Topical Encyclopedia The concept that all Christians should act as missionaries is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This principle is derived from the Great Commission, where Jesus Christ commands His followers to spread the Gospel to all nations. The call to be a missionary is not limited to a select few but is a mandate for all believers, emphasizing the universal responsibility to share the message of salvation.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for this principle is found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples: "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 comprehensive nature of the missionary call, extending beyond geographical boundaries and cultural barriers. In Acts 1:8, Jesus further empowers His followers, saying, "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 role of the Holy Spirit in equipping believers to fulfill their missionary duties, ensuring that the task is not carried out in human strength alone. The Role of the Church The early church exemplified the missionary spirit, as seen in the book of Acts. The apostles and early Christians took the Gospel to various regions, often facing persecution and hardship. The church in Antioch serves as a model, where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). This community actively sent out missionaries like Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3), demonstrating the church's role in supporting and commissioning individuals for missionary work. Paul's letters further reinforce the missionary calling. In Romans 10:14-15, he writes, "How then can they call on the One they have not believed in? 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?" . This rhetorical sequence emphasizes the necessity of preaching and sending, integral components of the missionary mandate. Individual Responsibility While the organized church plays a crucial role, the responsibility of mission work extends to every believer. In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are encouraged to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have" . This readiness to share one's faith is a personal obligation, suggesting that every Christian is a missionary in their own context. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:20, describes believers as "ambassadors for Christ," entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This ambassadorial role implies that Christians represent Christ in their daily lives, tasked with the mission of reconciling others to God through the Gospel. Practical Implications The principle that all Christians should be as missionaries has practical implications for daily living. It calls for a lifestyle that reflects the teachings of Christ, characterized by love, compassion, and a commitment to sharing the Gospel. This missionary mindset encourages believers to engage with their communities, build relationships, and seize opportunities to witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Moreover, this principle challenges Christians to support global mission efforts through prayer, financial contributions, and active participation in mission trips or local outreach programs. It fosters a global perspective, recognizing the diverse and urgent needs of people worldwide who have yet to hear the Gospel. In summary, the principle that all Christians should be as missionaries is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church. It calls for a collective and individual commitment to spreading the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit and supported by the church community. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:14,15For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Native Christians (Continued). Import of the Great Commission. Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2. Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907. Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence. The Birth of England's Foreign Missions The General Conference of 1832 Means to be Used with Sinners. Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America The Sin of Silence Resources What is the Good News Mission, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the mission of the church? | GotQuestions.org Are mission boards biblical? | 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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