Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has ignited a wave of controversy with a sermon in which he claimed that Jesus Christ detested poverty and deliberately avoided associating with poor people during His time on earth.
While addressing his congregation, Pastor Ibiyeomie stated that Jesus’ mission was not only spiritual but also intended to free believers from financial lack.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house; check your Bible,” he declared.
“That means He hates poverty. He visited Lazarus — they were not poor, they were giving Him food. He visited a sinner, Zacchaeus, who was rich. Tell me one poor man Jesus entered his house.”
The pastor further argued that poverty contradicts the true message of Christ, urging Christians to reject a life of lack.
“He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor. You can come poor, but you’re not permitted to remain poor. There’s nothing wrong with coming to Christ poor, but it’s wrong to stay poor,” Ibiyeomie added.
Watch the video below:
Jesus never visited any poor person in the house – Pastor David Ibiyeomie pic.twitter.com/usE9NqlOYq
— Naija (@Naija_PR) April 14, 2025
Mixed Reactions Online
The sermon has since gone viral, sparking intense debate across social media. While some followers applauded Pastor Ibiyeomie’s emphasis on financial empowerment, others criticised the message as a distortion of Jesus’ teachings, particularly His compassion for the poor and marginalized.
Critics argue that the message promotes a prosperity gospel, which equates material wealth with spiritual favor — a view not universally accepted within Christian theology.
Despite the backlash, Pastor Ibiyeomie’s comments have reignited broader discussions around Christianity, wealth, and social justice, drawing attention to the ongoing divide between traditional Christian values and modern prosperity-focused doctrines.