In a sermon on a viral video that sparked significant online debate over the weekend, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries shared controversial views on poverty and Christianity.
The prominent Nigerian cleric said Jesus Christ deliberately avoided the homes of the poor, indicating divine disapproval of poverty.
Addressing his congregation, Ibiyeomie argued that Jesus’ earthly interactions showed a clear preference for those who were financially well-off. He cited visits to individuals like Zacchaeus and Lazarus, both of whom he claimed were wealthy, as evidence.
“Check your Bible,” he urged his audience. “Jesus never entered the house of a poor man. He visited Zacchaeus, a rich sinner. He visited Lazarus and his sisters, they were not poor; they fed him. That means He hates poverty.”
Ibiyeomie emphasized that Christ’s mission included liberating believers from material lack, not just sin. He described continued poverty after salvation as a sign of poor spiritual understanding.
“You can come to church poor, but it’s wrong to remain that way,” he declared. “Jesus didn’t die for you to stay poor. Poverty is not God’s plan for His children.”
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with some questioning the scriptural basis of his claims and others supporting his interpretation of prosperity as part of the Christian faith.
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