Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 29, 2017 — Find a quiet, comfortable spot and enter into the story of God’s Word with the NIV Reader’s Bible.

Designed for a seamless reading experience, this Bible contains the complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear NIV translation in single-column format, without chapter and verse numbers in the text, so you can fully engage in the story of Scripture.

With footnotes at the back of each book and scripture references elegantly noted at the top of each page, you can smoothly read from Genesis to Revelation while still accessing the references you need.

“We are pleased to offer the bestselling NIV translation in a reader’s format,” says Melinda Bouma, associate publisher, Zondervan Bible Group. “Seeing Bible readers embrace alternative ways to read God’s Word, as an additive to their Bible reading experience, encourages a reinvigorated passion for reading the Bible.”

Bouma adds: “This special edition of the NIV translation features line-matched text for an optimum reading experience, places footnotes at the back of each Bible book for reference, and Scripture references are elegantly noted at the top of each page to help the reader still find their place within the broader story. All of these elements and more will aid Bible readers as they become captivated by the story of Scripture.”

Features include:

• Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version text
• Readable single-column, black letter text
• Line-matched text for the optimum reading experience
• Verse numbers removed throughout text
• Footnotes follow every book
• Scripture reference included at the top of each page
• Ribbon marker
• 10.5-point type size

Product formats on sale October 3, 2017:

• ISBN 9780310446613, Cloth over Board, Gold/Gray, 1,984 pages, $34.99
• ISBN 9780310446620, Imitation Leather, Brown, 1,984 pages, $49.99
• ISBN 9780310447085, Imitation Leather, Brown, 1,984 pages, $49.99

The New International Version (NIV) is the world’s bestselling modern-English Bible translation—accurate, readable, and clear, yet rich with the detail found in the original languages. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research in order to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica, a nonprofit ministry organization, translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world. To learn more, visit www.thenivbible.com.

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Trinity McFadden, Senior Manager of Publicity
616-698-3514 | trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com

Modern Apologetics Classic Completely Updated and Expanded for a New Generation Facing New Challenges to the Christian Faith 

Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2017 – Thomas Nelson is pleased to announce a completely updated and expanded edition of the modern apologetics classic Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World, on sale October 3, 2017.

Over 1 million copies of Evidence That Demands a Verdict are currently in print, making it one of the most widely used and trusted manuals on Christian apologetics. Since the last update of Evidence in 1999, Josh McDowell and his son Sean have begun working together on some ministry fronts. In this new edition, significant new content has been developed by both authors.

“Evidence was first published with Campus Crusade for Christ in 1972 to arm thoughtful Christ followers with knowledge to defend and proactively present the Christian faith,” says Daniel Marrs, associate publisher, Thomas Nelson Bible Group. “Since that initial release, more than one million copies of this classic apologetics resource have been sold. The truth of the Bible doesn’t change—but its critics do. So we’re excited to present this fully updated and expanded edition that addresses the latest challenges to the Christian faith with brand new research from Josh and Sean. We here at Thomas Nelson are delighted for the opportunity to continue partnering with Josh, Sean, and Josh McDowell Ministry to steward this resource for the Kingdom in the coming years.”

“Over forty years ago, I saw that Christian readers needed answers to defend their faith against the harshest critics and skeptics,” says Josh McDowell. “Sean and I invite readers to bring their doubts and to not shy away from the tough questions. This new, completely revised and updated edition of Evidence brings historical documentation and some of the best modern scholarship to bear on the trustworthiness of the Bible and its teachings.”

“Evidence has been a trusted resource for believers young and old and has encouraged and strengthened the faith of millions,” says Sean McDowell. “I’m honored to have partnered with my dad on this new edition, and I’m eager to see how it will impact the faith and evangelism of a new generation.”

Evidence That Demands a Verdict has been endorsed by Jim Daly, Eric Metaxas, Lee Strobel, Louie Giglio, Ravi Zacharias, Joni Eareckson Tada, among many others, and it is being supported by national advertising and publicity campaigns. Learn more at www.ReadEvidence.com.

As a young man, Josh McDowell considered himself an agnostic. He truly believed that Christianity was worthless. However, when challenged to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity, Josh discovered compelling and overwhelming evidence for the reliability of the Christian faith. After trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, Josh’s life changed dramatically as he experienced the power of God’s love. After his conversion, Josh committed his life to telling a doubting world about the truth of Jesus Christ. After studying at Kellogg College, Josh completed his college degree at Wheaton College and then attended Talbot Theological Seminary, graduating magna cum laude with a Masters of Divinity. Working with Campus Crusade for Christ and founding the youth outreach, Josh McDowell Ministry, Josh has shared the gospel with more than 25 million people in 125 countries. He is the author or co-author of 147 books. Learn more about Josh McDowell and Josh McDowell Ministry at www.josh.org.

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, especially young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support of a biblical worldview. Sean is an assistant professor in Biola University’s Christian Apologetics program and the resident scholar for Summit California. A regular speaker for organizations like Focus on the Family, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and Youth Specialties, among others, Sean is the author, co-author, or editor of over eighteen books and is a frequent guest on radio shows like FamilyLife Today® and Point of View. Learn more about Sean McDowell at www.seanmcdowell.org.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Trinity McFadden, Senior Manager of Publicity
616-698-3514 | trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com

The NMB is the updated version of William Tyndale’s original 1535 Bible translation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (September 29, 2017) – The world’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (BibleGateway.com; @BibleGateway), has now added one more Bible to its online collection of over 200 freely available Bible versions.

In time for International Translation Day (Sept. 30, to honor St. Jerome, the Bible translator considered the patron saint of translators), the New Matthew Bible (NMB) is now available to be read online and in the award-winning free Bible Gateway App for tablets and smartphones.

The NMB is the New Testament William Tyndale translated in 1535, gently updated for today. Not a new translation, it’s Tyndale’s original work, made understandable for modern readers by editor Ruth Magnusson Davis.

This New Testament translation was first published in the Matthew Bible, which was the work of Tyndale’s friend John Rogers, in 1537. The Matthew Bible formed the basis of the King James Version (KJV) Bible published a century later.

“Throughout the updating process, my goal was to retain Tyndale’s style and poetry and to guard the historic language of the faith,” says Davis. “The reader will find much that is familiar in the beauty of these scriptures, but will be pleased with the greater flow and clarity.”

While making old English understandable to modern readers, Davis has been faithful to detail. For example, ‘tribute’ (payment to a foreign ruler), remains ‘tribute’ (not changed to ‘tax’) in the NMB. Another example compares part of John 18:37 in the Matthew Bible with the NMB, KJV, and New International Version (NIV):

Matthew Bible – For this cause was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. And all that are of the truth hear my voice.

New Matthew Bible – For this cause I was born, and for this cause I came into the world: that I should bear witness to the truth. And all who are of the truth hear my voice.

King James Version – To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

New International Version – In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.

Bible Gateway is ranked number one on global search engines and the leading Bible website relied on by people in more than 200 countries. Among its many features that augment the NMB and other Bible translations are the abilities to:

• read translator footnotes within the context of Bible verses
• write notes while reading Bible verses and save them to a personal account
• easily share Bible verses with friends using Twitter, Facebook, email, and print.

Bible Gateway Plus is a paid service that gives members a banner ad-free Scripture reading experience on Bible Gateway, and unlimited 24/7 instant digital access to a valuable library of bestselling and critically-acclaimed Bible reference books and devotionals.

About Bible Gateway
As the Internet’s largest Christian website, Bible Gateway seeks to equip people to read and understand the Bible, wherever they are. Celebrating 25 years online, Bible Gateway offers free access to the Bible in more than 200 Bible versions and more than 70 languages. Bible Gateway also offers the membership service Bible Gateway Plus, which begins with a 30-day free trial. Bible Gateway’s engagement features include its daily Blog; more than 60 email devotions, Bible reading plans, and verses-of-the-day; award-winning mobile app; audio Bibles; video interviews; Bible reference books; shareable widgets; advanced search tools; retail store; and more. The company is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Please frequent Bible Gateway at biblegateway.com.

Contact:  Jonathan Petersen, Marketing Manager, Bible Gateway
616.656.7159 jonathan.petersen@biblegateway.com

This news release is online at http://bg4.me/newmatthewbible

Ada, Mich. (September 29, 2017)—The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) named Lynette Eason Mentor of the Year at their conference awards gala in Dallas, TX, on September 23. This honor is given to an ACFW member nominated by a fellow member for generously offering her time and providing encouragement and who is dedicated to writing and the Christian fiction market. ACFW is a professional organization seeking to empower Christian novelists by helping to inspire and guide them through the writing and publishing process.

Eason also won a Carol Award for Always Watching in the Romantic Suspense category. The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition of the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year. For the complete list of winning titles, please visit https://www.acfw.com/carol/carol_award_winners_2017.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Without Warning, Moving Target, and Chasing Secrets in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina.

Bestselling author and fan favorite Lynette Eason drops readers right into the action in this fast-paced new series with a unique twist. The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common—they’re also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians to protect his son. But when Wade’s bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia’s skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade’s stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she’s next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Lynnae Lubbers
(616)676-9185 x193  llubbers@bakerpublishinggroup.com

As part of its growing children’s book program, Paraclete Press has signed author Jon M. Sweeney and illustrator Roy DeLeon to a three-book series for children ages 6-9. Both the series and the first book are titled The Pope’s Cat. According to the description, these books “tell the story of a stray born on the Via della Conciliazione in Rome, how she’s adopted by the Pope, and the ways in which she then runs the Vatican from museum to floorboard!” It is unclear if the Pope of this series is Pope Francis but there is definitely a resemblance. The Queen of England also makes an appearance in book one, on an official visit to the Vatican.

The Pope’s Cat (March 2018 / Paraclete Press / ISBN 978-1612616568 / trade paperback / black & white illustrations / $9.99) by Jon M. Sweeney, illustrated by Roy DeLeon, is to be followed six months later by Margaret’s Night Alone in St. Peter’s (A Christmas Story).

“The Pope’s Cat is a heartwarming tale, which gives the papacy a human touch, along with a taste of life in Rome. Jon Sweeney has done an excellent job in opening up the world of the Vatican to youngsters, while cat lovers will be charmed by this story. I read it to my two children and they both loved it!” –Christopher Lamb, Vatican correspondent for The Tablet (UK)

About the author:  Jon M. Sweeney’s popular history, The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation, has been optioned by HBO. He’s the author of two dozen other books including The Complete Francis of Assisi, When Saint Francis Saved the Church, winner of a 2015 award in history from the Catholic Press Association, and The Enthusiast: How the Best Friend of Francis of Assisi Almost Destroyed What He Started. This is his first book for children.

About the illustrator:  Roy DeLeon is an Oblate of St. Benedict, spiritual director, yoga instructor, graphic designer, and professional visual artist. He is also author of Praying with the Body. This is his first book for children.

For more information, contact Sr. Antonia Cleverly, srantonia@paracletepress.com, (508) 255-4685 x 329​

More than 4,000 pastors, music leaders and musicians attended a three-day celebration of congregational singing hosted by Getty Music at Brentwood Baptist Church near Nashville.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.—The first time Keith Getty sat down to write the melody for a new hymn, he penned the now-classic tune for “In Christ Alone.”

It’s been all downhill from there, Getty said with a wry smile at the recent “Sing!” conference in Nashville.

A few of his friends may disagree.

More than 4,000 pastors, music leaders and musicians attended a three-day celebration of congregational singing, highlighted by a standing-room-only hymn sing at the Grand Ole Opry House. The event was part theological reflection, part how-to training and part feast of hymn singing. Many of the hymns were composed by Getty, recently named an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” by Queen Elizabeth II.

Getty urged attendees to enjoy being in God’s presence during the conference, seeing it as a time of celebration as well as training.

“We want creativity, we want joy and laughter,” said Getty as the “Sing!” conference kicked off Monday, Sept. 18, at Brentwood Baptist Church, just south of Nashville. “Sing!” is also the name of Keith and Kristyn Getty’s latest book from B&H Publishing, available at LifeWay.com.

The conference was inspired in part by meetings the Gettys had with pastors across the United States. Those meetings left them concerned about the state of congregational singing in churches.

After Sunday services, he said, few pastors were asking, “How did the congregation sing?”

That’s a concern, he said, as singing plays a vital role in passing on the Christian faith from generation to generation.

“God’s people have learned their faith in significant part by what they sing,” said Getty.

More than half of conference attendees were pastors. Getty urged them and the musicians present to see themselves as partners in mission—building up “deep believers,” grounded in theology and devotion to God.

For the first of what they hope will be annual events, the Gettys invited speakers such as pastor Alistair Begg, International Mission Board President David Platt, theologian D.A. Carson and radio host Joni Eareckson Tada. Musical guests included violinist David Kim, the concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs.

Missions and music

On Tuesday morning, Platt drew a direct connection between congregational singing and missions.

“Worship is the why of missions,” he said. “If we are going to be serious about the mission of God, we must be serious about the glory of God.”

Platt described congregational singing as both a delight and a duty. In worship, he said, we enjoy God’s presence—which puts mundane pleasures like wealth and power to shame.

“This is our delightful duty,” he said. “…Our deepest joy, pleasure and satisfaction is not found in the pleasures of this world but in the worship of our God.”

He urged pastors, music leaders and musicians to see singing and worship as a group activity—not a spectator sport. When Christians take part in worship, they join with the church throughout history in praising God.

“Participation establishes our continuity with the people of God throughout history,” he said. “…When we sing we are dedicating ourselves to the mission of God.”

Trust and relationship are key

Getting people to sing isn’t easy, said conference leaders. It’s not something you can persuade people to do by cheerleading or making them feel guilty.

One way to start is by reminding people of God’s goodness and grace in their lives, Begg said.

Reminding people to set down their cellphones for a few minutes would help as well, said D.A. Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

It’s hard to worship or to sing God’s praise when you are constantly distracted, he said.

“What this means on the practical level is making the Bible more important than the iPhone,” Carson said. “Reading the Bible is more important than checking email.”

Musicians have to walk a fine line when leading congregational singing—pursuing musical excellence without intimidating ordinary people in the congregation. It’s a tricky balance, said Begg.

Trust is also key, said Mike Harland, director of LifeWay Worship and a longtime music minister. Speaking on a panel about how to improve congregational singing, Harland said a song leader has to earn people’s trust.

That takes time, he said. If the song leader doesn’t know the congregation well, the leader won’t know what songs will work. If people in the congregation don’t know the leader, they won’t follow the leader in singing.

“You’re earning the right to lead them,” Harland said.

Leading well also means seeing yourself as an ordinary church member, said Jonathan Rea, creative director of New Irish Arts and longtime choral leader. Leading singing is just another form of Christian service.

Panelists also urged music leaders to search high and low for songs that span the breadth of Christian life.

Churches need songs that teach theology as well as songs that make an emotional connection, said Rea. The idea is to create a balanced spiritual diet of music.

Next year’s “Sing!” conference will be Sept. 10-12, 2018, at Nashville’s Music City Center. Registration is already open at www.gettymusicworshipconference.com. 

Media Contact: Jenaye White
Jenaye.White@BHPublishingGroup.com  615-251-2964  www.bhpublishinggroup.com

By Bob Smietana  |  Photo by Katie Shull
Bob Smietana is a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources.

The Paradigm Continues To Hit Various Best-Seller Lists, Setting New Record

Lake Mary, FL —October 2, 2017—FrontLine, an imprint of Charisma House, is excited to announce that Jonathan Cahn’s latest release, The Paradigm, has debuted on various best-seller lists, including those of the New York Times (#5 October 8 list), USA Today (#12 September 24 list), and The Wall Street Journal (#5 September 24 list).

We acknowledge the tremendous writing efforts of Jonathan Cahn and congratulate him on this achievement.

“This is a significant milestone for Jonathan Cahn and for Charisma House. The Paradigm has achieved the highest ranking of any of Jonathan’s books, debuting at number five on the New York Times best-seller list and number twelve on USA Today’s list. We are thrilled for Jonathan,” says Marcos Perez, publisher of Charisma House.

The Paradigm, which released September 19, is the fourth book from the acclaimed author and is now on its third printing, with over 350,000 copies in print. His prior books include The Harbinger and The Book of Mysteries. In fact, the mysteries in the immensely popular The Harbinger, which spent 120 weeks on the New York Times list, are intertwined with many of the mysteries of The Paradigm. Cahn’s new book reveals how today’s cultural and political events were foretold by the Bible nearly three thousand years ago. Cahn cites passages from 1 and 2 Kings to draw parallels between modern-day political figures and ancient leaders of Israel.

Cahn writes in his newest book, “In The Paradigm it is the age itself that constitutes the prophetic revelation and the times in which we live, the harbinger. In The Paradigm current events become the manifestations of an ancient mystery.

“We will see ancient monarchs and modern presidents merging together, the reigns and actions of ancient kings governing the reigns and actions of modern leaders, ancient scandals lying behind modern scandals, and the events of ancient times determining the course, the direction, and the timing of the events of the modern world.”

Known for opening the deep mysteries of Scripture and bringing forth messages of prophetic import, Cahn unveils his most explosive book to date.

Cahn says, “The God of the Bible, who was actively and dynamically involved in the events of the ancient world, is just as actively and dynamically involved in the events of the modern world and of our day.”

About Jonathan Cahn
Cahn leads Hope of the World ministry and the Jerusalem Center/Beth Israel, just outside New York City, in Wayne, New Jersey. He is a sought-after speaker and has spoken at the United Nations, on Capitol Hill, and to millions of people around the world. Cahn has been called the prophetic voice of our generation.

About Charisma House
Charisma House empowers people through Spirit-inspired resources. It is the leading publisher of diversified Christian resources motivating people to fulfill God’s purpose. For more than twenty-one years Charisma House has published books—including fourteen New York Times best-sellers—that challenge, encourage, teach, and equip Christians.

Contact:  Nicole Ponder, nicole.ponder@charismamedia.com