Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - For Pastor's Only (Part 2)

June 8, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

#WordofGod #Glory #Challenges #Pastors #Government #Church

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - For Pastor's Only (Part 2) | June 8, 2026

...
00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.390
♪♪♪
00:00:00.523 --> 00:00:06.729
Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
00:00:06.830 --> 00:00:09.065
Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory" with
00:00:09.199 --> 00:00:10.066
Dr. robert jeffress.
00:00:11.901 --> 00:00:14.737
Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress, and welcome
00:00:14.737 --> 00:00:16.539
Again to "pathway to victory."
00:00:16.539 --> 00:00:18.641
These are challenging days for our nation and the world.
00:00:18.641 --> 00:00:22.011
The controversies that have polarized our citizens have left
00:00:22.011 --> 00:00:25.381
Many americans frustrated and angry.
00:00:25.381 --> 00:00:28.218
Is there any hope for our great nation?
00:00:28.218 --> 00:00:31.020
Today i'll explain why the preservation of our nation
00:00:31.020 --> 00:00:34.624
Depends not on individuals or political leaders, but on the
00:00:34.624 --> 00:00:37.994
Local church.
00:00:37.994 --> 00:00:39.362
My message is titled "for pastors only," on today's
00:00:39.362 --> 00:00:43.399
Special edition of "pathway to victory."
00:00:43.399 --> 00:00:47.337
♪♪♪
00:00:47.337 --> 00:00:53.042
♪ i wish i could tell you. ♪
00:00:53.042 --> 00:00:56.079
♪ i wish i could describe it. ♪
00:00:56.079 --> 00:00:58.781
♪ but i can't contain it can't keep it to myself. ♪
00:00:58.781 --> 00:01:03.686
♪ there aren't enough colors to paint the whole picture. ♪
00:01:03.686 --> 00:01:08.658
♪ not enough words to ever say what i found. ♪
00:01:08.658 --> 00:01:14.864
♪ wonderful and beautiful and glorious and holy. ♪
00:01:14.864 --> 00:01:19.369
♪ he is merciful and powerful. ♪
00:01:19.369 --> 00:01:22.205
♪ who we talkin' about? ♪
00:01:22.205 --> 00:01:24.073
♪ that's my king. ♪
00:01:24.073 --> 00:01:26.476
♪ we declare the glory. ♪
00:01:26.476 --> 00:01:28.912
♪ give him all the honor. ♪
00:01:28.912 --> 00:01:31.381
♪ altogether worthy. ♪
00:01:31.381 --> 00:01:33.416
♪ who we talkin' about? ♪
00:01:33.416 --> 00:01:34.784
♪ that's my king. ♪
00:01:34.784 --> 00:01:36.553
♪ there's no one before you. ♪
00:01:36.553 --> 00:01:38.655
♪ yes, we will adore you. ♪
00:01:38.655 --> 00:01:41.291
♪ all of this is for you. ♪
00:01:41.291 --> 00:01:43.459
♪ who we talkin' about? that's my king. ♪
00:01:43.459 --> 00:01:49.966
♪♪♪
00:01:49.966 --> 00:01:54.804
♪ i'm not letting the rocks cry, ♪
00:01:54.804 --> 00:01:57.540
♪ without joining the chorus. ♪
00:01:57.540 --> 00:02:00.743
♪ there aren't enough notes to make the harmony. ♪
00:02:00.743 --> 00:02:04.948
♪ it's the song of the angels. ♪
00:02:04.948 --> 00:02:07.717
♪ through all of the ages. ♪
00:02:07.717 --> 00:02:10.954
♪ it's all of the earth and heaven's symphony. ♪
00:02:10.954 --> 00:02:16.960
♪ wonderful and beautiful and glorious and holy. ♪
00:02:16.960 --> 00:02:21.231
♪ he is merciful and powerful. ♪
00:02:21.231 --> 00:02:23.933
♪ who we talkin' about? that's my king. ♪
00:02:23.933 --> 00:02:28.471
♪ we declare the glory. ♪
00:02:28.471 --> 00:02:30.540
♪ give him all the honor. ♪
00:02:30.540 --> 00:02:33.309
♪ altogether worthy. ♪
00:02:33.309 --> 00:02:35.178
♪ who we talkin' about? that's my king. ♪
00:02:35.178 --> 00:02:38.281
♪ there's no one before you. ♪
00:02:38.281 --> 00:02:40.583
♪ yes, we will adore you. ♪
00:02:40.583 --> 00:02:43.453
♪ all of this is for you. ♪
00:02:43.453 --> 00:02:45.622
♪ who we talkin' about? that's my king. ♪
00:02:45.622 --> 00:02:49.759
♪ that's my king. that's my god. ♪
00:02:49.759 --> 00:02:56.633
♪ that's my shepherd. ♪
00:02:56.633 --> 00:02:59.535
♪ my protector. ♪
00:02:59.535 --> 00:03:02.272
♪ that's my king. ♪
00:03:02.272 --> 00:03:04.774
♪ that's my rock. ♪
00:03:04.774 --> 00:03:07.010
♪ that's my anchor. ♪
00:03:07.010 --> 00:03:09.879
♪ my defender. ♪
00:03:09.879 --> 00:03:13.182
♪ that's my king. that's my god. ♪
00:03:13.182 --> 00:03:17.186
♪ that's my shepherd. ♪
00:03:17.186 --> 00:03:20.023
♪ my protector. ♪
00:03:20.023 --> 00:03:22.625
♪ that's my king. ♪
00:03:22.625 --> 00:03:25.128
♪ that's my rock. ♪
00:03:25.128 --> 00:03:27.930
♪ that's my anchor. ♪
00:03:27.930 --> 00:03:30.600
♪ my defender. ♪
00:03:30.600 --> 00:03:34.504
♪ that's my king. that's my king. ♪♪
00:03:34.504 --> 00:03:41.311
[congregation applauding]
00:03:41.311 --> 00:03:43.846
Announcer: as our nation marks 250 years, america stands
00:03:43.913 --> 00:03:47.483
At a crossroads.
00:03:47.483 --> 00:03:48.851
Will we return to the god who blessed us or continue down a
00:03:48.851 --> 00:03:52.155
Path that leads to ruin?
00:03:52.155 --> 00:03:53.723
Through the in god we trust matching challenge, your gift
00:03:53.723 --> 00:03:57.026
Today will be doubled in ministry impact.
00:03:57.026 --> 00:03:58.895
For 30 years, "pathway to victory" has pierced the
00:03:58.895 --> 00:04:02.198
Darkness of our nation with the light of god's word by sharing
00:04:02.198 --> 00:04:05.468
Biblical truth that transforms hearts.
00:04:05.468 --> 00:04:08.237
Join us in this critical hour by giving toward the in god we
00:04:08.237 --> 00:04:11.841
Trust matching challenge today.
00:04:11.841 --> 00:04:18.147
Jeffress: i think there are three reasons pastors are
00:04:22.285 --> 00:04:24.487
Hesitant to act as prophets.
00:04:24.487 --> 00:04:27.824
One reason is a misunderstanding of the bible.
00:04:27.824 --> 00:04:31.561
You know, when citing the old testament prophets as a model
00:04:31.561 --> 00:04:34.430
For the pastor's prophetic role today, some will say, "well, now
00:04:34.430 --> 00:04:37.567
There's a difference between israel and the church.
00:04:37.567 --> 00:04:40.603
Israel was a theocracy, and so that means when the prophets
00:04:40.603 --> 00:04:45.174
Spoke to the ungodly citizens of israel or even to ungodly kings,
00:04:45.174 --> 00:04:50.680
They were still speaking to those who were in a covenant
00:04:50.680 --> 00:04:53.916
Relationship with god."
00:04:53.916 --> 00:04:56.452
Well, that's certainly true, but there are also prophets who
00:04:56.452 --> 00:04:59.789
Spoke to other people than israel.
00:04:59.789 --> 00:05:02.725
Think about jonah, nahum, daniel, john the baptist.
00:05:02.725 --> 00:05:06.462
They all confronted gentile rulers and people with god's
00:05:06.462 --> 00:05:11.267
Word, and they reminded them of the dire consequences of
00:05:11.267 --> 00:05:14.871
Disobeying god's commands.
00:05:14.871 --> 00:05:16.472
We can only discipline those who are part of the church, but he
00:05:16.472 --> 00:05:19.609
Wasn't saying you don't criticize ungodly behavior
00:05:19.609 --> 00:05:23.846
By unbelievers.
00:05:23.846 --> 00:05:26.182
The fact is we are called to be prophets, and that means not
00:05:26.182 --> 00:05:29.519
Only speaking to ourselves, speaking to god's own people,
00:05:29.519 --> 00:05:32.755
But speaking to the culture.
00:05:32.755 --> 00:05:34.123
The second reason pastors many times don't act as prophets is
00:05:34.123 --> 00:05:39.128
Because of a misunderstanding of the constitution.
00:05:39.128 --> 00:05:42.064
Now some pastors and many laymen believe that the separation of
00:05:42.064 --> 00:05:45.601
Church and state prohibits pastors from addressing
00:05:45.601 --> 00:05:49.172
Controversial issues like abortion and same-sex marriages
00:05:49.172 --> 00:05:52.742
Because such issues are quote, "politics" rather than
00:05:52.742 --> 00:05:56.813
Spiritual issues.
00:05:56.813 --> 00:05:58.181
Now obviously any policy, any law that violates god's standard
00:05:58.181 --> 00:06:02.585
Is a spiritual issue.
00:06:02.585 --> 00:06:05.421
Furthermore, and you know this from previous messages, the
00:06:05.421 --> 00:06:08.558
Phrase separation of church and state appears nowhere in the
00:06:08.558 --> 00:06:12.061
Constitution, much less in the bible.
00:06:12.061 --> 00:06:15.331
Obviously it has been twisted and perverted to mean something
00:06:15.331 --> 00:06:20.436
That it doesn't mean.
00:06:20.436 --> 00:06:21.771
You've heard me say before this phrase originated with
00:06:21.771 --> 00:06:24.674
Thomas jefferson.
00:06:24.674 --> 00:06:26.042
He was writing a letter, a baptist in danbury, connecticut.
00:06:26.042 --> 00:06:29.445
They had heard the rumor that thomas jefferson, then
00:06:29.445 --> 00:06:32.148
President, was about to make the congregational church the state
00:06:32.148 --> 00:06:36.052
Church that everyone would have to be a part of.
00:06:36.052 --> 00:06:38.754
And of course you know baptists get nervous when somebody else
00:06:38.754 --> 00:06:41.424
Is gonna be in control other than they, so they, you know,
00:06:41.424 --> 00:06:44.126
They got all hot and flustered about it and they wrote a letter
00:06:44.126 --> 00:06:46.596
To thomas jefferson saying, "is this true?
00:06:46.596 --> 00:06:49.098
Are you about to make the congregational church the
00:06:49.098 --> 00:06:52.034
State church?"
00:06:52.034 --> 00:06:53.369
And so president jefferson borrowed a phrase from the
00:06:53.369 --> 00:06:56.706
Leading baptist of the day, roger williams.
00:06:56.706 --> 00:06:59.375
He took that phrase separation of church and state that
00:06:59.375 --> 00:07:02.144
Originated with the baptists, and he wrote back to these
00:07:02.144 --> 00:07:05.081
Baptists and said, "don't worry about it.
00:07:05.081 --> 00:07:07.750
We're not going to institute a state church like we had
00:07:07.750 --> 00:07:12.054
In europe.
00:07:12.054 --> 00:07:13.489
The fact is, there is a wall of separation."
00:07:13.489 --> 00:07:17.927
And jefferson's wall of separation was meant not to
00:07:17.927 --> 00:07:21.163
Protect the government from the church, but to protect the
00:07:21.163 --> 00:07:23.533
Church from the government.
00:07:23.533 --> 00:07:25.001
That's how he used that phrase.
00:07:25.001 --> 00:07:26.435
But never did thomas jefferson or roger williams have in mind
00:07:26.435 --> 00:07:30.873
That pastors and churches would not try to influence the culture
00:07:30.873 --> 00:07:35.378
In which they existed.
00:07:35.378 --> 00:07:36.879
Nevertheless, groups today like the american civil liberties
00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:39.815
Union and my favorite group, the americans united for the
00:07:39.815 --> 00:07:42.785
Separation of church and state, they regularly try to intimidate
00:07:42.785 --> 00:07:47.089
Pastors and churches from influencing legislation or
00:07:47.089 --> 00:07:51.160
Elections by threatening their tax-exempt status.
00:07:51.160 --> 00:07:53.896
My good friend barry lynn, head of americans united for
00:07:53.896 --> 00:07:56.799
Separation of church and state, announced he's writing a letter
00:07:56.799 --> 00:08:00.970
About pastor jeffress to the internal revenue service,
00:08:00.970 --> 00:08:03.806
You know.
00:08:03.806 --> 00:08:05.174
Well, he wrote a letter when i was pastor in wichita falls.
00:08:05.174 --> 00:08:07.443
You know what?
00:08:07.443 --> 00:08:08.811
Anybody can write a letter.
00:08:08.811 --> 00:08:10.146
A 10-year-old can write a letter to the internal revenue service.
00:08:10.146 --> 00:08:12.248
It doesn't mean one thing at all.
00:08:12.248 --> 00:08:15.151
But what i want to say to you pastors who are watching
00:08:15.151 --> 00:08:17.653
Tonight, you cannot afford to allow people like barry lynn and
00:08:17.653 --> 00:08:22.692
Others intimidate you and muzzle you from sharing the truth of
00:08:22.692 --> 00:08:27.430
God's word.
00:08:27.430 --> 00:08:28.764
It is important that you stand up for your rights
00:08:28.764 --> 00:08:31.267
As an american.
00:08:31.267 --> 00:08:32.702
[congregation applauding]
00:08:32.702 --> 00:08:34.203
Now, we're going to take a little history lesson here.
00:08:34.203 --> 00:08:37.173
I think you'll find this interesting.
00:08:37.173 --> 00:08:38.741
A question comes up, "pastor, well, what are we allowed to do
00:08:38.741 --> 00:08:42.044
When it comes to influencing elections or legislation?"
00:08:42.044 --> 00:08:46.248
Historically, churches in our country for the first 180 years
00:08:46.248 --> 00:08:50.353
Of its existence spoke passionately for and against
00:08:50.353 --> 00:08:54.490
Candidates for public office.
00:08:54.490 --> 00:08:55.858
Did you know that?
00:08:55.858 --> 00:08:57.193
It's regular routine in churches.
00:08:57.193 --> 00:08:59.161
I mean, christians opposed the election of thomas jefferson as
00:08:59.161 --> 00:09:03.165
President because he was a deist.
00:09:03.165 --> 00:09:05.034
They opposed william howard taft for embracing unitarianism.
00:09:05.034 --> 00:09:08.871
I mean, they regularly did that.
00:09:08.871 --> 00:09:10.773
They also were at the forefront of influencing legislation.
00:09:10.773 --> 00:09:15.177
It was the churches who led the movement for abolition of
00:09:15.177 --> 00:09:18.414
Slavery, for desegregation.
00:09:18.414 --> 00:09:21.751
And by the way, i want to stop here and say something.
00:09:21.751 --> 00:09:24.620
There is absolutely no place in the church for racial prejudice,
00:09:24.620 --> 00:09:30.092
None whatsoever.
00:09:30.092 --> 00:09:32.662
[congregation applauding]
00:09:32.662 --> 00:09:34.330
And i am so glad about the number of african americans and
00:09:34.330 --> 00:09:40.536
Latinos and people of every ethnicity imaginable that are
00:09:40.536 --> 00:09:44.940
Coming to first baptist church, and they are welcome here.
00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:48.444
We're glad to have them here.
00:09:48.444 --> 00:09:50.346
And if there is anybody, if there is anybody who is
00:09:50.346 --> 00:09:56.385
Uncomfortable with that, better get your heart right with god or
00:09:56.385 --> 00:09:59.989
Find another place of worship, because the fact is that's what
00:09:59.989 --> 00:10:03.292
The church is supposed to be, and everybody is welcome in
00:10:03.292 --> 00:10:06.996
Our church.
00:10:06.996 --> 00:10:08.330
The church has always been at the forefront.
00:10:08.330 --> 00:10:10.433
It's always been at the forefront of leading for
00:10:10.433 --> 00:10:13.102
Desegregation and civil rights.
00:10:13.102 --> 00:10:15.337
However, in 1934, the government enacted a law that prohibited
00:10:15.337 --> 00:10:19.842
Tax-exempt nonprofit institutions like ours from
00:10:19.842 --> 00:10:23.245
Using a substantial portion of their income to lobby
00:10:23.245 --> 00:10:27.216
For legislation.
00:10:27.216 --> 00:10:28.584
It doesn't mean we can't lobby for legislation on those issues
00:10:28.584 --> 00:10:31.454
That have a biblical basis.
00:10:31.454 --> 00:10:32.855
It just means we can't use an overwhelming amount of our money
00:10:32.855 --> 00:10:35.424
To do so, which of course we don't.
00:10:35.424 --> 00:10:37.293
But in 1954, and this is where it gets interesting, congress
00:10:37.293 --> 00:10:41.097
Approved an amendment introduced by then senator lyndon johnson
00:10:41.097 --> 00:10:45.968
To the irs governing churches and other 501(c)(3)
00:10:45.968 --> 00:10:50.606
Tax-exempt organizations like ours that prohibited those
00:10:50.606 --> 00:10:54.577
Organizations to influence elections by supporting
00:10:54.577 --> 00:10:58.114
Specific candidates.
00:10:58.114 --> 00:10:59.715
And then in 1987 that amendment was expanded to also prohibit
00:10:59.715 --> 00:11:04.019
Speaking out against specific candidates.
00:11:04.019 --> 00:11:08.224
Although pastors can influence legislation, they cannot as
00:11:08.224 --> 00:11:13.429
A group in a church officially support one candidate over
00:11:13.429 --> 00:11:18.534
Another in an election.
00:11:18.534 --> 00:11:20.402
Now, as i speak these words even tonight, this restriction is
00:11:20.402 --> 00:11:24.807
Being challenged, and many people predict that it will one
00:11:24.807 --> 00:11:27.643
Day be abolished because it's such an apparent violation of
00:11:27.643 --> 00:11:32.214
First amendment rights.
00:11:32.214 --> 00:11:33.682
Now, while a handful of churches through the years have been
00:11:33.682 --> 00:11:37.086
Fined for violating this no substantial part of money being
00:11:37.086 --> 00:11:40.990
Used for legislation or other issues, what you need to know is
00:11:40.990 --> 00:11:45.094
No church has ever lost its tax-exempt status in the 57
00:11:45.094 --> 00:11:49.732
Years since lyndon johnson headed that amendment.
00:11:49.732 --> 00:11:52.501
Do you realize that?
00:11:52.501 --> 00:11:53.836
Not one church in history has ever lost its tax-exempt status.
00:11:53.836 --> 00:11:58.941
Now my friend barry lynn won't tell pastors that.
00:11:58.941 --> 00:12:01.644
He tries to intimidate pastors first.
00:12:01.644 --> 00:12:03.646
"oh, you're gonna lose your tax exempt status."
00:12:03.646 --> 00:12:06.448
Not one church has ever lost their tax-exempt status.
00:12:06.448 --> 00:12:09.552
There is one church, the pierce creek church in binghamton,
00:12:09.552 --> 00:12:12.421
New york, that lost its tax exempt letter ruling, which is
00:12:12.421 --> 00:12:16.192
Something different because during the 1992 election they
00:12:16.192 --> 00:12:20.596
Ran a full page ad in "usa today" claiming that bill
00:12:20.596 --> 00:12:24.233
Clinton was the antichrist, and not a wise move, okay?
00:12:24.233 --> 00:12:31.841
The irs notified them that they couldn't do that anymore, but if
00:12:31.841 --> 00:12:35.744
They didn't do anything like that again, they would be
00:12:35.744 --> 00:12:37.847
Just fine.
00:12:37.847 --> 00:12:39.181
But here's the bottom line for pastors, no local church has
00:12:39.181 --> 00:12:43.118
Ever been fined.
00:12:43.118 --> 00:12:45.087
No local church has ever lost its tax exempt status for
00:12:45.087 --> 00:12:49.191
Anything the pastor has done in the pulpit.
00:12:49.191 --> 00:12:51.493
So pastor, you are free, okay?
00:12:51.493 --> 00:12:53.863
You are free to stand up and speak out against those
00:12:53.863 --> 00:12:57.666
Moral issues.
00:12:57.666 --> 00:12:59.001
Here's what's even interesting.
00:12:59.001 --> 00:13:00.369
Back in the 2008 election, 37 pastors with the support of the
00:13:00.369 --> 00:13:03.906
Allied defense fund decided to challenge this irs regulation
00:13:03.906 --> 00:13:07.843
About not endorsing candidates.
00:13:07.843 --> 00:13:09.578
And so they all planned together on the same sunday, they were
00:13:09.578 --> 00:13:12.548
Gonna stand up from their pulpit and publicly and officially from
00:13:12.548 --> 00:13:17.253
Their church endorse john mccain for presidency, and the reason
00:13:17.253 --> 00:13:20.923
They wanted to do this, they wanted to get the irs to go
00:13:20.923 --> 00:13:23.392
After them so that this could go to the supreme court and finally
00:13:23.392 --> 00:13:26.528
Get a decision on the matter.
00:13:26.528 --> 00:13:28.097
Thirty-seven pastors did that.
00:13:28.097 --> 00:13:29.832
The irs did not investigate one of them.
00:13:29.832 --> 00:13:33.002
They don't want to get involved in it at all.
00:13:33.002 --> 00:13:35.204
Now i don't encourage, i would not advise any pastor to
00:13:35.204 --> 00:13:40.342
Officially endorse a political candidate from the pulpit, but
00:13:40.342 --> 00:13:43.612
What i'm saying to pastors is don't be intimidated from
00:13:43.612 --> 00:13:47.917
Sharing what you believe is the truth of god's word from
00:13:47.917 --> 00:13:51.287
Your pulpit.
00:13:51.287 --> 00:13:52.621
It is a fear many times of a misunderstanding of the
00:13:52.621 --> 00:13:56.492
Constitution that causes pastors to silence themselves.
00:13:56.492 --> 00:13:59.962
A third reason pastors don't act as prophets many times is a fear
00:13:59.962 --> 00:14:03.699
Of controversy.
00:14:03.699 --> 00:14:05.434
Now pastors make for easy targets of criticism, even from
00:14:05.434 --> 00:14:09.204
Church members.
00:14:09.204 --> 00:14:10.572
You know, it's easy for a layman to say, "well, pastor, we're
00:14:10.572 --> 00:14:12.641
Behind you.
00:14:12.641 --> 00:14:14.009
Keep standing for the truth.
00:14:14.009 --> 00:14:15.344
We're right there with you," unless church attendance starts
00:14:15.344 --> 00:14:19.281
To fall and receipts start to diminish a little bit and then
00:14:19.281 --> 00:14:22.851
Suddenly it's off with his head, you know.
00:14:22.851 --> 00:14:26.355
It's very easy for that to happen in churches, and most
00:14:26.355 --> 00:14:28.958
Pastors recognize that.
00:14:28.958 --> 00:14:30.326
Any true shepherd of a local congregation is concerned about
00:14:30.326 --> 00:14:33.896
The spiritual, the organizational, and yes,
00:14:33.896 --> 00:14:37.199
The financial health of his congregation.
00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:39.868
And although the universal church will never cease to
00:14:39.868 --> 00:14:42.471
Exist, the fact is many local congregations have shut their
00:14:42.471 --> 00:14:46.175
Doors because of diminishing attendance.
00:14:46.175 --> 00:14:48.877
No pastor wants to be the catalyst for killing his church.
00:14:48.877 --> 00:14:53.382
Now i'm sympathetic with that.
00:14:53.382 --> 00:14:55.451
I'm sympathetic with pastors who are concerned with taking
00:14:55.451 --> 00:14:58.320
Controversial stands that could send their congregants out the
00:14:58.320 --> 00:15:01.490
Door and discourage new members from coming in the door, but
00:15:01.490 --> 00:15:05.127
Preaching biblically based messages on controversial
00:15:05.127 --> 00:15:08.464
Topics, encouraging your members to vote, challenging laws that
00:15:08.464 --> 00:15:12.234
Violate god's laws are just some of the ways that you can fulfill
00:15:12.234 --> 00:15:16.672
Your role as a prophet.
00:15:16.672 --> 00:15:18.207
Now, at the risk of offending some, let me be very blunt,
00:15:18.207 --> 00:15:21.710
Pastor, you will never be criticized by the world for
00:15:21.710 --> 00:15:24.847
Building a homeless shelter.
00:15:24.847 --> 00:15:27.616
You will never be criticized by this culture for asking your
00:15:27.616 --> 00:15:30.986
Members to give sacrificially to build water wells in africa.
00:15:30.986 --> 00:15:35.791
In fact, the culture will applaud you as a pastor for
00:15:35.791 --> 00:15:38.527
Doing those things because they think that's what a pastor is
00:15:38.527 --> 00:15:41.497
Supposed to do, encouraging nice people to do nice things.
00:15:41.497 --> 00:15:46.969
That is their idea of a pastor.
00:15:46.969 --> 00:15:48.804
Nobody's gonna criticize you for that, but if you dare stand up
00:15:48.804 --> 00:15:52.808
And point your finger at the culture and say, "this is wrong,
00:15:52.808 --> 00:15:56.979
Thus saith the lord," you better be ready to suffer.
00:15:56.979 --> 00:16:01.016
You may be suffering not the loss of your life as the old
00:16:01.016 --> 00:16:04.053
Testament prophets did, but be prepared to suffer the loss of
00:16:04.053 --> 00:16:07.289
Your reputation, your career, your livelihood.
00:16:07.289 --> 00:16:12.127
And that's why paul said in 2 timothy 4, verses 2 and 5,
00:16:12.127 --> 00:16:16.265
"be prepared to endure hardship."
00:16:16.265 --> 00:16:20.202
Timothy was told that if he fulfilled his role as a prophet,
00:16:20.202 --> 00:16:23.605
It was gonna get hard at times, but that's the pastor's role not
00:16:23.605 --> 00:16:28.143
Only as a preacher but as a prophet.
00:16:28.143 --> 00:16:31.847
2 timothy 4 explains the third role of the pastor, and that is
00:16:31.847 --> 00:16:35.484
As an evangelist.
00:16:35.484 --> 00:16:36.952
Do the work of an evangelist, paul reminded timothy in
00:16:36.952 --> 00:16:40.155
2 timothy 4:5.
00:16:40.155 --> 00:16:41.490
And when paul said, "i want you to be an evangelist, timothy,"
00:16:41.490 --> 00:16:45.060
He didn't have in mind, i want you to travel the countryside
00:16:45.060 --> 00:16:47.262
With five suits and five sermons, okay?
00:16:47.262 --> 00:16:49.965
That's not his idea of an evangelist.
00:16:49.965 --> 00:16:52.601
He meant do the work as a pastor of an evangelist proclaiming
00:16:52.601 --> 00:16:56.772
The good news of the gospel.
00:16:56.772 --> 00:16:58.607
You see, the great commission, matthew 28, is for us to go into
00:16:58.607 --> 00:17:02.044
All the world and make disciples, fully devoted
00:17:02.044 --> 00:17:05.214
Followers of jesus christ.
00:17:05.214 --> 00:17:07.449
Now, before you can be a disciple though, you have to be
00:17:07.449 --> 00:17:10.719
A convert.
00:17:10.719 --> 00:17:12.054
You have to be introduced to faith in christ.
00:17:12.054 --> 00:17:13.889
And while it's possible to be a convert without ever being a
00:17:13.889 --> 00:17:16.625
Disciple, it is impossible for somebody to be a disciple
00:17:16.625 --> 00:17:20.395
Without first of all, being a convert and saved.
00:17:20.395 --> 00:17:23.265
And so one of the primary things that a pastor is to do is beyond
00:17:23.265 --> 00:17:27.202
His own ministry, he is to be involved in evangelism.
00:17:27.202 --> 00:17:32.574
How can a pastor beyond his own personal witness be and do the
00:17:32.574 --> 00:17:36.812
Work of an evangelist?
00:17:36.812 --> 00:17:38.147
Let me suggest several ways.
00:17:38.147 --> 00:17:39.515
First of all, through his preaching.
00:17:39.515 --> 00:17:41.316
Through his preaching.
00:17:41.316 --> 00:17:42.684
Yes, a pastor is to preach the word, but what word is it that
00:17:42.684 --> 00:17:45.687
We're to preach?
00:17:45.687 --> 00:17:47.022
Listen to 1 corinthians 2, verses 1 and 2.
00:17:47.022 --> 00:17:49.358
Paul said, "and when i came to you,
00:17:49.358 --> 00:17:50.893
Brethren, i did not come with superiority of
00:17:50.893 --> 00:17:53.795
Speech or of wisdom proclaiming to you the testimony of god, for
00:17:53.795 --> 00:17:57.633
I determined to know nothing among you except jesus christ
00:17:57.633 --> 00:18:02.204
And him crucified."
00:18:02.204 --> 00:18:03.939
Now paul was not saying i never preached about anything other
00:18:03.939 --> 00:18:06.508
Than the crucifixion of christ.
00:18:06.508 --> 00:18:08.210
Look at corinthians, he talked about marriage and divorce,
00:18:08.210 --> 00:18:10.712
Lawsuits, lord's supper, the resurrection.
00:18:10.712 --> 00:18:13.949
He talked about a variety of things, but the point is
00:18:13.949 --> 00:18:17.252
Jesus christ was foundational in his message, and he needs to be
00:18:17.252 --> 00:18:22.224
Foundational in our message too.
00:18:22.224 --> 00:18:24.626
One way we do that pastor, make sure in every message, no matter
00:18:24.626 --> 00:18:28.096
What you're talking about, there is some explanation of
00:18:28.096 --> 00:18:30.666
The gospel.
00:18:30.666 --> 00:18:32.668
Even as tonight it will be in the invitation time, don't ever
00:18:32.668 --> 00:18:36.672
Leave the pulpit without some explanation for how a person can
00:18:36.672 --> 00:18:40.709
Be saved.
00:18:40.709 --> 00:18:42.077
You know, charles haddon spurgeon said it doesn't matter
00:18:42.077 --> 00:18:44.213
What passage he was in, he always made a beeline to the
00:18:44.213 --> 00:18:47.416
Cross, and we're to do that as well.
00:18:47.416 --> 00:18:50.919
Also, i would encourage those of you who are pastors, when you're
00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:55.324
Preaching, always challenge unbelievers in the audience to
00:18:55.324 --> 00:18:59.127
Make a decision to trust in christ.
00:18:59.127 --> 00:19:01.296
Now i'm a southern baptist.
00:19:01.296 --> 00:19:02.631
I'm always kidded by my non-southern baptist friends
00:19:02.631 --> 00:19:05.767
About, you know, your invitations, having people walk
00:19:05.767 --> 00:19:09.371
Down the aisle, and, you know, you know, don't you realize
00:19:09.371 --> 00:19:12.641
There's no illustration of anybody walking down the aisle
00:19:12.641 --> 00:19:15.777
In the new testament, and that's true.
00:19:15.777 --> 00:19:18.247
There is not one instance of anybody walking down the aisle
00:19:18.247 --> 00:19:20.916
To make a decision, mainly because there were no aisles
00:19:20.916 --> 00:19:23.785
To walk down.
00:19:23.785 --> 00:19:25.654
I mean, there were no church buildings for the first 300
00:19:25.654 --> 00:19:28.490
Years of the church's history, okay?
00:19:28.490 --> 00:19:31.260
That's true.
00:19:31.260 --> 00:19:32.594
There's no public come forward invitation in the new testament,
00:19:32.594 --> 00:19:36.832
But neither is there an example of anyone who ever preached
00:19:36.832 --> 00:19:39.601
A sermon in the new testament who didn't call for a decision
00:19:39.601 --> 00:19:42.938
From the people.
00:19:42.938 --> 00:19:44.273
And i would say to you pastor, if your tradition is not to have
00:19:44.273 --> 00:19:46.408
People come forward, you can still ask people to make
00:19:46.408 --> 00:19:49.678
A decision right wherever they are.
00:19:49.678 --> 00:19:51.613
Give them an opportunity to trust in christ, to respond
00:19:51.613 --> 00:19:54.883
Through his message.
00:19:54.883 --> 00:19:57.286
The second way we act as evangelists is
00:19:57.286 --> 00:19:59.321
Through equipping.
00:19:59.321 --> 00:20:00.822
You know, the pastor's to be an evangelist, but he's not the
00:20:00.822 --> 00:20:02.891
Only evangelist in the church.
00:20:02.891 --> 00:20:05.227
My mentor and professor for so many years, howard hendricks,
00:20:05.227 --> 00:20:08.897
Used to quote bud wilkinson's definition of football.
00:20:08.897 --> 00:20:11.566
He said, "in football you have 22 men on the field desperately
00:20:11.566 --> 00:20:15.203
In need of rest, being cheered on by 50,000 spectators in the
00:20:15.203 --> 00:20:19.174
Stands, desperately in need of exercise."
00:20:19.174 --> 00:20:22.077
[congregation laughing]
00:20:22.077 --> 00:20:24.279
Improv with dad, you know, that may be and make for exciting
00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:29.284
Football, but that is a lousy way to run a church.
00:20:29.284 --> 00:20:33.121
God never meant for just a few people to be out on the field
00:20:33.121 --> 00:20:36.224
Doing all the work.
00:20:36.224 --> 00:20:37.592
We're to all be involved in ministry and
00:20:37.592 --> 00:20:39.394
Especially evangelism.
00:20:39.394 --> 00:20:40.962
Remember the words of ephesians 4, 11 and 12, "and christ gave
00:20:40.962 --> 00:20:44.499
Some as apostles, he gave some as prophets, some as
00:20:44.499 --> 00:20:47.302
Evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of
00:20:47.302 --> 00:20:51.039
The saints for the work of service to the building up of
00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:53.875
The body of christ."
00:20:53.875 --> 00:20:55.377
The reason we meet here on sundays is to equip you.
00:20:55.377 --> 00:20:58.046
That word "katartismon" means the loading up of a ship with
00:20:58.046 --> 00:21:01.083
Supplies before it sets out on a long journey.
00:21:01.083 --> 00:21:03.785
And the reason we gather here on sundays is to give you the
00:21:03.785 --> 00:21:06.621
Supplies you need to go out and do the work of ministry,
00:21:06.621 --> 00:21:10.325
To build up the body of christ, not only spiritually,
00:21:10.325 --> 00:21:13.428
But numerically.
00:21:13.428 --> 00:21:14.796
And that means as a church what we need to do here is make sure
00:21:14.796 --> 00:21:18.467
You're equipped to share the gospel.
00:21:18.467 --> 00:21:21.269
A third way we do that, a third way we act as an evangelist is
00:21:21.269 --> 00:21:25.073
Through organizing.
00:21:25.073 --> 00:21:26.675
You know, you read through the book of acts the chronicles the
00:21:26.675 --> 00:21:29.544
Ministry of paul and you quickly come to the conclusion that paul
00:21:29.544 --> 00:21:33.081
Was a man with a plan.
00:21:33.081 --> 00:21:35.016
I mean, he had a plan for reaching his world for christ.
00:21:35.016 --> 00:21:38.420
Now, sometimes his plans didn't pan out.
00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:41.256
I mean, sometimes his plans got vetoed by god.
00:21:41.256 --> 00:21:43.892
One time he wanted to go to bethania.
00:21:43.892 --> 00:21:45.761
God said, "no, you're going to macedonia instead."
00:21:45.761 --> 00:21:48.430
But the point is he had a plan.
00:21:48.430 --> 00:21:50.332
He just didn't sit there and wait for something
00:21:50.332 --> 00:21:52.401
Good to happen.
00:21:52.401 --> 00:21:53.769
He wanted to take the gospel to everyone.
00:21:53.769 --> 00:21:55.971
And i would say, pastor, ask yourself the question wherever
00:21:55.971 --> 00:21:58.540
You are, church family, what is our strategy for taking the good
00:21:58.540 --> 00:22:03.178
News of christ to the community we're in?
00:22:03.178 --> 00:22:05.580
We need a strategy.
00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:06.948
We have to have a plan.
00:22:06.948 --> 00:22:08.550
If god has placed your church as a lampstand to illuminate the
00:22:08.550 --> 00:22:11.853
Lord jesus christ, then maximize that opportunity that you have
00:22:11.853 --> 00:22:16.258
By developing a plan.
00:22:16.258 --> 00:22:18.193
I think about d.l. moody.
00:22:18.193 --> 00:22:19.728
Somebody came up to him very angry, said, "mr. moody,
00:22:19.728 --> 00:22:22.597
I do not like your plan of doing evangelism."
00:22:22.597 --> 00:22:26.067
And moody said, "i like my plan of doing evangelism better than
00:22:26.067 --> 00:22:29.070
Your plan of not doing evangelism."
00:22:29.070 --> 00:22:32.641
The fact is, pastor, you don't have to adopt our plan, but what
00:22:32.641 --> 00:22:36.311
Plan do you have?
00:22:36.311 --> 00:22:37.879
What strategy do you have for being that light in that
00:22:37.879 --> 00:22:41.550
Community where god has placed you?
00:22:41.550 --> 00:22:45.520
You know, in speech classes, we were taught there are a number
00:22:45.520 --> 00:22:48.757
Of ways to end a talk.
00:22:48.757 --> 00:22:50.725
You can do so with a penetrating question or a relevant quote or
00:22:50.725 --> 00:22:54.529
An interesting story or a poem or a song.
00:22:54.529 --> 00:22:58.500
Don't get afraid.
00:22:58.500 --> 00:22:59.868
I'm not gonna use the song.
00:22:59.868 --> 00:23:02.404
But one way to end a message is by repeating the major thesis of
00:23:02.404 --> 00:23:07.843
That message, and that's the way i wanna end tonight.
00:23:07.843 --> 00:23:12.547
I want you to listen carefully to these words.
00:23:12.547 --> 00:23:15.951
The preservation of our nation for the proclamation of the
00:23:15.951 --> 00:23:20.956
Gospel depends upon the effectiveness of local churches
00:23:20.956 --> 00:23:25.460
In fulfilling their mission.
00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:28.697
And the effectiveness of local churches fulfilling their
00:23:28.697 --> 00:23:32.868
Mission depends upon pastors fulfilling their calling as
00:23:32.868 --> 00:23:38.773
Preachers, as prophets, and as evangelists.
00:23:38.773 --> 00:23:44.145
Pastors, tonight especially, god help you as you fulfill your
00:23:44.145 --> 00:23:48.650
God-given calling.
00:23:48.650 --> 00:23:51.319
Jeffress: at "pathway to victory" we're praying that god
00:23:55.423 --> 00:23:57.692
Would use today's message to ignite a renewed passion among
00:23:57.692 --> 00:24:01.596
Pastors to preach the gospel with freedom and boldness.
00:24:01.596 --> 00:24:06.334
Now, in closing today, let me tell you about the in god we
00:24:06.334 --> 00:24:09.638
Trust matching challenge.
00:24:09.638 --> 00:24:11.873
Right now your gift to "pathway to victory" will be matched and
00:24:11.873 --> 00:24:15.076
Therefore doubled in impact until we reach the goal of
00:24:15.076 --> 00:24:18.480
$1.5 million.
00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:21.349
Friends, america is in a spiritual crisis, and the only
00:24:21.349 --> 00:24:25.320
Hope for our nation is the transforming power of the gospel
00:24:25.320 --> 00:24:28.924
Of jesus christ.
00:24:28.924 --> 00:24:30.625
Today, i'm inviting you to partner with us to get god's
00:24:30.625 --> 00:24:34.029
Word to even more people while there's still time.
00:24:34.029 --> 00:24:37.666
Now, please, stay right there.
00:24:37.666 --> 00:24:39.367
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
00:24:39.367 --> 00:24:43.405
Announcer: as our nation celebrates 250 years, do we
00:24:45.006 --> 00:24:49.044
Still remember the faith that built america?
00:24:49.044 --> 00:24:52.080
Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book to make sure
00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:55.550
That we and our families never forget the brand-new 250th
00:24:55.550 --> 00:24:59.521
Commemorative edition of "america is a christian nation"
00:24:59.521 --> 00:25:02.958
Is an 88-page full color large print coffee table book packed
00:25:02.958 --> 00:25:07.162
With inspiring stories from our nation's history, breathtaking
00:25:07.162 --> 00:25:10.999
Imagery of america, select portraits of our founding
00:25:10.999 --> 00:25:14.235
Fathers, and powerful truth from god's word.
00:25:14.235 --> 00:25:17.772
Jeffress: america was founded on the principles of the
00:25:17.772 --> 00:25:20.108
Judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible, and our
00:25:20.108 --> 00:25:23.678
Future depends on returning to that biblical foundation.
00:25:23.678 --> 00:25:27.849
Announcer: request the 250th commemorative edition of
00:25:27.849 --> 00:25:31.519
"america is a christian nation" when you give a generous
00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:34.356
Ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
00:25:34.356 --> 00:25:36.925
You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video and mp3
00:25:36.925 --> 00:25:41.396
Format audio disc set featuring two powerful messages from
00:25:41.396 --> 00:25:45.734
Dr. jeffress and 12 patriotic performances by the first
00:25:45.734 --> 00:25:49.704
Baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
00:25:49.704 --> 00:25:52.240
And with your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll also send
00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:56.344
You the complete "america and the bible" teaching series on
00:25:56.344 --> 00:25:59.981
Dvd video, and mp3 format audio disc.
00:25:59.981 --> 00:26:03.818
Your gift today will be doubled in impact through the in god we
00:26:03.818 --> 00:26:07.622
Trust matching challenge, as together we pierce the darkness
00:26:07.622 --> 00:26:11.893
With the light of god's word.
00:26:11.893 --> 00:26:14.329
Jeffress: as christians we're far stronger when we band
00:26:15.864 --> 00:26:18.900
Together with other believers, and that's why god created the
00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:22.604
Church to be salt and light in this darkening and
00:26:22.604 --> 00:26:25.940
Decaying world.
00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:27.475
But as we fulfill that mission, we need to be prepared.
00:26:27.475 --> 00:26:31.346
The bible promises that persecution will increase as
00:26:31.346 --> 00:26:35.116
Christ's return draws near, and next time i'm going to offer
00:26:35.116 --> 00:26:39.554
Three essential words to help you get ready for the
00:26:39.554 --> 00:26:42.791
Lord's return.
00:26:42.791 --> 00:26:44.159
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
00:26:44.159 --> 00:26:46.761
Series, "america and the bible."
00:26:46.761 --> 00:26:50.565
Jeffress: any christian who seriously takes god's command to
00:26:50.632 --> 00:26:55.203
Be light and salt in this dark and decaying world needs to
00:26:55.203 --> 00:27:00.642
Understand you may not and will not always receive justice, but
00:27:00.642 --> 00:27:05.180
You always can be guaranteed to receive persecution.
00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:10.518
Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
00:27:10.518 --> 00:27:13.521
"when persecution comes" here on "pathway to victory."
00:27:13.521 --> 00:27:27.235

Robert Jeffress - For Pastor's Only (Part 2)

June 8, 2026 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share