Let’s start this exploration with my favorite Bible verse about Missions;
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
What Does The Bible Say About Missions
The Bible teaches that missions are about spreading the good news of God’s love to all people, everywhere in the world, and this message is for everyone, no matter where they live, what language they speak, or what they believe right now. Missions are not just for a few people who go far away but are for every Christian because God wants us to tell others about His love and show His love through our actions, whether we are at home, at work, or in another country.
God’s plan has always included reaching people from every nation, and He wants everyone to know Him and be part of His family. This is why missions are important, because they are part of God’s great plan to bring people back to Him. When Christians go out and talk about Jesus, they are following what God wants, and they are helping others learn about the forgiveness and new life that God offers to anyone who believes in Him.
The Bible also teaches that missions involve not only speaking but also serving others in love. God cares about people’s needs, both their spiritual and physical needs, and He wants us to be His hands and feet in meeting those needs, whether it’s by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, or bringing comfort to those who are suffering. Missions remind us that God loves people completely, and as Christians, we should show that love by caring for others, whether they are close to us or far away.
As Christians, we are called to pray for others, to give to help others, and to go whenever and wherever God sends us. Missions are not always easy, and sometimes they may involve sacrifice or stepping out of our comfort zones, but when we remember that God is with us and that He gives us the strength we need, we can boldly share His love and make a difference in the world.
The Great Commission
Jesus’ command to spread His teachings to all nations is at the heart of Christian missions. The Great Commission calls every believer to be a part of God’s work, reaching out to others with love and purpose. Here are six verses that encourage Christians to go forth in Jesus’ name.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Acts 1:8
“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”
Mark 16:15
“Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.”
John 20:21
“Jesus repeated his greeting: ‘Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.’”
Romans 10:13-14
“Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help. But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them?”
Isaiah 6:8
“And then I heard the voice of the Master: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ I spoke up, ‘I’ll go. Send me!’”
Called to Serve
God calls people from every background to share His love and truth with the world. Answering the call to serve is an act of faith, courage, and dedication to God’s mission. Here are six verses that show how God has called us to serve in His name.
Matthew 9:37-38
“What a huge harvest! He said to his disciples, ‘How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!’”
Romans 10:15
“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him.”
2 Timothy 4:2
“Proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.”
John 4:35
“Take a good look at the fields; the crops are ready for harvest!”
Proverbs 11:30
“A good life is a fruit-bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls.”
Light of the World
As followers of Christ, we are called to be a light in the darkness, spreading hope and truth wherever we go. These verses inspire us to shine brightly for God and make an impact through our actions and words.
Matthew 5:14-16
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.”
Philippians 2:15
“Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.”
Isaiah 60:1
“Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God’s bright glory has risen for you.”
1 Peter 3:15
“Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
“It started when God said, ‘Light up the darkness!’ and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.”
John 8:12
“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Boldness in Faith
Taking the message of Christ to others requires courage and boldness, standing firm in faith and sharing God’s love boldly. Here are six verses that encourage believers to be bold in their mission.
Acts 4:29
“Take care of your servants now. Give us fearless confidence in preaching your Message.”
Joshua 1:9
“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
Psalm 27:1
“Light, space, zest—that’s God! So, with him on my side, I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.”
Romans 1:16
“It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!”
Ephesians 6:19
“And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all.”
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one’s after them; honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.”
Love for Others
True missions are motivated by love—the same love God has shown us. Sharing the gospel begins with a heart of compassion for others. These verses speak to the importance of loving others as we carry out God’s mission.
1 John 4:7
“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.”
John 13:34-35
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”
Romans 13:8
“Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
“But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”
Matthew 5:44
“I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.”
Galatians 5:13
“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.”
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool in missions, supporting, empowering, and protecting those who spread the gospel. These verses highlight the importance of prayer in the work of missions and encourage believers to pray fervently for God’s mission.
Colossians 4:3
“Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.”
Matthew 9:37-38
“He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is huge, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.’”
Philippians 4:6
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens.”
James 5:16
“Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”
Ephesians 6:18
“In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open.”
Overcoming Obstacles
The journey of spreading the gospel is often challenging, yet God promises to be with us and help us overcome. These verses remind us that, despite difficulties, God provides strength to persevere in His mission.
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear, for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”
Philippians 4:13
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
Psalm 23:4
“Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.”
Romans 8:31
“With God on our side like this, how can we lose?”
Joshua 1:5
“I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage!”
The Reward of Faithfulness
Sharing the gospel brings an eternal reward and deep satisfaction in knowing that we’ve done God’s work. These verses encourage believers to remain faithful, reminding them of the great reward for their efforts.
Matthew 25:21
“His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
“This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause!”
James 1:12
“Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
“With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”
Hebrews 6:10
“God doesn’t miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you’ve shown by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it.”
Revelation 22:12
“Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work.”
Quotes on Missions
“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” – John Piper
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” – Hudson Taylor
“If God calls you to be a missionary, don’t stoop to be a king.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Go, send, or disobey.” – John Wesley
“The mission of the church is missions.” – Oswald J. Smith
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot
“Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop, within a yard of hell.” – C.T. Studd
“We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.” – Oswald J. Smith
“Christ alone can save the world, but Christ cannot save the world alone.” – David Livingstone
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” – William Carey
Final Thought
Missions are at the very heart of God’s work. Through Scripture and the encouragement of Christian leaders, we see that every believer is called to play a part in sharing the gospel. Whether we go to far-off lands or reach out in our local communities, each act of faith in mission counts for God’s Kingdom. Be bold, compassionate, prayerful, and steadfast in the mission to spread His love.