Pastor David Ibiyeomie claimed Jesus disliked poverty and never associated closely with the poor, interpreting scripture to suggest Jesus avoided entering poor people’s homes.
He also said Christ’s mission included freeing believers from poverty, alongside offering salvation.
He argued that remaining in poverty after coming to Christ reflects a lack of spiritual understanding.
Ibiyeomie said, “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 may come to Christ in poverty, but you’re not meant to stay that way.
There’s nothing wrong with starting out poor, but remaining poor is not acceptable.”
