Missions – From Fred’s Heart

The word Missions does not appear in the Bible, but a vast revelation is given to the theme of missionary work. The words evangelist and witness come closest in meaning to the subject. Old Testament references to the divine purpose of having God’s Word proclaimed include Proverbs 14:25-27; Isaiah 6:8, Acts 10:43 & 14:17. Old Testament missionary activity is seen in Joshua 2:18-19, 2 Kings 5:2-4, John 1:2 and 3:2. Psalm 96 is known as the missionary Psalm. During the present age, God is seeking men. (John 4:23) For this reason he calls His people to preach the gospel everywhere. (Matthew 28: 19-20, Acts 1:8.) Believers have an obligation to be ambassadors of Christ. (Romans 1:14-16, 2 Corinthians 5:20) They are assured of the presence of Christ. (Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5) They are put in trust with the gospel, (1 Thessalonians 2:4) and sent forth (John 17:18) through open doors, (1 Corinthians 16:9), into “the  regions beyond” (2 Corinthians 10:16). They are to preach the gospel, (Acts 10:42, 43) which is defined in 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4. They work under divine compulsion and use every means possible. (1 Corinthians 9:16, 22) Missionary activity is of primary importance. It is the secret of blessing upon the local congregation. Missionaries are to be helped by prayer, (2 Corinthians 1:11) and supported by the home churches, (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) as workers together with God. (2 Corinthians 6:1) This article was written by Fred Kornis in 1985 while living in the Philippines.