Navigating the Rise of Islam and Antichrist Governance in Australia: A Christian Perspective on Intercession

Navigating the Rise of Islam and Antichrist Governance in Australia:

A Christian Perspective on Intercession

By Pastor Gary Hoban

In the dynamic, multicultural environment of contemporary Australia, the growth of Islam has become an increasingly prominent feature. This transformation, while celebrating diversity, has sparked debates and concerns about its potential impact on Australian values, governance, and society at large from a Christian worldview. This month I seek to explore this phenomenon through a Christian lens and underscore the need for intercession in navigating these complexities.

As many of you may know I have recently spent a lot of time in the largest muslim country in the world ministering to people, and this comes with a heart of love for the lost around the world and to all the muslim friends that I have made.

The emergence of Islam in Australia can be traced back to post-World War II immigration policies that welcomed Muslims from various countries, primarily those in South Asia and the Middle East. Today, Australia is home to approximately 600,000 Muslims, representing about 2.6% of the total population. This growth has not only enriched Australia’s cultural tapestry but also prompted a more profound examination of the nation’s identity, values, and political landscape from a Christian perspective.

From a biblical standpoint, God delights in diversity and calls for unity among His children in John 17:20-23.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

However, this unity should not undermine core Christian values such as justice, compassion, and truth Matthew 22:36-40.

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

The influx of Islamic ideologies and practices has led to concerns about radicalisation, adherence to sharia law, and potential threats to Australian democracy and Christian values.

The rise of an antichrist government within Australia in particular, Australian Islamic communities is a significant concern from a Christian worldview. This term, drawing on biblical prophecies 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, refers to the emergence of a global political power that opposes God and His followers.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [d]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

While not equating contemporary Islamic movements with the end-times antichrist, it is crucial for Christians to recognise potential parallels and take action accordingly.

The rise of such antichrist sentiments in Australian Islamic communities can be attributed to various factors, including the perceived failure of Western democracies to address socio-economic disparities among Muslim populations and a backlash against terrorist activities linked to Islam. This context underscores the need for Christian intercession, an active engagement that fosters understanding, cooperation, and reconciliation between different faiths and cultures while upholding core Christian values.

Intercession in this context requires several steps. Firstly, it involves sharing the love of Christ with Muslims, demonstrating His compassion and grace through actions and words. I can attest to the difficulty in doing this but also of the fruit of being obedient to the Lord.

Matthew 5:16.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Secondly, it entails engaging in open dialogue with Muslims to bridge cultural divides, promote mutual respect, and dispel misconceptions about Christianity. Thirdly, intercession calls for Christian leaders to guide their communities towards adhering to biblical principles while preserving their religious identity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Lastly, intercession necessitates the fostering of partnerships between Christian organisations, government agencies, and faith-based groups to combat extremism and promote harmony based on shared Christian values.

This collaborative approach can help identify and address radicalisation at its early stages, ultimately safeguarding Australian society from potential threats while remaining true to biblical principles.

In conclusion, the rise of Islam in Australia presents both opportunities for enrichment and challenges to traditional norms from a Christian worldview. The emergence of an antichrist government within some Islamic communities underscores the need for Christian intercession – a call to action that fosters understanding, cooperation, and reconciliation between different faiths while upholding shared Christian values. By embracing this challenge, Christians can build bridges, foster harmony, and share God’s love in a rapidly changing Australian landscape.

Why Intercessory Prayer Is Essential Now

In moments of spiritual transition, the people of God carry a unique responsibility. Throughout Scripture, nations were preserved, redirected, and even transformed by the prayers of the righteous. Intercession stands in the gap between what is happening and what God desires to do.

Australia needs intercessors who will:

• Pray for leaders, that they will make righteous decisions

• Stand against spiritual deception and pray for truth to prevail

• Cover churches and pastors, who face increasing pressure to compromise

• Pray for revival, believing that God can still awaken this land

• Intercede for every community, including those with different beliefs, asking God to reveal His love to them

Intercessors do not react in fear. They respond in faith, authority, and compassion, knowing that God desires all people to come to the knowledge of the truth.

A Call to Watchmen on the Walls

Isaiah speaks of watchmen who will “never be silent day or night” Isaiah 62:6.

I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,

Australia needs such watchmen today, men and women who discern the times, who refuse to be intimidated, and who understand that spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons.

The challenges we face are not merely cultural trends or political debates; they are signs that the spiritual landscape is shifting. The antichrist spirit may be rising globally, but God is raising a praying church.

This is not a time for fear. It is a time for intercession, boldness, and hope, believing that Australia can still witness a move of God that brings transformation, unity, and truth back to the heart of the nation.

Until next time

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