Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has sparked serious conversations online after boldly declaring that “Jesus hates poverty!” During a sermon in his Port Harcourt church, the popular preacher pointed out that, all through Jesus’ time on earth, He never visited the home of any poor person — only the wealthy.
He referenced Bible figures like Zacchaeus, the rich tax collector, and Lazarus, who was known for providing for Jesus.
According to Ibiyeomie, this pattern shows that poverty isn’t part of God’s plan for His people! His statement has since stirred reactions from Nigerians, sparking debates across social media.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house, check your bible. That means he hates poverty. 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. How can you now come to church with some kind of mentality.
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.”
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