Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of all Christians serving as missionaries is deeply rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (
Matthew 28:19). This call to mission is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, emphasizing the universal responsibility to spread the Gospel.
Biblical FoundationThe New Testament provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the blessedness of living as missionaries. 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." This verse highlights the empowerment by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to fulfill their missionary calling.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the joy and fulfillment found in sharing the Gospel. In
Romans 10:14-15, he writes, "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" This passage illustrates the beauty and blessedness of those who carry the message of salvation.
Spiritual Growth and JoyEngaging in missionary work fosters spiritual growth and deepens one's relationship with God. As believers step out in faith to share the Gospel, they experience the joy of seeing lives transformed by the power of Christ. In
Philemon 1:6, Paul encourages believers, saying, "I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ." This partnership in the faith is enriched through active participation in mission work.
Community and FellowshipMissionary work also strengthens the Christian community and fosters fellowship among believers. In
Philippians 1:5, Paul expresses gratitude for the partnership in the Gospel, "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This partnership creates a sense of unity and shared purpose, as believers work together to fulfill the Great Commission.
Eternal ImpactThe blessedness of being a missionary is further magnified by the eternal impact of the work. In
1 Corinthians 3:8, Paul writes, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor." The labor of spreading the Gospel is not in vain, as it contributes to the eternal destiny of souls.
ConclusionThe call for all Christians to be missionaries is a divine mandate that brings immense blessedness. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to share the Gospel, experience spiritual growth, and contribute to the eternal kingdom of God. The joy and fulfillment found in this calling are unparalleled, as Christians participate in the transformative work of Christ in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest"
... If you want to be philanthropists, be Christians. ... your fellow-men with the best of
all blessings, convey ... Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jesusall blessing and all blest.htm
God's Love for a Sinning World
... me, and I said"If I should become a ... the heirs of salvation; missionaries are sent,
Christians labour, and ... weep in deep and anxious solicitude"all to seek ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm
The Sin of Silence
... attaches to the men who, being professing Christians, are silent ... they should speak,
and idle when they should work ... broken pieces of the ship, they all came safe ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the sin of silence.htm
The Blessedness of Giving
... Would it not be well for Christians to "test" where ... door, she took her departure,
leaving us all mute with ... resolved that Christ and his cause should have more ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the blessedness of giving.htm
The General Conference of 1820
... yet be come in which we should send our ... will demand all the laborers and all the
means ... American Christians are certainly under peculiar obligations to impart ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm
Christian Sympathy
... You street-preachers, City missionaries, Bible women, and ... such; living to God, we
should devote ourselves ... in a kindly association with all Christians: we shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm
John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... which they that believe on Him should receive." Figurative ... are many quiet, gentle,
consistent Christians, who make ... a deep influence for good on all around them. ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm
Consecration
... saying to God, "Give, give, give," we should say, "Yes ... Give up all, put everything
in His hands, and He ... We Christians of the nineteenth century, have we learned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the deeper christian life/consecration.htm
Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
... The fewness of holy, consecrated, spiritual Christians, devoted to the ... The united:
as we see it in all Israel first ... I SOUGHT for a man that should stand in the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter vi restraining prayer is.htm
The Missionary in India (Continued).
... day who condemn appeals to fear, we should be ignoring a ... Let missionaries by all
means listen to what is said ... I am surprised when Christians speak as if only a ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxv the missionary in.htm
Resources
What does it mean to be missional? Should Christians be missional? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the pros and cons of short-term missions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian missions? | GotQuestions.orgMission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus