An Australian bishop who survived a vicious stabbing attack that cost him his right eye is now delivering an urgent warning to Christians: The world is moving deeper into the end times, and the church cannot afford to remain spiritually asleep.
In a powerful interview with Glenn Beck, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel spoke about the world’s rapidly changing spiritual condition, the growing challenges facing believers, and why he believes the return of Jesus Christ is drawing closer.
“I believe we are living in the end of times,” Emmanuel told Beck.
Pointing to the speed and global scale of current events, Emmanuel said he believes humanity has moved beyond the midpoint of what he considers the unfolding end-times period.
“Because what is happening is not happening at a local level, but at a global level, and it’s happening so rapidly, so fast,” Emmanuel explained. “It is kind of alarming and very alarming.”
For Emmanuel, however, the warning is not simply about what is happening in the world. It is also about what is happening inside the church.
“I believe the church has become extremely lethargic when it comes to really standing up for Christ,” he said.
The bishop challenged Christians to consider whether their faith would withstand genuine persecution, arguing that professing allegiance to Jesus is far easier than remaining faithful when that allegiance comes at a personal cost.
“It’s easy it’s very easy to talk about the Lord, but very hard to live Him,” Emmanuel said.
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Those words carry particular weight coming from someone who has experienced that cost firsthand.
In April 2024, Emmanuel was attacked while preparing to preach at his church in Sydney, Australia. During the interview, he recalled how the attacker stabbed him in the right eye before delivering additional blows to his head and neck. The assault left him with a prosthetic eye and lasting physical injuries.
Yet rather than respond with bitterness or vengeance, Emmanuel publicly forgave his attacker from the hospital.
He explained to Beck that forgiveness is essential to the Christian life, but that it should never be confused with excusing wrongdoing.
“Forgiveness is one thing, but justice is a totally different thing,” Emmanuel said. “Forgiveness has to be there but justice must take also its path and be fulfilled.”
His response to the attack reflects the very message he is urging Christians to embrace: Standing firmly for biblical truth while demonstrating the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
Emmanuel also issued a sobering challenge to church leadership, warning against letting pastors and ministers become the center of attention rather than pointing people to the Savior.
“The problem with the church, we let people see us as leaders, not Christ,” he said.
He argued that when church leaders seek personal recognition rather than glorify Jesus, the church loses sight of its true purpose.
“If people are going to glorify me, I’m a miserable failure as a leader,” Emmanuel declared.
Despite his concerns about the world’s spiritual direction, Emmanuel’s message was not hopeless. He emphasized that Christians must continue trusting God’s sovereignty, even as global uncertainty and persecution increase.
He also had a direct message for the United States.
“I pray for America because America plays a very pivotal role on a global level,” Emmanuel said near the conclusion of the interview. “I pray America comes back to Jesus Christ of Nazareth more than ever before.”
The bishop went on to pray for President Donald Trump, the American people and the nations of the world.
Emmanuel’s warning raises a deeply personal question: Will the church merely acknowledge the growing darkness around it, or will believers have the courage to stand for Christ when their faith is tested?
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
