EDITORS NOTE: Andrew Bolt a journalist with the Herald Sun has written an incisive article challenging the church and christian leaders to stand up and be counted or submit to the new Totalitarianism of Anti-christian hate speech, persecution and worse. He points out that if people of faith do not speak up for freedom, faith and family for the greater good of all society in all its forms will be worse under the jackboots of those who hate the truth!

 

CHRISTIANS, prepare for persecution. Open your eyes and choose stronger leaders for the dark days.

I am not a Christian, but I am amazed that your bishops and ministers are not warning you of what is already breaking over your heads.

How mad that Queensland’s Education Department can now warn schools against letting students praise Jesus in the playground.

The department has put out reports telling state schools “to take appropriate action if aware that students participating in (religious instruction) are evangelising to students who do not participate”.

It gives examples of what students must not say in the playground — such as “knowing about Jesus is a very important thing”, or “God, please help us to use our knowledge to help others”.

Nor may students hand out Christmas cards or decorations.

What do these bureaucrats fear from children inspired by Christ?

Is it that stuff about loving your neighbour? Or that instruction to respect the dignity of every human life that makes Christians the enemy of totalitarians?

But this ban on playground talk of Jesus is only the most shocking salvo of the new war on Christians.

Pastor Campbell Markham is facing an anti-discrimination complaint arising from blog posts he wrote relating to the marriage debate.

Last week, two Christian preachers were summoned to Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Tribunal for preaching their faith’s stand on traditional marriage and homosexuality.

Hobart pastor Campbell Mark­ham and street preacher David Gee, from Hobart’s Cornerstone Church, were denounced by an atheist offended by, among other things, Markham quoting a verse from the Bible.

We’ve seen this before. Hobart’s Catholic Archbishop, Julian Porteous, was two years ago ordered by this tribunal to tell by what right he spoke against same-sex marriage.

How cowed the churches have been before this looming persecution, now picking off vocal Christians, one by one.

Just this year, Sydney University’s Student Union threatened to deregister the university’s Evangelical Union unless it stopped insisting members declare their faith in Christ.

Meanwhile, same-sex marriage extremists bullied Coopers Brewery into taking down a video of a Christian MP Andrew Hastie debating same-sex marriage, and lobbied IBM, PwC and Sydney University to punish staff belonging to a Christian group opposed to gay marriage.

Last week, 70 pro-Safe Schools activists picketed a church to abuse people at an Australian Christian Lobby meeting as “bigots”.

A sign explaining why Coopers Beer is not being served at a hotel earlier this year.

Last year, an ACL meeting was cancelled after the hotel venue was bombarded with threats.

The state-funded SBS joined in by banning an ad by Christians defending traditional marriage, yet ran one for an Ashley Madison dating service for adulterers.

The Greens are the political wing of this attack on Christianity, and are demanding churches lose their legal freedom to hire only people who live by their faith.

The media, too, often cheer this war, using as their excuse the sexual abuse of children by some priests and ministers decades ago.

Rarely do they admit the average gap between the alleged offences by Catholic priests and the lodging of complaints is 33 years. That suggests the churches did crack down on paedophiles decades ago.

But this vilification has had its effect. The Census shows the proportion of Australians calling themselves Christian has dropped from 74 per cent in 1991 to 52 per cent now.

No wonder, when the weaker churches cower before the persecution.

Last week, some even licked the boots of the anti-Christian ABC when it launched yet another attack, smearing churches as the haven of wife-beaters.

Christians are more inclined to volunteer, donate and keep families together, surveys show.

This ABC series led off with a ludicrously false claim: “The men most likely to abuse their wives are evangelical Christians who attend church sporadically.”

A week after I proved this untrue, the ABC edited its reports to replace that false claim with another: “Overall, the international studies indicate that intimate partner violence is just as serious a problem in Christian communities, as it is in the general community.”

Wrong again. Professor Bradford Wilcox, author of the American study the ABC cited as proof, complained “the (ABC’s) story … does not square with the evidence that church­going couples, in America at least, appear to be less likely to suffer domestic violence”.

In fact, Christianity produce better citizens in many ways.

Surveys show Christians are more inclined to volunteer, donate and keep families together.

So what do the enemies of Christianity wish to achieve by smearing, silencing and destroying this civilising faith? What would they replace it with?

With the atheism that preaches every man for himself? With Islam?

Or with the green faith that has not inspired a single hospital, hospice, school, or even soup kitchen?

Yet the persecution is starting. Are the churches ready?

About the Author: Warwick Marsh

Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison Marsh since 1975; they have five children and nine grandchildren, and he and his wife live in Wollongong in NSW, Australia. He is a family and faith advocate, social reformer, musician, TV producer, writer and public speaker. Warwick is a leader in the Men’s and Family Movement, and he is well-known in Australia for his advocacy for children, marriage, manhood, family, fatherhood and faith. Warwick is passionate to encourage men to be great fathers and to know the greatest Father of all. The Father in Whom “there is no shadow of turning.”

45 Comments

  1. Janice Gilbert August 3, 2017 at 7:06 am - Reply

    Many Christians believe that God is in control but they forget we are His hands
    and feet.

  2. Theot58 August 3, 2017 at 7:43 am - Reply

    This is scary stuff.
    Democracy is being sacrificed on the alter of “diversity”, “tolerance” and “equality”.
    Who is the dark force behind this push?
    I fear this will not end well.

  3. Geoffrey Bond August 3, 2017 at 7:58 am - Reply

    Well done, Andrew.
    Please keep up your efforts to show the Australian community just how biased the ABC is, in their constant battle to demonise Christians and the Christian Church.

  4. Michael Grima August 3, 2017 at 9:00 am - Reply

    First of all I would like to say Andrew Bolt please accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour, repent of all your sins, believed that He died for your sins that He paid the price for on the cross and Whom God The Father raised again from the dead on the third day and ask Jesus into your heart…
    You can become a mighty soldier for our heavenly Father through Christ Jesus our Saviour.

    Secondly, you have inspired me, As A Born Again Christian to speak up against this insidious and occultic movement working in government to push this false agenda of man marrying man and woman marrying woman. It is quite simply from Satan himself.

    Thankyou Andrew for your article.
    God in Jesus Name Bless You…

  5. Leonie Blume August 3, 2017 at 9:29 am - Reply

    Thank you Andrew Bolt for consistently championing the truth and for raising that challenge to the church.

  6. John Lawson August 3, 2017 at 9:36 am - Reply

    Right on the mark again Andrew thank you for the heads up about all the non Christian Bigots out there who accuse Christians of being bigots whereas in fact they are the bigots. They just will not live and let live they have to insist that the whole of society fits into their mold and thinks the same way that they do. Is called group think? They don’t have the guts to have a rational discussion about the facts, which is what we do here in our free society its called freedom of speech which also seems to me to becoming less free by the day. No they just shut down all discussion by using some law that was brought in to protect people to push their own prejudiced agenda. Thank you again for revealing the honest truth to us.

  7. Roma Grose August 3, 2017 at 9:52 am - Reply

    People of God rise up and declare the truth of God’s word as found in Leviticus 18: 22
    and 1 Cor: 6: 9.

  8. Tony August 3, 2017 at 10:05 am - Reply

    I really don’t know what the furore is all about. ..Jesus told us that as the end of days approach that this kind of stuff is going to happen. It’s time for the true Church to look up for our redemption draws near. The important things He told us was to pray, be alert to what is going on around us in the world and to be prepared to persevere during times of trouble. The question is will the Son of Man find the faith on the earth when He comes back?

  9. Robert Findlay August 3, 2017 at 10:26 am - Reply

    If this is what our society wants, that’s what they are going to reap

  10. Judith Moller August 3, 2017 at 10:30 am - Reply

    Please Please be guided by The warning second coming The Book of Truth
    I refer to one sin in particular, same sex marriage, which is presented as a natural right .You are then expected to accept this abomination as it is set before My Father’s Throne in a church .It is not enough for these people to condone same sex marriage in the eyes of the law they then want to force God the Father to give them His blessing. He could never do this because it is a grave sin in His eyes.How dare these people think it is acceptable to parade this abominable act in My Father’s Churches ?Children, I love every soul. I love sinners. I detest their sin but love the sinner. Same sex sexual acts are not acceptable in My Father’s Eyes. .Sin is now presented in the world as a good thing .As I have said before the world is back to front. Good is presented as evil and those people who try to live by the laws of God the Father are sneered at

    • Alan Millard August 4, 2017 at 10:03 am - Reply

      Let’s face it, even the animals God created as He did human beings, get together in families, male and female producing off spring. It is sickening to watch people of the same sex acting like it is the normal thing to be a couple. The word of God say’s in Romans chapt 1, they do not recognize God , verse 24 therefore God gave them up to the lust of their own hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves abandoning them to the degrading power of sin, and so the chapter goes on. Christians unite and stand against these minority groups who want to control our lives. We have a right to speak out other wise it is diiscrimination and against the law to tell us we cannot have an opinion. Be strong and in the power of His might. Remember, we win in the end and we can win now.
      Shalom

  11. Judy Macleod August 3, 2017 at 10:43 am - Reply

    Excellent article by Andrew. I thank God for Andrew’s voice in the media and making a stand for christians even though he says he’s not one himself.

  12. Irene Joppich August 3, 2017 at 10:55 am - Reply

    As a Christian I am totally against Same Sex Marriage. Children need a father and a mother (male& female)

  13. Stephen August 3, 2017 at 11:18 am - Reply

    There are too many Christians sitting on the conservative fence.
    Sometimes the only way to achieve something is to flex the muscles.
    I’m surprised that there is little comment from the Muslim community.

  14. Margaret and David tamkin August 3, 2017 at 11:20 am - Reply

    I have four grandchildren three girls and one boy, and I want them to know the truth, the truth is God does not make mistakes.
    If a person wants to live in a homosexual lifestyle it is ‘not natural’ but no one is going to stop them, they are ‘free’. Why don’t you tell them that?
    Think about it, it will ruin the Nation,
    I hope the people are still allowed to vote because the majority of people do not want same sex marriage.
    I honestly don’t believe this is happening, you should be looking at things like helping the elderly, help people that are out of work and try and get more jobs, helping the sick, looking at how to make life easier here in this, now, beautiful Nation etc.

  15. Rosanne August 3, 2017 at 3:08 pm - Reply

    Yes praise God for Andrew Bolt even though he says that he isn’t a Christian God is using him to speak out and try to wake up the Christians.

  16. Marina Fernando August 3, 2017 at 7:43 pm - Reply

    We do not want Christian values removed from our way of life .
    We value the fairness, freedom ,peace ,generosity, decency etc ….it provides.
    My entire family supports this .

  17. Eunice Steinhardt August 3, 2017 at 9:06 pm - Reply

    Thank you for this report which speaks of what one knows as a Christian about society. When I write to ABC I note I don’t find my viewpoint shared even when respectfully put. Boils down to me standing true….all the ‘me’ who are Christian…now is the time. It is a sad indictment of society and thank goodness Jesus will have the final say. He is for real you know! So let me be!

  18. Peter August 3, 2017 at 9:19 pm - Reply

    Thanks for spreading this message.

    If God & His truth will stand firm through Christians who really care & the message gets through, it may just start a revival.

    We, in general as Christians first must wake up from our silence.

  19. Robert Koomans August 3, 2017 at 9:38 pm - Reply

    Yes, it seems that atheists have joined up with Islamist terrorists to achieve an outcome of zero people left to show them how wrong they are to practice Satanism (this is the end game really of all sides being led by Satan)… and so the World will descend into a worse “DARK AGES” than at any point in history. No one will then have access to books or preachers to know God or His wish for mankind to live in peace. But even though the picture is gloomy, God still EXPECTS us to try to combat this enemy of humanity, and to do all that is legal in His eyes as well as the National Laws in as peaceful manner as possible. First: DEFEND yourself, 2) Defend your Family, 3) Defend your nation from evil

  20. Rhonda August 3, 2017 at 9:45 pm - Reply

    So true Andrew, thank you once again for defending the Christian faith, if only the leaders of mainstream churches had your courage. We have seen more churches stand up on this issue in the past couple of elections and the fact is that we do have enough Christians in this country to vote in a totally Christian government if they too had enough courage and conviction and these issues would no longer exist in Australia – other countries have done it. I’m with you Andrew – WAKE UP AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIANS!

  21. Bruce Crawford August 3, 2017 at 10:20 pm - Reply

    Yes good point, it’s going to be very tough. Are we ready? I don’t think so, but our church is mobilizing it’s self, will we be targeted? It seems so. “Count it gain to suffer for Christ.”. Pray

  22. Joy Lloyd August 3, 2017 at 11:51 pm - Reply

    For a long time in Australia any other belief is accepted but not Christianity. Thanks for standing up for what is right. Surely the Australian Constitution includes freedom of religion. The way some people are behaving perhaps freedom of religion is not in the Constitution. The ones who attack Christianity are a very powerful minority. For some reason powerful minorities have the most say and get their own way. We should stand up for freedom of religion. We Christians are not breaking any laws or causing havoc, and we are probably the most helpful and the most law abiding citizens there are in this country. Thank you Andrew for your common sense and understanding of justice as we hear on the radio at 2GB and in the Telegraph newspaper.

  23. John Young August 4, 2017 at 12:49 am - Reply

    An excellent article by Andrew Bolt. It expresses the facts and the grave dangers clearly. If a non-Christian has the courage and clear understanding to speak as he has, Christians should follow his example and speak out. Unfortunately, there is little encouragement or action from most of the bishops. They behave like politicians.
    Congratulations to Andrew Bolt.

  24. Jorel Williams August 4, 2017 at 12:52 am - Reply

    These are the last days, and scripture says that many believers hearts will grow cold. Many will fall away and be offended and deceived. That if we stand up for righteousness we WILL be persecuted.
    But praise be to God that He says, when the enemy comes in like a flood ( as we are now seeing) that He will raise up a standard against it, ( through prayer, fasting petitioning being a voice and crying out to Him).
    My prayer is
    . Let Your Kingdom come Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. To Him and Him alone be the kingdom , the power and the glory for ever and ever and ever Amen

  25. Noel & Joy Portwine August 4, 2017 at 1:07 am - Reply

    I commend Andrew Bolt on his article, he sums up the situation really well. I am so disappointed with our politicians who promise one thing then without a public vote do the opposite. eg Same sex marriage is promoted on media sporting events etc. It makes me feel sick when two lesbian woman call their partner her husband when she is a woman. Does this mean to homosexual men will be called husband and wife. How perverted is all this garbage. Then on top of all this they proclaim they make better parents than one Man and One Woman. Wake up Australia this is the thin edge of the wedge that will lead to much moral decay to all.
    Everyone has rights what about that of the children and their moral compass should same sex marriage become legal.

  26. HENRY SMITH August 4, 2017 at 1:26 am - Reply

    I and my wife voted Liberal and expect the Prime Minister to hold firm for a Plebiscite as was promised.
    I believe that a Parliament vote will be biased and will not truly represent the people of Australia. Our future support will depend on the Prime Minister not being swayed from his promise.
    H.E. and D.H. smith

  27. Graham Byrne August 4, 2017 at 6:03 am - Reply

    My comment is in the form of a poem which I believe to be a prophetic word from the Lord especially for this time. In addition I recommend every Christian read the book
    of “Jude” – perhaps the smallest book of the Bible but interestingly coming immediately before the book of Revelation- the final book of the bible. Revelation
    spells out in many ways the final chapter of life before the coming of Christ which will
    surely come to pass. We need to hold on to and spread forth the faith we know is true understanding that it may undoubtedly result in redicule and even persecution. My Poem is as follows.
    PEOPLE of AUSTRALIA

    To the people of Australia won’t you hear God’s pleading voice
    He has given you a Saviour and it’s yours to make a choice
    He is gentle He is loving He is kind and knows your need
    But His heart is bleeding badly broken by the lives you lead
    His name is Jesus; His name is Jesus; He died upon that cross
    His name is Wonderful, His name is Counsellor
    He rose that you might have eternal life and never more be lost

    To the leaders of Australia if you’ll heed His broken heart
    If you’ll follow in the footsteps of the one God set apart
    He will heal your broken hearted He will give your blind new sight
    And He’ll turn the darkness of your land into a golden light
    His name is Jesus; His name is Jesus; He died upon that cross
    His name is Wonderful, His name is Counsellor
    He rose that you might have eternal life and never more be lost

    To the leaders of Australia and the wise men of this land
    To those who have forgotten God you need to understand
    He sent His Son to rescue you – He died upon that cross
    And suffered there for all your sin that you might not be lost
    His name is Jesus; His name is Jesus; He died upon that cross
    His name is Wonderful, His name is Counsellor
    He rose that you might have eternal life and never more be lost

    To the people of Australia when you feel the chips are down
    You only need to call on Him you’ll find you’re not alone
    He’ll call upon His Father who for all eternity
    Washed away all mankind’s’ sin – He took them on that tree
    His name is Jesus; His name is Jesus; He died upon that cross
    His name is Wonderful, His name is Counsellor
    He rose that you might have eternal life and never more be lost

    Jeremiah and Isiah were God’s prophets back in time
    They told of Jesus coming, breaking bread and drinking wine
    Today His name is near forgotten by nations far and wide
    God’ sent His only Son from whom the world can never hide
    His name is Jesus; His name is Jesus; He died upon that cross
    His name is Wonderful, His name is Counsellor
    He rose that you might have eternal life and never more be lost

    Graham K Byrne

    • May Gerrand August 5, 2017 at 8:00 am - Reply

      What a beautifully true and encouraging poem from Graham Byrne. Thank you Graham.

  28. Sue Johnston August 4, 2017 at 6:17 am - Reply

    So so true we as Christians and especially Christian leaders need to start speaking up NOW – we are all entitled to an opinion

  29. Terry August 4, 2017 at 8:11 am - Reply

    To those who scoff at the Holy Bible, How do you account for the many fulfilled prophecies therein? There are more biblical prophecies to come including judgement.
    Proverbs.14:12 Judges 21:25 are the present day walks of life.

  30. alwyn campbell August 4, 2017 at 2:37 pm - Reply

    It is a sad reflection that Christians with a stated 52% of the population (assume it is really half that) seem to have no influence on society and dont seem to have the political clout for our politicians to take any notice.
    If the day comes when Christians ‘unite’ (highly unlikely as we are so stuck in disunited silos) then we will be able to change the world.
    Imagine Christians boycotting ant-Christian businesses or boycotting Halal certified products or lobbying against ant-Christian politicians. We could change the world for the better.

  31. John Cole August 5, 2017 at 3:40 am - Reply

    Well done Andrew.
    Your excellent column should be a wake up call to all Christians in Australia.
    You’ve opened my eyes to the leftist bias of the ABC and we now watch the news reports on Sky News – stuff the “no agenda, no bias” ABC ignores.

  32. Anthony McDowall August 5, 2017 at 10:44 am - Reply

    Good evening, i would like to encourage my precious brothers and sisters in the Kingdom, those who are and, have responded to the call to stand in the gap for this nation, ‘the great Southland of the Holy Spirit’. You may be not ‘out there’ doing your works by faith, but rather standing, kneeling, weeping, interceding for those the Father places on your heart. I love you guys, and I m so thankful to be alongside you in the battle. Isn t so wonderful that Jesus has already won the victory for His bride. Take care, Praise Him

  33. Mary August 5, 2017 at 2:00 pm - Reply

    This is surely a time we need all the power of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit to stand up for Marriage and not be brow-beaten into submission by the influential numbers who have convinced others that ‘love’ covers all types of relationship.

  34. Robert Findlay August 5, 2017 at 8:32 pm - Reply

    We where created Adam & Eve not Adam & Steve.
    This the reason I do not support Gay & Lesbian marriage.
    Also, the fact that we are being bullied by a minority and our Christian values are not being up-held.

  35. Don Pitkin August 6, 2017 at 1:08 am - Reply

    Persecution has always caused the Church to depend more on Almighty God. “Do not be deceived,God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. For he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart. therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galations 6:7-10)

  36. E Oyed August 6, 2017 at 8:32 am - Reply

    Wonderful poem and I also stand for Jesus because is the Truth and God’s words is for ever and ever the base on what we believe the Institution established by God.

  37. JOAN DAVIDSON August 6, 2017 at 8:33 am - Reply

    Surely as Christians it is up to each one of us to stand up for what we believe. As to the ‘same sex marriage’ debate, we can (i have done so) all write to each MP and tell them that you wish to hold them to the promise made before the election that we would be able to make known our position on SSM. We do not have to wait for someone else to defend Christianity for us. It is the obligation of each one of us to stand up for the principles as laid out in the Bible. If we do not stand up for what we believe, then, we are not holding true to our faith. At all times, we must be respectful, but still be firm in our belief. God help Australia.

  38. Mary Brady August 6, 2017 at 12:44 pm - Reply

    Thank you Andrew Bolt for being honest,seeing truth and being brave enough to speak it. Bless you. You have a unique opportunity to do this where it will do most good. I want to do this too in my small corner and ask and lean on my loving Father God to help me do the same. Thank you again.

  39. Maria August 7, 2017 at 4:33 am - Reply

    Thank you Andrew for drawing our attention to a very important issue that many who still think that politics and religion should not mix continue to choose to ignore.

  40. Mark Coleman August 7, 2017 at 10:50 pm - Reply

    Thank you Mr Bolt for your incredible insight into what our country is facing, and for standing up where so many churches are not. You are an inspiration to Christians in this country, regardless of your position with regard to faith. The bible tells us that as Christians we will always be at war against the world, warring with our beliefs vs the secular system. Let’s stand up for our beliefs and rights and keep our freedom.

  41. Robert Lucas August 8, 2017 at 5:02 am - Reply

    Thank you Graham Byrne for that prophetic poem, it is so true for us all.
    I also believe with you that the book of Jude describes the sad state of society
    today, which can be summed up in the phrase,” Man’s ruthless pursuit of selfish
    ends, everyone was putting his own gain, his own selfish desires before those
    of his fellow man and before the interest of God.

  42. Robert Lucas August 8, 2017 at 5:03 am - Reply

    Thank you Graham Byrne for that prophetic poem, it is so true for us all.

  43. Fay Menzies August 8, 2017 at 11:19 am - Reply

    All those who call Themselves Christian must speak up ,Truth of Gods Word.

    God created some Men and some Women, and for a very good reason ,His Word stands forever .One Man And wife .not two men or 2 women.Our children need
    parents that speak Truth to them and others;or we will become a Nation with out any children. that’s not the way God said it should be.

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