A deeper understanding of the grand history of mission leads to a faithful expression of God's mission today. From the beginning, God's mission has been carried out by people sent around the world. From Abraham to Jesus, the thread that weaves its way throughout Scripture is a God who sends his people across the world, proclaiming his kingdom. As the world has evolved, Christian mission continues to be a foundational tradition in the church. In this one-volume textbook, Edward Smither weaves together a comprehensive history of Christian mission, from the apostles to the modern church. In each era, he focuses on the people sent by God to the ends of the earth, while also describing the cultural context they encountered. Smither highlights the continuity and development across thousands of years of global mission.

Newly updated and expanded by Christopher J. H. Wright, John Stott's classic book presents an enduring and holistic view of Christian mission that must encompass both evangelism and social action. Through a thorough biblical exploration, Stott provides a biblically based approach to mission that addresses both spiritual and physical needs.

This book is a multi-faceted collection of readings focused on the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of the task of world evangelization. The editors have pooled the contributions of over 70 authors to provide laymen and college students with an introduction to the history and potential of the World Christian Movement, a movement of men and women who have responded with courage and conviction to the challenges of this task. - Back cover.

The urgent question for Christian mission in North America today has to do with churches and congregations and the crisis of their identity in the culture of modernity. According to Alan J. Roxburgh, the church has shifted from the center of culture to the margins. This text examines this shift and explores Victor Turner's work on liminality (a term describing the transition process that accompanies a change of state or social position).

Announcing the Kingdom provides a comprehensive survey of the biblical foundation of mission. It investigates the development of the kingdom of God theme in the Old Testament, describing what the concept tells us about God's mission in creation, the flood, and the covenant with Abraham. It then describes God's mission through the nation of Israel during the exodus, at Mt. Sinai, and through the kings of Israel. The book then examines God's mission as Israel is sent into exile and the stage is set for the Messiah's coming. Finally, the book considers the fulfillment of the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ and the church. It examines Jesus' parables and ministry, his proclamation of God's kingdom among the nations, and the work of the Holy Spirit through the church. Announcing the Kingdom is the product of Arthur Glasser's more than thirty years of teaching and has been used by thousands of students at Fuller Theological Seminary. Now revised by Glasser's colleagues, this study provides mission workers and students with a new understanding of their calling and its biblical foundation.

"The title Are You a Christian or a Disciple? boldly addresses a question that has ultimate implications for every Christ Follower, and which God seems to be pushing into the center of today's global "Christian" conversation. Well researched and presented, this book is going to challenge thinking about what it means to be a disciple-- nothing less than a fully devoted follower of Jesus! Ed Gross has given the church a very timely, provocative, and practical resource!" Jerry Trousdale - author of the best-selling book: Miraculous Movements: How Hundreds of Thousands of Muslims are Falling in Love with Jesus "With an authentic love for the church and a rigorous commitment to Biblical study, Ed takes on the task of showing us how we have lost the true meaning of discipleship, replacing it with a comfortable-living brand of Christianity that ignores how Jesus taught his disciples to be and to make disciples. This book may challenge long held notions of effective evangelism, missions, ministry, and discipleship. I've seen, in several places around the world, the 1st century brand of explosive disciple-making that Ed talks about. Can it happen here? That may depend on how we respond to the question, Are You a Christian or a Disciple?" - Dr. Dave Hunt - VP Disciple Making Movements in the Americas - CityTeam International "When Ed preaches, he preaches even to the point of tears. In this book Dr. Gross passionately pleads that you, I, the whole church will take the Word of God at face value, particularly Jesus' command to make disciples." Dr. Robert Styer, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, Director of the Comprehensive Science Program, Villanova University Edward N Gross (DMis-Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Coordinator of Strategic Alliances with CityNet Ministries in Philadelphia, PA. He has served in missions, church planting, pastoral ministry and theological education in the USA and abroad. He teaches at Back to the Bible Training College in South Africa. Ed has been married to his wife Debby for 37 years.

If you want to reach the whole world for Messiah Jesus, this is the book you need. Fashioned in the foundry of the Holy Spirit and forged on the anvil of prayer ... this writing is your answer to world outreach. Combining real world military operations with the mandate from the Commander ... you will find the keys for successful evangelization of every tribe, language group, culture and nation. (Revelation 5:9) Specific rules of engagement, guidelines and elements of war-with suggestions for options-are interspersed throughout the book at appropriate sections for creative reflection and planning. How to implement the offensive-along with "What if's"-help the Christian worker to formulate a flexible, but systematic, plan of action. And, just as important, a methodized program for follow up with maximum results. This book is more than a treatise on End Time evangelism. It is-at the same time-a construct for organic synthesis to plant and grow new Messianic Synagogues and Churches. Act on your thoughts and instincts. Lift up your vision. Finish the work you've been assigned. The Mashiach of Israel is waiting!

Readers will discover the remarkable stories of those who have suffered for the cause of Christ throughout the course of history. This volume reveals what inspired the great heroes of faith and drove them to give their all.

The definitive guide to global prayer has been updated and revised to cover the entire populated world. Whether you are an intercessor praying behind the scenes or a missionary abroad, Operation World gives you the information you need to play a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission. (Copublished with Global Mapping International.)

This new addition to a highly acclaimed series portrays the sweep of missions history, revealing how God has fulfilled his promise to bless all the nations. Two leading missionary scholars and experienced professors help readers understand how missions began, how missions developed, and where missions is going. The authors cover all of missions history and provide practical application of history's lessons. Maps, tables, box inserts, sidebars, and discussion questions add to the book's usefulness in the classroom.