The persecuted

Keeping missional focus in adverse circumstances

Abstract

Throughout history, believers have faced ostracism, imprisonment, and other persecution when their only punishable activity was to give their allegiance to God priority over other gods or earthly powers. Present-day believers face similar injustices when the powers of their context force them to adhere to systems that violate their allegiance to God. This paper considers a current dilemma in Southeast Asia, looks at three examples from Scripture where believers similarly faced trials of faith, highlights three encounters that test a believer’s missional focus, and closes by suggesting a theological framework that is foundational for responding to adversity that honor God.