Bible Studies/missionaries

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Expert: - 1/23/2006


Question
who were the first foreign missionaries

Answer
Hi Brenda,

  In the New Testament Era, it would be Christ's disciples. Mark 16.15.

  In the Old Testament, it would have been the nation of Israel under Moses, which was to be a positive or negative example to all nations (Deu.26:19, 28:37).

Prior to Moses, it would have been Noah (2 Pet. 2:5) who preached to the whole world before the flood, and who, according to some traditions, planted colonies all around the world after the flood.

Prior to Noah, it would have been Adam and Eve who should have been a positive example as well as teachers of all their children about God's way of life, a message from God's throne to the people of earth.
And in that sense, God and Christ were the first, since the message originated with them and was transmitted by them to the people on earth.

But if you are looking for the name of some human group, then you should try contacting each of those groups regarding their separate histories. Of course, the Catholics claim to be the oldest and would appear to win that contest.

Hope this helps. Feel free to write anytime, as long as it is not a homework question.
Sincerely,
Mel and Guyna

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Mel and Guyna Horne

Expertise

Anyone can read the Bible but sometimes it helps to have someone assist with the understanding (Acts 8:26-40). Truth comes from God through his holy spirit of truth (Jn. 16:13, 1Cor. 2:12), which is available to anyone who believes, repents and seeks God fervently and wholeheartedly, with humility, faith and persistence (Mat. 7:7, Deu. 4:29, Isa. 66:2, Jas. 4:1-10, Phil. 2:12). Truth is not limited to, or by, man’s religious organizations, church traditions, popular beliefs or personal opinions (Jn. 8:32, 14:6). We will try to help anyone who is trying to understand scripture or Christian living. [Please do not submit homework questions as they will be rejected.]

Experience

Over 40 years of personal study of the entire Bible (Deu. 8:3, Mat. 4:4, 2Tim. 3:16, Deu. 4:12, Rev. 22:18). B.A. in Theology with continuing studies in religious history and education (2Tim 2:15, 1Ths. 5:21). Years of informal counseling of young adults, teens, couples, and prisoners, based on scripture and on actual life experience in the world outside of classrooms and church buildings and including a long and happy marriage. After years of experience with organized religion, we are non-denominational. Publications: http://thechurchofgodinamerica.com/index.htm; http://www.reocities.com/Athens/Forum/1611/books on God's Holy Days, Lying, the Sacred Names Doctrine; articles on Terrorism and Islam, the Gospel of Christ, Preparing Yourself for Life in the Kingdom of Christ; What Happens After Death; currently developing 70+ college-level courses for Theology and Christian Living studies.

Organizations
Organizations are of men, not God. While God may use some of them to facilitate his plan, organizations train their people to follow, not to lead. God was able to create the whole Creation, as we see it, in only six days, because he did not use a committee. Ten years after 9/11, the only thing approved for construction there was a mosque.

Education/Credentials
"If a man would teach others, he must first teach himself." - Source Unknown. B.A. in Theology, over 50 years of personal study, the last twelve of which have been full time study and research resulting in publication of several books and many articles.

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