Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, is under heavy fire from Christian leaders following a controversial sermon where he claimed that Jesus Christ despised poverty and never entered the homes of poor people during His earthly ministry.
In a viral clip, Ibiyeomie told his congregation, “Jesus never visited any poor person in his house that means He hates poverty.” He referenced biblical figures like Lazarus and Zacchaeus, both considered wealthy, arguing that Christ’s death and resurrection were also meant to free believers from financial hardship.
“You can become poor, but you are not permitted to remain poor,” he added.
The remarks sparked outrage, especially from Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Power City International, who slammed the sermon as a distortion of biblical truth. Damina stressed that Christ’s riches and poverty in Scripture refer to spiritual wealth, not material possession.
“Jesus was born in a manger to poor parents. If He hated the poor, He would have come through the house of Bill Gates,” Damina fired back.
Also weighing in, Lagos State CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, described Ibiyeomie’s message as misleading and warned Christians to beware of “fake pastors” who promote a materialistic gospel.
“Jesus is a lover of the poor. That is why He came into the world,” Adegbite said.
The incident has stirred debate among Christians on the true message of Christ, with many questioning the growing trend of equating wealth with divine approval.
