WATCH THE VIDEO HERE A viral video of Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has sparked controversy after he claimed that Jesus Christ “hates poverty” and never visited the homes of poor people. Ibiyeomie interpreted this as a sign of divine disapproval of poverty, stating that Christ’s death and resurrection were meant to free believers from poverty. However, his claims have been widely criticized by prominent Nigerian clerics. Pastor Abel Damina described Ibiyeomie’s interpretation as a “distortion of biblical truth” and accused him of twisting the message of Christ to suit materialistic agendas. “How can Jesus hate poor people?” Damina asked. “He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor. He identified with poor people.” The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also weighed in on the controversy. Lagos State chairman Bishop Stephen Adegbite dismissed Ibiyeomie’s claim as an “insult to biblical truth” and a “dangerous distortion of Christ’s mission.” Adegbite warned Christians not to be misled by “fake pastors” who prioritize wealth over truth. Both Damina and Adegbite emphasized that Jesus identified with the poor and that his mission was about salvation, not just material wealth. They urged pastors to preach the truth and nothing but the truth, rather than prioritizing wealth and materialism.
‘Jesus hates poverty’: CAN berates Ibiyeomie over controversial sermon
