Championing Missions: Andrew Murray’s Core Belief
Andrew Murray’s core belief revolved around the importance of missions in the Christian community. Murray believed that every Christian had a role to play in fulfilling this mission, whether through prayer, financial support, or physically going to the mission field. For him, missions were not just a secondary aspect of Christianity; they were the chief end of the Church. Murray firmly believed in fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations. He encouraged his congregation and fellow believers to be actively involved in spreading the Gospel to all corners of the world.
Murray’s belief in the importance of missions was not just theoretical; it manifested in his own life and work. He actively participated in missionary activities, particularly in his native South Africa. Murray played a key role in establishing mission stations and schools, and he tirelessly worked to train and equip missionaries.
Murray’s emphasis on missions was rooted in his understanding of the Gospel. He believed that the Gospel was meant to be shared with all people, regardless of their background or location. Murray saw missions as an essential part of the Christian faith, not just for the sake of conversion, but also for the transformation of individuals and communities.
In his book The Key to the Missionary Problem, Murray stated, “The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions.” This sentiment captures the essence of his beliefs and the legacy he left behind. Andrew Murray’s passion for missions continues to inspire and challenge believers to take an active role in fulfilling the Great Commission. He is forever connected to the Great Commission: “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.” – Matthew 28:19
Holiness and Spirituality in Murray’s Writings
In his writings, Andrew Murray also placed a strong emphasis on holiness and spirituality, urging believers to pursue a life of consecration and intimacy with God. He believed that holiness was not just a moral obligation but a necessary condition for experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and power in one’s life. Murray wrote extensively about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to yield themselves completely to Him.
One of Murray’s key teachings was the concept of “abiding in Christ.” He encouraged believers to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus, emphasizing the importance of daily communion and dependence on Him. In Murray’s book, Abide in Christ, he writes, “The Christian life is an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus. It is about abiding in Him, drawing strength and sustenance from Him, and allowing His life to flow through us.”
Another central theme in Murray’s writings was the practice of surrendering to God’s will. He believed that true spirituality required a complete surrender of one’s desires, ambitions, and control, allowing God to work through them. Murray often quoted Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
