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Intention

To awaken a courageous Church that never separates living courageously and living motivated by love.

Scripture

“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.”

– 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

Reflection

Paul’s words to the Corinthian church are brief, but they carry enormous weight.

Christians are called to remain spiritually alert, firmly grounded in the faith, courageous under pressure, and strong in the Lord. Yet Paul immediately adds an essential qualification: “Do everything in love.” Christian courage is never separated from Christian love.

At times, the Church is called not merely to believe quietly, but to stand courageously.

We are living through such a moment.

Many Christian convictions once widely understood in Australian society are now openly challenged. Biblical teaching on the sanctity of human life, marriage, family, sexuality and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ can attract criticism, hostility and, increasingly, personal or professional cost.

The temptation for Christians is to retreat. We can stay silent to avoid conflict. We can convince ourselves that faith should remain private, or hope that someone else will speak.

But Paul says, “Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Christian courage is not anger, aggression, or a desire to win arguments. It is the willingness to remain faithful to Jesus when faithfulness is costly. Courage speaks when silence would be easier. It refuses to surrender biblical truth merely because the surrounding culture has changed.

Peter and John demonstrated this courage when the authorities ordered them to stop speaking about Jesus. Their response was simple: “We are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

They were ordinary men, yet they had encountered an extraordinary Saviour. Their courage did not come from political influence, social acceptance or self-confidence. It came from knowing Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Australia needs Christians with that same conviction.

But Paul gives us an important safeguard: “Do everything in love.”

A courageous Church must never become an angry one. We do not despise those who oppose us. We pray for them. We do not speak the truth merely to defeat an opponent. We speak because truth, people, and Christ matter.

Our nation does not need a silent Church, nor does it need a bitter or combative Church.

It needs a courageous Church — Christians who know what they believe, understand why they believe it, love their neighbours, and refuse to surrender the truth of God’s Word.

This is not the time for fear.

Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything in love.

Video

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give your Church courage for this generation. Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit and strengthen us to stand firmly on your Word. When silence would be easier, grant us the grace to speak. When compromise is tempting, keep us faithful. Protect us from fear, bitterness and anger, and teach us to hold truth and love together. May your Church in Australia be bold without being harsh, gracious without compromising, and faithful whatever the cost. Amen.

Author Bio

Rob is an ordained minister with three decades of experience as a church planter and senior pastor. He has served on a national denominational board and mentored pastors, business leaders, church planters, and local church leaders. In early 2022, he joined the Australian Christian Lobby and now serves as Queensland Director.

Prayer Points for October 2026

We are praying for the Church to:

1. Awaken to her first love for Jesus (Ephesians 5:14; Revelation 2:4).
2. Awaken to evangelism so that millions will trust in Christ (John 3:16; Proverbs 11:30).
3. Awaken to her prophetic voice to the nation (Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 14:4).

We invite you to support this campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

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