Why Jesus Apologetics

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you… AND IN THEIR GREED THEY WILL EXPLOIT YOU WITH FALSE WORDS.”

— 2 Peter 2:1–3 (ESV)

In our last posts, we addressed one of the most dangerous teachings circulating from a Nigerian “Tithnocentric” pastor—Pastor David Ibiyeomie—and his controversial message spreading rapidly on social media. We believed that would be the end of it, but to our dismay, we encountered his comeback, where he doubled down and sought to justify his initial error by invoking the Holy Spirit as an escape route.

You can read our first and second exposés in the articles linked [here] and [here].

Again, let’s be clear from the outset that our critique is not a personal attack on Pastor Ibiyeomie, nor is it meant to disrespect or defame him. Rather, our mission is to call out erroneous teachings that mislead Christians and expose the profound dangers in following celebrity pastors who peddle such harmful doctrines.

These are not mere theological debates; these are dangerous teachings that have real, devastating consequences on individuals, families, and communities. We must expose and correct such false doctrines, and we must warn our readers to be vigilant against such messages.

The Apostle Paul was unequivocal when he said:

“If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
— Galatians 1:8-9

Sadly, pastors like Ibiyeomie have become a shame to the Body of Christ, so much so that unbelievers—including Muslims and adherents of African Traditional Religion—point to such ministers and mock Christianity as a joke, a fraud, or a criminal enterprise.

Currently in Nigeria, the Christian faith is being eroded from within, and if this trend is not exposed and contained, it will lead to a widespread avalanche of apostasy in the body of Christ. Church members must stop giving their ears to these pastors, and churches should no longer endorse or remain silent about the damage these individuals are doing to the faith.

This crisis is not limited to Nigeria. We see the same pattern globally—consider the rapid decline of Christian heritage and values in places like England and across Europe, where false teachers masquerading as spiritual leaders have contributed to the internal collapse of the faith.

We cannot remain silent. If we do, there will be nothing left for future generations. We are speaking out because it is the right thing to do—and it is fully within the scope of Why Jesus Apologetics Ministry. You can learn more about us [here].

It is high time we all join hands and respectfully yet boldly call out these heresies and dangerous, demonic teachings that hide behind the cloak of the “Holy Spirit told me word for word” defense.

Let us stand for the truth of the gospel and protect the flock from deception.

📺 Watch the video here:

His erroneous and demonic teaching is not only false—it is spiritually destructive. It misrepresents Jesus, alienates the poor, and weaponizes the gospel for personal gain. Even more troubling is how he defended his statement later by saying, “The Holy Spirit told me.”

When Arrogance Masquerades as Revelation

When a spiritual leader preaches error, that is bad enough, but when corrected and instead of repenting, they return claiming, “The Holy Spirit told me I was right,” they cross a dangerous line. This is what Pastor David Ibiyeomie has done.

In the face of intense backlash on social media for saying “Jesus never visited any poor man” and “Jesus hates poverty,” he has now returned to double down on this false teaching—this time claiming the Holy Spirit Himself affirmed it.

Let’s be clear: this is not a misunderstanding. It is an abuse of Scripture, a misuse of the name of the Holy Spirit, and a dangerous example of arrogance that must be confronted in love, with truth.

“When we put words in the mouth of the Holy Spirit that contradict Jesus, we not only accuse Jesus of lying, but we also blaspheme God Himself.”

Let’s refute these demonic teachings point by point.

What Exactly Did Pastor Ibiyeomie Say?

Below is word-for-word what Pastor Ibiyeomie said in his defense video (summarized and corrected for clarity), with timestamps from the video link:

00:00–00:32

“I was in the bedroom, and I asked the Holy Ghost a question… ‘If I’m wrong, tell me.’ He said, ‘You are not wrong. You are very right.’ There’s a routing on social media, but He told me, ‘You are right.’”

Issue: After receiving massive backlash on social media, instead of apologizing or retracting his error, Pastor Ibiyeomie doubled down. In a follow-up defense, he stated that his original words were not his own but came from the Holy Spirit.

He used the Holy Spirit to justify his position, not Scripture. There’s no biblical evidence presented—only a mystical conversation. This is subjective private revelation, and it must be tested by the Word (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11).

The Bible warns: “Test the spirits…” (1 John 4:1). A message contradicting Scripture cannot be from the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13). Declaring such a message as divine reveals spiritual pride, not humility.

Many people confuse their personal thoughts, demonic suggestions, and Holy Spirit guidance. Here’s how we can tell the difference:

a. The Inner Voice (Human Spirit):

This is our own reasoning, intuition, and desires. Not always evil, but not always right either, prone to satanic influences or personal greed. It needs to be tested by Scripture.

b. Satan and His Agents:

Satan often masquerades as light (2 Cor. 11:14). He can influence thoughts, twist Scriptures, and plant deceptive doctrines, especially when pride and materialism are involved.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”

— 1 Tim. 4:1

c. The Holy Spirit:

The Spirit always glorifies Jesus (John 16:14), always points to truth (John 16:13), and never contradicts Scripture. He convicts of sin—not supports it. He doesn’t exalt wealth—He exalts Christ.

What Pastor Ibiyeomie did was to invoke the Holy Spirit to cover up a fleshly, prideful, and false doctrine. That’s not discernment—that’s deception.

The Holy Spirit will never contradict the teachings of Christ. Any “spiritual voice” that justifies pride or lies must be rejected, no matter who claims it.

00:32–01:30

“Jesus became sin, but we are told not to associate with sinners… same with poverty. He became poor, but you don’t associate with the poor. To remain poor is to make Christ’s death in vain.”

Issue: He takes verses about spiritual sin and righteousness and misapplies them to social class and wealth. Let us dig deeper.

1. Twisting the Doctrine of Substitutionary Atonement

The phrase “Jesus became sin” (from 2 Corinthians 5:21) refers to the atoning sacrifice of Christ, not a moral transformation or a license to shun sinners. Paul writes:

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Cor. 5:21

This does not mean Christ became a literal sinner. He bore our sins judicially and sacrificially, not behaviorally. Likewise, when Scripture says He “became poor,” it speaks of His incarnation and humility, not that poverty is evil or that association with the poor is shameful.

2. Jesus DID Associate with Sinners and the Poor

The claim “we are told not to associate with sinners” is false and contradicts the very life and ministry of Jesus:

• “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” — Luke 7:34
• When the Pharisees accused Jesus of eating with sinners, He rebuked them: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31–32)

Christ welcomed the poor, sinners, outcasts, and the broken, not only in word but in consistent action. The early Church followed His example, welcoming the poor and sharing their possessions (Acts 2:44–45).

3. Associating Poverty with Sinfulness is Unbiblical

To say, “To remain poor is to make Christ’s death in vain,” is blasphemous and contrary to the teachings of Jesus Himself. Poverty is never presented in Scripture as a sin or moral failure:

• “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3
• “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” — Luke 6:24
• “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith?” — James 2:5

God never condemned the poor. In fact, He warned against those who oppress the poor (Prov. 14:31, Amos 5:11). Poverty may result from injustice, systems, or circumstance—not always laziness or sin (John 9:1–3).

4. Christ’s Death Was for Salvation, Not for Luxury

Christ did not die to make people financially wealthy. His death was to reconcile humanity to God:

“Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” — 1 Peter 3:18

The prosperity gospel cheapens the cross by reducing it to a material transaction. Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 8:9:

“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich”

…is about spiritual riches in salvation, not carnal wealth. Paul himself lived in poverty for the Gospel (1 Cor. 4:11), yet rejoiced always (Phil. 4:11–13). True riches are found in Christ, not in cash.

We are called to serve the poor (Prov. 19:17), to honor the lowly (Rom. 12:16), and to care for the marginalized (Matt. 25:40). To avoid the poor is to deny Christ’s heart and mission.

The claim that “Jesus became poor so we don’t have to associate with the poor” is a doctrinal perversion. It turns the cross into a prosperity ladder and turns the church into a social club for the elite. Christ’s love breaks those barriers—and so must we.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” — James 1:27

Let us return to true Gospel preaching: Christ crucified, the hope of salvation—for the rich and the poor alike.

01:30–02:04

“To remain poor is an insult to Jesus’ death… You must be angry with poverty like you’re angry with sin.”

Issue: He equates poverty with sin — a false dichotomy. He implies that unless you are rich, you have rejected Christ’s work.

Poverty Is Not a Sin — And God Is Not Limited in Power

To equate poverty with sin is not only unbiblical, but it also insults the dignity of millions of faithful believers throughout history who have lived modestly or struggled materially. Poverty is a condition, not a crime or a moral failure. The Bible never calls it a sin.

1. Nowhere in Scripture is Poverty Condemned as Sin

• Many righteous people in Scripture were poor:
  • Jesus Himself was poor (Luke 2:7; Matthew 8:20).
  • The apostles were poor (1 Corinthians 4:11; Acts 3:6).
  • The early church had many poor members, yet they were rich in faith (James 2:5).

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…?”

— James 2:5

If poverty were a sin, then Jesus, His apostles, and many saints would be condemned—which is clearly false.

2. God Has the Power to Enrich Everyone Instantly — Yet He Allows Variety

“God is able to make everyone rich on the same spot He created us.”

God owns everything:

“The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,” declares the Lord Almighty. — Haggai 2:8

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” — Psalm 24:1

But in His sovereign wisdom, God allows different economic circumstances for different purposes. Sometimes He permits poverty to test faith, expose injustice, or draw people to Himself in humility (Deut. 8:3).

3. Wealth Does Not Equal God’s Favor — Nor Does Poverty Equal His Displeasure

If riches were the proof of God’s approval, then Jesus would have been the wealthiest man on earth. But instead:

“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor…”

— 2 Corinthians 8:9

And He warned that:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

— Mark 10:25

This does not mean wealth is evil, but it teaches that trusting in wealth is dangerous.

God Gives Wealth Without Sorrow — But Not All Wealth Comes from Him

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”

— Proverbs 10:22 (ESV)

This verse reminds us that true wealth from God comes without guilt, compromise, or spiritual ruin. Unlike the riches of this world that may come through fraud, corruption, covetousness, or via exploitation and manipulative messages ensuring people “pay” tithes and offerings, God’s provision is pure, peaceful, and purposeful.

So yes — God can and does give riches. But:

• Not everyone who is rich was blessed by God.
• Not every form of wealth is from the Lord.
• Not everyone who is poor is cursed or outside God’s will.

He is against:

• Greed (Luke 12:15)
• Trust in riches (Mark 10:24)
• Neglect of the poor (Proverbs 21:13)
• Using the Gospel as a means to get rich (1 Timothy 6:5)

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap…”

— 1 Timothy 6:9

God gives wealth for stewardship, service, and kingdom purposes, not for selfish showmanship.

God Cares for the Poor and Commands Us to Do the Same

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

— Proverbs 14:31

Poverty is not a spiritual disease to be rebuked—it is a real-life condition that God calls His people to address with compassion, not condemnation.

Jesus never said poverty is sin. Rather, He rebuked those who hoard wealth (Luke 12:15–21) and comforted the poor. God gives true riches — and when He does, they bring joy, not anxiety. Peace, not pressure. Fulfillment, not emptiness. We must seek first the kingdom of God, not material gain, because the real measure of God’s blessing is not your bank account, but your obedience and contentment.

02:04–02:36

“You help the poor, but don’t associate with them. May the Lord give you understanding.”

Issue: He ends with spiritual arrogance, implying that those who disagree lack “understanding.” But the Word of God says otherwise.

1. Jesus Didn’t Just Help the Poor—He Lived Among Them

Jesus didn’t run a charity drive from a mansion; He walked among the poor, ate with them, healed them, wept with them, and loved them. His very first sermon declared His mission:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim good news to the poor.” — Luke 4:18

In fact, Jesus’ identity was tied to the poor:

“Foxes have holes… but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” — Matthew 8:20

He didn’t just help the poor—He became poor (2 Cor. 8:9), and He was constantly associated with the outcasts, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, and the marginalized. Why? Because that’s the heart of the Gospel.

2. The Early Church Was Built Around Associating with the Poor

“All the believers were together and had everything in common… they sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” — Acts 2:44–45

The apostles didn’t build golden thrones and avoid the needy. They shared their lives with them. Paul even instructed:

“Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.” — Romans 12:16 (ESV)

So where is this teaching that we should not “associate” with the poor coming from? Not from Jesus. Not from the apostles. And not from the Holy Spirit.

3. God Commands Compassion, Not Class Segregation

To help the poor but refuse to associate with them is hypocrisy, not holiness. It sounds more like a pharisaic mindset than the way of Christ.

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” — Proverbs 14:31

If God dwells with the lowly and contrite (Isaiah 57:15), who are we to act “too anointed” to sit with the poor?

4. May the Lord Give YOU Understanding—Not Just the Listeners

Using the phrase “May the Lord give you understanding” to push a twisted doctrine is spiritual manipulation. That phrase was used by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:7 to encourage reflection on truth, not to endorse unbiblical elitism.

To say “don’t associate with the poor” in Jesus’ name is to preach against the very ministry of Christ.

• Jesus did not just give to the poor—He lived among them.
• The early church didn’t avoid the poor—they shared everything with them.
• God commands love, humility, and compassion—not spiritual elitism.
• Avoiding the poor contradicts Christ’s example and invites judgment (Matthew 25:41–45).

You cannot represent a Savior who associated with the poor, and then turn around to teach separation from them.

Let’s follow Christ—not celebrity pastors who use the name of the Holy Spirit to preach classism and false holiness.

Why Ibiyeomie’s Teaching Is Dangerous to the Church and the Poor

This kind of preaching has devastating effects:

• It shames poor believers, making them feel unwanted or unloved by Christ.
• It promotes prosperity gospel heresy, teaching that riches are a sign of divine favor.
• It turns pulpits into platforms for greed instead of grace.
• It misleads the unsaved into thinking Christianity is about cash, not the cross.

Such teachings contradict both Scripture and the character of Christ, and they must be publicly exposed.

The True Gospel Is About Grace, Not Greed

Let us be clear:

• Jesus does not hate the poor.
• Jesus did not avoid their homes.
• Jesus did not preach wealth as a sign of favor.

Instead, He preached the kingdom of God, the forgiveness of sins, the call to follow Him, and love for the least of these.

“Whatever you did to the least of these… you did it unto me.” — Matthew 25:40

So to the body of Christ:

• Reject the gospel of greed.
• Hold pastors accountable to Scripture.
• Follow the Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus of brand-name ministries.

Conclusion

Pastor David Ibiyeomie’s comments are not just biblically inaccurate; they are spiritually harmful. His misuse of Scripture and invocation of the Holy Spirit to validate error is a pattern that demands repentance, not defensiveness.

If a leader teaches falsely and refuses to correct himself—then others must lovingly but boldly expose the error (Ephesians 5:11).

In short, the notion that we should help the poor yet not associate with them runs directly counter to the entire example and teaching of Jesus. He lived among the poor, welcomed the outcasts, and made His mission to share the Gospel with everyone—regardless of social status. The early Church, too, embraced the poor wholeheartedly, sharing in both their hardships and their joys. Any teaching that divides us along economic lines not only distorts Scripture but also undermines the very essence of the Gospel.

May the true Spirit of Christ open our eyes to follow the Jesus of the Gospels—not the one created in the image of wealth and arrogance.