Introduction

The concept that all Christians are called to be missionaries is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This idea is not limited to those who travel to distant lands but extends to every believer, emphasizing the call to share the Gospel within one's own community and sphere of influence. The Great Commission, as given by Jesus Christ, serves as the foundational mandate for this missionary calling.

Biblical Foundation

1. The Great Commission: The primary scriptural basis for the missionary calling of all Christians is found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 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 directive is not limited to the apostles but extends to all followers of Christ, emphasizing the universal responsibility to spread the Gospel.

2. Ambassadors for Christ: In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul 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" . This passage highlights the role of every believer as a representative of Christ, tasked with the mission of reconciliation and sharing the message of salvation.

3. The Priesthood of All Believers: 1 Peter 2:9 states, "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 underscores the idea that all Christians are part of a royal priesthood, with the responsibility to proclaim God's virtues and light to the world.

Illustrations from Scripture

1. The Early Church: The book of Acts provides numerous examples of ordinary believers engaging in missionary work. Acts 8:4 notes, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" . This demonstrates that the early Christians, not just the apostles, took the initiative to spread the Gospel as they traveled.

2. The Samaritan Woman: In John 4, the Samaritan woman at the well becomes an immediate missionary after her encounter with Jesus. John 4:39 records, "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, 'He told me everything I ever did'" . Her transformation and testimony led many to faith, illustrating the impact of personal witness.

3. The Household of Cornelius: Acts 10 describes how Cornelius, a Roman centurion, gathered his family and friends to hear Peter's message. Acts 10:24 states, "The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends" . Cornelius's actions exemplify the role of believers in bringing others to hear the Gospel.

Practical Implications

1. Everyday Evangelism: Christians are encouraged to view their daily interactions as opportunities for evangelism. 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 calls believers to be intentional and wise in their conversations, using them as opportunities to share their faith.

2. Gifts and Callings: Romans 12:6-8 speaks of the diverse gifts within the body of Christ, "We have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach" . Each believer is equipped with unique gifts that can be used in missionary work, whether through teaching, serving, or other means.

3. Community Involvement: Engaging in local community activities provides a platform for Christians to live out their faith and share the Gospel. Matthew 5:16 encourages, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" . By participating in community life, believers can demonstrate the love of Christ and open doors for evangelism.

Conclusion

The call for all Christians to be missionaries is a biblical mandate that transcends geographical boundaries and professional titles. It is a call to live out the Gospel in every aspect of life, using one's unique gifts and opportunities to share the message of Christ with the world.Matthew 25:14
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 19:13
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said to them, Occupy till I come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... in the administration of a parish, and, above all, the successful ... But this moderate
figure should not be taken as ... There are not a few honest Christians who are ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament
... Missionaries say"and experience at home has confirmed the ... We should then have to
say that their religious ... study on the part of all Christians who recognize ...
/.../chapter vi the permanent significance.htm

A Wise Minister Will be Successful.
... convert sinners, and who cannot win souls, should not be ... They are not wise Christians;
only "he that winneth ... I appeal to all experience, whether our young men ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xi a wise minister.htm

The Draw Net Let Down into the Sea
... The Evangelists, Bible women, and ripe Christians amongst us ... Hungtung, Chaocheng,
and Fensi, now all gladly welcomed ... Pastor Hsi that even Hwochow should see a ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvii the draw net.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... In the same way we should regard the images ... than probable, because it implies that
Christians, Eusebius included ... At all events, the belief that the group of ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... born in their house, were made Christians in their ... the teachings of very ignorant
Popish priests, should be sunk ... whom are well educated, and nearly all of them ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

The Children's Bible
... JESUS MAKES EVEN WRONG-DOERS HIS FRIENDS. JESUS FINDS JOY IN ALL HIS WORK. ... HOW TO
PRAY. WHY WE SHOULD TRUST GOD. ... PAUL WRITES TO THE CHRISTIANS AT ROME. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

The Project of French Empire and Evangelization --Its Wide and ...
... eminent claims on our admiration and reverence should not be triumphantly clear
of all suspicion of ... which leaves no ground among neighbor Christians of the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter iii the project of.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... Then she desired that her children should know and love the Saviour too. ... the result
was that, one by one, they were all led to Jesus and became Christians. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

Close of the Colonial Era --The German Churches --The Beginnings ...
... was to find a man who should do for ... in half, necessitating petty local schisms with
all their debilitating and ... There is free opportunity for Christians of this ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xii close of the.htm

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