Highly regarded biblical scholar and speaker Christopher Wright shows us that how we read the Bible has a profound impact on how we understand what mission is. According to Wright, "People read (and preach) the Bible in tiny bits and pieces, for its promises or rules or doctrines, and fail to take it . . . as the true story of the universe, past, present, and future, within the plan and purposes of God--as the true story of the universe, past, present, and future, within the plan and purposes of God--a story in which we are called to participate as coworkers with God."

Wright encourages us to explore the Bible's grand narrative and to bring the whole counsel of God in Scripture to our understanding of who we are and what we must do as God's people. He helps us understand mission in its broadest sense, including our creational responsibilities. Wright's goal is to get us excited about the dramatic vista of the whole Bible and to help us understand the breadth and depth of missional engagement that we are called to live as actors in that drama.

Contents

Introduction

1. A Missional Hermeneutic of Scripture

2. The Great Story as a Drama in Seven Acts

3. What Does the Great Story Do?

4. The Great Commission and the Five Marks of Mission

5. Building the Church through Evangelism and Teaching

6. Serving Society through Compassion and Justice

7. The Goodness and Glory of Creation

8. The Goal of Creation

9. The Great Story, the Great Commission, and the Church's Mission

Index