Eric Patrick
The founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom State, Apostle John Okoriko, has called on Nigerian Christians to stop going for yearly pilgrimages to Jerusalem, stating that God’s presence is not confined to any one location.
Speaking during the church’s monthly interactive service held on Sunday in Ukam, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Apostle Okoriko addressed the congregation under the theme “Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus, Part 2.”
He described religious tourism as a misguided effort driven by ignorance, arguing that spiritual experiences and divine encounters are not limited to specific geographic sites.
He explained that the miracles recorded in the Bible, which took place in Israel, were expressions of “Heavenly Places” relevant to that time and people, and should not be seen as permanently tied to that location.
According to him, God’s presence is universal and accessible to all believers, regardless of where they are.
“As we are seating here on earth, we are in heavenly place. You don’t need to go to the sky before you reach heaven. The earth is the footstool of the Lord. We are not far away from God. What we are teaching about heaven is in Christ Jesus, not the doctrine of religion, “he said.
Okoriko advised Nigerians to cultivate relationship with God and experience heavenly places in Christ instead of running to Jerusalem as the holy land which has expired and taken over by war, killing of innocent people and religion.
“Pilgrimage is an exercise in futility because you cannot confine God to one place. God believes in showing himself to people in a personal way.
God is universal and he is not stationary in one place”
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‘Why do you run to Jerusalem to pick mud sand, broken stones, water, and other materials things that have nothing to do with your salvation in Christ Jesus” the clergy asked
Okoriko explained that when Christ came, he condemned all religious beliefs and systems in his time and said heaven and earth shall pass away, but his words will stand forever.
He disclosed that man should be conscious that he is not in the world alone but strengthen by God.
Okoriko said men believed that they will go to heaven when they die adding that heavenly things such as heavenly places does not wait for people to die before they can access it.
“Heavenly Places can occur not only through your faith but during oppression, calamities, sickness, and wickedness against God’s people.
“Heavenly Places is all about God’s information on what will happen to you, your enemy, etc.
“Heaven and Hell are in our soul not by seeking for God’s presence in “the holy land of Jerusalem” as the Lord will give us a new Jerusalem after the present one has corrupt”