Topical Encyclopedia The concept of all Christians serving as missionaries with a willing heart is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This idea emphasizes the responsibility of every believer to actively participate in the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel and embodying the love of Christ in their daily lives.Biblical Foundation The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , serves as the cornerstone for the missionary calling of all Christians: "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 was given by Jesus to His disciples, but it extends to all believers, underscoring the universal call to evangelism and discipleship. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus further empowers His followers with the Holy Spirit, stating, "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, urging Christians to be witnesses both locally and globally. The Heart of a Missionary A willing heart is essential for effective missionary work. In Isaiah 6:8 , the prophet responds to God's call with readiness: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" This willingness to serve is a model for Christians, demonstrating the importance of a responsive and obedient heart. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this attitude in his missionary journeys. In Romans 1:15 , he expresses his eagerness to preach the Gospel: "That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome." Paul's life and letters reveal a deep commitment to spreading the message of Christ, regardless of personal cost or hardship. Practical Application The call to be missionaries is not limited to those who travel to distant lands. Every Christian is called to be a light in their own context, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:14-16 : "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Christians are encouraged to engage in their communities, workplaces, and families with the same missionary zeal, using their unique gifts and opportunities to share the Gospel. The Apostle Peter advises believers in 1 Peter 3:15 to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. 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." Challenges and Encouragement While the call to be missionaries is clear, it is not without challenges. Christians may face opposition, indifference, or persecution. However, the promise of Christ's presence, as stated in Matthew 28:20 , provides assurance and strength: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:20 , reminds believers of their role 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." This identity as ambassadors underscores the privilege and responsibility of representing Christ to the world. In summary, the call for all Christians to be missionaries with a willing heart is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in Scripture and exemplified by the early church. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to living out the Gospel, believers are equipped to fulfill this divine mandate. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 35:29The children of Israel brought a willing offering to the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 29:9,14 Library The Sin of Silence The Power of Little Things. The True Spirit of Missions. Raymond Lull. Import of the Great Commission. The Birth of England's Foreign Missions Repentance unto Life Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest" Our Watchword To Win Souls Requires Wisdom. 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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