Jesus Was Not This Wimpy Little Guy': Pastor's Tough Message for 'Liberal Churches That Harbor Illegal Immigrants'

Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, spoke out against houses of worship that harbor illegal immigrants, claiming that they are "following the Jesus of their imagination rather than the Jesus of the Bible."

Jeffress, who said during a "Fox & Friends Weekend" appearance on Sunday that compassion is absolutely necessary when dealing with illegals, also explained that his church would never house them.

"Look, a lot of these liberal churches that harbor illegal immigrants who are criminals say they're following the example of Jesus," he said. "The only problem is they're following the Jesus of their imagination rather than the Jesus of the Bible." 

Jeffress continued, "Jesus was not this wimpy little guy who walked around munching sunflower seeds and saying nice things to people. The real Jesus of the Bible said ‘render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. That is: obey the government."

The pastor went on to say that he believes Jesus is just as concerned over the plight of immigrants as is the death of Kate Steinle, the woman who was recently killed by an illegal immigrant in San Francisco, California.

Dr. Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, also joined the segment to note that he believes that God has ordained both the government and churches to make a societal impact, but that helping illegal immigrants meet basic needs isn't unwarranted.

"I think we're confusing realms here. I don't think that we should be aiding and abetting criminals, of course not," Land said. "But when people show up and they're hungry, when they're thirsty, when they need shelter — the cross of Christ says that this is a place where you're going to get a cup of cold water ... some shelter ... some hot food. It's not our job to be asking for a green card before we extend the mercy of Christ."

Watch the segment below:

(H/T: Mediaite)