Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope The term "mission" in a biblical context refers to the divinely ordained task of spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. This concept is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The mission encompasses evangelism, teaching, and baptizing, aiming to bring individuals into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Biblical Foundation The foundation of mission work is deeply embedded in Scripture. In the Old Testament, God's covenant with Abraham includes the promise that "all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3), indicating a global scope for God's redemptive plan. The prophets also speak of a time when the nations will turn to the Lord (Isaiah 2:2-3). In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry exemplifies the mission, as He reaches out to Jews and Gentiles alike. The Gospel of Luke records Jesus' mission statement: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18). After His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The Role of the Church The early church embraced the mission mandate, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. The church in Antioch, for example, becomes a hub for missionary activity, sending out Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3). The apostolic letters further encourage believers to support mission work, as Paul writes to the Romans, "How can they hear without someone to preach?" (Romans 10:14). The church is called to be a light to the nations, reflecting the character of Christ and proclaiming His Gospel. This involves both verbal proclamation and living out the Gospel through acts of love and service. The mission is not limited to professional missionaries but is the responsibility of every believer, as Peter writes, "But you are a chosen people...that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Challenges and Opportunities Throughout history, the mission has faced numerous challenges, including persecution, cultural barriers, and theological disputes. However, these challenges have often led to greater opportunities for the spread of the Gospel. The early church's persecution in Jerusalem, for instance, resulted in the dispersion of believers who "preached the word wherever they went" (Acts 8:4). In contemporary times, globalization and technological advancements have opened new avenues for mission work. The internet and social media provide platforms for reaching unreached people groups, while increased migration has brought the mission field to many believers' doorsteps. Theological Implications The mission is not merely an activity of the church but is central to God's redemptive plan. It reflects God's heart for the lost and His desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). The mission underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and the inclusivity of God's kingdom, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries. Conclusion While the mission is a divine mandate, it is also a privilege for believers to participate in God's work of redemption. It requires reliance on the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you" (Acts 1:8). The mission is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope it brings to a broken world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of sending, or the state of being sent; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; commission.2. (n.) That with which a messenger or agent is charged; an errand; business or duty on which one is sent; a commission. 3. (n.) Persons sent; any number of persons appointed to perform any service; a delegation; an embassy. 4. (n.) An association or organization of missionaries; a station or residence of missionaries. 5. (n.) An organization for worship and work, dependent on one or more churches. 6. (n.) A course of extraordinary sermons and services at a particular place and time for the special purpose of quickening the faith and zeal participants, and of converting unbelievers. 7. (n.) Dismissal; discharge from service. 8. (v. t.) To send on a mission. Greek 652. apostolos -- a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle ... a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: apostolos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os'-tol-os) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/652.htm - 7k 649. apostello -- to send, send away 4875. sunanapauomai -- to lie down to rest with, fig. to be ... 1248. diakonia -- service, ministry 4433. ptocheuo -- to be a beggar, be destitute 5217. hupago -- to lead or bring under, to lead on slowly, to ... 1821. exapostello -- to send forth or away Strong's Hebrew 4917. mishlachath -- a discharge, deputation, sending... discharge, sending. Feminine of mishlowach; a mission, ie (abstractly) and favorable) release, or (concretely and unfavorable) an army -- discharge, sending. ... /hebrew/4917.htm - 6k 1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner Library The Church Mission. A Home Mission Sermon Whether the Invisible Mission is to all who Participate Grace? The Almora Mission. The Mission in 1894 The Mission of the Twelve My Mission-Field. The Meaning and Mission of Prayer The Mission of the Son of Man The Mission of the Christian Home. Thesaurus Mission (14 Occurrences)... 7. (n.) Dismissal; discharge from service. 8. (vt) To send on a mission. Multi-Version Concordance Mission (14 Occurrences). ... /m/mission.htm - 11k Paul (207 Occurrences) Seventy (97 Occurrences) Consist (7 Occurrences) Weeks (17 Occurrences) Timothy (28 Occurrences) Transfiguration Disciples (277 Occurrences) Millennium Miracle (15 Occurrences) 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 Concordance Mission (14 Occurrences)Matthew 10:5 Luke 13:32 Acts 12:25 2 Corinthians 11:12 Galatians 2:8 Galatians 2:9 Revelation 9:5 Numbers 23:20 Joshua 22:3 1 Samuel 15:18 1 Samuel 15:20 1 Samuel 21:2 Psalms 78:49 Isaiah 48:15 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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