Topical Encyclopedia The call for all Christians to engage in missionary work, regardless of their perceived weaknesses, is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, serves as a foundational mandate for believers: "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 command is not limited to a select few but extends to all followers of Christ, emphasizing the universal responsibility of spreading the Gospel.The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often highlights the theme of strength in weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul then declares, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" . This passage underscores the idea that human frailty does not disqualify one from missionary work; rather, it is through our weaknesses that God's power is most evident. The early church provides numerous examples of ordinary believers participating in missionary activities. In Acts 8:4, following the persecution in Jerusalem, it is noted, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" . These were not apostles or church leaders, but everyday Christians who carried the message of Christ into new regions. Their efforts contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Furthermore, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the expectation that all believers use their God-given abilities for the advancement of His kingdom. Each servant is entrusted with resources according to their ability, and they are held accountable for how they utilize them. This parable reinforces the principle that every Christian, regardless of their perceived capabilities, has a role to play in the mission of the church. The Apostle Peter also encourages believers to be prepared to share their faith, writing in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect" . This readiness to testify to one's faith is a form of missionary work that all Christians are called to engage in, regardless of their personal strengths or weaknesses. In addition, the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, are given for the common good and the edification of the church. These gifts, diverse in nature, equip Christians to serve in various capacities, including missionary endeavors. The diversity of gifts ensures that every believer has something valuable to contribute to the mission of spreading the Gospel. The life and ministry of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate example for all Christians. Jesus, though divine, took on human form and experienced the limitations and weaknesses of humanity. His ministry was characterized by humility and service, as seen in Philippians 2:7-8: "He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . This model of selfless service and sacrifice is one that all Christians are called to emulate in their missionary efforts. In summary, the biblical mandate for all Christians to engage in missionary work is clear and compelling. Despite personal weaknesses or limitations, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission, drawing strength from their reliance on God's power and grace. Through their diverse gifts and unique opportunities, all Christians are called to participate in the mission of making disciples of all nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:27But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Power of Little Things. Trials to be Met. The Thessalonian Letters Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence. The First Epistle to the Thessalonians Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. Religious Dangers Sundry Exhortations. Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Mason -- Messiah's Throne 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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