Mission of the church

The power and authority of the church’s mission

Believers are sent out by Jesus Christ

John 15:16 NIV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

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Believers are given authority by Jesus Christ

Luke 9:1 NIV

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

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Believers continue Jesus Christ’s mission

John 20:21 NIV

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

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Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 NIV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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The task of the church in mission

Making disciples

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV

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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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Preaching and healing

Luke 9:2 NIV

and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

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Proclaiming the gospel

Acts 20:24 NIV

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

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Bearing witness to Jesus Christ

Acts 5:30–32 NIV

The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

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Bringing honour to God

Ephesians 3:10–11 NIV

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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The universal scope of the church’s mission

Luke 24:47 NIV

and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

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The church reaching out in mission

To the Jews

The disiples’ mission began with the Jews.

See also ; The scattered believers at first preached only to Jews.

To the Samaritans

Acts 8:4–8 NIV

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

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To the Gentiles

Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles:

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Peter preaches to Cornelius and his family; Scattered believers preach to the Gentiles; Paul begins his first missionary journey (with Barnabas); Paul begins his second missionary journey (with Silas); Paul is called to preach the gospel in Macedonia; Paul’s third missionary journey; Paul preaches the gospel in Rome.

Missions undertaken by church officials

Barnabas is sent to Antioch to strengthen the new church.

Paul and Barnabas take gifts to Jerusalem:

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Judas and Silas are sent to Antioch with a letter from the apostles and elders.