ISRAEL FOLAU OF THE WALLABIES CELEBRATES SCORING A TRY DURING THE INTERNATIONAL TEST MATCH BETWEEN THE AUSTRALIAN WALLABIES AND ITALY AT SUNCORP STADIUM ON JUNE 24, 2017 IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA. (PHOTO BY MATT KING/GETTY IMAGES)
- Folau, 30, shared a ‘warning’ to people including homosexuals in Instagram post
- The star fullback said they were going to hell unless they repented from ‘sins’
- Rugby Australia said post was ‘unacceptable’, integrity unit was investigating
- Hillsong founder Brian Houston apparently said in a deleted tweet he was ‘sad’
Hillsong founder Brian Houston has criticised Wallabies star Israel Folau for his latest homophobic social media message.
Folau, 30, on Wednesday shared an image on Instagram directed at ‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters’.
‘Hell awaits you. Repent,’ the warning message read.
Houston, based in Australia, a preacher who founded the global Christian megachurch with his wife Bobbie in 1983, said he was ‘sad’ about Folau’s post in a tweet.
Hillsong founder Brian Houston (pictured) apparently criticised Wallabies star Israel Folau for his homophobic social media messages
‘So sad about the (Israel Folau) situation. His way is not the right way,’ Houston wrote in a deleted tweet, according to news.com.au.
‘It does not reflect the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. The New Testament is clear, but grace does not point fingers. It recognises our own sinfulness. ”But by the grace of God’.’
Brian Houston, founder of Hillsong, penned an open letter to Israel Folau criticising the rugby star’s “judgmental” approach to sharing the gospel on social media. Brian then sent the letter to the Sydney Morning Herald who published it under the title: A message to Folau: The world doesn’t need more judgmental Christians.
The piece divided opinions, and many, including some of Brian’s own supporters, expressed disappointment in his decision to distance himself from Folau. But that’s not the most concerning aspect of Brian’s letter.
Brian doesn’t just take issue with Folau’s approach, he quickly turns his attention to anyone who preaches about sin and judgement, suggesting to an unbelieving world that Christians who speak in such terms have questionable motives, at best.
In 40 years of telling people about the good news of Jesus, I have seen that the “turn or burn” approach to proclaiming the message of Christianity alienates people. Scaring people doesn’t draw them into the love of Jesus.
The problem is, Brian has now found himself at odds with the New Testament. That is why he appeals to forty years of personal experience, rather than any clear example in Scripture.
Houston also said he hopes Folau grows to understand the importance of Christians loving even those who believe differently, and believes the rugby star could benefit from looking inwardly before judging others.
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Editor’s Comment:
Brian’s previous comment seems odd? By trying to remain balanced Brian contradicts his own theology on the matter.
“If you look at the list of sins that Izzy listed there’s not too many people he’s left out, including Christians. There isn’t a person on earth who hasn’t told a lie or put something before God (idolatry).”
That’s actually the point Brian…..In fact he hasn’t left anyone out, for who among us hasn’t lied, even a small lie? And anyone who makes or creates a God from their own imagination to fit their own personal beliefs and ideas e.g. God loves and forgives everyone, and will let everyone into heaven is in fact idolatry.
By the way Paul in writing to the Colossians suggests greed, the love for money, and covetousness are idolatry.
“Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed (covetousness), which is idolatry.” – Col 3:5
So the list is not actually picking on the homosexual or LGBTQ community, but rather to point out the falling short of God’s standard big or small, by EVERYONE regardless of life and status.
For the scriptures clearly state that ‘ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’ – God’s perfection — See Rom 3:23
So Yes Brian, “The world doesn’t need more judgemental Christians”, but it does need people to tell the truth, which is what Israel Folau has attempted to do.
To ALERT and WARN people of their situation and impeding doom, if they fail to Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus
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What Brian seemingly fails to understand is that the “turn or burn” approach finds its origin in the Bible. “Turn or burn” is simply another way of saying “repent or perish”, a message that Jesus himself preached to unbelievers in, for instance, Luke 13:3, 5.
Brian makes a similar claim again when he warns, “The problem with harsh comments in the media and disparaging statements on social media is that they create a further wedge between God and people.” But what greater wedge is there than the one that’s caused by sin?
If sin is the great wedge between God and people, and if Brian is genuinely concerned about the things that keep people from God, then why would he object to anyone drawing attention to that very real, very present wedge we call sin?
Brian’s assumption is that the “repent or perish” message is inherently unloving and sinfully judgemental, yet he has no problem calling Folau to repent of his message. If Folau’s message is a “wedge” and should be addressed, then what should we do about the wedge that is sin?
Further on in the piece, Brian draws a false distinction between Biblical truth and Biblical love, as though it’s appropriate at times to sacrifice Biblical truth for the sake of Biblical love.
I would never compromise the integrity of Biblical teaching and I believe that the Bible is clear about the consequences of sin. However, as Christians we are first called to love God and love other people, including those who believe differently to us.
Is Brian suggesting that warning people about the eternal consequences of sin and pointing them to the only Saviour from that sin is inherently unloving? If Brian actually believes there are real present and future consequences for sin – including hell – then how is downplaying that reality anything other than dishonest?
It comes after Rugby Australia vowed to terminate Folau’s multi-million-dollar contract unless he can explain his social media attack, while the NRL has ruled out welcoming him back to the code.
Folau, a devout Christian, is one of the best rugby players in the world but has found himself in hot water before over homophobic tweets and Instagram posts.
Rugby Australia officials have struggled to manage Folau’s outbursts amid fears major sponsors could pull out if he is not sacked.
Qantas on Thursday appeared to threaten to pull the plug on their huge Wallabies sponsorship deal if Folau is not appropriately disciplined.
‘These comments are really disappointing and clearly don’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support,’ a Qantas statement read.
‘We are pleased to see Rugby Australia’s condemnation of the comments and will await the outcome of their review.’
Israel Folau (right, with wife Maria left) shared a ‘warning’ to ‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters’ to Instagram on Wednesday, saying ‘hell awaits’ them
Folau, 30, shared a ‘warning’ to ‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters’ to Instagram on Wednesday (pictured), saying ‘hell awaits’ them
Folau shows us, if we care to stop and listen is that no one is perfect, we all need a Saviour, One of so generously, and sacrificially paid the price with His life so that His perfection could cover our imperfection.
The only thing remarkable about a footy player quoting a well-known Scripture to preach the Gospel is that this is considered an unforgivable offence instead of sharing group sex videos or being arrested for public drunken brawls.
Mark the hypocrisy with which the world, on one hand condemning the Bible-thumping preaching of the Gospel by a footy player, now on the other hand mourns and laments the Cathedral of Notre Dame in literal flames. The contrasts are remarkable.
The world has piously intoned, “We reject God’s concerns about us in eternal flames as hateful bigotry; but mourn the temporary flames that burn down a Catholic Cathedral.”
The devout Christian has shared similar sentiments in the past and was warned by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle. Pictured: Folau’s post on Wednesday
Late on Wednesday, a Rugby Australia spokesman said Folau’s post was ‘unacceptable’ and added that the organisation’s integrity unit was ‘engaged on the matter’.
He was previously warned by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle to avoid controversial comments of this nature after he shared similarly controversial posts.
‘Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel on his Instagram account this afternoon,’ the spokesman said.
‘The content within the post is unacceptable. It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the Rugby community.
‘The Rugby Australia integrity unit has been engaged on the matter.’
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says rugby player Israel Folau’s latest social media attack on homosexuals was ‘terribly insensitive’.
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Israel Folau is filmed giving a hardline sermon in church…‘I thought they were terribly insensitive comments and obviously that was a matter for the ARU and they’ve taken that decision,’ Mr Morrison told ABC News on Friday.
‘It is important that people act with love, care and compassion to their fellow citizens and to speak sensitively to their fellow Australians.’
In February, Folau signed a multi-million dollar contract extension with the New South Wales Waratahs and Rugby Australia until the end of 2022.
Widely considered as one of the game’s best players, Folau became Super Rugby’s all-time leading try scorer on Saturday.
His post on Wednesday warned that those ‘living in sin will end up in Hell unless you repent’.
‘Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him,’ Folau posted alongside two bible verses.
The star fullback also retweeted a story about Tasmania allowing gender to be optional on birth certificates.
A Rugby Australia spokesman said Folau’s post was ‘unacceptable’ and that the organisation’s integrity unit was ‘engaged on the matter’. Pictured: Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle
‘The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free,’ Folau tweeted.
In April 2018, Folau said gay people deserved to go to ‘HELL… unless they repent of their sins and turn to God’.
Folau made the comment on Instagram in reply to a question about God’s plan for gay people.
His comments forced a meeting with Ms Castle and Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore.
Ms Castle said Folau had caused ‘grief to some people’.
‘Israel has presented his situation to us, where his views are, where his beliefs are,’ Ms Castle said.
‘But at the same time Rugby Australia has also got a policy and a position of inclusion and using social media with respect.
‘Now both of us are going to go away and continue that dialogue, and work through how we continue to use how our social media platforms in a way that can ensure that all of our stakeholders are respected in the use of social media.’
During 2017’s same sex-marriage vote, Folau tweeted that he would not be supporting any change to the existing law.
‘I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage,’ he said.
Folau married New Zealand netball star Maria Tutaia in 2017.
He was raised as a Mormon and switched to the Australian Christian Churches with his family in 2011.
Widely considered as one of the game’s best players, Folau (pictured) became Super Rugby’s all-time leading try scorer on Saturday
Coercion Code - "Dark Times are upon us" 
Again Brian and ScoMo show what brand of christianity they support, the totally unbiblical,ungodly,offend no one, act like helll doesn’t exist anymore kind. Israel Folau spoke the Lords own words, Brian and Sco Mo do not. Gods grace is for REPENTANT sinners Brian, & Sco Mo ,not unrepentant, reprobate ones. His forgives those who truly repent and decide to follow his ways only, and not the ways of the world. Brian Houston, your brand of christianity is taken millions to hell, and we look forward to the day you stand before God Almighty, and you hear these words. Away from me you evil doer, I NEVER KNEW YOU.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He did not change his mind on what he considers sin for the 21st century. The world and the apostate church sure have though. What God calls sin in his bible, is sin till today, and we as xhristians are called to warn of the coming wrath of God, soon to be unleashed on sinful humanity in the end times tribulation, and warn them of eternity in hell if they choose to disobey God.
Your brand of christianity Brian and Sco Mo, allows people to believe they can have their cake and eat it too. Be as ungodly as they please, but still go to heaven. The bible never says that at all. Go read Revelation Brian and Sco Mo,. Go read the letters to the 7 churches first, then go and read the judgements of God to come. Then go and read who God says will be able to enter the New Heaven and Earth and who wont.
Preach that if you dare. You wont be popular with the world, but at least you will please God for a change.
Yes True warrior …. i agree, although we need to be careful not just to quote scripture at everyone.
People to see the love of God in our wotds and our actions, which may be misconstrued on Facebook and on social media.
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” – Jn 1:17
So the question is, does Israel Folau have a life and attitude that reflects the life of our Lord Jesus, so that what he says gives credibility to the truth of the gospel?
well Brian and Sco Mo don’t have credibility that is for sure. Lance we have very rarely seen the love of God via christians towards us through out our whole life. That has not stopped us from becoming a christian and staying one though. Gods Word has done that for us, not his love displayed via christians. Because christians have acted like the devil himself towards us.
What got us all to become christian, was knowing our sins of which there have been plenty, were taking us on a one way trip to hell. That without our true repentance, eternal life with Yeshua would never be ours.. Trouble with the christian world these days ,they only want to preach about Gods love and Grace, but not about his wrath for sin, or what he himself says about sin. That is sadly missing in today’s church.
At least Israel Folau has the guts to preach what Sco and Brian Houston wont. The world and the apostate church, say homosexuals were born this way and it is no sin. So millions will go to hell believing that satanic lie… Israel is just trying to show them there is way out of that, and that is true repentance , and accepting their lifestyle is sinful and wrong against God. That is preaching the LOVE OF GOD..Telling them they were born that way, and therefore have no reason to repent is not preaching or showing the Love of God in reality.
Its pandering to sjw leftie rhetoric which is satanic in its origin. Would rather have someone show us our sins are taking us to hell, then preach a false gospel that says God loves us and will gives us eternal life no matter what our sins are, or not even call what we do a sin, and tell us there is no need for repentance. Hell will be full of many people who have been fed a false gospel, that says God doesn’t consider that a sin anymore, or he never did or, he accepts anyone into his heaven regardless of their lifestyle on Earth, simply because he is full of Love. If Israel was muslim and said what the Koran says about homosexuality, there would not be as much hate thrown at him by the LGBT bunch and their leftie followers. Because that would be considered Islamaphobic to do so. The LGBT community is being worshipped by the left.via social media especially, and by celebs. They are being fawned over , and treated as if they were gods themselves who do no wrong. Guess when we all stand before God, we will know what God himself thinks of Israel Folau, and his preaching Gods Word via his social media. Just like every LGBT and their loyal band of followers will all find out exactly what God himself thinks about homosexuality, transgenderism, non binary gender fluidity etc etc.
But then it will be too late for them to repent, and they will wish they had heeded Gods Word, preached bychristians, who were wiling to stand for Gods Truth and not satans lies.
Brian Houston and Sco Mo are not willing to stand for Gods Word only, because they would rather have their careers, their millions and be relevant to the world. The bible says if we are friends with the world, we make any enemy of God. By not preaching Gods total truth, and by allowing homosexuals to believe its ok by God to be that way, means you want to be a christian who is friends with the world.BTW the attacks on Israel Folau by the LGBT bunch and the left shows how bigoted,hateful, intolerant,unloving they are themselves. Because they expect everyone to accept their beliefs, and if you don’t watch out.
Been on the receiving end of their nastiness via social media, so has our daughter. They truly show who their father is with how they attack christians on there. It aint the God of the bible that’s for sure.
I appreciate the concern you have about compromise and being friends with world…
I will speak on this tomorrow
Brian Housten
You are hypocrite
What you have failed to deliver, the humble yet brave Christian Israel Folau did. You do your ministry for name, fame, money, numbers…. but not for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hillsong becoming because of preachers like you (No backbone) Hellsong.
You and that Anglican Bishop must know the scripture by now very well.
Israel Folau quoting the versus in the Bible 1 COR 6: 9,10, (with the same intensity how and what it is written for)
He is not misinterpreting the scripture but you and the bishop do.
Also Israel added the word REPENT. Because he is exhibiting the great, everlasting Love, ever growing Grace of our Lord Jesus, that there is, ” THE GREAT WAY IS AVAILABLE AND OPEN FOR THEM SPECIALLY THOSE WHO DEFILE THEIR OWN BODY.
Brian and you bishop please stand for the truth, live for truth, preach the truth, not for itching EARS and to please men.( With Love – or else you both will not find yourselves in the FIRST RESURRECTION, IF YOU BOTH BELIEVE THERE IS SUCH)
Do not defile the BRIDE OF CHRIST.*****