Does the Bible call all Christians to witness?

Author: BibleAsk Team


The Christians’ Witness

Christians are to witness and share their faith to their family, friends, and all those that cross their path. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Thus, the ultimate goal of Christianity is to save souls. “for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:9).

While all Christians are to witness for the non-believers, and share their faith, not all Christians are called to be full-time preachers. For there are diversity of callings within the church. The apostle Paul explained, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

In addition to the diversity of callings, there are also a variety of gifts as well. In Romans 12:8, the apostle Paul teaches that the various gifts are given according God’s revealed will: “he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” And In 1 Corinthians 12:25, we read that these gifts are given “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”

Those that are called to be preachers, they are to make witnessing their constant work. Paul wrote to Timothy saying, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus . . . I give you this charge: Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1–2). And these ministers will have a unique urge to preach. Paul said, “Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Jeremiah described that urge to witness as a “burning fire” (Jeremiah 20:8–9) that could not be quenched.

But how can a person know that he is called to be a preacher? If God is calling a Christian for the ministry, He will confirm His calling through His Word, the inner voice of the Holy Spirit, through Godly people in the church, and through open doors and opportunities to preach. Then, the prospective preacher must be examined by the church leadership by the requirements that outlined for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These affirmations will confirm the calling of God to the ministry and to witnessing.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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