Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has sparked discussions online following his remarks on Jesus Christ’s stance toward poverty.
In a sermon captured in a video that began trending on Sunday, the cleric argued that Jesus never maintained close relationships with the poor during His time on earth, suggesting it signifies divine disapproval of poverty.
Citing scriptural references, Ibiyeomie stated that there is no record of Jesus entering the home of a poor man.
He interpreted this as an indication that Christ “hates poverty” and wants His followers to live above it.
The pastor emphasized that the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection goes beyond salvation, it also includes deliverance from poverty.
According to him, continued financial struggle after embracing Christ reflects a lack of spiritual understanding.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house, check your bible. That means he hates poverty. He visited Lazarus, they were not poor, they were giving him food,” Ibiyeomie said.
“He visited a sinner, Zacchaeus, who was rich. Tell me one poor man Jesus entered his house. He hates poverty, that’s the meaning. He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor. How can you now come to church with some kind of mentality?”
He further stressed, “You can come poor but you’re not permitted to remain poor. There’s nothing wrong with you coming to Christ as a poor man, but it’s wrong for you to remain poor. It is wrong.”
