Topical Encyclopedia Missionary work is a foundational aspect of Christian ministry, rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. This divine mandate underscores the responsibility of ministers to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that illuminate this calling and the nature of missionary work as exemplified by Christ and His apostles.The Great Commission The primary scriptural basis for missionary work is found in Matthew 28:18-20 : "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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 highlights the authority of Christ, the scope of the mission (all nations), and the promise of His presence with those who labor in His name. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit In Acts 1:8 , Jesus further instructs His disciples, 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 empowerment by the Holy Spirit is essential for effective missionary work, enabling ministers to witness boldly and perform their duties with divine guidance and strength. The Example of the Apostles The Book of Acts provides numerous examples of missionary work carried out by the apostles. In Acts 13:2-3 , the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which He has called them. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." This passage illustrates the role of the church in commissioning and supporting missionaries. Challenges and Perseverance Missionary work often involves facing challenges and opposition. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 , Paul recounts the hardships he endured for the sake of the Gospel, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks. Despite these trials, Paul’s perseverance serves as an example for ministers engaged in missionary work, demonstrating the importance of steadfastness and reliance on God's strength. The Role of Prayer and Support Prayer and support from the Christian community are vital components of missionary work. In Philippians 1:3-5 , Paul expresses gratitude for the partnership in the Gospel he shares with the Philippians: "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This partnership includes prayer, financial support, and encouragement, underscoring the collaborative nature of missionary endeavors. The Goal of Missionary Work The ultimate goal of missionary work is the glorification of God through the salvation of souls and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. In Romans 15:20-21 , Paul articulates his ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ is not known, so that those who have never heard will understand. "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: 'Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.'" Through these scriptural insights, it is evident that missionary work is a divinely ordained task for ministers, requiring dedication, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and the support of the Christian community. The mission is to spread the Gospel, make disciples, and glorify God across the globe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 3:14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 6:7 Luke 10:1-11 Library Prayerlessness in the Pulpit The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ... The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Gospel Missions The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Caspar Schwenckfeld and the Reformation of the "Middle Way" Carey's Family and Friends The Baptism with the Holy Spirit. [Endnotes] 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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