Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has stirred widespread debate after declaring that Jesus Christ’s mission was not only to save souls but also to free people from poverty.
In a sermon that has gone viral online, the Port Harcourt-based pastor emphasized that Christ’s death and resurrection were meant to elevate believers from financial lack. Addressing his congregation, Ibiyeomie boldly claimed that Jesus never visited any poor person during His earthly ministry—a sign, he argued, of divine opposition to poverty.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house, check your Bible. That means he hates poverty,” he said. “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. He hates poverty, that’s the meaning. He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor.”
He went further to criticize what he called a “poverty mentality” among some Christians, stressing that accepting poverty as a normal part of faith contradicts the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice.
“You can come poor but you’re not permitted to remain poor. There’s 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.
The sermon has triggered mixed reactions on social media. While some people supported the idea that faith should bring total transformation, including financial progress while others took issue with the biblical interpretation.
One user, @bestomiiaf, argued, “Lack of physical cash is not the only thing called poverty.”
@Shekwoaye referenced scripture, tweeting, “This stand is not bible, these men feed on the gullibility of people to peddle lies… ‘Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee..’ Acts 3:6.”
Another, @blackash31, pointed out the contradiction: “But the church will still collect tithes and offering from the poor.”
@2_Oies added, “Dis one just dey use bible and altar hustle steady. Dem Oyedepo spiritual son.”
