After spending Sunday afternoon with his congregation in north-western Sydney, Israel Folau did not back down from his controversial comments about homosexuals ending 'up in Hell' and said he is prepared to stop playing rugby if that was what God wanted f
The Wallabies fullback and his star netballer wife Maria joined their regular service for the Truth Of Jesus Christ Church at Kenthurst.
During a warm-hearted two-hour service that started with a pastor welcoming "our Tongan brothers and sisters", our guests from The Sydney Morning Herald and "Izzy and Maria", the tight-knit community rallied around their most famous member with support for what one speaker called his "boldness to stand true to his word".
There were multiple references to Folau being "persecuted" for his beliefs in the Lord's teachings.
An often-emotional service included scriptures in Tongan, Samoan and English, with many in the 60-strong congregation either speaking or singing hymns with stunning harmonies.
After days of controversy that erupted after Folau posted a warning on social media saying "hell waits" for drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators, the champion footballer sat peacefully throughout the service. For a while a young girl sat on his lap; other times he read from his Bible and underlined passages in green highlighter.
Afterwards, Folau was guarded about what he would do in response to Rugby Australia's threat to terminate his multi-million dollar contract, insisting he had not thought about a legal case for religious discrimination if it happened.
"It's obviously a decision that's in the process right now but I believe in a God that's in control of all things," Folau said. "Whatever His will is, whether that's to continue playing or not, I'm more than happy to do what He wants me to do."
Would he be content if he walked away from rugby?
"Absolutely," Folau said "First and foremost, I live for God now. Whatever He wants me to do, I believe His plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that's not to continue on playing, so be it.
"In saying that, obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I'll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first."
Folau said the outrage about him calling homosexuals sinners had not caused him to reconsider his comments.
"Absolutely not," he said. "I'll stand on what the Bible says. I share it with love. I can see the other side of the coin where people's reactions are the total opposite to how I'm sharing it.
"But in Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 11, it says that 'God has no pleasure in the person that's living in sin' ... He's a loving God and he wants people to turn away from what they're living in and he'll give them life.
"That's the message that I'm trying to share, even though it comes across as harsh. I can't change what the word of God says."
Folau said the support from his church was much appreciated.
"It's a beautiful thing," he said. "You get a lot of love and support from what I call family ... But, most importantly, I think the name of Jesus Christ has been glorified. The one thing we have in common is our faith."
Does he agree that he's been persecuted?
"Obviously it's a tough time but for me I find comfort in obviously what the Bible says," Folau said. "As we heard today, those that live for Christ will be persecuted for his name. So for me, [the reaction] wasn't a surprise.
"I have love towards everyone that might be saying negative things ... I choose to love them because God loves me."