Mission in an Age of Violence 1

Open Doors just released the 2015 list of countries in the world where it is the most difficult to follow Jesus. Christianity Today .com also released a related article at the same time. Here’s who made the top ten:

1. North Korea

2. Somalia

3. Iraq

4. Syria

5. Afghanistan

6. Sudan

7. Iran

8. Pakistan

9. Eritrea

10. Nigeria

These are the realities in our world.  The wise Kingdom steward understands both God’s world and God’s Word.  So, how does the New Testament teach us to be on mission in a context of violence?

Several years ago I presented a paper (later published by William Carey Library in Missions in the Context of Violence) to the Evangelical Missiological Society on this topic.  Though there is no simple New Testament response to persecution in every situation, the Scriptures offer at least three acceptable practices: flight, avoidance, and engagement.

Check out the paper and share it with others. I pray that it will be helpful to you as we live and serve in a world that continues to persecute the prophets, wise men, and scribes (Matt 23:34).

Let’s definitely pray for our brothers and sisters who live as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matt 10:16). May they know that even persecution shall not separate them from the love of Christ (Rom 8:35).  And while we all cry out with those under the altar, “‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?'” (Rev 6:10, ESV), we remember that the Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise, but wishes that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:8-10).

Nevertheless, our hearts resound with “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20, ESV).