Topical Encyclopedia Definition and PurposeMissions in the Christian context refers to the endeavor of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, making disciples, and establishing churches. This task is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). The purpose of missions is to fulfill God's redemptive plan for humanity, bringing individuals into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and teaching them to observe all that He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). Biblical Foundation The concept of missions is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. From the Old Testament, God's heart for the nations is evident. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" . This promise sets the stage for the universal scope of God's salvation plan. In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry exemplifies the mission to reach the lost. He declares, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). 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). This commission underscores the global and inclusive nature of the mission. 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, became a hub for missionary activity, sending out Paul and Barnabas to spread the Gospel (Acts 13:2-3). The church's role in missions is to equip, send, and support missionaries, as well as to engage in evangelism and discipleship within their own communities. Paul's missionary journeys, recorded in the New Testament, highlight the strategic approach to missions, including preaching, teaching, and establishing local churches. His letters to the churches often emphasize the importance of supporting missionary work and praying for the spread of the Gospel (Philippians 4:15-16; Colossians 4:3). Theological Implications Missions is not merely an activity of the church but is central to its identity and purpose. It reflects the missional nature of God, who desires "all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). The task of missions is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling believers to participate in God's work of reconciling the world to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Challenges and Opportunities Throughout history, missions have faced numerous challenges, including cultural barriers, persecution, and logistical difficulties. However, these challenges also present opportunities for the church to demonstrate the love and power of the Gospel. The modern missionary movement has expanded to include various forms of outreach, such as medical missions, educational programs, and social justice initiatives, all aimed at holistic transformation. Conclusion While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that missions remain a vital and dynamic aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to engage with the world in obedience to Christ's command and in anticipation of His return. Library Missions Thoughts on Missions Episcopal Missions. Moravian Missions. Gospel Missions Prayer and Missions American Board of Foreign Missions. Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church. American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. Church of Scotland Missions. Thesaurus Missions (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Missions (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 21:5 David answered the priest, and said to him, "Truly, women have been ... /m/missions.htm - 6k Mission (14 Occurrences) Mist (17 Occurrences) Jubilee (25 Occurrences) Ir-ha-heres Irhaheres Philippians (2 Occurrences) Congregation (347 Occurrences) Christianity Praetorian (2 Occurrences) Resources What are the pros and cons of short-term missions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about world missions? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian missions? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Missions (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 21:5 Subtopics Missions: General Scriptures Concerning Missions: The First One to do Homage to the Messiah Were not Jewish Related Terms |
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