The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has reiterated and defended his recent controversial comments about poverty. He insisted that Jesus Christ did not associate with the poor and that believers should similarly refrain from forming close associations with them.
Ibiyeomie’s remarks have sparked a wave of criticism on social media and within religious communities.
His statement that Jesus “hated poverty” and “never entered the home of a poor person” during His time on Earth has drawn significant backlash.
In a sermon at his church in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Pastor Ibiyeomie maintained his claims, insisting that they were divinely inspired.
According to him, the Holy Spirit had personally confirmed the validity of his views.
Ibiyeomie said, “Some persons called me and said internet was on fire. I wasn’t interested, but out of curiosity, I checked. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to tell me if I’m wrong and I would take the blame.
“He was dictating God’s word to me verbatim in the bathroom, he said ‘you’re not wrong, you’re right.’ I said how? he said ‘I became sin for humanity, true?’ I said yes.’’
The clergyman further said that the Holy Spirit explained that just as believers should not associate with sinners, they should also avoid associating with the poor.
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“He said, do you like sin’? I said No. He said you can only lead people to Christ, but you cannot be a friend to a sinner. He said if a believer is mixing with sinners, everybody gets angry. So if a believer mixes with the poor, everybody should be angry.
“He said ‘I was made poor. So you can be rich. So poverty is not of me.”
Pastor Ibiyeomie emphasised that his message does not discourage charitable acts but warns against embracing poverty as a lifestyle or mindset.
He also noted that the redemptive work of Christ includes deliverance from sin, sickness, and poverty.
He said, You can help the poor but don’t associate with the poor. You don’t have money does not mean you’re poor. Poverty is mentality. And he gave me scriptures.
“He said ‘I paid a price for sin, poverty and sickness’. Why will you reject sin and accept poverty. And those who rejects poverty in line with God’s word, these three things will never be identified with you.”