The Founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom State, Apostle John Okoriko, has advised Nigerians and Christians across the world to stop associating spiritual healing or encounters with Jesus Christ exclusively with Jerusalem, stressing that Christ is omnipresent and does not reside in the Holy City.

Apostle Okoriko stated that those who travel to Jerusalem seeking healing or spiritual encounters should understand that neither God nor Jesus Christ lives there, adding that visits to the ancient site of Solomon’s Temple amount to religious tourism rather than genuine spiritual experiences.

He made these remarks on Sunday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during the church’s monthly Interactive Service themed “The Temple of His Body.”

Responding to questions from online participants, the cleric explained that the body of Christ is the true temple, which accommodates all believers across the world, irrespective of location.

He criticised the practice of pilgrims returning from Jerusalem with items such as mud from the Dead Sea, olive oil, holy water, and other materials believed to possess healing powers. According to him, healing does not require physical journeys or objects, as God is omnipresent and capable of answering prayers anywhere.

“The conflict between Muslims and Jews over the ownership or control of the temple in Jerusalem is futile, null, and void because God does not live in temples built by human hands,” he said.

“Those who visit Jerusalem are merely engaging in religious tourism. Bringing back mud from the Dead Sea, holy water, olive oil, or sand for healing purposes reflects empty faith, because God does not pass through such items to heal His people.

“Why should anyone confine the God of the whole world—who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent—to a small location in Jerusalem? God is everywhere on earth.

“If someone believes that sand from a river in Israel can heal sickness, what then makes the sand from my village stream less effective?” he asked.

Apostle Okoriko further explained that after His resurrection, Jesus expanded the temple of His body and assured His disciples that it contains many dwelling places where believers can find peace, comfort, and protection from harm.

He also challenged popular beliefs about the second coming of Christ, stating that Jesus’ return is not meant for non-believers and would not occur in the dramatic manner often portrayed.

“What Jesus intended after His resurrection and ascension concerns His church, not the world. Contrary to widespread speculation, His return is not about appearing in the sky for everyone to see,” he said.

The cleric added that ongoing global conflicts—including wars in Russia and Ukraine, Syria, Israel and Hamas, as well as the fight against terrorism in Nigeria—are signs that human governments will eventually give way to the kingdom of God.

“These events will ultimately bring an end to all forms of human governance to pave the way for the kingdom of God on earth, which Christ will establish through the temple of His body,” Okoriko concluded.