Within evangelical culture conversion in described almost exclusively in individualistic terms. We talk, for example, about "inviting Christ into one's heart." But conversion has a horizontal or social dimension as well as vertical or spiritual dimension. Redemption affects social structures and relationships. What, then, does it mean for the church to function as a redeemed community? As a corporate body how does it manifest the righteousness and justice of Christ's kingdom? What does this mean in practical terms for a church that is divided by class and race and when every night half of the world goes to bed hungry? These are some questions that are the concern of this book.

Because of sin we live in a broken and dysfunctional world. Global issues of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, homelessness, disease, violence, drug trafficking and abuse, and human trafficking face us at every turn. More than ever, there is the need for clarity on what the Bible says about justice. This six-week study looks at God's mandate to work for justice and mercy, with a focus on what Jesus says about this topic in the book of Luke. It addresses two main questions. First, what is justice? And, secondly, what is our obligation as Christians, both individually and corporately, to be persons of justice? The lessons for each week are divided into two parts: (1) personal study and reflection; and (2) group study.