In Matthew 28: 19, 20, we see the great commission that the risen Christ gives. This is the foundation of the mission. It can be said that each book of the New Testament ends with an exhortation of mission. Peter records that we are called from darkness to light to declare the good works of God. The theologian Karl Barth said that the ‘Mission belongs to God’- Missio Dei. ‘God the biggest missionary sent his only son as a missionary to be a sacrifice’. The God who sends is seen in the Bible. God sent his word (voice, words) and created the world; he renews his creation by sending his spirit; he sends his people to preach. He also prepares the church for mission. To make known God’s works among the nations is an Old Testament thought (Psalm 105:1).

1. Ministry of God’s Spirit (2 Kings 2: 9-16)
Elijah did a ministry of God’s spirit and power. In 2 Kings 2: 9- 16 we see Elisha, the disciple of Elijah, receiving the double portion of Elijah’s spirit at the end of Elijah’s ministry. For the New Testament Church God promises a spirit that is poured out to all. Relying on what the Lord said, the apostles waited for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24: 52, 53; Acts 1: 1 -11). Luke records that, like how God promised, they received the power of the Spirit (Acts 2). They then started testifying Christ. This is what the Lord said: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This is the duty of the Church. Through the words and deeds we should declare the testimony of God. Because the Holy Spirit takes initiative of this ministry, even though there are tribulations, the testimony of Christ reaches all the places.

2. Spirit- filled New Testament Ministers (Acts 7: 54- 60)
“Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them” (Acts 6:3).Stephen was one among the seven. He was a man full of God’s grace and power and he did great wonders and miraculous signs (Acts 6:8). Ultimately he became a martyr. God’s mission is not an easy one, for there are challenges and if necessary, even martyrdom. But the blood of the martyr is the seed of the church.

3. Spirit-filled Great Commission (Mat. 28: 16- 20)
What Jesus taught is to teach and make disciples of all nations. This was the great commission that God gave. The important chemistry of the Church’s missionary work is this- Christ’s great commission. The Apostles followed this and journeyed. They preached, taught, did the ministry of healing, baptized those who believed and built churches (Mark 16: 15 -18). Even today this mission is being fulfilled.