- Pastor David Ibiyeomie claimed Jesus avoided poor people’s homes, stating it shows Christ “hated poverty” and died for believers not to remain poor
- His remarks, made in Port Harcourt, went viral and drew mixed reactions — some viewed it as motivational, others called it unbiblical and insensitive
- The controversy reignited debates around the prosperity gospel, with critics questioning the message's impact in a nation grappling with widespread poverty
Founder and General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has stirred public debate following his recent comments suggesting that Jesus Christ despised poverty and deliberately avoided entering the homes of poor people during his earthly ministry.
Speaking to his congregation in Port Harcourt on Sunday, April 13, in a sermon that has since gone viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the cleric argued that biblical records show Jesus only visited the homes of wealthy individuals.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house. Check your Bible. That means he hates poverty,” Ibiyeomie declared, referencing Christ’s visits to figures such as Zacchaeus and Lazarus, whom he described as financially comfortable.
He continued: “He visited a sinner called Zacchaeus, who was rich. Tell me one poor man Jesus entered his house. He hates poverty, that is the meaning. He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor.”
The pastor further claimed that living in poverty after embracing Christianity reflects a lack of spiritual understanding, insisting that poverty has no place in the life of a true believer.
“You can come poor but you’re not permitted to remain poor. Nothing wrong with you coming to Christ as a poor man, but it’s wrong for you to remain poor. It is wrong,” he added.
His comments have sparked a mixture of reactions online, with some praising his interpretation as motivational, while others have criticised it as unbiblical and insensitive to the socioeconomic struggles of many Christians.
While Pastor Ibiyeomie is known for his prosperity-focused preaching, this latest assertion has reignited the wider conversation around the controversial prosperity gospel and its implications in Nigerian society, where poverty remains a pressing issue for millions.
2025 Prophecies: What the top Nigerian men of God are saying about the New Year
Earlier, TheRadar curated 2025 prophecies as declared by popular Men of God.
After 2025 kicked off, several prophecies emerged from popular Nigerian pastors. Some shared their vision for what the year held for Nigerians. Others drew believers by the ear with stern warnings to desist from certain carnal acts.
