Israel Falau – In the Great Scheme of Things
Over the last few weeks I have been intrigued and somewhat alarmed at the outpouring of rage against the Australian Rugby International – Israel Falau.
In fact when the news first broke, I awoke from a dream with feelings of intrepidation about the future direction of the world and Australia in particular.
It seems to me that ever since our parliament opened the doors to legalise same sex marriage on 7 December 2017 the foundational fabric of our culture based upon the family has begun to terminally unravel.
From a christian perspective a whole host of demonic forces have been unleashed upon our nation and culture, to reek havoc by distorting and corrupting our traditional historic christian values and freedom which is the fabric of our society.
Sadly the vast majority of the population have no understanding of this and the spiritual forces that are at play.
As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:14 ….. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The furore over the sacking of Israel Falau from Australian Rugby, which ironically is referred to as “the game they play in Heaven” beggars belief.
It has triggered some major questions in my mind.
Why is it, the secular world can take such great offence at the posting online of a simple scripture from the Bible and yet blink an eye at the blasphemous expletives that seem to be regularly expressed in the public media of our newspapers?
Recently I was astounded and to be honest offended that the name of “Jesus Christ” was used in blasphemy & 
published in the Courier Mail on April 6 with out seemingly any ‘pushback’ from the reading population.
On the other hand when Israel Falau published a scripture text on his social media Facebook and Instagram page “all hell broke loose” as they say!
To top it off, the crescendo of criticism of his actions peaked when not only was he sacked from his employment as a Rugby player by Rugby Australia, but publicly criticised by fellow believers and Christian Leaders in the news media for not conforming to Christ’s “Way” of doing things. “It does not reflect the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.” said one!
My appeal to older christians, particularly those in leadership positions, please be careful not to throw a fellow believer or new christian “under the proverbial media bus” as they say.
Reflect the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, particularly in a public forum!
By all means privately offer loving advise in a spirit of gentleness …. keeping a watch on yourself, lest you too falter! (Gal 6:1-2.) ESV
As I observe from a distance and perhaps from a different generation (I am an 80 year old former christian missionary and pastor), it created a question in my mind as to how does the Gospel work in the great scheme of things?
In past Centuries ‘hell fire and brimstone preaching’ was very effective in turning people away from sin.
Yet now in this modern era I hear christian leaders say “God hasn’t called us to judge” …. ?
Others question the “method” as not being effective in this day and age.
As a former christian leader I find it fascinating to observe the changing methodology and culture that contemporary generations are adopting to communicate with today’s secular world.
Sadly many christian leaders of today have stepped back from ‘preaching’ the Gospel of repentance to ‘sharing’ its values in good taste!
I’m not negative toward a feel good or encouraging message.
However God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21
I would suggest that the Holy Spirit uses a variety of ways to get His message out there.
The message of “Repentance” is one of them which by its very nature comes across as judgemental.
What is the answer?
Instinctively I go to the Bible.
1 Corinthians 1:27 “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;” ESV
It seems to me that spiritual wickedness has now got a foothold upon our nation and some of our churches and political leaders have no idea how to handle the spiritual decline.
What can be done?
Which reminds me of that scripture that say “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.
In Conclusion,
I am amazed how the Holy Spirit unobtrusively works behind the scenes.
He has used the so called “foolishness” of preaching and scripture “texting” on the internet to spread His Word throughout the whole world.
If I had posted that scripture on my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube or Internet feed Im sure nobody would have noticed, let alone reacted to it on the world stage in this world of secularism.
But Israel Falau’s post (at his great expense), has been seen by millions of unbelievers and has stirred up a ‘hornets nest’!
Who knows how many will come to Christ and receive salvation as a result?
You see it is the Holy Spirit who convicts of Sin and He will use any vessel to bring about change.
If I may respectfully say so, the ‘feel good’ message that is being extensively preached today will undoubtedly strengthen christians and add numbers to the church which I applaud. ……. but ultimately it is the message of repentance that will change lives.
Think about it!
Here is a prophetic song based on Acts 3:19 that challenges the status quo of preachers & leaders who need to repent as I have!
Take a listen to the lyrics it may surprise you and without malice!
In Conclusion, I find it fascinating to hear our Australian politicians being forced to address the question of the reality of Hell on public Television during the recent Federal Elections Campaign!
To help our politicians answer the question that was triggered by Israel Folau’s post…….Does God send Homosexuals, Liars, Atheists etc etc to Hell? ….. The Answer is NO!
These practices may precipitate it but IT IS THE SIN OF REJECTING CHRISTS FREE GIFT OF SALVATION that send people to Hell and REPENTANCE is a key factor.
July 13th, 2019 at 10:48 PM
Thank you Pastor Fred .
July 14th, 2019 at 6:59 AM
Thanks Ps Fred. I have followed with interest what some Christian leaders have said, in particular those who have sought to distance themselves from Folau – He needs our prayerful support. One (Calvinist) minister I know posted that he thought Israel was a “Oneness Pentecostal” – and said he had gone back through his posts to find evidence. I responded that he was a Mormon 10 years ago and had come to faith in Christ more recently. I don’t get my theology from footy players, but this one at least is brave enough to put truth out there. Blessings