Robert Jeffress
Robert James Jeffress Jr. (born November 29, 1955) is an American Southern Baptist pastor, author, radio host, and televangelist. He is the senior pastor of the 14,000-member First Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, and is a Fox News Contributor. His sermons are broadcast on the television and radio program Pathway to Victory, which is broadcast on more than 1,200 television stations in the United States and 28 other countries, and is heard on 900 stations and broadcast live in 195 countries.
American Evangelicals Interpret Israel-Hamas War As A Prelude to End Times
The End Times are not a topic Robert Jeffress needs much prompting to talk about. But when war broke out between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas, and a national figure among American evangelicals, quickly prepared a sermon series on the Apocalypse, which would be accompanied by a forthcoming book on the subject On Nov. 5, as the last notes of “Redemption Draweth Nigh,” a hymn about Jesus’ return, resonated in First Baptist’s 3,000-seat sanctuary, Jeffress asked his audience, “Are we actually living in what the Bible calls the End Times?” The war in Gaza is not the only sign Jeffress submitted as evidence that the period presaging Jesus’ Second Coming, detailed in the Bible’s Book of Revelation and other Scriptures, is coming closer. He noted, too, rising crime rates, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and natural disasters before announcing, “We are on the verge of the beginning of the End Times.” “Things are falling into place for this great world battle, fought by the super powers of the world, as the Bible said. They will be armed with nuclear weapons,” he said. (Fiona Andre/Roys Report 11/19/23)
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The End Times are not a topic Robert Jeffress needs much prompting to talk about. But when war broke out between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas, and a national figure among American evangelicals, quickly prepared a sermon series on the Apocalypse, which would be accompanied by a forthcoming book on the subject On Nov. 5, as the last notes of “Redemption Draweth Nigh,” a hymn about Jesus’ return, resonated in First Baptist’s 3,000-seat sanctuary, Jeffress asked his audience, “Are we actually living in what the Bible calls the End Times?” The war in Gaza is not the only sign Jeffress submitted as evidence that the period presaging Jesus’ Second Coming, detailed in the Bible’s Book of Revelation and other Scriptures, is coming closer. He noted, too, rising crime rates, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and natural disasters before announcing, “We are on the verge of the beginning of the End Times.” “Things are falling into place for this great world battle, fought by the super powers of the world, as the Bible said. They will be armed with nuclear weapons,” he said. (Fiona Andre/Roys Report 11/19/23)
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Robert Jeffress
“It’s doubtful that the latest indictment of President Trump will have any meaningful impact on his overwhelming popularity with evangelical voters, given the fact that previous indictments have only increased his support among Republicans — and most evangelicals vote Republican. I predict evangelical voters will continue to support President Trump because of his strong pro-life, pro-religious liberty, and pro-Israel track record.” -Robert Jeffress 8.4.23
Robert Jeffress
“Conservative Christians continue to overwhelmingly support Donald Trump because of his biblical policies, not his personal piety. They are smart enough to know the difference between choosing a president and choosing a pastor”.
-Robert Jeffress 8.3.23
July 25, 2023: Sight: Church and politics: Some critics see Trump's behaviour as un-Christian. His conservative Christian backers see a hero
Robert Jeffress, pastor of an evangelical megachurch in Dallas, has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his first campaign for president and is sticking by him even as rivals like South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence tout their Christian faith.
Robert Jeffress, pastor of an evangelical megachurch in Dallas, has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his first campaign for president and is sticking by him even as rivals like South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence tout their Christian faith.
Robert Jeffress
“Conservative Christians continue to overwhelmingly support Donald Trump because of his Biblical policies, not his personal piety. They are smart enough to know the difference between choosing a president and choosing a pastor. In many ways, Christians feel like they are in an existential cultural war between good and evil, and they want a warrior like Donald Trump who can win." -Robert Jeffress 7.25.23
June 7, 2023: Washington Post: For many Southern Baptists, the only campaign question is which Republican candidate to support
One of Trump’s staunchest supporters in this and past elections is Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas.
“When Trump first announced his re-election bid last November I predicted that some evangelicals would ‘kick the tires’ of other candidates but would eventually coalesce around Trump as they did in 2016,” Jeffress said via email. “However, ‘eventually’ happened even more quickly than even I expected.”
One of Trump’s staunchest supporters in this and past elections is Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas.
“When Trump first announced his re-election bid last November I predicted that some evangelicals would ‘kick the tires’ of other candidates but would eventually coalesce around Trump as they did in 2016,” Jeffress said via email. “However, ‘eventually’ happened even more quickly than even I expected.”
April 20, 2023: Reuters: Trump keeps edge among evangelicals, but there is an opening for challengers
Pastor Robert Jeffress, an influential evangelical who heads a 14,000-member church in Dallas, earlier this year said he was uncommitted in the 2024 Republican primary. But Jeffress told Reuters this week that he is now solidly behind Trump, saying that he has found DeSantis, who has yet to formally announce a presidential bid, to be “lackluster.”
“A lot of people really don’t know him,” Jeffress said. “There is nothing he has done lately to sway evangelicals.”
Pastor Robert Jeffress, an influential evangelical who heads a 14,000-member church in Dallas, earlier this year said he was uncommitted in the 2024 Republican primary. But Jeffress told Reuters this week that he is now solidly behind Trump, saying that he has found DeSantis, who has yet to formally announce a presidential bid, to be “lackluster.”
“A lot of people really don’t know him,” Jeffress said. “There is nothing he has done lately to sway evangelicals.”
Mar 30, 2023: Religious News Service: Can DeSantis break Trump’s hold on the religious right?
In addition, some influential evangelicals are all in for a second Trump term. This past weekend, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who courted Christian conservatives in his own 2008 and 2016 presidential runs, endorsed Trump for 2024. Even a refusal to endorse Trump can be a pocket endorsement. Robert Jeffress, pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church, who prayed at Trump’s rally, told The New York Times earlier this year, “Keeping my powder dry might be the best thing for the president.”
In addition, some influential evangelicals are all in for a second Trump term. This past weekend, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who courted Christian conservatives in his own 2008 and 2016 presidential runs, endorsed Trump for 2024. Even a refusal to endorse Trump can be a pocket endorsement. Robert Jeffress, pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church, who prayed at Trump’s rally, told The New York Times earlier this year, “Keeping my powder dry might be the best thing for the president.”
Feb 2023: Texas Monthly: THE PASTOR OF DALLAS’S FIRST BAPTIST ON W. A. CRISWELL, DONALD TRUMP, AND GOD HIMSELF
Jeffress, who grew up in the north Dallas suburb of Richardson, had spent his childhood attending First Baptist. “I studied every sentence of Dr. Criswell’s sermons, and I read all of his books,” Jeffress told me. “When I was fifteen, God called me to become a pastor, and I remember going to see Dr. Criswell to tell him what God was leading me to do. And he said, ‘Well, Robert, I want you to spend your summers learning every part of this church. I want you to work in the children’s area, the mission area, the music program . . . because one day, I believe, it will all be yours.’ He knelt down with me and prayed that God would prepare me to become the pastor of First Baptist Church.”
Jeffress, who grew up in the north Dallas suburb of Richardson, had spent his childhood attending First Baptist. “I studied every sentence of Dr. Criswell’s sermons, and I read all of his books,” Jeffress told me. “When I was fifteen, God called me to become a pastor, and I remember going to see Dr. Criswell to tell him what God was leading me to do. And he said, ‘Well, Robert, I want you to spend your summers learning every part of this church. I want you to work in the children’s area, the mission area, the music program . . . because one day, I believe, it will all be yours.’ He knelt down with me and prayed that God would prepare me to become the pastor of First Baptist Church.”
Jan 30, 2023: New Republic: Ron DeSantis and His Christian Crusaders Are Stealing Trump’s Religious Thunder
Are Trump’s celebrated ties with the evangelical community a thing of the past? Certainly, over the past year, his grip on the coalition of conservatives who both elected and defended him has begun to loosen, especially after a midterm election that shattered his mystique as a conservative kingmaker. Still, many of his most prominent evangelical supporters, such as First Baptist Dallas Church Pastor Robert Jeffress, have stayed mum. Their reticence, unsurprisingly, has only drawn his ire. Referencing Jeffress and others who have yet to bless his next presidential run, Trump told radio host David Brody, “There’s great disloyalty in the world of politics.”
Are Trump’s celebrated ties with the evangelical community a thing of the past? Certainly, over the past year, his grip on the coalition of conservatives who both elected and defended him has begun to loosen, especially after a midterm election that shattered his mystique as a conservative kingmaker. Still, many of his most prominent evangelical supporters, such as First Baptist Dallas Church Pastor Robert Jeffress, have stayed mum. Their reticence, unsurprisingly, has only drawn his ire. Referencing Jeffress and others who have yet to bless his next presidential run, Trump told radio host David Brody, “There’s great disloyalty in the world of politics.”
Christian Headlines: Republicans Are 'Headed Toward a Civil War,' Pastor Robert Jeffress Says
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
A key evangelical ally during Donald Trump's administration says he will not endorse the former president for the 2024 Republican nomination............. But Jeffress says he will remain neutral for the 2024 GOP race.
"Donald Trump was a great president, and if he becomes the GOP nominee in 2024, I will happily support him," Jeffress told Newsweek.
He added that "the Republican Party is headed toward a civil war that I have no desire or need to be part of. My priority is being pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas and preaching God's word to millions of people each week on our television and radio broadcasts."
11.18.22
Churches are breaking the law and endorsing in elections, experts say. The IRS looks the other way.
Today, North Texas remains home to influential pastors such as Robert Jeffress, who leads the First Baptist megachurch in Dallas. Jeffress was one of Trump’s most fervent supporters, appearing at campaign events, defending him on television news shows and stating that he “absolutely” did not regret supporting the former president after the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
(Jeremy Schwartz/Texas Tribune 10/30/22)
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Today, North Texas remains home to influential pastors such as Robert Jeffress, who leads the First Baptist megachurch in Dallas. Jeffress was one of Trump’s most fervent supporters, appearing at campaign events, defending him on television news shows and stating that he “absolutely” did not regret supporting the former president after the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
(Jeremy Schwartz/Texas Tribune 10/30/22)
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Dec 23, 2021: Church Leadership: Ed Stetzer: The Church and Donald Trump: We Need Christ at the Center of Our Services, Not Democrats, Republicans or Any Other Politician
The current pastor, Robert Jeffress, regularly leans into political partisanship. He has frequently appeared on Fox News speaking about politics and evangelicals, in recent years spending his time and energy to defend Donald Trump during his campaign and presidency. This week, Jeffress welcomed the former president to address the congregation after his sermon and give a brief Christmas message.
Aug 8, 2021: WRBL: Facebook rolls out prayer request feature but not everyone trusts it
The Rev. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, a Southern Baptist megachurch, was among the pastors enthusiastically welcoming of the prayer feature.
The current pastor, Robert Jeffress, regularly leans into political partisanship. He has frequently appeared on Fox News speaking about politics and evangelicals, in recent years spending his time and energy to defend Donald Trump during his campaign and presidency. This week, Jeffress welcomed the former president to address the congregation after his sermon and give a brief Christmas message.
Aug 8, 2021: WRBL: Facebook rolls out prayer request feature but not everyone trusts it
The Rev. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, a Southern Baptist megachurch, was among the pastors enthusiastically welcoming of the prayer feature.
Sept 17, 2021: Dallas Morning News: First Baptist’s Robert Jeffress: ‘There is no credible religious argument against the vaccines’
“There is no credible religious argument against the vaccines,” the downtown megachurch’s senior pastor told The Associated Press in an email. “Christians who are troubled by the use of a fetal cell line for the testing of the vaccines would also have to abstain from the use of Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Ibuprofen, and other products that used the same cell line if they are sincere in their objection.”
“There is no credible religious argument against the vaccines,” the downtown megachurch’s senior pastor told The Associated Press in an email. “Christians who are troubled by the use of a fetal cell line for the testing of the vaccines would also have to abstain from the use of Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Ibuprofen, and other products that used the same cell line if they are sincere in their objection.”
Jan 24, 2021: Wyoming Public Media: Evangelical Leaders Condemn 'Radicalized Christian Nationalism'
Prominent white evangelical leaders have been among Trump's most vocal supporters. Several, including Ralph Reed of the Faith & Freedom Coalition and Dallas-based pastor Robert Jeffress, have condemned the insurrection but remained steadfast in their support for Trump.
Prominent white evangelical leaders have been among Trump's most vocal supporters. Several, including Ralph Reed of the Faith & Freedom Coalition and Dallas-based pastor Robert Jeffress, have condemned the insurrection but remained steadfast in their support for Trump.
Nov 11, 2020: Dallas Morning News: Dallas’ Robert Jeffress, leading pro-Trump evangelical conservative, calls Biden ‘president-elect’ but says it’s not yet official
One of President Donald Trump’s top evangelical Christian allies, Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress, called Democrat Joe Biden’s victory a “bitter pill to swallow” for conservatives and said that while the result isn’t official, “it appears that he won.”
One of President Donald Trump’s top evangelical Christian allies, Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress, called Democrat Joe Biden’s victory a “bitter pill to swallow” for conservatives and said that while the result isn’t official, “it appears that he won.”
“The Democrats have been very honest about what they are going to do if they gain control of the Oval Office again. You’ve heard it from the Democrat debate stage: They want to take away our right to religious liberty. They want to take away the right to bear arms. They want to take away the right to the most basic right of all, the right to life, by continuing this barbaric practice of abortion. That’s why all of us who are Christians certainly see this is not a political skirmish. This is a battle between good and evil.” Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas
Nov 24, 2016: Christian Post: Robert Jeffress Praises Trump's Decision to 'Forgive' Hillary Clinton
Pastor Robert Jeffress is praising President-elect Donald Trump for his decision not to prosecute defeated Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for keeping classified national security information on her unsecured home server, while at the same time advising Trump supporters not to gloat over the Thanksgiving table.
Feb 25, 2015: NRB: America on Verge of Collapse, Says Robert Jeffress at NRB15
America will soon collapse from “explosive” decisions made over the last 50 years that have undermined the nation, Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress told Christian media and ministry professionals at the National Religious Broadcasters' International Christian Media Convention.
Jan 5, 2015: NewsHounds: Bigoted Pastor Robert Jeffress Attacks Duke U. Over Muslim Call To Prayer
Fox guest Robert Jeffress, on today's Fox & Friends, mounted a full-scaled Islamophobic attack on Duke University for the "travesty" of initiating a once-a-week Muslim call to prayer.
Nov 24, 2016: Christian Post: Robert Jeffress Praises Trump's Decision to 'Forgive' Hillary Clinton
Pastor Robert Jeffress is praising President-elect Donald Trump for his decision not to prosecute defeated Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for keeping classified national security information on her unsecured home server, while at the same time advising Trump supporters not to gloat over the Thanksgiving table.
Feb 25, 2015: NRB: America on Verge of Collapse, Says Robert Jeffress at NRB15
America will soon collapse from “explosive” decisions made over the last 50 years that have undermined the nation, Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress told Christian media and ministry professionals at the National Religious Broadcasters' International Christian Media Convention.
Jan 5, 2015: NewsHounds: Bigoted Pastor Robert Jeffress Attacks Duke U. Over Muslim Call To Prayer
Fox guest Robert Jeffress, on today's Fox & Friends, mounted a full-scaled Islamophobic attack on Duke University for the "travesty" of initiating a once-a-week Muslim call to prayer.
August 12, 2007: Jeffress was elected pastor of First Baptist Dallas
October 7, 2011: Jeffress provoked a national controversy when he introduced Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, DC, by suggesting that one of Perry's rivals, Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, is "opposed to Christianity." According to Jeffress, Romney's Mormonism contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ
November 4, 2012: The Sunday before the 2012 election, Jeffress said that Barack Obama was "paving the way for the future reign of the Antichrist."
June 21, 2016: then-candidate Donald Trump named Jeffress as a member of Trump's Evangelical Advisory Board and White House Faith Initiative.
January 20, 2017: Jeffress preached the sermon at a private service at St. John's Episcopal Church, attended by President-elect Donald Trump the day before his inauguration
March 31, 2013: First Baptist Church's 3,000-seat pavilion, $130 million church campus officially opened for Easter Sunday worship.
Nov 7, 2020: Fox News posted an op-ed by Jeffress that said: "The Apostle Paul told us: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).
Paul also told us to pray “for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Now, it’s always easier to submit and to pray for someone when he was our preferred candidate. But the rubber really meets the road when the person who takes office is not the one we supported. Paul didn’t give us any wiggle room — his command applies all the same, whether the emperor was the faith-friendly Constantine or the evil emperor Nero.
Here is our chance to show that Christians are not hypocrites. We serve a God who remains on His throne, sovereignly reigning over every square inch of this vast universe. We serve a God who loves us and will never leave or forsake us. And now we have the chance to show the consistency and constancy/ of our Christian witness to this world. When Joe Biden becomes president, we should commend him for the things he does right. We should condemn the things he does wrong. And above all, we must pray fervently for our president.If President Biden succeeds, we all succeed. May God bless Joe Biden, and may God bless the United States of America."
Paul also told us to pray “for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Now, it’s always easier to submit and to pray for someone when he was our preferred candidate. But the rubber really meets the road when the person who takes office is not the one we supported. Paul didn’t give us any wiggle room — his command applies all the same, whether the emperor was the faith-friendly Constantine or the evil emperor Nero.
Here is our chance to show that Christians are not hypocrites. We serve a God who remains on His throne, sovereignly reigning over every square inch of this vast universe. We serve a God who loves us and will never leave or forsake us. And now we have the chance to show the consistency and constancy/ of our Christian witness to this world. When Joe Biden becomes president, we should commend him for the things he does right. We should condemn the things he does wrong. And above all, we must pray fervently for our president.If President Biden succeeds, we all succeed. May God bless Joe Biden, and may God bless the United States of America."
Sept 17, 2021: The Associated Press reported that Jeffress told them via email that “There is no credible religious argument against the vaccines. Christians who are troubled by the use of a fetal cell line for the testing of the vaccines would also have to abstain from the use of Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Ibuprofen, and other products that used the same cell line if they are sincere in their objection.”