‘It’s wrong to be poor as Christians’

The founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has sparked dialog on social media after claiming that Jesus Christ strongly dislikes poverty.

In a sermon video posted on his fan TikTok web page on Monday, the 62-year-old pastor instructed his congregation that Jesus didn’t affiliate with the poor throughout His earthly ministry.

Mr Ibiyeomie, who anchors the ‘Hour of Salvation’ dwell companies broadcast on over 40 tv stations regionally and internationally, acknowledged that it’s acceptable to come back to Christ in poverty.

Nonetheless, he went on to elucidate what he believes is unacceptable after doing so: “If I inform you one thing, it’ll baffle you; Jesus by no means visited any poor individual in his home; examine your bible. Which means he hates poverty. He visited Lazarus; they weren’t poor however had been giving him meals. He visited a sinner, Zacchaeus, who was wealthy.

“Inform me one poor man Jesus entered his home. He hates poverty; that’s the which means. He hates poor individuals. He died for you to not be poor. How will you now come to church with some mentality? You possibly can come poor, however you’re not permitted to stay poor. There’s nothing improper with you coming to Christ as a poor man, nevertheless it’s improper so that you can stay poor. It’s improper.”

Reactions

Mr Ibiyeomie’s stance, in addition to that of an creator who additionally hosts an web radio present, ignited controversy amongst netizens.

Under are among the reactions from netizens.

Stunning Nonsense! Opposite to Lord’s educating

Matthew 19:23 (ASV)

And Jesus mentioned unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It’s onerous for a wealthy man to enter into the dominion of heaven. And once more I say unto you, It’s simpler for a camel to undergo a needle’s eye, than for…

— ArugboBoisi (@Arugboboisi_Sam) April 14, 2025

Any individual kindly clarify to me the phrase in Matt 19: 16-26 and I quote ; “Once more I inform you, it’s simpler for a camel to undergo the attention of a needle than for a wealthy man to enter the dominion of God.”My difficulty with the pastors assertion is him saying Jesus “hates” poverty…

— cha cha cha (@uchenna_ubochi) April 14, 2025

Christianity in Nigeria must be scrapped for the nation to actually transfer ahead.

— REMA GIRLFRIEND (@remagirlfriend) April 14, 2025

These entrepreneurs sha. Identical Jesus that mentioned “It’s simpler for a camel to undergo the attention of a needle, than for a wealthy man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” They may wish to drive dwelling dialogue of prosperity for their very own acquire after which twist the Bible.

— DON CORLEONE (@Bobbydbobo) April 14, 2025

Any Christian that doesn’t have a private understanding of the Bible is in large bother. Pastors make quite a lot of inferences from the Bible and draw conclusions on issues that aren’t precisely written within the Bible. Their inferences will be based mostly on their feelings, private…

— Abiri-Owo 🔴⚪ (@captain_xplora) April 14, 2025

If that is true. With all due respect ‘You might be Mad Sir’ trigger Watin be this 😤🙄

— MadFury 🤫 Tiny-Mood (@AtarodoScotch) April 14, 2025

Was Lazarus his buddy a wealthy man? Was Peter’s mother-in-law a wealthy girl?

— 🤞hAppYmaMa💰 (@VivienVivicoko) April 14, 2025

After we are prepared to repair Nigeria, e get some type individuals weh we suppose first whip cane, this werey be a part of the checklist, as a matter of truth he suppose accumulate the primary few lashes for he higher mind

— Destiny Godwinson🇬🇧🇬🇧🙈 (@GodwinsonFate) April 14, 2025

Mr Ibiyeomie final made headlines when he gifted a four-bedroom bungalow to Henry Eremosele, a former auto mechanic who resigned from his job to function a messenger in his church.