Each book of the New Testament ends with a call for mission. St. Peter records that this call is to proclaim the divine characters of God who has called us from darkness to his glorious light. Karl Barth, the German theologian said, “Mission belongs to God (Missio Dei)”. “God, the greatest missionary has sent his own son as a missionary to the world to become a sacrifice”. The Bible speaks of a God who sends. God sent his word (Sabda, logos) and created the world. He sends his spirit continuously to renew the creation. He sends his people to preach. God prepares the church for the mission. Even the Old Testament gives the thought that the mighty works of God to be proclaimed among the non Jewish people also (Ps. 105:1).  

1. The Ministry of Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-16).

The text 2 kings 2:9-16 speaks of Elisha, the disciple of Elijah receiving a double share of strength almost at the end of the ministry of the powerful prophet Elijah. Finally Elisha also performed a powerful ministry. God has promised the New Testament church the spirit that is going to fill all the people. The apostles were waiting for the infilling of the Holy Spirit according to the promise of the Lord Jesus (Lk. 24:52,53; Acts 1:1-11). Luke records that as the Lord has promised on the day of Pentecost the disciple have received the abundant manifestation of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Thus, they began to witness the Lord. The Lord said, “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” (Acts 1:8). This is the mission of the church. Through word and deed we should bear witness to Christ. Since the Holy Spirit is giving leadership to this mission, though there are a lot of oppositions this ‘Christ mission’ is reaching throughout the world. 

2.    The ministry of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)

Stephen was one of the seven elected to serve at the table. But he did miracles and wonders among the people filled with divine grace and power (Acts 6:8). But he was killed who died as a martyr. The message of Christ may not be always comfortable one. It has challenges and even martyrdom if it demands. But ‘the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church’. 

3.    The Great commission of Jesus (Matt. 28:16-20) 

 Jesus taught, ‘teach all people and make them disciples’ – this was the great commission of the Jesus. This is the chemistry of the churchs' missionary activities – the great commission of Jesus. To obey this command the apostles travelled, preached, taught, healed, baptized people and planted churches. Even today this mission is getting fulfilled.