Australia stands as a testament to a trinity of foundational pillars:
- the Aboriginal custodians of the land,
- the Christian faith that has steered its moral compass and
- the diverse tapestry of immigrants who have enriched its cultural narrative.
This blog is inspired by Rev Col Stringer’s recent message at Faith Legacy Believers Church (Gold Coast) last weekend.
At the heart of this joining together is a heritage that transcends mere history—it’s a legacy, a story of faith and providence, as imprinted in the first 18 verses of the New Testament.
Our nation’s saga began with the Gospel’s arrival when the shores whispered, ‘Le Australia del Espiritu Santu’. Under Gov. Philip, the First Fleet dedicated Australia to the Lord through communion. By February 3, 1788, the Word of God reverberated across the land as Psalm 116:12 came to life.
“What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me?” Psalms 116:12
Richard Johnson, a man graced with love and conviction, believed we were a chosen nation, destined by God.
Fast forward to modern times, where Australia’s Christian principles are the bedrock of our schools, hospitals, legal system, and the very fabric of our democracy. From the Holy Spirit’s sweep through Melbourne in the mid-1800s to the tens of thousands touched by revival in Windsor, NSW, in 1902—the Spirit’s fire has been unquenchable. Even the Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and the masses who gathered in the 1980s to hear Billy Graham at the Melbourne Cricket Ground attest to this.
Our nation has been blessed, notably during the charge of the Light Horse on October 31, 1917. The echoes of blessing resonate, for we have been a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, as declared in 1 Peter 2:9.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;” (1 Peter 2:9)
From New Zealand’s shores to New Guinea’s highlands and the islands of Fiji, the Australian Spirit of Faith has been a beacon.
Yet, today, we face a spiritual battle for the soul of our nation. Where once 95% of Australians identified as Christian, today less than half claim this heritage. I aim to stir your passion, to awaken the spiritual warrior within, for we are in a war not just for our beliefs but for the very fabric of our society.
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3 AMP). This ancient lament rings true as we witness our history, heritage, and culture under siege. The Spirit of Nebuchadnezzar seeks to erase our memories, pride, and hope with it.
But let us not despair. As Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls, so must we rally to the cause. Nehemiah 4:14 encourages us to remember the great and glorious Lord and fight for our families and homes. Let’s rush to the battlefront when we hear the trumpet sound, for God will fight for us.
“And I looked and arose and said to the nobles, the leaders, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” (Nehemiah 4:14)
The battle is the Lord’s, and by His grace, we shall prevail. Let us not cede our nation, children, and future to the adversary. It’s not too late; there’s hope for our families, and we shall reclaim them in praise, prayer, and thanksgiving.
Envision the church once more brimming with the energy of youth, the incorruptible seed of faith sown in their hearts. Trust in God, for we’ve tried all else. Your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters—they are returning. The sound of freedom is upon us.
So I call upon you, the church, to rise, for the Lord has promised, as in Jeremiah 31:16, that our children will return from distant lands.
Stand firm in the declaration: “Devil, you can’t have my family!”
The sound of freedom is nigh. Let us answer the call and preserve the Christian heritage that has so richly blessed our nation, Australia.
This blog was inspired by Rev. Col Stringers‘s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 28th of January, 2024. You can watch the full message below.
Wow, a beautifully constructed message that certainly stirred my heart. I agree with all that you said Ps Shaun. Thank you for your heart and commitment to our beloved church.
God bless and take care.