Topical Encyclopedia The concept that all Christians are called to be missionaries is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This imperative duty is not limited to a select few but extends to every believer, emphasizing the universal call to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.The Great Commission The foundational scripture for this missionary mandate is found in the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 : "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" This passage underscores the authority of Christ and His command to all His followers to engage in the work of evangelism and discipleship. The Priesthood of All Believers The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:9 , further supports the idea that every Christian has a role in God's mission: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to proclaim the Gospel, reflecting the light of Christ in a world shrouded in darkness. The Example of the Early Church The early church provides a model for this missionary activity. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The book of Acts records how ordinary believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the message of Christ beyond their immediate surroundings, fulfilling the call to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Role of Spiritual Gifts The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the church and the advancement of the Gospel. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , he writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." While specific roles are mentioned, the underlying principle is that all believers are equipped for ministry, each contributing uniquely to the mission of the church. The Urgency of the Gospel Message The urgency of the Gospel message is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 , Paul declares, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." This sense of urgency compels believers to actively participate in the mission of reconciliation, recognizing the eternal significance of their witness. Living as Salt and Light Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount further illustrates the missionary calling of all Christians. In Matthew 5:13-16 , He states, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This metaphor of salt and light conveys the transformative impact believers are to have in the world, living out their faith in a way that draws others to God. Conclusion The call for all Christians to be missionaries is a clear and compelling mandate found throughout Scripture. It is an imperative duty that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, inviting every believer to participate in the redemptive work of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the example of the early church, and the diverse gifts bestowed upon the body of Christ, believers are equipped and empowered to fulfill this mission, proclaiming the Gospel to all creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 5:23Curse you Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse you bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 19:40 Library The General Conference of 1836 The Sin of Silence The General Conference of 1832 The Church and Social Evils India as Carey Found It From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... 'Other Sheep' Full Redemption Another Wonderful Record of 25. From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Resources What is Youth with a Mission (YWAM), and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Jesus' mission? Why did Jesus come? | GotQuestions.org What is the World Mission Society Church of God, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Mission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics All Christians should be As Missionaries in a Holy Example All Christians should be As Missionaries in Admonishing Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Aiding Ministers in Their Labours All Christians should be As Missionaries in Declaring What God Has Done for Them All Christians should be As Missionaries in Dedicating Themselves to the Service of God All Christians should be As Missionaries in Devoting all Property to God All Christians should be As Missionaries in Encouraging the Weak All Christians should be As Missionaries in First Giving Their own Selves to the Lord All Christians should be As Missionaries in Following Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Forsaking all for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Giving a Reason for Their Faith All Christians should be As Missionaries in Hating Life for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Boldness All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Conduct All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Conservation All Christians should be As Missionaries in Interceding for Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Inviting Forth God's Praises All Christians should be As Missionaries in Inviting Others to Embrace the Gospel All Christians should be As Missionaries in Joyfully Suffering for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Old Age All Christians should be As Missionaries in Openly Confessing Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Preferring Christ Above all Relations All Christians should be As Missionaries in Reproving Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Seeking the Edification of Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Showing Forth God's Praises All Christians should be As Missionaries in Talking of God and his Works All Christians should be As Missionaries in Teaching and Exhorting All Christians should be As Missionaries in the Family All Christians should be As Missionaries in Their Intercourse With the World All Christians should be As Missionaries in Visiting and Relieving the Poor, the Sick All Christians should be As Missionaries in Youth All Christians should be As Missionaries with a Superabundant Liberality All Christians should be As Missionaries with a Willing Heart All Christians should be As Missionaries: After the Example of Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries: An Imperative Duty All Christians should be As Missionaries: Andrew All Christians should be As Missionaries: Anna All Christians should be As Missionaries: Apollos All Christians should be As Missionaries: Aquila All Christians should be As Missionaries: As Faithful Stewards All Christians should be As Missionaries: Barnabas All Christians should be As Missionaries: Blessedness of All Christians should be As Missionaries: Captive Maid All Christians should be As Missionaries: Centurion All Christians should be As Missionaries: Chief of the Fathers All Christians should be As Missionaries: Disciples All Christians should be As Missionaries: Encouragement To All Christians should be As Missionaries: from Their Calling As Saints All Christians should be As Missionaries: Hannah All Christians should be As Missionaries: However Weak They May Be All Christians should be As Missionaries: Illustrated All Christians should be As Missionaries: Joanna All Christians should be As Missionaries: Leper All Christians should be As Missionaries: Onesiphorus All Christians should be As Missionaries: Persecuted Saints All Christians should be As Missionaries: Philemon All Christians should be As Missionaries: Philip All Christians should be As Missionaries: Restored Demoniac All Christians should be As Missionaries: Shadrach All Christians should be As Missionaries: Shepherds All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Principle on Which All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Zeal of Hypocrites should Provoke To All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Zeal of Idolaters should Provoke To All Christians should be As Missionaries: Various Individuals All Christians should be As Missionaries: Woman of Samaria All Christians should be As Missionaries: Women and Children As Well As Men Missionary Work by Ministers is According to the Purpose of God Missionary Work by Ministers: Aid Those Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Apostles Missionary Work by Ministers: Be Ready to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: Christ Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Christ Sent his Disciples to Labour In Missionary Work by Ministers: Commanded Missionary Work by Ministers: Directed by the Holy Spirit Missionary Work by Ministers: Excellency of Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For Missionary Work by Ministers: God Strengthens For Missionary Work by Ministers: Guilt and Danger of Shrinking From Missionary Work by Ministers: Harmony should Subsist Amongst Those Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Jonah Missionary Work by Ministers: Levites Missionary Work by Ministers: No Limits to the Sphere of Missionary Work by Ministers: Noah Missionary Work by Ministers: Obligations to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: Opportunities For, not to be Neglected Missionary Work by Ministers: Paul Missionary Work by Ministers: Philip Missionary Work by Ministers: Required Missionary Work by Ministers: Requires Wisdom and Meekness Missionary Work by Ministers: Silas Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of a Cause of Joy Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of a Cause of Praise Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of To be Prayed For Missionary Work by Ministers: The Holy Spirit Calls To Missionary Work by Ministers: The Seventy Missionary Work by Ministers: Timotheus Missionary Work by Ministers: Warranted by Predictions Concerning the Heathen Missionary Work by Ministers: Worldly Concerns should not Delay Related Terms |
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