In a recent sermon, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, sparked widespread debate by asserting that Jesus Christ “hates poverty” and never visited the homes of poor individuals during His earthly ministry. He cited examples such as Jesus visiting Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, and Lazarus, who provided Him with food, to support his claim. Ibiyeomie emphasized that while it’s acceptable to come to Christ in poverty, remaining poor contradicts the purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice, which he believes includes delivering believers from financial lack.
The sermon has elicited mixed reactions. Some view it as an encouragement for financial empowerment, while others criticize it as a misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings on humility and compassion for the underprivileged. Father Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic priest, countered Ibiyeomie’s claims, stating that Jesus’ ministry focused on the salvation of souls, irrespective of individuals’ financial status.
