Scripture seldom commands us to do anything directly in relation to the State.

A rare exception is found in 1 Timothy 2, where Paul urges us to pray for those in authority – “for kings and all who are in high positions…”

But it’s not just prayer in general. It is prayer for a specific thing – “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

In her Charities Amendment Bill 2018, Reason/Sex Party leader Fiona Patten MLC requested the Victorian Government to remove the ‘advancement of religion’ as a ‘charitable purpose’ from Victoria's taxation law. The practical effect of this would be to expose churches and other faith communities to expensive land and payroll tax.

New South Wales law will be brought into line with other Australian states by prohibiting discrimination against people of faith if a religious freedom bill tabled in parliament today passes.

Imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t pray. As Christians, prayer is at the very centre of who we are. We are praying people.  But yet that’s exactly what happened to Joshua. Joshua is a young Australian, university student who loves Christ and wanted to share that love with his friends and those he came into contact with.

“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

George Orwell may or may not have said these words, but they are true.

Did you ever think you would live in a country that makes people criminals for expressing why babies should not be harmed?

As Christians, we take the teachings of Jesus seriously. He tells us to be salt and light, to be witnesses of truth wherever we are. He tells us not to hide, but to go and make disciples for him through our lives.

We all know it can a difficult thing but what could it cost you?

The Australian Christian Lobby cautiously welcomed news today that Australian Wallabies player, Israel Folau, has not been disciplined for making social media comments expressing mainstream religious beliefs.

Reports today that Qantas is considering withdrawingits sponsorship for the Wallabies because of Israel Folau’s recent comments about homosexuality are the latest example of the national carrier’s attempts to marginalise Christians.

We once thought these stories lay at the fringes. Passing fads that could never take hold. Amusements to be mocked and passed over.