I have three examples for you today of the Church falling by the wayside as other worldviews overwhelm this nation.

The first is a reasonably well-known example. Adelaide is known as the city of churches. However, in recent years there have been several documented arrests of street preachers for “breaching the peace”. In theory, such an action should be deemed unconstitutional because of the freedom of religion clause (section 116). In reality the interpretation of this section of the constitution does not occur in this way.

Secondly, Australia has just had their first member of parliament to be sworn in on the Qur’an. This can be seen as a positive step for multiculturalism but can only be described as a devastating blow for Christianity within Australia. Granted God is not merely within politics, nor is it essential that Australia is consider a Christian state. However, with the above examples highlighting both a disregard for Christian heritage and the oppression of our faith it is likely that these oppressions will increase.

Consider for a moment, if you will, a nation of complete free speech. Now I, for one, in principle, do not the idea of a rights-based mentality. But the great thing about free speech is that Christians would have no excuse not to proclaim the gospel from the top of a skyscraper, if they were so inclined. So many people would hear because so many Christians would be talking. Unfortunately Australia is not a country with complete free speech.

As emphasised by the first example free speech is limited in circumstances where it seems “inappropriate” or “unwanted”. These are deterring Christians from preaching the good news and limiting the subject audience from hearing it. Sure, discretion is needed, but each should preach the gospel as he or she feels led to by God. I know one thing, street preaching was a preferred method for many an individual at the genesis of the Christian church. Never let this right be taken away from us.

My final example concerns the parliamentary prayer breakfast. This national event has occurred the past twenty-three years but will not transpire this November. It doesn’t take long for an atheist prime minister to oust anything particularly religious. Obviously, at times this event may seem token and incorporate a lack of genuine prayers for our nation but the fact that this occasion will not occur at all is testament to our nation rolling over and playing dead.

It has to be said that the Church seems to be doing as fine a job of not being unified to fight this flood as individual atheists are combining to destroy our ethics. As Christians we are mandated to stay together (Col. 3:14; Eph. 4:5; Phil. 2:2). Unfortunately there is no unity, there is only placid acceptance. How can we awake this slumbering creature?