Topical Encyclopedia The concept that all Christians should act 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 directive is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, emphasizing the universal call to evangelism and discipleship.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides numerous examples and teachings that support the idea of every Christian being a missionary. 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 passage highlights the geographical and cultural expansiveness of the mission, suggesting that every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to witness to the truth of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often refers to the role of believers in spreading the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, he writes, "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." Here, Paul underscores the responsibility of Christians to represent Christ and His message of reconciliation to the world. Historical Context Throughout church history, the idea that all Christians should be missionaries has been a driving force behind many movements and revivals. The early church fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, emphasized the importance of evangelism and the role of every believer in spreading the faith. The Protestant Reformation further reinforced this concept, with reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin advocating for the priesthood of all believers, which includes the duty to share the Gospel. The Role of the Family The phrase "Chief of the Fathers" can be understood in the context of the family as a foundational unit for missionary work. In the Old Testament, the "chief of the fathers" often referred to the head of a family or clan, responsible for leading and instructing their household in the ways of the Lord. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where families are seen as integral to the spread of the Gospel. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul instructs fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the role of parents, particularly fathers, in nurturing their children in the faith, thereby equipping them to be effective witnesses for Christ. Practical Implications The call for all Christians to be missionaries has practical implications for daily life. It encourages believers to view their workplaces, communities, and social circles as mission fields. Colossians 4:5-6 advises, "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This passage suggests that Christians should be intentional in their interactions, using every opportunity to share the love and truth of Christ. Moreover, the church as a community plays a vital role in equipping and supporting believers in their missionary endeavors. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "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, to build up the body of Christ." This indicates that the church's leadership is tasked with preparing all members for their missionary roles. Conclusion The biblical mandate for all Christians to act as missionaries is clear and compelling. It is a call to live out one's faith actively and intentionally, sharing the Gospel in every sphere of life. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the support of the church community, believers are equipped to fulfill this mission, following the example set by the early church and the teachings of Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 1:5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Import of the Great Commission. Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907. The Birth of England's Foreign Missions Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest" Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Our Watchword The General Conference of 1832 Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration. The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ... Resources What does it mean to be missional? Should Christians be missional? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the pros and cons of short-term missions? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian missions? | 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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