Missionary work, as undertaken by ministers, is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. The success of such endeavors is often seen as a cause for praise and thanksgiving, reflecting the fulfillment of God's will and the expansion of His kingdom on earth.

Biblical Foundation

The mandate for missionary work is clearly articulated in the New Testament. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands 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." This directive underscores the responsibility of ministers to spread the Gospel and nurture new believers.

Examples of Success

The Acts of the Apostles provides numerous accounts of successful missionary endeavors. The Apostle Paul, perhaps the most notable missionary in the early church, embarked on several journeys to preach the Gospel. In Acts 16:5 , it is recorded, "So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers." This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of missionary work and a cause for praise among believers.

Praise and Thanksgiving

The success of missionary work is often met with praise and thanksgiving, as it signifies the triumph of the Gospel over spiritual darkness. In Philippians 1:3-5 , Paul expresses gratitude for the partnership in the Gospel, saying, "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 passage highlights the joy and praise that accompany successful missionary efforts.

Spiritual Warfare and Perseverance

Missionary work is not without its challenges. Ministers often face spiritual warfare, opposition, and hardship. However, the success of their efforts is seen as a victory for the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The perseverance of ministers in the face of such challenges is a testament to their faith and dedication.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The success of missionary work is ultimately attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises, "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." The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is essential for the effective proclamation of the Gospel and the conversion of hearts.

Community and Support

The success of missionary work is also dependent on the support and prayers of the Christian community. In Romans 15:30 , Paul appeals to the believers, "Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." The collective effort of the church in supporting missionary work is a crucial element in its success and a cause for communal praise.

Conclusion

The success of missionary work by ministers is a profound cause for praise within the Christian faith. It reflects the fulfillment of the Great Commission, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the unwavering dedication of those called to spread the Gospel. Through the challenges and triumphs, the expansion of God's kingdom remains a testament to His glory and faithfulness.Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:19,20
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had worked among the Gentiles by his ministry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayer and Missions
... for securing workers in the foreign missionary field is ... God-called, divinely moved
to this great work. ... Missionaries, like ministers, are born of praying people ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/xiii prayer and missions.htm

Church Union.
... and still the only English Presbyterian missionary at Amoy ... Amoy, giving the history
of their work there, of ... a matter of course that ministers, receiving their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/viii church union.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... and to provide for the ordination of ministers in their own ... will arrive, when the
interests of the missionary colony, and the success of the work among the ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... into the work, and their ministers enforced upon ... it tended mightily to revive the
missionary spirit among ... the manner in which this marvelous work commenced and ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

David's Dying Prayer
... magazine, or buy one of the helps for ministers, or take ... be his, if he will help
me; for missionary work or for ... I will pray for you, that your success may be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/davids dying prayer.htm

The Message Heeded
... From Ephesus Paul set forth on another missionary tour, during ... of God; who also hath
made us able ministers of the ... A true minister does the work of the Master. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 31 the message heeded.htm

A Great victory
... think that we cannot work as ministers without a ... forgetting also that the greatest
work in the ... service Hudson Taylor, the China Inland missionary, was desirous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a great victory.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... resolved that the managers of our Missionary Society should ... most prominent lenders
in the work of "reform ... Discipline," "speaking evil of our ministers," and of ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... of the Lord; so that our missionary friends will ... to our conference, our superintendents,
our ministers, and members ... by which he has performed the mighty work! ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... The ministers fear that their people should go before them in religious light. ... One
missionary pursued the work so far as to feed and clothe the children ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

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