Pastor David Ibiyeomie Declares Jesus ‘Hates Poverty’ in Bold Sermon, Cites Scripture to Support Claim [VIDEO]

 

Renowned Nigerian televangelist and founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, is once again at the center of public discourse following a bold declaration during a recent sermon. Speaking to his congregation, Ibiyeomie asserted that Jesus Christ not only disliked poverty but also deliberately distanced himself from the poor during his earthly ministry.

In a sermon that has stirred conversations both in religious and secular circles, the clergyman argued that Jesus' interactions as recorded in the Bible reveal a strong preference for the wealthy, stating emphatically that Jesus “never visited any poor person in the house.”

“Read your Bible,” he urged his congregation. “That means he hates poverty.”

Pastor Ibiyeomie cited several examples from the New Testament to buttress his argument. He referenced Jesus’ visit to the home of Lazarus, a man he described as financially comfortable enough to offer hospitality. He also pointed to the biblical account of Zacchaeus—a wealthy tax collector and known sinner—whose home Jesus willingly entered. For the preacher, these selective visits are indicative of Jesus' disdain for poverty and a divine preference for abundance.

“Check, he visited Lazarus; they were not poor; they were giving him food,” he explained. “He visited a rich sinner called Zacchaeus. Tell me about the one poor man Jesus entered his house.”

In what seemed to be a deeper theological position, Pastor Ibiyeomie suggested that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not only for spiritual salvation but also for material upliftment. According to him, embracing poverty as a Christian reflects a misunderstanding of Christ’s purpose.

“He died for you not to be poor, so how can you now come to church with that kind of mentality?” he challenged. “You can come poor, but you are not permitted to remain poor.”

The preacher's remarks were met with both applause and criticism across various platforms. While many of his followers echoed the sentiment, viewing it as an encouragement for Christians to pursue financial success with divine backing, others saw the message as a misrepresentation of Jesus' teachings, especially concerning the poor and marginalized.

Critics argue that Jesus consistently showed compassion to the poor, healed beggars, praised a poor widow's offering, and even began his famous Sermon on the Mount with the words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” These actions, they say, suggest a more inclusive and compassionate Messiah rather than one who avoids the economically disadvantaged.

Nonetheless, Pastor Ibiyeomie remains undeterred in his message. Over the years, he has built a reputation for advocating prosperity as a vital component of Christian life. His ministry emphasizes financial empowerment alongside spiritual growth, frequently hosting programs that combine biblical teaching with principles of wealth creation.

For his loyal followers, the message is a wake-up call. To them, the call to reject a “poverty mentality” is not just about material wealth but about transformation—shifting from lack to abundance, from hopelessness to purpose. They interpret the pastor’s words not as an attack on the poor but as a challenge to rise above limitations and fulfill divine potential.

Still, the broader implications of such theology continue to be debated. Does prosperity equate to divine favor? Can one truly measure spiritual health by financial status? And what place do the poor hold in a church increasingly focused on material success?

As conversations swirl, one thing remains certain: Pastor David Ibiyeomie’s message has reignited an age-old conversation in Christianity about wealth, divine purpose, and the true message of Jesus Christ. Whether seen as motivational or controversial, his words have struck a chord—both within the church walls and far beyond.