The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama

This book provides an overview of the grand narrative of the Bible, showing how God's action in the world gives meaning to our lives and provides us with a foundation for our actions. The authors' bestselling textbook, The Drama of Scripture,presented this message for a student audience. It was then abridged and published at a more popular level as The True Story of the Whole World. This revised edition has been further updated and streamlined throughout for church readers and small groups. It includes contemporary reflection sections and discussion questions for individual or group use in each chapter.From the Back CoverA Creative Overview of the Bible's Grand NarrativeThe True Story of the Whole World explores the grand story line of the Bible, showing how God's action in the world gives meaning to our lives and provides us with a foundation for our actions. This revised edition has been updated and streamlined throughout."What a shockingly bold title, The True Story of the Whole World,and it lives up to every word. This book masterfully synthesizes the biblical narrative without sacrificing important exegetical details. It prompts readers to sit back in awe of the history of redemption while also compelling them to get on with Jesus's kingdom mission. Its predecessor, The Drama of Scripture, was required reading for all our church's interns and residents. I am now thrilled to recommend this more accessible version to our whole church."--Jonathan Dodson,lead pastor, City Life Church, Austin, Texas; author of Our Good Crisis: Overcoming Moral Chaos with the Beatitudes"I know of no book that is more important to our current and emerging times than The True Story of the Whole World. This book is accessible and tremendously impactful. Goheen and Bartholomew have immersed me and so many others in the world-altering story of Jesus Christ. Their book presents a breadth of biblical wisdom that helps us make sense of why the modern church is anemic in its calling to be the light of the world. I recommend The True Story of the Whole World to anyone who desires wisdom. Read and apply this book to your lives and ministries."--Tyler Johnson, lead pastor, Redemption Church ArizonaPraise for Bartholomew and Goheen's The Drama of Scripture"I am delighted to see solid scholarship made easily accessible in this splendid fashion."--N. T. Wright, University of St. Andrews"This engaging book opens up for students the panoramic vision of the Bible."--Mary E. Healy, Sacred Heart Major SeminaryAbout the AuthorMichael W. Goheen (PhD, University of Utrecht) is director of theological education at the Missional Training Center, scholar-in-residence, Surge Network of Churches-Phoenix, and professor of missional theology at Covenant Theological Seminary. Goheen is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including The Drama of Scripture, Living at the Crossroads, A Light to the Nations, and The Church and Its Vocation. He splits his time between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Phoenix, Arizona.Craig G. Bartholomew (PhD, University of Bristol) is director of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, England. He was formerly senior research fellow at the University of Gloucestershire and the H. Evan Runner Professor of Philosophy at Redeemer University College. He is the author or editor of many books, including a forthcoming four-volume project on God and the Old Testament. His most recent books include The Doctrine of Creation: A Constructive Kuyperian Approach (coauthored with Bruce R. Ashford) and The God Who Acts in History: The Significance of Sinai. Bartholomew is also the coauthor (with Michael W. Goheen) of The Drama of Scripture, Living at the Crossroads, and Christian Philosophy.