HOMEGROUP GUIDE
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Homegroups at Central
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Week 1: Resolve
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Week 2: Faith
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Week 3: Pressure Points
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Week 4: Courage
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Week 5: Humility
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Week 6: Commitment
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Week 7: Assurance
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Week 8: Hope
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At Central, we believe that disciples grow in circles, not rows. By that we mean that we grow most
as believers when we sit together around God’s word, discussing the real issues of life as a follower
of Jesus.
Central homegroups are part of the DNA of our church. Sunday services are important, but in
homegroups there is greater opportunity for learning together, serving together, caring together,
praying together and doing life together. God’s people are not saved into isolation, but into a
community and the best expression of that community is in homegroups.
Making the Most of Your Homegroup Time
Anything worth doing is worth doing well. That’s why we ask that you treat your homegroup as an
important part of the rhythm of your weekly life. There are a few things you can do so that you get
the most benefit out of the group and so that you are a benefit and a blessing to the group.
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Be There:
Your presence encourages others. It means you are not only committed to
the group, but to the other members of the group. Being inconsistent sends a
negative message to everyone else.
Prayer:
Pray for the people in your group, especially your group leader.
Prepare:
Read any parts of the Bible that your leader suggests, do any homework that
comes out of the study. It will not be onerous and you will benefit from it.
Care:
Be willing to give of yourself to the others in your group. The Bible says, “Love
one another for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God
and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
Why Do the Same Study?
At Central Church all homegroups study the same passage or topic that was preached at the
Sunday church service. What are the advantages of doing studies this way?
Unity:
Doing the same study means all across the church we are learning the same
things at the same time. It can provide topics of conversation across the
whole church.
Growth:
People learn better when they hear things more than once. People learn
better when they hear things more than once. Marketing people know this.
That is why you see the same commercials on TV over and over again. But it is
true. Most people will only remember one or two points from a Sunday sermon
(and they are usually the stories that are told as illustrations). People learn best
when given the opportunity to talk over the subject matter. By hearing the
sermon on Sunday and then being involved in a homegroup discussion during
the week, you will find the message of God’s Word is sown more deeply into
your heart and mind.
Relevance:
By preparing our own studies, we can be specific about issues that impact all
of us in our time and place. Most group study materials are from America or
were written 10 or 20 years ago and speak to issues of another place or time.
You will find that the studies we prepare will be practical and relevant in
Ipswich, today.
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Those of you who have been Christians for a while will probably recognise the words: ‘strength for
today, hope for tomorrow’. They are from Thomas Chisholm’s hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness:
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
The gospel is good news for today and for the future. To be sure, knowing Jesus fills us with great
hope for eternity with him. But God is also active now. He rules over this world right now. And while
we are often distressed about events happening all around us, we are not to despair. God gives
us strength for today.
The book of Daniel helps us live now and to have hope for the eternity God has in store for us.
Daniel is a book for our time. 21st Century Christians in Australia are justified in feeling like we live in
a society that opposes God. It is no longer the case that people are simply not interested in
Christianity, now they despise it, and Christians as well. Steve McAlpine explains the current Aussie
cultural climate like this:
“If the last five or six years are any indication, the culture (read: elite framework that drives
the culture) is increasingly interested in bringing the church back into the public square. Yes,
you heard that right. But not in order to hear it, but rather in order to flay it, expose its real
and alleged abuses and to render it naked and shivering before a jeering crowd. It is
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Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego standing up before the statue of gold, whilst everyone
else is grovelling and going, “Pssst, kneel down for goodness sake!”. It is officials conspiring
with the king to show that Daniel’s act of praying towards Jerusalem three times per day is
not simply an archaic and foolish hope, but a very real threat to the order of the society and
the new moral order that will hold it together” (Stage Two Exile: Are you ready for it?
https://australia.thegospelcoalition.org/article/stage-two-exile-are-you-ready-for-it )
Like Daniel and his friends, we have been removed from a place where the culture belongs to
God (Judah) to a place where the culture opposes God (Babylon). Only for us, we have not
moved; the culture has moved around us.
So what are we do to? How are we to act? With fear? Are we to retreat into Christian communes?
Are we to take up angry words and fight back?
Time well spent in the book of Daniel will answer these questions. But it will do more. It will give us
strength for today and it will also give us great hope for tomorrow. All Scripture leads us ultimately
to Christ and Daniel is no exception. Daniel’s hope is the same as ours: that no matter how bad
things might be, those who live by faith in him will enjoy a secure future with Him forever:
But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written
in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to
everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall
shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the
stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:1b-3).
Getting the Most Out of Your Homegroup Time
Each chapter in Daniel is very dense with facts and ideas. It is hard to digest it in the short time you
have together in your group. Therefore, it will be essential to do a couple of extra things:
1. Hear the sermons each Sunday. You might even bring this homegroup discussion guide
along to church and take notes as you listen. If you miss a Sunday, you can always hear the
talks online at the downloads section of our website.
2. Read and prepare in advance. It will make a huge difference to your homegroup time if
you spend time reading the whole passage in advance and preparing for the questions.
Getting Our Bearings
Before we start, we will benefit from a quick refresher in Old Testament history. On the next page
you will see a timeline of events from the Old Testament. Spend some time going over it and note
in particular the history of the Exile into Babylon. You might like to go back over 2 Kings 25:1-21
which gives you the details of the fall of Jerusalem.
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For Starters
When you do find it easy to make excuses for doing something you know is wrong?
Daniel 1 gives us a brief history of how Daniel and his friends end up in Babylon and explores the
challenges they faced living as God-fearers in a pagan land. They are faced with a dilemma not
all that different to the sorts of dilemmas we might face today.
For Discussion
Read Daniel 1:1-7.
What does King Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate his position of power over Judah? What is his
purpose in taking the prominent youths of Judah?
Who ultimately has the power in this international conflict (verse 2)? Does this fact upset you or
comfort you? Explain.
Daniel and his friends were placed in an interesting situation. What were the positives for them in
this new life in Babylon? What about the negatives?
Read Daniel 1:8-21.
Daniel and his friends take a stand to demonstrate where their true allegiances lie. What risk were
they taking by refusing to eat the king’s food and drink his wine?
The way Daniel went about his ‘protest’ is interesting. How would you describe his dealings with the
chief eunuch and the steward appointed over him and his friends? What does it say about the
relationship these Jews had with their Babylonian supervisors?
Where do we see God at work in this passage?
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What pressures to conform do we face in our culture today? What particular pressures are there
for our young people?
What strategies do believers tend to employ to cope with such pressures?
Refer to Jeremiah 29:4-9. This is a letter that God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to write to the
Exiles in Babylon. What strategy is God teaching them for how to live in Exile? Why?
How would you describe the strategy of the four young men in Daniel 1 (refer back to the question
on page 9)?
Now look up 1 Peter 2:11-12 and 1 Peter 3:14-16. What strategy does Peter teach?
Action Points
Where is the line? In many cases there is not a clear black and white answer to some moral
dilemmas. Godly people may take different sides. How do we go about deciding what is
honouring to God and what is not?
What is at the root of our sin when we conform? Or to put it another way, what is going on in your
heart when you side with culture instead of God?
Pray
Keep using the 2017 Homegroups prayer journals. If you don’t have one, there are plenty at the
bookshop. They’re free. Just ask for one.
Pray that we would live faithfully as exiles, living honourably among our culture.
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For Starters
When you’re confronted with a tough situation is your instinct to go to God with it or to solve it
yourself (including seeking help from people)?
We tend to be self-sufficient people, depending more on ourselves than God. He is often the last
resort. But today’s passage shows us God in complete control of all things, and his servant Daniel,
who depends always on Him.
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For Discussion
At home, read the whole chapter. During homegroup recall:
 King Nebuchadnezzar is disturbed by a recurring
dream
 He demands that his enchanters/sorcerers/magicians
etc.. tell him both the dream and its interpretation
 They cannot, saying they need the king to tell them
the dream first
 The king is angry and threatens them
 They respond that “no one can show it to the king
except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh”
verse 11)
 The king commands that all the wise men be
destroyed
 Daniel is one of those to be killed.
Now read chapter 2:17-30.
Daniel hears some devastating news: he and his friends are
to be destroyed. What is Daniel’s response?
WORTH NOTING
Daniel is written in both Hebrew and
Aramaic languages. Chapter 1
stands as an overall introduction and
is in Hebrew. In chapter 2:4, the
language switches to Aramaic,
which was the main language of the
region in that time. Not until chapter
8 does it go back to Hebrew.
The Aramaic section is an interesting
literary unit, structured in a chiasm. A
chiasm is a symmetrical pattern that
serves to highlight the main ‘point’ in
the middle. See below:
Daniel 2 – A vision of kingdoms
Daniel 3 – Saved from the fire
Daniel 4 – Pride of a king
Daniel 5 – Pride of a king
Daniel 6 – Saved from the lions
Daniel 7 – A vision of kingdoms
Two competing ideologies are on display in the first part of
this chapter. Identify what you learn about:
a. the nature of Babylon’s gods?
b. the nature of Daniel’s God?
Daniel is able to interpret the dream. It is a vision of a large human-like image. Each section of the
image is made of a different substance and each represents a kingdom to come after Babylon
(see diagram on the following page). What do we learn about God and about Nebuchadnezzar
from this vision and its interpretation?
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What is most surprising about the vision (verses 34, 44-45).
All the human kingdoms will be destroyed and make way for the great kingdom
of God.
Why do you think God’s great kingdom is represented by a rock
when the other kingdoms are represented by more valuable
materials?
What is different about the kingdom represented by the rock?
Has this final great kingdom come or is it still to come?
Looking around at world events today, how does what we have looked at today help you cope?
Daniel told the pagan king Nebuchadnezzar that the One True God had spoken to him through
this dream. God still speaks today and his message is “repent and believe the gospel”. What he
says is clearly given in His word. What can we learn from Daniel’s boldness and faith in speaking
the truth to the non-believing king? What difference will that make to you this week? Who is God
giving you the opportunity to reveal the truth to?
Where is the best place to start? (see verse 17-18).
For Prayer
Start praying by turning to verses 20-23. Learn how to use scripture to guide your prayers.
Pray for opportunities to share God’s truth with others this week.
Give thanks that Jesus is the rock and his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
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For Starters
On Sunday you would have heard from Rev Kamal Weerakoon. What did you find challenging,
confusing or interesting?
We have taken a break from Daniel this week, but Daniel raises many interesting issues for the
modern Christian. Today we will consider some practical case studies helping us work out how we
should live in a society that will continue to challenge what we believe and value. But first, look up
the following Bible verses. In these verses you will find some important principles from the Bible
about how we live in the world. Of course, they are principles, and wisdom will be needed in how
to apply those principles to any specific situation.
Jeremiah 29:1-9
Matthew 5:13-16
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Acts 4:29-31
Romans 12:1-2
Romans 13:1-4
Ephesians 5:10-11
Colossians 4:5-6
2 Timothy 2:24-26
1 Peter 2:11-12
1 Peter 3:14-17
For Discussion
The following scenarios are made up, but could very easily become reality. Discuss what you
would do in each situation. Note that there may be a variety of good opinions and no clear
answer. Each situation expresses a tension to be managed rather than a problem that can easily
be solved. In each case, consider what practical advice you would give to the person involved.
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#1 Would you consent to your high school child being part of a special ‘one-off’ class where
traditional gender values were going to be discussed and questioned?
#2 You have been meeting with some Christian work colleagues to pray each Wednesday
lunchtime. The group has started to grow but then your boss meets with you. He says it is not a
good look for Christians to be gathering like this at the workplace and gives you a strong
recommendation that you stop the group.
#3 Should a Christian dress maker make a dress for a woman she knows is a lesbian? What if that
dress is a wedding dress?
#4 You may have heard of the black ‘almost ring’ of marriage equality. The lobby that wants to
redefine marriage has called on corporates to distribute a black 'acceptance ring' to employees.
The 'acceptance ring' and its gap (the ring does not quite go all the way around) tells us that "the
piece that's missing is the acceptance" from the community. So what is this ring for? Qantas and
other companies are making these available to their staff to wear as a sign of support for
homosexual marriage.
So, the hypothetical … You are an airline host and as your team meets prior to a long flight, your
supervisor hands out the rings saying we’re all going to wear them because the company is
encouraging it and because it’s the right thing to do.
#5 A Christian primary school teacher job-shares a class. On his off-day, he decides he wants to
go to the same school to teach Christian Religious Education. His principal finds out about it and
meets with him. The principal says this would be very unwise given the teacher’s professional
relationship with the students. He gives a directive to the teacher that he should not teach CRI at
the school.
#6 A Christian wife has an unbelieving husband who allows her to take the children to church on
Sundays, but ‘that’s it’. He tells her that there’ll be no other church activities and he doesn’t want
them talking about that ‘God stuff’ at home.
Finally, discuss if you think it is right for Christians to impose our ethics on society in general and
argue to have them enshrined in the laws of the land?
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For Starters
What is the appropriate attitude for the Christian to have towards the state/government? Have
you had to (or would you) disregard a state law because of your Christian convictions?
Today we turn our attention to Daniel’s three compatriots – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
They are faced with a life and death decision. When their lives are at stake, will they remain faithful
to God?
For Discussion
Read Daniel 3
The more you get to know Nebuchadnezzar, the less there is to like about him. He makes an
image (we’re not sure what it was, but it is possible that it was similar to that of his vision in chapter
2) and commands everyone to worship it at set times. What is the motivation for this worship?
What makes Nebuchadnezzar so angry?
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Verses 17 and 18 contain some of the most courageous words in the Bible. What does the
response of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego tell you about them?
The men are sent to be destroyed in the fire, but there is a miracle. What makes the miracle all the
more dramatic?
It is easy to identify with the heroes of the story and discuss their response to persecution (and we
will do that soon). But first it is worth considering in what ways we are like Nebuchadnezzar. How
do we (on a smaller scale) act like the king does in verses 1-7?
According to 1 Peter 4:12-14, what can God’s people expect in this world? How should we view it
when it happens?
Augustine once said, “Sometimes we must stand against the world for the good of the world.” Why
do we find this so hard?
Our culture is changing. As we saw in week 1, there is increasing pressure on Christians and it will
not be long before that pressure has legal ramifications. In what areas do you think Christians may
be required to conform to laws that are in direct opposition to what we believe? How will you
respond?
For Prayer
There are Christians all around the world for whom the story we read today is reality. We stand with
our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution for what they believe. Spend some time
praying for them and for their persecutors. There is some extra information at the back of this
booklet (see page 35).
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For Starters
What are you proud of?
The Bible calls pride a sin; why? Is it ever ok to be proud? Explain?
Today we will cover two chapters which form the centre of the chiastic structure of chapters 2 to 7
(see the following page). These two chapters highlight the pride of two kings and how ‘pride
came before the fall’ for both of them. Yet there was one important difference; the “writing was
on the wall” for one of them.
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The Structure of Chapters 2-7
The Aramaic section of Daniel is structured around 3 sets of parallel chapters.
Daniel 2
A vision of four kingdoms – the final kingdom prevails forever
Daniel 3
Daniel 4
The pride of King Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 5
The pride of King Belshazzar
Daniel 6
Daniel 7
Three men disobey the king by refusing to bow down to the image and are
saved from the fiery furnace
Daniel disobeys the king by praying to God and is saved from the lions’ den
A vision of four kingdoms – the final king reigns forever
For Discussion
At home read chapters 4 and 5 and give a summary of the action (give verse references):
Who is
humbled?
Why?
Describe the vision and
the meaning of it?
What happens next?
Ch 4
Ch 5
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What similarities do you see between these kings and are there ways in which you can be the
same?
The interpretations God gave Daniel for Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the writing on the wall
were not good news for the kings.
 Do you think it would have been easy for Daniel to share his interpretations?

The good news of Jesus starts with the bad news of our pride before God. Do you find it
hard to talk about the truth of sin with others? Discuss both why it is important and also ways
to gently but honestly talk about this truth with others.
Nebuchadnezzar had seen the miraculous work of God already in the interpretation of his dream
and also in saving Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the furnace. What is different about
how he experiences God’s actions in chapter 4?
Why is Belshazzar not given the same type of ‘lesson/discipline’ as Nebuchadnezzar?
What lesson does Nebuchadnezzar learn (see verses 25-27 and 34-37)?
There is no coming to God without humility. Why? Discuss why “God opposes the proud but gives
grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
Does God still use dramatic means to humble people today? Give examples.
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The events of these two chapters are dramatic, bringing the proud crashing down. Yet today, this
is not always so. Every now and then the mighty fall, but mostly we see proud people continuing in
their ways and becoming prosperous in worldly terms (both the rich and famous and your nonChristian neighbours/friends). Should we expect the proud to fall? Should we desire it? What
should we do?
Put yourself in the shoes of an exiled Israelite in the time of the Babylonian rule. How would reading
about these events in the book of Daniel help? Is the message still the same for us today? Discuss.
For Prayer
Praise God for Jesus, the humble Servant-King, who gave all for us and now reigns eternally.
Pray for those in authority all around the world, that they would rule with humility and servant
hearts and ultimately, would see that their authority comes from God alone.
Pray that you would be bold in declaring even the ‘bad news’ of sin and judgement to those on
your frontline. Seek God’s help to do this.
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For Starters
Your good friend who isn’t a Christian, one day makes the comment that ‘bad things shouldn’t
happen to good people’. Is that accurate in a Christian worldview and what might you say to
your friend about what you think?
For Discussion
Read Daniel 6.
Recall the structure diagram from the previous study. What other event in Daniel does chapter 6
resemble? Make a list of all the similarities.
Why do the other officials go looking for grounds for complaint against Daniel (verses 1-5)?
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Because Daniel’s character is blameless, the officials are forced to go to great lengths to create
something that will get Daniel into trouble. Do you think non-believers see you as one with an
‘excellent spirit’ and therefore, a faithful, honest servant in public life? Discuss what this looks like in
your context.
Daniel’s accusers knew about Daniel’s spiritual practises. It was the whole basis of their plot against
him. Should that be a challenge/example for us?
Put yourself in Daniel’s shoes. What would you have done when you found out about the king’s
new law?
.
What does Daniel’s rescue from the lions tell us about:

God (verses 20-22, 26-27)?

Daniel (verses 22-23)?
What influence did all this have on the king and the nation as a whole?
Read Proverbs 28:10. How is the message of this Proverb fulfilled in Daniel 6? Is it always true?
Does all this focus on Daniel’s excellent spirit and amazing faith leave you feeling like a terrible
Christian? Is that the point of this part of the Bible? What is the point and how does it take us to
Christ?
For Prayer
Ask God to keep developing character in you to live a life that is above reproach.
Pray that your commitment to Jesus would have a positive impact on others around you.
Thank God that through Jesus you’ve been saved in a miraculous way.
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For Starters
Attempt a little bit of future forecasting … what challenges do you think our children will face as
they seek to live as Christians in Australia in the decades to come?
Daniel 7 ends the Aramaic section of the book. It also contains a change in style. We are
introduced to some Apocalyptic writing which scares some readers. But we need to remember
that it was originally written to give people assurance about future events. That is what we will
focus on today.
For Discussion
Read Daniel 7:1-14
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Start completing the first two columns below:
Beast
1
Description
Other details/what happened?
Represents
2
3
4
Apocalyptic writing loves images. What do you think the imagery of the Ancient of Days (God) in
verse 9-10 is communicating to us about God’s nature?
After the beast is killed, one like a son of man appears. What do you learn about him?
What kind of emotional response is expected from this first half of the chapter?
Read Daniel 7:15-28.
Many people read Old Testament prophecy such as this and think it might reveal hidden secrets
of things still to come for us. Why is this not likely?
How well do you know your history? With the help of your leader and other resources, fill in the final
column above to show which kingdoms the beasts represent.
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While the vision was primarily about past events, there is an ongoing truth. There will always be
beastly kingdoms that will set up against God. Read Mark 14:60-63. Given what we now know
about the identity of the Son of Man, how should we feel about those ‘beasts’ today who want to
set themselves up over the Ancient of Days?
Do you truly believe that Jesus is now enthroned with all dominion? How does this truth make a
difference in the daily grind of life? Give some practical examples.
God is the final judge over all. Does this make a difference to the way you think and act in life
now?
For Prayer
Read through Psalm 2 and seek the Lord together, praying for leaders and governments to be
wise and serve the Lord with fear.
Give praise and honour to God for the assurance that he sits on the throne and is a faithful and
just judge over all.
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For Starters
Do you consider yourself to be patient? What situations make you impatient?
As we open Daniel 8, things have moved on. We are no longer in Babylon. Daniel is now in Susa
which is in the Persian Kingdom. One kingdom has given way to another when Daniel receives
another vision in which a great question is asked: ‘How long, oh Lord?’.
For Discussion
Read Daniel 8. Then complete the following table giving verse references.
Animal
Ram
Goat
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Description
Other details/what
happened?
Represents
You can see that some events of human history are being retold in a different way. Interestingly,
there is a ‘king of bold face’ (verse 23). This is a reference to Antiochus Epiphanes (ruler of the
Seleucid Empire from 175-164BC). Antiochus was a cruel man under whose reign the worship of
Yahweh and all of the Jewish rites were forbidden on pain of death. They were forbidden to bring
sacrifices and offerings to God in the sanctuary and to circumcise their children. In the Temple an
altar to Zeus Olympios was erected, and sacrifices were to be made at the feet of an idol in the
image of the King. Antiochus even had a pig sacrificed in the Jewish Temple. This was a horrible
season of persecution for the Jews. While the full detail of this is not given in this vision, it is revealed
to Daniel that he will be powerful and he will destroy mighty men and saints.
Now read Daniel 9:1-19.
Daniel 9 happens 11 years after chapter 8. We find Daniel reading the prophecy in Jeremiah that
the period of exile would be 70 years. Daniel is expecting that time to be soon over. He personally
was brought to Babylon in 605BC and the events of chapter 9 take place in 539BC. So Daniel goes
to God in prayer.
List all the ways Daniel describes God in this prayer.
List all the ways Daniel describes God’s people.
What is the basis for Daniel’s pleas to God and why is this so significant? (see verses 18-19)
What do you learn about the nature of Daniel’s relationship with God from his prayer?
How do your prayers compare with the way Daniel prays? Is there anything you can learn from
Daniel about prayer? Share it with the group and talk about ways you might become a more
faithful pray-er?
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Now read Daniel 9:20-24. Note that God’s answer is ‘wait’. The punishment will be extended. Why?
(see also the words of the original covenant in Leviticus 26:14-28, especially verses 18).
With this in mind, why do you think God gave the vision of chapter 8 and the answer of chapter
9:24 to Daniel?
Look again at verse 24. What event(s) is this directing us to?
We are waiting patiently for Jesus’ return. Why is there such a delay in God’s programme for the
world? Look at 2 Peter 3:8-9.
What should we be doing therefore, while we wait?
Are you? Why/ why not?
For Prayer
Consider Daniel’s prayer as a framework for your own prayers and in particular pray for things that
would bring glory to God’s name and ensure the integrity of his reputation all over the world.
Confess sin. Think about some corporate sins that we Christians are generally guilty of and come
before God concerning them.
Pray in hope that Christ will return soon to make all things right and pray for patient endurance
until that time.
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PERSECUTED BELIEVERS: THE WORLD WATCH LIST FROM OPEN DOORS
North Korea
Source of Persecution
Communist Oppression
Population
25,405,000
Christian Population
300,000
Main Religion
Atheism
Government
Communist State
North Korea: #1 For Sixteen Years. North Korea leads the World Watch List for the
sixteenth year in a row. Having anything to do with Christianity is impossible without
experiencing severe persecution. The worship of anything other than the Kim Dynasty is
believed to be a th reat to the state.
Somalia
Source of Persecution
Islamic Oppression
Population
11,392,000
Christian Population
100
Main Religion
Islam
Government
Contested Federal Republic
Som alia: Never Recovered From W ar. Somalia has never recovered from a revolution to
rem ove the governm ent in 1991. In 2006 a m ajor Islam ic extrem ist group k nown as al Shabaab form ed. Near com plete lawlessness has m ade Som alia a safe haven for various
Islam ic extrem ists, leaving no safe place for Christians.
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Afghanistan
Source of Persecution
Islamic Oppression
Population
34,169,000
Christian Population
1,000
Main Religion
Islam
Government
Islamic Republic
Afghanistan: ISIS And The Taliban – Competing For Power. In Afghanistan both Islamic State
and the Taliban com pete for control. In 2016, extrem ist attack s displaced around 400,000
people and left over 8,000 people dead.
Pakistan
Source of Persecution
Islamic Oppression
Population
196,744,000
Christian Population
3,938,000
Main Religion
Islam
Government
Federal Republic
Leader
President Mamnoon Hussain
Pakistan: More Dangerous Than Ever. In Pakistan it’s becoming even more difficult to be a
Christian. Going to church on Sunda y is allowed, but strict blasphem y laws restrict believers.
Evangelising, converting from Islam , or wearing a cross in public is m o re dangerous than
ever. Muslim s m ak e up 95% of the population, while onl y 2% are Christian. W ith birth rates
rising, Pak istan is on its wa y to becom ing the largest Muslim country in the world.
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