Scott Morrison says God has a plan for him, characterized anxiety as “Satan’s plan,” and called for people to trust Christ above governments in a sermon at a church founded by Margaret Court.
The former prime minister returned to Perth over the weekend to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Pentecostal Victory Life Center church of the controversial tennis champion.
It is the first time Morrison has visited Western Australia since his election defeat, in part thanks to a major turnout in the West.
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But he told the congregation that his loss was part of God’s plan for him, referring to his now infamous 2019 victory speech.
Camera icon Scott Morrison says his election loss was part of God’s plan. Credit: supplied
“Do you think that if you lose a choice, God still loves you and has a plan for you?” he asked amid applause and laughter.
“I do. I still believe in miracles. God has assured you of your future, all in all. Yes, even that little bit.”
It is the second time since Mr. Morrison lost the election presented to the religious. In his last hours as Prime Minister, he stifled tears as he headed to his Horizon church south of Sydney.
Former WA Prime Minister Richard Court, Mrs Court’s husband’s brother, Liberal legend Barry Court and former Federal MP Vince Connelly attended Sunday’s sermon.
Morrison said he made the appearance in private after Mrs. Court’s invitation.
The great tennis player has been a strong supporter of Mr. Morrison and led a prayer for him to remain as prime minister in February.
Camera icon. He spent much of the speech talking about anxiety. Credit: supplied
Morrison devoted much of his Sunday sermon to raising rates of mental illness in Australia, a topic he said was a high priority for him as prime minister.
Although he noted that there were “biological problems” or “brain chemistry” that led to clinical disorders, he tried to link daily anxieties with a spiritual deficit.
Morrison stated that if people gave in to their concerns, they would be giving in to “Satan’s plan.”
“God knows anxiety is part of the human condition,” he said.
He drew parallels between God’s “commitments” and how counselors treat mental health before declaring that if you had faith in God’s plan you didn’t have to worry.
“No matter how much (secular people) try to deny it, or even reject it, the truth of God rises and shines,” he told the crowd.
Camera Icon He urged people to put their faith in Christ above governments. Credit: supplied
Morrison urged people to put their faith in Christ and His plan above “fallible” governments.
“We trust in Him. We do not trust governments. We do not trust the United Nations, thank God, ”he said.
“We don’t trust all of these things as well as they can be and as important as the role they play. Believe me, I’ve worked on it.
“But as someone who has been there, if you are putting your faith in these things, as I put my faith in the Lord, you are making a mistake, they are fallible.”
Morrison also pointed to “safe spaces” that, he said, had been “taken out of so much context” that no longer meant a place between someone and God.
“Don’t make me start,” Mr. Morrison said.