 92:13 — "planted in the house of the LORD." Present Christian: attends when convenient, stays at a distance, receives without contributing, leaves quickly when offended. Planted Christian: four marks — Committed — belongs to the house Contributive — adds to the work of ministry Correctable — grows through correction, doesn't leave when offended Covenant-Connected — carries the assignment of the house Imagery from the text: Palm tree — resilience and beauty; bends in the storm but doesn't break. Cedar of Lebanon — depth of root, strength, stability over time. A planted believer isn't easily shaken by circumstances, offense, or shifting winds of doctrine. POINT 3: Foundations for Stability For personal growth and flourishing (v.14 — "they shall still bear fruit in old age... fresh and flourishing"): Consistency in prayer Consistency in studying the Word Consistency in fellowship Consistency in kingdom service Stability precedes fruitfulness. You don't get to the "bearing fruit in old age" stage without being planted first. Summary line for the month: Stability is the soil; growth is the fruit. You cannot flourish where you are not planted.