The greatness of our nation is more than flag capes, southern cross stickers, and bbqs near the water in summer. I believe the greatness of our nation stems from the favour of God upon it.

In 1606 Spaniard Pedro Fernandez de Quiros prophesied over Australia

“and of all this region of the south as far as the Pole, from this time shall be called Australia del Espiritu Santo…”

Of course, Australia del Espiritu Santo means Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. This was not just a historical statement I believe it is a prophesy. And one I pray I will see fulfilled.

It is remarkable that it took so long for Australia to be settled at all. Chinese arrived in the Indonesia archipelago in the 1400s. Muslims, Buddhist and Hindus had been in the region for centuries before European explorers set eyes on the Great Southland. Why was this? I believe it was because God has a destiny and purpose for our great nation.

The men and women from Great Britain who settled Australia brought with them institutions and systems of government and law steeped in Christianity. Many of the early Governors and leaders, as well as explorers, were men of great Christian faith. Why was this? I believe it is because God has a destiny and purpose for our great nation.

Smith Wigglesworth once prophesied that Australia will see the last great revival before the return of Christ.

For all our heritage and blessings from God, Australia has never seen a great nation-wide awakening or revival. But it is coming. We believe the prophesies and we say, yes Lord!

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go…”

The basis for fulfilling great commission is the authority of Jesus. Jesus says in Him is ALL authority, in heaven and on earth and that doesn’t leave any where else for any other authority to be. There is no other authority out there – Jesus has ALL authority, which means He’s it!

This is great news for you and me. Maybe a bad relationship with teachers or a boss or even a parent has given you have a suspicious view of authority figures. The truth is you needn’t be. Because all authority is Christ’s.

But more than that Jesus has given us HIS authority to GO and represent him in the earth with the gospel of the kingdom. It is authority with a purpose. It’s also like a traffic cop seeking to direct traffic – his authority is of no use to him unless he steps out onto the road.

In the same way, we will only begin to live in the full authority of God – in the power of God to overcome sickness, opposition, temptation etc – when we step out and realise our CALL is to go and step out for God in faith. Church, let’s embrace the TRUTH and live in the authority of Jesus. Our world is waiting…