By Jeff Schapiro , Christian Post ReporterPastor Robert Jeffress says he was surprised when New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow canceled an upcoming speaking engagement at his Dallas megachurch, and believes the media firestorm surrounding the event likely had more to do with the decision than did the church’s much-scrutinized beliefs.
Jeffress, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, told The Christian Post that Tebow informed him in a telephone call Wednesday evening that he was backing out of speaking at the church in April. The NFL star told Jeffress he “needed to lay low and steer clear of controversy” because of both personal and professional issues.
Prior to the decision, critics of Jeffress’ views on other religions and homosexuality argued that Tebow shouldn’t make an appearance at the church, which some labeled as hateful. After their phone conversation, however, the evangelical quarterback sent Jeffress a text message saying that he was still prayerfully considering speaking to the 11,000-member church, though he later announced via his social media accounts that he had decided against it.
“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,” Tebow said via Twitter and Facebook on Thursday.
Jeffress said he is not sure what Tebow meant by “new information.” During their conversations the football star even told Jeffress he might consider speaking to the First Baptist congregation at a later date.
“I think the new information … is all the controversy in the media and criticizing of him for coming,” said Jeffress.
Click here to hear Pastor Jeffress response to this cancellation.
March 2, 2013 at 3:24 PM |
This is not a all surprising, about Tim Tebow as well as many other phony blonies. They claim to be christians but they’re not. Any one can claim to be a christian. Just because you have Jesus in your head doesn’t mean you have him in your heart. When the true trial of fire came it appears Tim’s so called fire for Christ got doused. He buckled under. Tim sat down and obeyed his true master the prince of the air satan. Can’t afford to be contriversial, ie. meaning put that fat NFL Paycheck in jeopardy. The bible clearly states matt.6:24 you cant serve two masters. Jesus also talked about how the phony christians lips honor him but their hearts are far from him, matt. 15:8. The Lord of Hosts goes on also to say in 1cor. 10;21, you can’t eat from the table of the lord and the table of devis! Christ Jesus GOD himself has said in his word rev.3:16 he would spue people who are lukewarm towards the Gospel out of his mouth. you shall know them by their fruits, matt.7:20. Be advised people of God Tim Tebow is what a true Christian never should be a CELEBRITY! Sorry Tim in the KINGDOM OF GOD can’t have it both ways we see and know who you truly are and who you aren’t. The ANOINTING, which is the spirit of truth has made mannifest this revelation to all Holy Spirt filled truth decerning Christians.
March 5, 2013 at 1:05 AM |
Didn’t know it was Jeffress’ church, but nothing too much surprises me any more when it comes to Hollywood especially.
I also wish ‘Ex-Times’ would do a feature on “Tia and Tamera Mowry” who say they love the Lord, but ‘cuss’ on their show (which is bleeped out), do yoga, chant, etc. (and seem to rely on everyone else ‘other than’ the Lord Himself) but you see nothing about their church and very rarely heard Jesus’ name mentioned, unless it’s done in surprise.
Praying for them and others who truly NEED the Lord.
March 1, 2013 at 11:06 AM |
In my mind I’m like Tebow common what’s next. But at the end of the day it’s not just about calling in the name of Jesus because the question is are willing to take up the cross and follow him or follow your will?
March 1, 2013 at 11:11 AM |
I forgot to add the word you. Are you willing to take up the cross and follow him or follow your will? On the side note Evangelist janet on her comment hit the nail. I believe that as a church is not about us but is about God choosing men to preach in a pulpit. Not every body have a call to be a pastor based on what 1 cor says.
February 27, 2013 at 11:50 PM |
Amazing. When some of you said he wouldn’t show I was like, ‘nah; perhaps he will.’ I personally think he was somewhat done whether he spoke or not. Saving face really didn’t help him professionally.
February 27, 2013 at 5:40 PM |
I wish we’d stop believing these celebrities when they say they are Christian because they’re not. They’re lives don’t show it and when push comes to shove they always go back the mucho dinero.
March 1, 2013 at 10:54 AM |
yep you gotted rene not every body who claims christ is genually born again.
February 27, 2013 at 4:58 PM |
Was listening to sports talk radio here in NC the other day and they were talking about how if Tebow were to go speak at Jeffries church he would become “toxic” and there would be no way an NFL team could bring him to their city. They called Jeffries(and all believers who take a stand against sin) a hate group. I guess Tim succumb to the pressure. But this is how the world looks at the believer who takes a stand for Christ…toxic. Woe to those who call good evil and evil good!
February 27, 2013 at 1:55 PM |
After reading all the backlash AGAINST Christ and Jerffries, I just knew he wasn’t going to speak at Jeffries church. The world has to much of a hold on him right now. I said, if he speaks I would be surprise. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Tebow has to be standing oo solid fground and know in whom he has believed- then he can take a stand. How can dark and light walk togerther and agree. It can’t happen and it won’t. He has to chose which god he will serve Our God or the worlds. He’s no better than other followers of Jesus. He will be tempted.
February 27, 2013 at 8:12 AM |
Like I said, “ALL eyes are on Tebow” (and guess what, they are). “THE NFL STAR told Jeffress he “NEEDED TO LAY LOW AND STEER CLEAR OF CONTROVERY” because of BOTH PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES.” Didn’t the disciples “lay low and steer clear” after Jesus was arrested and taken into custody?!?! Satan made a fool out of the disciples and now Tebow (through FEAR [2 Timothy 1:7])!!! “PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES”…WHAT?!?! *Whether the Saints have noticed or not, there are numerous professional football players who are homosexuals (sodomites coming out of the closets) and the league is backing their nastiness…remember former Dallas Cowboy M. Irvin on the cover of that Sodomite magazine “Out” (he would have most ppl [those who are naive] to believe that what he did was in honor of his homosexual brother but that was the real M. Irvin and had nothing to do with his gay brother — NO STRAIGHT MAN WOULD EVER DO SUCH A THING). Besides, he looked too comfortable doing it but then again…he is a member of TPH (i.e. The Poor House) which that Charlatan Jakes keeps them all in.
Tebow can’t speak out against his fellow players and their supporters because that would be “Career Suicide”. He’s more concerned with his career (which by the way ISN’T going that great) INSTEAD of his so-called professed love for the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s obvious that “Tebow believes that THEY HAVE THE POWER to make him or break him” and with “Tebow’s choice and excuse to NOT stand for Christ…THEY BROKE HIM”. *Psalm 37:16
*Tebow is “LAYING LOW AND STEERING CLEAR…OF CONTROVERSY”. So now all of a sudden (with Tebow) the Truth of God’s Holy Word is controversial…what a “COMPROMISER” (Psalm 118:8-9). Saw it coming!!! Tebow was looking for a WAY OUT…all the flack he took when he was in Denver over his so-called Christian beliefs, NO WAY was he going to allow that to happen again, besides, we’re ONLY talking about HIS CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER!!! LORD JESUS, HELP TIM TEBOW BECOME A “TRUE ADAMANT BELIEVER” WHO WILL STAND ON THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD…”NO MATTER WHAT”!!!
Well, Peter did redeem himself after his denial of Christ…now let’s see what Tim Tebow does. Also, this is a prime example of the rich young ruler. “Te-bow, bowed-out of his commitment”.
Pastor Jeffress was partially right when he said…”“I think the new information …is all the controversy in the media and criticizing of him for coming,” BUT THE UNDERLYING SO-CALLED CONTROVERY IS/WAS “STANDING ON THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD”…plain and simple. “JESUS SAID, I AM ‘THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE’, NO MAN COMES UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY ME” (JOHN 14:6)…whether Tebow tells them or not, that’s the Gospel Truth.
*What a tragedy…and just think he had a grand opportunity to lead the lost (even those in his beloved profess – football) to the Lord Jesus the Christ for the salvation of their souls!!! Sad, Sad, Sad!!!*Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36
February 27, 2013 at 1:46 AM |
I love it when the TRUE men/women of God stand up. What can i say im a radical Chtistian & i believe in the true representation of God, theres entirely too much obscurity going on in Christianity these days but Christ is the word so if what you saying or doing aint lining up, then you better get it right… this is what Tebow should of been saying… John 15:18-27 John 16:1-4 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’ “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.
February 26, 2013 at 11:58 PM |
Football is his god, he was deceived into believing he could have both God and football.
February 27, 2013 at 1:19 PM |
amen
February 26, 2013 at 10:20 PM |
Just imagine the impact it would have had if he had only used the priviledge of being invited to such a large platform to witness for Christ. I believe that if the Holy Spirit resides in him he asks himself the same question. We all must be prayerful and be prepared to stand up for Christ as the end times approach when theres alot more than fame and fortune on the line.
February 26, 2013 at 9:23 PM |
No matter if its one dollar or one million you will still be seen as cheap if you sell-out. Tebow we are praying for you man, if you are ashamed of Jesus he will be ashamed of you in the presence of our Father, come judgement
February 27, 2013 at 5:38 PM |
Check this out . Satan was going to give Jesus literally all the money in the world by making him the antichrist if he just worshipped him. Jesus said NO so if he did it then what does it say about us if we can’t even say NO to millions of dollars in order to stand for God.
March 1, 2013 at 9:06 AM |
this is really sad… What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and die and lose his soul? I pray for his soul…
February 26, 2013 at 9:06 PM |
This really is sad but each of us at some point are going to face this kind of choice stand for Christ or save our own skin, I pray that we all will stand for Christ (righteousness). We’re going to enter into the Kingdom thru much persecution if we stand on God’s side because men hate God and are lovers of themselves .I really appreciate your comment Raw it is so true and most Christians don’t understand that that’s how we are to live we were instructed by The Lord thru Apostle Paul to “contend for the faith” we have to fight , Jesus did, He fought with the truth ‘It is WRITTEN” and so did all the prophets “Thus saith The Lord” but their eyes are blinded so that they can’t see and their ears are deaf to what The Lord is saying thru the true Prophets in the land ,and I’m talking about the Church! God help us! Thanx Pastor Lewis and all of ex ministries for standing on the front line. Grace and Peace to you all. p.s pray for Mr.Tebow
February 26, 2013 at 8:55 PM |
I am so very sorry, yet I insist on saying this…. Why did it have to be announced anyways. If it was a word from God then just go and say it. If it was to draw people for any other reason outside of salvation being offered, then have a speaking engagement. I pray God spares his life to give him another chance to represent Jesus as he so graciously done for me. Tebow, accept God’s grace and forget the faces of clay, keep your soul; lose the world. I know saul and others wishes they can do it ALL over again!
February 26, 2013 at 8:25 PM |
Dr jeffress message is simple everyone must come to the knowlege of the. LORD JESUS CHTIST and receive. Him as their Lord and savior. That means Mormons Muslim Jews and all who have not surender their life to Jesus. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus is Lord Tim bowed. Out because haters of the cross have labeled preaching the cross as hate speech.
February 26, 2013 at 7:26 PM |
BECAUSE THOU SAYEST, I AM RICH AND INCREASED WITH GOODS , AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING; AND KNOWEST NOT THAT THOU ARE WRETCHED, AND MISERABLE, AND POOR , AND BLIND, AND NAKED. IM SAYING THAT TO SAY, DON’T CHOOSE THE WORLD OVER THE MOST HIGH GOD ALMIGHTY THE CREATOR! SMH……………
February 26, 2013 at 6:04 PM |
Very disappointed. What I’m discerning from Tebow, is that he’s a guy who wants to be acceptable to the world while still maintaining a Christ-like lifestyle. What I’m not sure he’s yet to realize is that you can’t succeed in the latter without forsaking the former. Because of that false balance, Tebow became what no true man of God should ever want to become: A celebrity, a pop culture figure..Bottom line: he wants to be an NFL QB, and with this ”controversy” added to the already circus like attention that he receives, it would have made it that much harder for him to get signed by a team this year. From a secular standpoint, that’s completely understandable. From a true believer standpoint, the question must be asked; (If this is true) when did playing in the NFL become important compared to standing up for your Heavenly Father’s truth?
March 1, 2013 at 10:11 PM |
WELL SAID.
February 26, 2013 at 6:00 PM |
First of all Tim Tebow IS NOT a preacher, but he has been called to be a faithful witness. I guess he doesn’t want to take the witness stand and is pleading the 5th. What’s even sadder to me is that this church asked him to be their speaker. Why is the church seeking out celebrities and professional speakers when the word of God clealry says how can they hear except a PREACHER be SENT. Haven’t we learned anything at all from our past mistakes? We have seen other celebrities who claimed to be saved, suddenly get thrust into the limelight (without us ever seeing any real fruit of Christianity) only to watch them later, sadly return to the world where they can make oodles of money. The bible is very clear in 1 Tim 6:10, that states “the love of money is the root of all evil” warning us that for money many have pierced themselves through with GREAT sorrow. Let us pray for Tim Tebow because he obviously hasn’t read this scripture, but let us also pray for the churches because we are the ones who keep inviting them into our pulpits as speakers. God never called speakers. “An He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. SPEAKERS is not on the list. (We just need to stick to the Word) Let the church say amen!
February 27, 2013 at 5:34 PM |
You hit the nail on the head. I was thinking the same exact thing. It’s like they want celebrity because it’ll make them seem “cool” and “relevant” but to true believers it makes them look like idiots. I don’t want the world coming in my church all I want is God. These preachers inviting celebs to speak are such embarrassments. I mean how would it look if G. Craig started allowing celebs to speak in his church – it would be totally insane.
March 1, 2013 at 11:01 AM |
way to go evangelist janet!
February 26, 2013 at 5:29 PM |
Plain and simple….” ASHAMED” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!!!!!!
February 26, 2013 at 5:21 PM |
Well, I admit that I’m disappointed in him for not standing up and speaking at this church. I’d admired him because of his stand for Christ in the past; it was such a refreshment for someone to be so bold and unashamed about their faith in and relationship with Christ…until now. I pray that if he is given another opportunity to make a bold stand, he will choose to stand in spite of, and not falter.
February 26, 2013 at 4:47 PM |
the NFL paycheck wont let him stand up as a true believer in CHRIST. lets jus be real about it >>>>>>>>>> the MONEY silenced TIM TEBOW. thats the unplugged truth !!!!!!
February 26, 2013 at 4:33 PM |
Why would he want him to speak at his church anyway? Pro ballers that are in the lime light who profess Christ aren’t ever the best models of Godly manhood. They’re like the masons because they have two masters and they usually choose to reject God when the rubber meets the road.
February 27, 2013 at 11:47 PM |
Funny you say that, Rene because I really didn’t understand all the ‘hubbub’ with this Ray Lewis character reciting ‘no weapon formed against me’ during the NFL playoffs. And he’s RIGHT! he wasn’t charged with a THING during his murder case; however, he settled out of court.
February 26, 2013 at 4:12 PM |
“We live in a culture bound by sin like bands of iron. Moral stories, quaint maxims, and life lessons shared from the heart of a beloved pulpiteer or spiritual life coach have no real power against such darkness. We need preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ who know the Scriptures, and by God’s grace face any culture with the cry, ‘Thus saith the Lord!’” ~ Paul Washer
February 26, 2013 at 3:46 PM |
I am disappointed knowing that the world has once again won another victory against weak Christians. Although we know that we have already won the war, seeing high visibility Christians cower from the truth is saddening. I am tired of seeing Christians being interviewed on television and when asked a direct question about sin, they avoid giving a direct answer. The Bible says” what profits a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul.” A lot of souls are being lost for the pursuit of fame and fortune.
February 26, 2013 at 3:41 PM |
Disappointed in Tebow but not surprise. We all are seeing which “god” these so called “celebrity Christians” serve. Every time a church or believer stand for what the word of God says, they’re going to be labeled controversial. Jesus was controversial and so shall we “if” we truly going to represent him!
February 26, 2013 at 3:29 PM |
Well…Tebow is a big example for you to see what kind of a christian we have here in America, only the show-off kind, but when he was put to the test the real tebow comes out,many christian in America will deny Jesus Christ for their sake of whatever, be very careful many of us will be put to the test whether you willing to trade your belief for wealth, family,and status, your salvation will be tried, now is Tebow and you are next, the test has begun choose your choice JesusChrist or the devil.There is no gray area in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,amen.
March 1, 2013 at 7:08 PM |
This is so true Servant of God. You know, I’m praying that when my day comes(and I know it’s coming) that I will not only have the fortitude to stand, but the Boldness to stand up for Jesus Christ and his holy word. Regardless of the consequences for doing so. and thats the honest truth man.
February 26, 2013 at 3:28 PM |
You mean to tell me that this man would not let his riches go to be saved sad sad sad GOD will give you riches and the best the thing about GD is that he will not fear you into loving him. Amen
February 26, 2013 at 2:26 PM |
I am truly dissapointed in Tebow, people ashamed of the gospel now?!.. It perplexes me how many people who claim to be Christians when confronted about issues clearly outlined in the bible, take the politically correct stance. Especially our so called famous people who claim Christ. And its annoying to me when poeple always preach how much God loves people, but wont mention the fact he hates sin.
February 26, 2013 at 2:19 PM |
Luke 14:26 If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
Every true prophet and all the Apostles were controversial when they preached. Stephen was not only controversial, he was also confrontational, and he was not afraid to die for Christ.
February 26, 2013 at 1:57 PM |
Tim chose the world over Christ. Woe unto you when all manner of men speak well of you. No one wants to be outside the “in crowd”. That crowd is full of people on their way to HELL. @ Crossbearer stated that he was a COMPROMISER and that folks were giving Tim props for going to speak at that church, when actuality he deserved no pat on the back because he’s a COWARD.
February 26, 2013 at 1:50 PM |
He’s getting more backlash than support…unbelievers could care less about him, but us as christians had his back, but now we just see him as not standing strong. “If GOD is FOR you than who can be AGAINST you?” Romans 8:31 “Again i tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a RICH man to enter into the kingdom of GOD”- Matthew 19:24
February 26, 2013 at 1:14 PM |
Wow, I guess he doesn’t believe that his rewards in heaven are far greater than those that have been given him by man. For the rewards he seek after is corruptible, but the rewards in heaven are incorruptible!
February 26, 2013 at 12:46 PM |
This reminds me of the rich young ruler Matthew 19:16-26… Not willing to give it up for God…
February 26, 2013 at 12:31 PM |
Fed- up with weak knee believers… It’s either Jesus or the world I guesshe said the world…
February 26, 2013 at 12:26 PM |
This is what I was concerned about happening. This is what happens when man decide that their “career” in this world is more important than their “career” in heaven. He is more concerned about his $ and name then he is of the name of Jesus Christ. SMH
February 26, 2013 at 4:04 PM |
Me too Theresa, I was concerned about this too, but I can’t say that I’m really surprised. Tebow strikes me as someone who may be kind of weak minded and too easily swayed by the media and worried about his career, which to me is silly honestly, because Tebow isn’t all that good of a football player anyway. Most of the hype about him was because of his faith.
February 26, 2013 at 11:36 AM |
Mind u he did say for personal and professional reasons…..as Christians we all should understand that when we live for Christ there will be conflict of interest. I’m not surprised by anything i see or hear, because we do have to work out our Own salvation with fear and trembling knowing that everyone has to give an account for their own lives in Christ and out side of living for Christ.amen
February 26, 2013 at 12:13 PM |
I agree with you! I am reminded of the parable about the rich young ruler. His wealth was more important, in this instance Tenow’s image is worth more than the responsibility of being a true Christian and spreading e word. Maybe he didn’t have a word to share…nuff said!
February 26, 2013 at 11:31 AM |
Chicken….
February 26, 2013 at 11:30 AM |
I personally do not have a problem with Tim Tebow, however I think this move is cowardly on his part. Doesn’t he know with the truth of the gospel comes so called “controversy”? Doesn’t he understand that the word of God says “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). When you choose to compromise your beliefs or hide from controversy concerning the gospel, then you compromise Christ and in my opinion, your ashamed of the gospel. If you trust the Lord, then trust the Lord, he will sustain you and your family. This is disappointing to me.
February 26, 2013 at 11:27 AM |
I love Tebow , but he is a wimp! I think he is concerned about protecting his image. Very few “Christians” will stand up for Christ. It is a shame.
February 26, 2013 at 11:16 AM |
I think we may be jumping to conclusions here. Not defending Tebow, but it has been reported that this church as some antisemitism views. So that could have possibly been the reason for backing out, but we just don’t know.
February 26, 2013 at 11:30 AM |
When the “media” accuses churches of being antiseminic, they are saying that the church believes “Jesus is the only way”. That’s a new liberal media term. We are not jumping the gun. we DO know what we are talking about here. God Bless
February 26, 2013 at 11:47 AM |
After doing some more research, I concur that this is a complete misrepresentation of what this preacher and church stand on. What he was preaching was the absolute truth. Tebow seems not want his reputation fall with people instead of God. We have to keep him in prayer. Thank you for upholding a Godly standard in truth! God Bless.
February 26, 2013 at 11:10 AM |
I’m not sure what to make of it other than it feels like he went to go hide because he’s “come to far” to “lose it all” but what point is it to be in the spotlight and not show where a persons true strength comes from? It comes from God.
My boyfriend prays every time he goes out on the football field and lifts weights… Everyone on his team finally asked him why you mumbles to himself and he told them straight up that he says a prayer.
Everyone respects him and no one says anything bad. Why would “new information” deter Tebow to be a witness? Sad…
February 26, 2013 at 11:04 AM |
It is a shame that Tim canceled. But know if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. Stand on the word of God Tim Tebow. Admit it “you blew it”.
February 26, 2013 at 11:02 AM |
EX twitter Tebow follower
February 26, 2013 at 10:57 AM |
It’s a shame to see a person who would rather please man than to please God.
Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.
February 26, 2013 at 11:10 AM |
Even worse…..he wont be honest about it. Why not be specific about why you canceled?
February 26, 2013 at 10:49 AM |
I think this is very sad. Not that Tebow won’t speak, but that the world really has to strike any sort of fear of speaking against them, to where he has to worry about his life being ruined because of speaking out against ungodly things.