1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
The enemies of God came out in force last year to make sure that a man widely considered one of the greatest rugby players in the world, Israel Folau, would lose his job simply for taking a stand for God.
Israel Folau was seen as the star of the Australian rugby union international side which was preparing for last autumn’s World Cup and a major star in the Australian league.
However, as far as the utterly illiberal so-called “liberals” were concerned, there was a major problem – Israel Folau is a professing Christian.
And worse still, he wasn’t shy about stating it.
And even worse again, he wasn’t shy about condemning the ultimate fashionable sin of the age – sodomy.
No doubt all readers will have had to reach for the smelling salts to revive themselves after having been confronted with such a ghastly report of such a ghastly individual as someone who would dare to challenge the ultra-trendy anti-God brigade’s sacred cow of sodomy.
Imagine somebody not falling down before the secular deity of this age – the sodomite.
Of course, Israel Folau’s crime was to echo the words of 1 Corinthians 6 reproduced above in an Instagram post, which you can see pictured at the top of this article.
Amid the contrived furore surrounding Israel Folau’s online post, he was sacked by Rugby Australia and found himself unemployed.
He then took legal action against Rugby Australia, and just last month he received an undisclosed payout and apology. He was still sacked, though.
But now this month he has switched code to rugby league and will play for Super League side Catalans Dragons, based in France.
Cue more outrage from those who despise the setting forth of God’s Word.
A BBC report on Folau’s latest move from a Dave Woods, who is apparently a BBC rugby league correspondent, states that “the whole game is appalled by Catalans’ decision to sign Israel Folau”.
He continued: “It’s fair to say he will not be welcome at any domestic Super League grounds.
“Wigan’s immediate reaction to declare that their home game against Catalans will now be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is a reflection of the sentiments of every other Super League club.
“It’s rare to see such a united front from both the Super League and RFL in their condemnation of this signing.”
If Dave Woods’ comments are accurate, it is a very sad reflection on British society that they would be so opposed to someone even being able to make a living while holding the views he does.
It is ok apparently to speak out in favour of that which God has cursed, but how dare anyone stand up and say they agree with the Bible.
Persecution is on its way in the UK, dear Christian.
While it is pleasing that a club was willing to employ Israel Folau, it is sad to see the comments by him and others on signing this deal.
The BBC reports that “Super League chief executive chairman Robert Elstone said “strict guidelines are in place” to avoid Folau again making such comments and warned that a repeat would see the player’s contract being “terminated immediately”. Catalans also face a “substantial fine” if Folau was to do so.”
For his part, Israel Folau said: “I’m a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them.”
So they have come to a truce, Israel Folau doesn’t say he’s a Christian or share his beliefs and the rugby authorities let him get on with it.
Ironically, it’s rather like the old approach formerly taken by the American armed forces towards homosexual recruits of “don’t ask, don’t tell”.
That is now, of course, considered just a dreadfully awful thing by the Bible-rejecters, who think it such a terrible thing that these individuals’ sins were not celebrated.
But Israel Folau has compromised himself by publicly stating he will cease to declare that homosexuality is a sin.
That is a sad thing.
As we have previously said, we would have concerns over the church Israel Folau is connected with, but have commended him for his refusal to kowtow to the extreme pressure placed upon him to renounce his views.
Acknowledging that pressure, we will not be overly critical of him for giving in to some extent but it is sad that he has taken this approach.
However, what we can learn from this whole episode is that the world at large is no friend of the child of God and we must ever look to Him for our comfort in this world.
Hebrews 13:13-14: “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
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