Our Mission

"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8, NKJV)[1]

The church in Thessalonica understood their mission. Their proclamation of the word was exemplary. They spoke the word in the surrounding regions and wherever they went. This means that when believers from Thessalonica went to the market they shared the gospel. When they traveled to visit relatives they shared the gospel. When they attended social events, they shared the gospel. On vacation and while involved with their vocation they shared the word. Yes, it’s clear that the believers in Thessalonica understood the privilege and opportunity they were given to be a part of reaching their world with the gospel. Evidently, they didn’t see evangelism as and activity that only great evangelists like Paul embraced; nor did they see it as a part of some greater church program. No, the believers in the Thessalonica were so radically changed by the gospel, they were eager to share the good news with others. They seemed to understand their divine assignment.

Jesus said it simply after His resurrection, before His ascension, in each gospel in a slightly different way. In Matthew’s gospel He said, “Go therefore and make disciples…..” (Matthew 28:19). In Mark’s gospel He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel….” (Mark 16:15). In Luke’s gospel He said, “….repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…” (Luke 24:47). In John’s gospel He said, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21). Jesus clearly left “marching orders.” He gave them a mission, a critical mission, to reach a lost and dying world with the hope of the gospel.

Reading the book of Acts, it’s not too hard to see that the early church took their mission seriously. When persecution came against the church in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered and Acts 8 verse 4 says,
" Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." [2]
Wherever they went they were conscious of their mission, looking for opportunities to proclaim the word of God. They saw themselves as “ambassadors” (2 Cor 5:18-20) of the Lord, the King of Kings, proclaiming His offer of reconciliation to a rebellious world. They firmly believed that they had been saved, rescued, redeemed, and forgiven by the Lord Jesus and that there was no other hope for this world. They preached “Christ crucified.” They were not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, knowing that it is the power of God to salvation (Rom 1:16). They were saved by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8 & 9) and they wanted others to experience God’s abundant grace. They had a passion to proclaim the truth. The Lord’s love in their hearts (Romans 5:5) inspired broken hearts for the lost and therefore a zealous focus to reach their communities with the gospel. They understood that they had an opportunity to participate in this great work – that it wasn’t a work for professionals; but rather for all believers (Ephesians 4:12, 1 Peter 2:9). Yes, it’s clear from the testimony of scripture that the earliest Christian believers understood that the purpose of their lives was not for selfish pleasure or worldly pursuits but to fulfill the mission they had received from the Lord. We can all be thankful as we look back that the believers before us were faithful to share the gospel from generation to generation.

The commission of the Lord still stands. His “marching orders” are still valid. Our opportunity to be His “ambassadors,” has not ceased. The Lord has saved us out of this world, forgiving us, and giving us new life. He has saved us on purpose for a purpose. We’re here to continue to the work, to allow the Lord to use our lives, our talents, and our abilities to reach this world with the gospel. As believers in Jesus, as followers of the Lord, His agenda must be our agenda (Luke 6:46), His life is our life (Colossians 3:3), and His invitation is our invitation (Revelation 22:17).

Have you embraced the mission?





[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[2] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.