Don’t Stop Here by Pst Chris Oyakhilome [Summary]

Main Summary: Don’t Stop Here by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is about the stages of a Christian’s spiritual journey, from initial salvation (Gilgal) to commitment (Bethel), encountering the Holy Spirit (Jericho), and reaching maturity and divine authority (Jordan). It emphasizes continuous growth and becoming a weapon in the hands of  God.

Lessons You’ll Learn From This Post 

1. Where it All Begins – Gilgal
2. Significance of Bethel
3. Meeting The Holy Spirit – Jericho
4. The Place of Promotion – Jordan

Where it All Begins – Gilgal

• Elijah and Elisha started their journey from Gilgal, the place of beginning, signifying the start of their spiritual journey.
• Despite Elijah’s suggestion to stay at Gilgal, Elisha insisted on continuing with him, showing his determination to pursue spiritual growth.
• Gilgal represents the starting point of a new life in Christ, where old reproaches are rolled away (Joshua 5:9).
• It symbolizes salvation and the initial phase of a Christian’s journey.
• However, you cannot remain at this initial stage but must advance in your spiritual journey. 
• Gilgal is also a place where those who have backslidden can start anew. Renewal at Gilgal is essential for those returning to faith. 
• It is a place where immature spiritual decisions, influenced by the flesh, are made. The Israelites’ choice of Saul as king, who symbolized fleshly leadership, exemplifies this.
• As a believer, you are not to remain influenced by worldly values and desires but to progress to higher spiritual levels, symbolized by moving to Bethel.

Significance of Bethel

• Bethel is where Abram built an altar and called on the Lord (Genesis 12:7-8, 13:1-4). It represents total surrender and commitment to God.
• Jacob’s dream of a ladder reaching heaven and the vow he made to God happened in Bethel (Genesis 28:12-22).
• Here he pledges to give a tenth of all he receives from God.
• Vows are significant commitments that God expects to be honored.
• As a believer, you should make and fulfill vows to God, especially in times of need.
• How committed are you to God’s House? David’s desire to build a house for God showed his commitment to God (1 Chronicles 17:1).
• In Bethel, believers must be active. You should actively engage in God’s work and the church.
• Bethel is an important stage, but not the end of the journey.
• Elisha moves from Gilgal to Bethel and beyond, symbolizing continuous spiritual growth.
• Part of your commitment in Bethel is to actively lead others to Christ and serve in God’s house.
• There are further stages in the spiritual journey beyond commitment, such as moving towards Jericho.

Meeting The Holy Spirit – Jericho

• Elijah and Elisha’s journey to Jericho symbolizes meeting the Holy Ghost (2 Kings 2:4).
• Joshua’s encounter at Jericho with the Captain of the Lord’s host represents the Holy Ghost (Joshua 5:13-15).
• The Holy Spirit is essential for all work done in God’s house, whether small or significant.
• Your actions must be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be acceptable to God (Hebrews 9:14).
• At Jericho, your human strategies must be abandoned in favor of the Holy Ghost’s guidance.
• Joshua’s strategy to conquer Jericho involved marching around the city, emphasizing obedience and faith (Joshua 6:1-5).
• Spiritual discernment is developed in Jericho. It is important to know when to be silent and when to praise.
• Walls (obstacles) in life are brought down through the Holy Spirit’s power at Jericho.
• The Holy Spirit equips you to handle barriers in finances, health, and other areas.
• Jericho signifies the place of transition. From being committed to God (Bethel) to becoming a spiritual warrior (Jericho).
• As believers, we are called to be God’s battle axes and weapons of war (Jeremiah 51:20).
• Therefore you must take an active, offensive stance against spiritual challenges.
• Prayer with Understanding leads to outstanding results against spiritual challenges. There is a difference between praying with the understanding (natural language) and with understanding (spiritual insight).
• Praying with understanding requires your application of faith and the principles of God’s Word to produce effective prayer.
• The author urges you to move beyond the initial stages (Gilgal and Bethel) to become spiritual combatants in Jericho.
• By engaging in intercessory prayer and conquering spiritual territories for Christ.

The Place of Promotion – Jordan

• Jordan symbolizes the place of confirmation and maturity in a Christian’s journey.
• At Jordan, God confirms you, as seen in Jesus’ baptism where God declared, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
• God speaks frequently, and failing to recognize His voice indicates a lack of attentiveness.
• You must learn to recognize and heed God’s voice, as His sheep know His voice and follow it.
• Jordan represents the place where the old life and habits are left behind, allowing the new life to take over.
• It is the place where the flesh is shed, and one ascends spiritually, living beyond human limitations.
• Jordan signifies the place of adoption, where believers are enthroned and entrusted with authority, similar to Jesus’ adoption by God.
• This is the point where you reach spiritual maturity and can handle the things of the Spirit with authority.
• In Jordan, believers learn to live beyond physical and material constraints, operating by the power of the Holy Ghost.
• There is a deeper understanding of spiritual authority and the eternal life in Jordan.
• Growth and progression in the spiritual journey are essential for living a victorious Christian life.
• The ultimate goal is to reach Jordan, the place of spiritual maturity, confirmation, and divine authority.

In conclusion, it’s time to take steps forward. In your journey of faith, don’t settle at the beginning stages. Progress from Gilgal to Bethel, Jericho, and ultimately Jordan. Embrace spiritual maturity, divine confirmation, and authority. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you, moving beyond worldly limitations to fulfill your divine calling.

Finally, here is a question we’d love you to answer.

Where would you say you’re at in your spiritual journey of faith? Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, or Jordan? And what steps can you take to move forward in your spiritual growth?”

We would love to hear from you, please leave your answer and comment in the comment box below.

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