Abel Damina, founder and president of Abel Damina Ministries International (ADMI), has sharply criticized David Ibiyeomie, the founder of Salvation Ministries, for his recent assertion that “Jesus hated poverty.” Ibiyeomie’s claim, made during a viral sermon, suggested that Jesus did not associate with poor people, implying a disdain for poverty.
In a sermon titled “In Christ Realities Season 5,” Damina rebuffed Ibiyeomie’s statements, asserting that they misrepresent biblical teachings. He emphasized that Jesus identified with the poor throughout His life, arguing that if Jesus truly hated poverty, He would have been born into wealth rather than humble beginnings as the son of a carpenter.
Damina noted, “Jesus lived a life of poverty. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, and according to Matthew 8:20, He had nowhere to lay His head.” He highlighted that Jesus’s mission was to save humanity, not to promote material wealth.
Criticizing the prosperity gospel, Damina cautioned against teachings that equate financial success with divine favor, stating, “Such beliefs create a flawed understanding of the relationship between wealth and faith.” He also pointed out that the Bible teaches contentment and warns against covetousness.
Using the example of the widow who contributed to the temple treasury, Damina illustrated that Jesus valued sacrifice over wealth, reinforcing that true richness lies in grace, mercy, and righteousness, not material possessions.
Damina concluded by challenging the notion that Jesus’s teachings were about financial gain, asserting that the focus should be on spiritual wealth and the transformative power of the gospel. His comments have sparked significant discussion within the Christian community about the interpretation of scripture and the implications of prosperity preaching.
