Topical Encyclopedia The concept that all Christians are called to be missionaries through their holy example is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This idea emphasizes that every believer, regardless of their specific vocation or location, is tasked with living a life that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, thereby serving as a witness to the world.Biblical Foundation The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, serves as a foundational text for this calling: "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 the apostles or those in formal missionary roles but extends to all followers of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the Apostle Paul reinforces this idea by describing believers as ambassadors for Christ: "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." As ambassadors, Christians are representatives of the Kingdom of God, tasked with embodying and communicating the message of reconciliation through their lives and actions. Living a Holy Example The call to live as a holy example is further emphasized in 1 Peter 2:12: "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." Here, the apostle Peter encourages believers to maintain exemplary conduct, which serves as a testimony to non-believers and brings glory to God. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, also exhorts believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel: "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). This passage underscores the importance of unity and steadfastness in living out the Christian faith. Practical Implications The call for all Christians to be missionaries through their holy example has practical implications for daily life. It involves a commitment to personal holiness, integrity, and love, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, which describes the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Moreover, believers are encouraged to engage in acts of service and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ to those around them. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This directive highlights the role of good works as a means of pointing others to God. Challenges and Encouragement While the call to be a missionary through a holy example is clear, it is not without challenges. Christians may face opposition, misunderstanding, or persecution. However, Scripture provides encouragement and assurance. In John 16:33, Jesus offers comfort: "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." Believers are also reminded of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who equips and guides them in their mission. Acts 1:8 states, "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." In summary, the call for all Christians to be missionaries through their holy example is a central tenet of the Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. It is a call to live out the gospel in every aspect of life, serving as a beacon of hope and truth in a world in need of redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 2:15 1 Thessalonians 1:7 Library On the First Commandment The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit On the Church Raymond Lull. The True Spirit of Missions. The Missionary in India (Continued). Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2. Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907. Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Means to be Used with Sinners. 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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