The Christian Association of Nigeria has taken issue with Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the founder of Salvation Ministries, regarding his sermon that claims Jesus Christ despises poverty and did not associate with the downtrodden during His earthly existence.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Ibiyeomie was heard addressing his congregation, stating that Jesus never visited the home of any impoverished individual, which he interpreted as an indication of divine disapproval of being poor.
He went on to assert that the death and resurrection of Christ were not solely for the purpose of salvation but also to liberate believers from the shackles of poverty.
He contended that remaining in a state of poverty after embracing Christ indicated a deficiency in spiritual insight.
“Jesus never went to any poor person’s home, which signifies that He despises poverty. Examine your Bible; He visited Lazarus, who was not poor, as they were providing Him meals. He also met with Zacchaeus, a wealthy sinner. Can you name any impoverished individual whose house Jesus entered? He detests poverty; that’s the implication.
“He (Jesus) has an aversion to the impoverished. He died so you wouldn’t have to live in poverty, so how can you come to church harboring such a mindset? You may experience poverty, but you’re not allowed to endure it indefinitely. There’s nothing wrong with approaching Christ in a state of poverty, but it’s unacceptable to stay poor,” Ibiyeomie communicated to his congregation.
In response, the chairman of CAN in Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, dismissed Ibiyeomie’s assertions as an affront to biblical truth.
He characterized the pastor’s message as a perilous misrepresentation of Christ’s intention, labeling it as “loose talk” and “a distortion of sound biblical doctrine that has no bearing in authentic Christian teachings.
Adegbite, speaking with Saturday PUNCH via a phone conversation, cautioned Christians against being misled by what he referred to as “fraudulent pastors” who prioritize material wealth over genuine truth.
“He (Ibiyeomie) ought not to mislead others and should convey the truth and only the truth. To us, Jesus is a friend of the poor and He resonated with them, which is one of the primary reasons for His coming into this world.
“By their fruits, we will recognize them. Those (pastors) can amass wealth; that doesn’t embody Christianity or the faith we recognize. The message that Jesus wants us to propagate is one of salvation, as that is the fundamental purpose of His coming,” Adegbite stated.