The original audience for the Gospel of Matthew included converts from Judaism who wrestled with how to be faithful to Jesus Christ under difficult circumstances in a changing world. The Gospel of Matthew became a first-aid manual for this church in the midst of a struggle. Thomas Long identifies this first audience and its faith within the social and religious context of the day and clarifies the structure of the Gospel. Providing examples of contemporary relevance, Long helps today's reader discern the significance of this guide for faithful living in today's church. Books in the Westminster Bible Companion series assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice. Each volume explains the biblical book in its original historical context and explores its significance for faithful living today. These books are ideal for individual study and for Bible study classes and groups.

In this volume are the Bible answers to many of the questions some may have about some of the teachings in the Scriptures. What is Gods desire and purpose in creation? What is the gift of God the Father? Of God the Son? Of God the Holy Spirit? What is the relationship of God, Satan, and man to one another? Who is God the Holy Spirit, and what is his work? Was Satan created? Will mans soul/spirit exist forevermore? What is the origin, the purpose, and the destiny of man? What is sin? What is death, physical and spiritual? Who is the source of all lies and all evil, wickedness, and sin? Who is the source of all truth, logic, reason, and all that is good, righteous, and wise? What is the cause of all sorrow, suffering, pain, sickness, and death? Whose sins are washed away? Can one be pleasing to God and be a soldier, a policeman? Does God desire/approve of any person enslaving another? Is man under any law from God today? Is man shaped by nurture or nature? What must one do to be saved, have his sins forgiven, and live forevermore in heaven with the godhead three? What is the power of God that can save the soul to live forevermore in heaven? What are the things which must shortly come to pass for the time is at hand and revealed by signs to the Apostle John by Jesus Christ? (Revelation 1:13)

January 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the Fresh Expressions movement which spread internationally and denominationally from its origins in the Church of England. Graham Cray was its first National Leader. Countless new forms of church have emerged through Fresh Expressions, the Church Army, New Wine, and various pioneer network. On Mission with Jesus offers a theological understanding of the missional nature of the church, which will undergird and inform local practice and assist ministerial and pioneer training. Its central argument is that the Church’s inherited understanding of itself imprisons the imagination of local congregations and in ten chapters, Graham Cray seeks to establish a new self-understanding for local congregations: 1. Updating Default Settings 2. Sharing in the Mission of God 3. Making Disciples 4. Following the Spirit 5. Shaping the Church 6. Anticipating the Future 7. Joining the family Business 8. Being a Pilgrim People 9. Recognising Jesus in the Church 10. Becoming a Jesus on Mission-Shaped Church