Lord, I hope it never happens to me, but if it does …
by Steve Liersch
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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:12a,13a).
Read 1 Peter 4:12–19
I have just finished reading a fascinating and sobering report called ‘Australian Christian Freedom Index 2025’. If you go to the Canberra Declaration website, you will easily find it.
While I normally don’t intend to get into anything that could be misconstrued as a political bias or wrongly interpreted as ‘far-right ideology’, I couldn’t help but have a heavy heart for the way that Christianity is being attacked in Australia in our modern era. Between 27 February and 6 April 2026, 10,808 Christians from all eight states and territories completed the inaugural Australian Christian Freedom Index survey.
Here is what the report incorporates. There are 40 documented cases of Christians penalised for their beliefs; 74 laws passed since 2000 restricting Christian freedoms; 92 per cent of respondents say it’s riskier today to affirm Christian beliefs publicly than five years ago.
One of the things I found most interesting was the report’s use of an internationally recognised eight-stage persecution scale, with many parts of Australia assessed as being at stage five.
Peter wrote about this nearly 2,000 years ago. God knows that his followers will suffer for believing in Jesus and seeking to live according to his word. However, there is also our sinful nature, the wily ways of the devil and the world around us to contend with.
Thankfully, and ultimately, Jesus defeated sin, death and the power of the devil when he gave his life to bear the sin of the world. While the war is won, the battle rages. Pray for strength to remain faithful.
Merciful and loving God, pour out your Holy Spirit in me to create a desire to be more aware of suffering and persecution within your kingdom. Make me strong in faith, consistent in my spiritual battle and more reliant on your word. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Steve continues to enjoy his ministry in the beautiful southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Having announced his retirement date for May 2027, he will always be passionate about serving God, though it may look different in retirement.
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