Return to the Word: A Transformative Message from Archbishop John Osa-Oni
As the Vineyard Christian Centre in Lagos concluded its annual Word Conference, Archbishop John Osa-Oni delivered a resonating message: “Return to the Word and Stop Chasing Miracles.” This imperative guidance challenges the contemporary focus on miraculous occurrences, urging believers instead to anchor their faith in the teachings of Scripture.
A Journey Rooted in Scripture
In an exclusive interview with Adeola Ogunlade, Archbishop Osa-Oni shared insights from his transformative spiritual journey, which began with his dramatic conversion in 1972. He emphasized the infallibility of the Word of God, stating, “The Word has never failed anyone who believes it.” His extensive ministry has taken him across five continents, witnessing firsthand the power of dedicated scriptural teaching.
The Significance of Contentment in Faith
Archbishop Osa-Oni advocates for a return to the simplicity of preaching the Word, assuring that God will take care of the rest. He cautioned against “faking miracles” or attempting to manufacture divine acts for sensationalism. Relying on personal experience, the Archbishop recounted his early days in ministry and the importance of steady, faithful teaching in fostering genuine spiritual transformation.
The Infallibility of God’s Word
Reflecting on his journey, the Archbishop asserted that the Scriptures reshape lives. “If you do what the Word says, you will experience transformation,” he affirmed. He illustrated this with a personal anecdote of a child who fell into convulsions during a sermon. Instead of panicking, he continued preaching, trusting in the power of the Word. The child recovered, demonstrating that faith and focus on Scripture can provide miraculous outcomes without sensationalism.
Obedience and Returning to Nigeria
Archbishop Osa-Oni’s journey back to Nigeria in 1985 serves as a testament to the power of divine instruction. Comfortable living in the U.S. posed no deterrent to God’s calling, which urged him to return home. The true test of faith lay in obeying that call despite the risks and uncertainties. His willingness to surrender a prosperous life for a divine mandate has since flourished into a thriving ministry spanning nearly four decades.
Miracles vs. the Word: Understanding Their Connection
The discussion shifted to the nature of miracles in contemporary faith. Despite skepticism surrounding biblical miracles, Osa-Oni maintains that the same resurrection power experienced in the days of Christ is still at work today. However, he stressed that miracles should not be pursued for their own sake. Instead, believers should prioritize hearing and understanding the Word of God, which inherently enables miraculous occurrences.
Reflecting on his own experiences of healing, even during a bout with COVID, he credits his survival to the teachings and divine interventions that he anchored his faith upon. “It was the Word that sustained me,” he affirmed, reinforcing the belief that the efficacy of Scripture remains unmatched.
The Foundation of Successful Marriages
Addressing societal issues, Archbishop Osa-Oni offered wisdom on sustaining healthy marriages. He identified foundational values such as understanding, patience, and shared ideology as critical to marital success. Furthermore, he emphasized that the pursuit of genuine friendship and godly principles supersedes material considerations in forming lasting unions.
Navigating Modern Challenges: Conception and Surrogacy
When discussing sensitive matters like delayed conception and surrogacy, Osa-Oni advocated for personal conviction and ethical considerations. He delineated true surrogacy as a mutually agreed-upon medical arrangement, emphasizing the importance of transparency and shared values in these intricate situations.
Security Concerns for Clergy
As pastors in Nigeria grapple with security issues, Osa-Oni shared his own experiences with violence and the necessity of personal safety measures. He recounted instances of physical attacks that have informed his perspective on the need for security. Emphasizing the phrase of his late mentor, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, he conveyed that self-defense is a necessity in a challenging environment.
The Role of Faith in Civic Matters
Finally, Archbishop Osa-Oni offered opinions on the broader societal landscape, advocating for responsible governance and accountability from leaders. With a history of prophetic warnings about national issues, he firmly believes that those in power must remember their obligations to serve the populace rather than their personal interests.
Through these insights, Archbishop John Osa-Oni advocates for a faith rooted in the Word, urging Christians to prioritize scriptural teachings over the fleeting allure of miracles, thereby cultivating a spiritual journey that promises genuine transformation and divine connection.
