Dr. Robert Jeffress takes a stand amid Tebow cancellation controversy

CBS New York reported on Tuesday that pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Dr. Robert Jeffress, has come out and boldly taken a stand, reaffirming his strong Christian faith in the midst of the slander storm that came against him in recent days.

When the media learned that Tim Tebow was scheduled to make an appearance at First Baptist Dallas, Dr. Robert Jeffress was attacked with a barrage of accusations, condemning him and labeling him as anti-Semitic and anti-gay, among other things, apparently in an attempt to scare Tim Tebow away from making his already-agreed-upon appearance at the church.

It appears, now, that the slander storm had its desired effect. Only a few days after Dr. Jeffress was accused and labeled as a "controversial" preacher, Tim Tebow released the following statement through Twitter:

"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention, I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those .needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"

Tebow made this statement on February 21 and has, seemingly, gone A. W. O. L. since then, refusing to address the issue or answer any questions regarding his change of heart/mind.

Whatever pressures or difficulties Tebow may be facing, are not being shared with the media or the public. Nobody truly knows - at this point - what it was that truly caused Tebow to cancell.

Nevertheless, Pastor Jeffress has moved on and has boldly taken a stand. CBS New York included in its report a YouTube video released by First Baptist Dallas this past Sunday. In the video, you can see and hear a determined and emboldened pastor, deliver the following words:

"I had a little revival and re-commitment in my life this week. I recommitted to God and to his congregation that as long as I'm the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, we are not going to kneel down the altar of political correctness and convenience. We're going to stand up and boldly proclaim the grace of God and the truth of God without compromise, so help me God! That is my commitment!"

In the video, you can also listen to Dr. Jeffress extend his warmth and gratitude to those who have come in his defense and supported him throughout the heated controversy.

He mentioned people of faith, such as Dr. David Jeremiah (author and pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, Ca.) and Dr. James Dobson (Founder of Focus on the Family), among others.

Dr. Jeffress explained:

"You know, it is amazing to me that a church is called anti-Semitic simply because we preach that everyone, Jew, Baptist, Catholic, Hindu, Atheist, everyone must trust in Christ in order to go to heaven. It's amazing to me that we are called anti-gay simply because we say sex ought to be between a man and a woman and in marriage. Somehow, that's construed to be anti-gay."

In other words, the mere absence of celebration or condoning of another's sexual preferences is now being considered an act of "hate". The prevailing thought seems to be: "If you don't celebrate my homosexual lifestyle that means you hate me."

Dr. Jeffress was grateful for those who have boldly stood behind him and have not wavered in the midst of the heated accusations.

"You know....I am grateful...I am grateful for men of God like these who were willing to stand up and act like men rather than wimping out when it gets a little controversial and an inconvenient thing to stand for the truth."

The pastor took the opportunity to clearly express his comments regarding homosexuality and salvation and that the message that he shares is not one of "hate" - as he's been accused - but, rather, a message of "hope".

"There's no such thing as 'good news' unless you understand the bad news as well...and the bad news is there is such a thing called sin...and the bible says we are all guilty of it...and we are all headed for an eternity of separation from God. But the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is, it doesn't matter who you are, or what you've done. It doesn't matter whether you are a Jew, a Baptist, a Catholic, a Muslim, a Hindu, a homosexual, an adulterer, a thief, or a cheat. It doesn't matter what you've done. You can be forgiven of your sins if you trust in Jesus Christ as your savior. That's not a message of hate! It's a message of hope!"

As for Tim Tebow? Still, no explanation offered.

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Albert's Einstein Insight of the Day:

The moon is in the sky.

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“I had a little revival and recommitment in my life this week,” Jeffress said. “I recommitted to God and to this congregation that as long as I’m the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, we are not going to kneel before the altar of political correctness and convenience.” - See more at: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/02/26/controversial-dallas-pastor-punch...