Evangelical Scholar Releases “Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel”  

Andreas J. Köstenberger Provides Insight on Signs, Plot and Messages in the Gospel of John

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 15, 2021 – Andreas J. Köstenberger, Evangelical scholar, Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, provides a step-by-step journey through John’s unfolding narrative of Jesus the Messiah and Son of God in his new book from Lexham Press, “Signs of the Messiah: an Introduction to John’s Gospel.”

The book takes a theological deep dive into the life of Jesus from the Gospel of John, noting the many times He was asked for signs proving Him as Messiah. Köstenberger explores the seven signs Jesus gave throughout the book of John and why even with these miracles there was unbelief.

“John’s point is that people’s unbelief was their own fault. The problem was not that God, through Jesus, failed to provide tangible evidence that he was real. No, the problem was that people asked for signs, but when Jesus gave them a sign, they didn’t like the one he gave them and kept asking for more,” writes Köstenberger. “He fed the multitudes, he healed the sick, he even opened the eyes of a man born blind—and for an encore, he raised a dead man whose body had been in the tomb for four days. The core message of John is that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. My hope and my prayer for you is that you might believe Jesus is the Son of God and find eternal, abundant life in him.”

“Signs of the Messiah” originated as a series of “For the Church Workshop” lectures Köstenberger gave at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at the invitation of the school’s President Jason Allen.  When read in unison with the gospel of John, “Signs of the Messiah” further illuminates the core message of John and ultimately helps readers trust more fully in Jesus.

“It was Ernst Käsemann who said that the Gospel of John is shallow enough for a baby to wade in but deep enough for an elephant to drown. Andreas Köstenberger has been swimming in the deep end of the Johannine pool for a long time, and it shows in this easy-to-read guide to the theology of the Fourth Gospel, a theology of an eyewitness of Jesus himself,” said Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. “Students and pastors alike will gain new insights into this crucial telling of the good news.”

To purchase now and learn more about “Signs of the Messiah,” visit  https://lexhampress.com/product/197331/signs-of-the-messiah-an-introduction-to-johns-gospel.

About Lexham Press
Lexham Press, a division of Faithlife, seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/.

About Andreas J. Köstenberger
Andreas J. Köstenberger is a research professor of New Testament and biblical theology and director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous books, including “The Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters,” “Encountering John” and “The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament.”

 

BISHOP T. D. JAKES ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO COMMUNICATE BOLDLY AND EFFECTIVELY IN HIS NEW BOOK: DON’T DROP THE MIC

NASHVILLE, TN –Communication matters more now than ever before.  We use so many different platforms to reach our target audiences that even one misconstrued word or phrase can completely change the tone and meaning.

In DON’T DROP THE MIC (FaithWords, April 20, 2021, ISBN:9781455595358), Jakes, one of the world’s most widely respected orators, wants to empower everyone to communicate effectively.

“Communication, no matter how eloquent or effusive it may be, is incomplete if understanding isn’t achieved. Connecting with the recipient of your message is an essential element of successful communication because being understood is the ultimate objective. Words may be exchanged in a common language, but without understanding both the methods and manners, the message is usually incomplete.” – T.D. Jakes, DON’T DROP THE MIC

Drawing lessons from his own life, Jakes gives career advice for those who have or want to grow into a speaking career, but he also provides clear direction and insight for everyone who gives presentations, writes emails, or talks to other people in their job or home life.

Jakes helps readers understand:

• Why the way we speak and the words we use matter
• How speaking well, no matter your topic or audience, improves your chances of getting the result you want
• How to craft your message, whether it’s a simple email or a speech under the spotlights, to connect with listeners
• Why good communication is important for building connection and community
• How sharing God’s Word produces abundant fruit

DON’T DROP THE MIC is the guide we all need on how we can communicate more clearly, build community and share hope in our everyday lives. Whether you’re interviewing for a new position, proposing a new business plan, auditioning for a performance, delivering a report for your committee, teaching Sunday school, or sharing your heart with a loved one, this book will help.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T. D. Jakes-one of the most inspirational, influential, and treasured spiritual leaders of our time-is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books. He is the CEO of the towering TDJ Enterprises, spanning film, television, radio, publishing, podcasts, and an award-winning music label. He is a Grammy Award-winning music producer and his blockbuster films have achieved international success at the box office. His inspirational conferences (MegaFest, Woman Thou Art Loosed) continue to have a profound global impact. Bishop Jakes’ is a master communicator whose trusted voice is heard in more than 80 million homes daily and across a vast worldwide audience via social media. He resides in Dallas, Texas.

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (April 19, 2021)– Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) and Hendrickson Publishing Group have announced that Hendrickson Publishing Group has been acquired by Tyndale House Publishers. “Hendrickson Publishing Group is a trusted house in our industry,” stated Jeff Johnson, president and COO of Tyndale House. “Their catalog of products and expertise in the academic sphere will be a perfect complement to Tyndale’s efforts in meeting the needs of readers seeking sound biblical content for reference and study.”

The Hendrickson Publishing Group, including its Rose Publishing imprints, will continue to operate autonomously from their current locations but will work under a united mission with Tyndale in making the Scriptures accessible and relevant to readers now and for the future. “In Tyndale we have found a GREAT home for the Hendrickson Publishing Group with similar values as our own,” noted Ray Hendrickson, president and CEO of Christianbook. “We believe our products and staff will continue to flourish and grow under this new structure.” Paul Hendrickson, general manager of the Hendrickson Publishing Group, commented that “it will be a privilege for our imprints and staff to strategically collaborate as part of the Tyndale House team.”

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.  Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries.

Founded in 1980, the Hendrickson Publishing Group (HPG) has a strong history of producing thoughtful books both for the scholarly academic community and general Christian readers. Through the Hendrickson Academic imprint, HPG seeks to meet the publication needs of the religious studies/ academic community worldwide with works on biblical languages, ancient Near Eastern studies and archaeology, theology, and religion and culture. Hendrickson Publishers offers an array of biblical reference books and a Bible publishing program, as well as Bible studies, books on Christian living topics, and perennial favorites like the Hendrickson Christian Classics series. Rose Publishing is an imprint of HPG creating full-color products—pamphlets, award-winning books, wall charts, DVD-based curriculum, and PowerPoint® resources. They are designed for personal, church, small group, and school use, and are packed with easy-to-understand diagrams, illustrations, maps, photos, charts, and time lines to bring Christian teachings to life.

New tool to help both church leaders and congregants grow in light of the Bible

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 6, 2021 – Faithlife, the makers of Logos Bible Software, will host a live, online event on April 20 to unveil its newest, first-of-its-kind technology product set to revolutionize worship, discipleship and management for church leaders.

“Faithlife’s mission is to equip the Church to grow in light of the Bible,” said Faithlife co-founder and CEO Bob Pritchett. “We recognize the challenges church leaders face, especially in today’s complicated times when the way we previously ministered to congregants has changed significantly. We believe this new product will provide the tools necessary to ease every aspect of church business while ultimately empowering leaders to get to the heart of meeting the needs of their congregants wherever they may be.”

Unlike anything currently available, Faithlife’s new product offers both technological solutions and content. It will create both efficiency and effectiveness for church leaders, all within one simple online platform and for a low cost, while also offering congregants ways to better engage with both the church and with others.

“At Faithlife, we don’t believe tech tools should just be about making one’s job easier, but rather we believe technology should assist with spiritual growth, church involvement and community connectivity,” Pritchett said. “Not only does this new product offer church staff numerous ministry tools, but every congregant in the church will benefit from its resources.”

The development of Faithlife’s product began years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its relevance has only been solidified as churches of all sizes have been forced to navigate being the church online.

“Church leaders have been challenged over the past year in how to minister virtually and reach their congregants when physical gatherings are no longer possible,” said Pritchett. “We believe this product will simplify a church’s relationship with tech.”

Faithlife will reveal the new product and highlight its unique features during the Faithlife Live event on April 20 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EST. To register to attend, visit faithlife.com/reveal.

About Faithlife
Faithlife, based in Bellingham, Washington, with offices in Arizona and Mexico, has been using technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible for more than 25 years. Since 1992, Faithlife has developed a full suite of church management tools, academic study resources, smart digital books, and Logos Bible Software, all part of its integrated ministry platform that automates tasks and simplifies workflows. For more information, visit Faithlife.com.

Media Contact:  Kristin Cole, 615-289-6701  kristin@alarryross.com

Publishers Receive Highly Personalized Service and Industry Expertise

ASHLAND, Ohio, April 6, 2021 – Baker & Taylor Publisher Services (BTPS), a leading provider of sales and fulfillment services, is pleased to announce a new Christian publisher partner agreement.

BTPS has signed a full sales representation and distribution agreement with the following client:

• The Word for Word Bible Comic, effective immediately – US/CAN only

About BTPS’s new client publisher:
The Word for Word Bible Comic (https://www.wordforwordbiblecomic.com/) produces high quality graphic novels presenting Christian scripture. In addition to bold and historically accurate graphics, each book of the Bible is presented with the unabridged NIV text. Their first release is The Gospel of Matthew: Word for Word Bible Comic, publishing in September 2021, along with a corresponding Spanish-language edition utilizing the NVI translation.

About BTPS
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services (BTPS) is a leading provider of economical services and solutions to book publishers and content creators, with a robust worldwide reach to all trade and other book markets. BTPS services include sales and distribution, book manufacturing and inventory management, and third-party logistics. A division of Follett, BTPS serves client publishers who benefit from Follett and Baker & Taylor’s positions as major suppliers of public libraries, K-12 school markets and higher education institutions. For more information, please visit www.btpubservices.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Baker & Taylor Publisher Services, Matt Warner, 419-564-4931  Matthew.Warner@baker-taylor.com

New YA fiction addressing real-life issues faced by today’s preteen and teen girls

Publisher aims to provide a wholesome, age-appropriate alternative to secular junior romance novels

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (April 6, 2021)—Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, released Real, Not Perfect and Searching for Normal on April 6, 2021, as part of a four-book YA fiction series, Riverbend Friends. The series follows four friends from the fictional town of Riverbend, Indiana, and aims to thoughtfully engage with real-life issues teenage girls face today, such as anxiety, loneliness, cyberbullying and sexual harassment, comparison and insecurity associated with social media, and challenges related to divorce and blended families.

Focus on the Family editors created the series out of a felt need for contemporary fiction that realistically addressed the grittier elements of teen life, but from a distinctly Christian worldview. “It’s not easy being a teen in today’s world. Girls need all the support they can get from people who understand what they’re going through,” says Steve Johnson, VP of Content Development and Integration at Focus on the Family. “Riverbend Friends characters are dealing with today’s tough issues, and they learn how to handle them in a Christian way. Our prayer is that these characters will come alongside teens, offering them the extra guidance they just might need.”

The third and fourth books in the series, The Me You See and Chasing the Spotlight, are scheduled to release in August 2021. Ultimately, Focus on the Family hopes Riverbend Friends will inspire girls to deepen their faith and face everyday problems in God-honoring ways.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Mariah León, mariahleon@tyndale.com.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, it is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale has proved a faithful guide—helping readers discover the life-giving truths of the Bible. Its mission is to open God’s Word to as many as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent and nonprofit status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of net income to charitable missions—more than $110 million throughout its history. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

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Real, Not Perfect
Riverbend Friends #1
By Stephanie Coleman
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-58997-704-4 | $14.99
240 pages | April 2021 | focusonthefamily.com

Searching for Normal
Riverbend Friends #2
By C. J. Darlington
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-58997-705-1 | $14.99
240 pages | April 2021 | focusonthefamily.com

 

CHARLOTTE, NC– Since its publication in February 2018, Rachel Jones’ blog piece “A 5 Minute Theology of Periods” has consistently garnered great curiosity. The Good Book Company is excited to announce Rachel has taken more than 5 minutes to further unpack the topic in book form. A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really) is an adventure for the curious into bodies, womanhood, time, pain and purpose (The Good Book Company, May 2021).

You’ve never read a book quite like this one. Jones’ wit and humor make it a surprising, light-hearted read as she discusses the sometimes sensitive topic from a Biblical perspective.

Jones’ goal for the book is positive, as she explains in an interview with bestselling author Rebecca McLaughlin, saying, “What I’d really love people to come away from this book with is just a greater appreciation for how God has made them, and how God has saved them, and just for the fact that the Bible speaks into all of life’s experiences, even periods.” The interview releases on The Good Book Company podcast in May.

Endorsing the book, Jen Wilkin, bestselling author of None Like Him and Women of the Word, said, “In the church today, the female reproductive cycle is still regarded as taboo to speak of, let alone to ponder in relation to our faith. I’m deeply grateful that Rachel has endeavored to dignify what God has architected and to help us consider what we might learn from that design. As the prevailing culture dismantles the categories of male and female before our eyes, Rachel shows us how precious the gift of our female biology is, and all the more for the theology it illustrates.”

Written to be thorough but accessible, A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really) makes for a lively, memorable book club choice. A free host’s guide PDF is also available in the extras section of the product page. This PDF offers small group and women’s ministry leaders ideas for hosting a session or event offering women a Biblical perspective on periods. It also includes a brief, interactive Bible study.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Jones is the author of A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really), Is This It?, and several books in the award-winning Five Things to Pray series, and serves as Vice President (Editorial)  at The Good Book Company. She helps teach kids and serves on the mission core team at her church, Chessington Evangelical Church, in Surrey, UK.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Crossway, April 2020) by Dane Ortlund has achieved 250,000 units in print sales.

“Gentle and Lowly beautifully depicts the heart of Christ, shedding fresh light on God’s tenderness toward weary sinners,” says Don Jones, Crossway’s chief publishing officer and Bible publisher. “We are overwhelmed by how God is using this book to bring comfort, healing, and renewal as readers encounter the compassionate heart of our Savior.”

Christians know that God loves them, but can easily feel that he is perpetually disappointed and frustrated, maybe even close to giving up on them. But the gospel flows from God’s deepest heart for his people, a heart of tender love for the sinful and suffering. Ortlund takes readers into the depths of Christ’s very heart for sinners, one that is “gentle and lowly,” diving deep into Bible passages that speak of who Christ is and encouraging readers with the affections of Christ for his people.

Ortlund writes, “In the one place in the Bible where the Son of God pulls back the veil and lets us peer way down into the core of who he is, we are not told that he is “austere and demanding in heart.” We are not told that he is “exalted and dignified in heart.” We are not even told that he is “joyful and generous in heart.” Letting Jesus set the terms, his surprising claim is that he is “gentle and lowly in heart.”

Jared Wilson, assistant professor of pastoral ministry at Spurgeon College, remarked on the For the Church blog, “In an especially chaotic and conflict-heavy season, this book came to us as a compassionate reminder of the faithful, humble Christ. Read it slowly, thoughtfully, prayerfully; you’ll find it a precious ministry to your soul. I did. My favorite book of the year.”

Gentle and Lowly is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats. The book has received acclamations from Sam Allberry (speaker and author of 7 Myths about Singleness), Paul David Tripp (president of Paul Tripp Ministries and author of New Morning Mercies), and others.

Dane Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Dane and his wife, Stacey, have five children.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org, crossway.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—April 9, 2021—NavPress is pleased to announce that three of their titles and authors have been named finalists for the 2021 Christian Book Awards. The Christian Book Awards honor excellence in Bibles and Christian books.

According to their website, “The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award program honors the ‘best of the year’ in 12 categories.”

NavPress authors and titles were named as finalists in the following categories:

Bible Study

• Living for What Really Matters: 7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians (Get Wisdom Bible Studies) by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson

Christian Living

• How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig

New Author

• This Life We Share: 52 Reflections on Journeying Well with God and Others by Maggie Wallem Rowe

David Zimmerman, NavPress Publisher, shared, “We’re not surprised these authors are being recognized for excellence in their categories. We’ve experienced their excellence of craft and character firsthand, and we’re thrilled for them to receive this recognition.”

For more information on NavPress titles, please visit NavPress.com.

The Christian Book Award program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.  ChristianBookAwards.com

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international nonprofit trade organization comprising member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that its members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ECPA.org.

The mission of NavPress is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to people’s lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced that four IVP titles are among the finalists for the 2021 Christian Book Award® program.  The IVP finalists include:

Faith and Culture

Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope

New Testament scholar Esau McCaulley calls the church to a dynamic theological engagement with Scripture, in which Christians of diverse backgrounds dialogue with their own social location as well as the cultures of others. Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, said, “Reading While Black is a unique and successful blend of biblical hermeneutics, autobiography, black history and spirituality, incisive cultural commentary on race matters in America, and insightful exegesis of select New Testament texts.” Reading While Black also received Christianity Today’s 2021 Beautiful Orthodoxy Award and the 2021 Outreach Resource of the Year Award for Christian Living.

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 Bible Reference Works

The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament

In The Story Retold, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd explore each New Testament book in light of the broad history of redemption, emphasizing the biblical-theological themes of each New Testament book. Their distinctive approach encourages readers to read the New Testament in light of the Old, not as a new story but as a story retold.

 

 

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Ministry Resources

Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement

Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler represent the AND Campaign, which exists to educate and organize Christians for faithful civic and cultural engagement. They insist that not only are we called to love our neighbors through the political process but also that doing so requires us to transcend the binary way the debates are usually framed. In simple, understandable language, they lay out the biblical case for political engagement and help Christians navigate the complex world of politics with integrity, from political messaging and the politics of race to protests, advocacy, and more.

 

When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse

Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is. In When Narcissism Comes to Church, DeGroat takes a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems. He offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects. DeGroat also offers hope for narcissists themselves—not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery, possible only through repentance and trust in the humble gospel of Jesus.

 

Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the best of the year in twelve categories. Five finalists are chosen in each category unless there is a tie. Winners will be announced at a virtual celebration on May 6. In addition, one title will be chosen as the Christian Book of the Year® to represent the year’s best book or Bible for its literary merit and extraordinary influence.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com