A hilarious and eye-opening account of leaving Christian Nationalism behind to follow Jesus better

April Ajoy wouldn’t have called herself a Christian Nationalist when she performed her original song “America Say Jesus” on the Jim Bakker show, or when she participated in Jesus Marches across America, or when she posted cringe-worthy videos on YouTube to campaign for Mitt Romney. April just considered herself a good Christian: faithful, Republican, and determined to make America a Christian nation once again.

But as her view of the world widened, Ajoy began to see cracks in her steadfast beliefs and recognized the ways her conservative politics and religion were intertwined in her mind. Did God really bless America? Is it actually by His red, white, and blue stripes that we are healed?

Ajoy, content creator and podcast host, shares funny stories from her time deep within Christian nationalism, exploring how aspects of evangelical culture such as product boycotts, Satanic panic, and end-times theology have all been exploited to advance the Christian Nationalist narrative. She also illuminates the ways nationalist thinking has infiltrated our churches and political arenas, shaping not only modern evangelical culture but also American public policy and international relations.

Part memoir, part guidebook, part call to action, Star-Spangled Jesus explores how the fight to make America a “Christian nation” has damaged us all and shows how one woman left Christian Nationalism and why America should too.

April Ajoy is a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird traits of American Evangelicalism. After growing up an evangelist’s kid entrenched in Christian Nationalism and working in conservative Christian media, she saw the harm caused firsthand. Still a Christian, she uses her platform to expose the dangers of Christian Nationalism while promoting a more inclusive faith. April has been featured on Buzzfeed, CNN, Newsweek and more. She’s been married to Beecher for 10 years and they have two daughters together.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 — 10ofThose USA is delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Gosling as their new Chief Executive Officer and Group Board Member and his wife, Lorraine Gosling, as Executive Assistant to the CEO.

Anthony and Lorraine join 10ofThose from Crossway, where Anthony has served since 2012, most recently in the role of Chief Operating Officer, and Lorraine since 2015 as his Executive Assistant. They have a combined experience of almost 40 years in Christian publishing in both the US and UK as well as expanding the vision of many global publishers.

On announcing the appointment, 10ofThose Founder and President, Jonathan Carswell said, “I’ve known Anthony for around 20 years–as a supplier, a wise ministry peer, but supremely as a friend and I’m delighted to now add colleague to that list. Over the years I’ve seen him to be shrewd, hardworking, and trustworthy, with a shared passion to see quality Christian resources being read widely. I am delighted that he and Lorraine are joining 10ofThose, and looking forward to seeing how their experience and insights can help us grow as we seek to serve the Church, and share Christ widely.”

Josh Dennis, President and CEO of Crossway said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Anthony and Lorraine Gosling for their faithful service at Crossway over the past 11+ years. Their contributions have been instrumental in Crossway’s growth, and we are deeply thankful for their time here. As they embark on this next chapter with our friends and ministry partners at 10ofThose, we wish them every blessing and success as we continue to partner together.”

Anthony Gosling said “We are thrilled to be joining Jonathan and the 10ofThose team after so many years of watching its growth and development with admiration and appreciation. We love its passion to provide books that point people to Jesus and its heart for those who don’t know him yet. We are grateful to Crossway for nearly 12 years of global opportunities to establish gospel partnerships and look forward to this new chapter of serving the Lord through the work and ministry of 10ofThose.

10ofThose began trading in the United Kingdom in 2008, and grew rapidly to be one of the largest Christian booksellers in the UK. In 2018, 10ofThose launched in the USA, and became the bookstore provider for many flagship events, including Together for the Gospel, The Gospel Coalition, Getty Music, Cross Conference and Acts29. As well as being a retailer, 10ofThose publishes under the imprints of 10Publishing, Evangelical Press and Reformation Lightning. Their authors include Timothy Keller, Nancy Guthrie, Dane Ortland, Alistair Begg, and Kevin DeYoung, among many others. 10ofThose Canada launched in September 2024.

Contacts:
Jonathan@10ofthose.com
Anthony.gosling@10ofthose.com
Lorraine.gosling@10ofthose.com

Grand Rapids, MI, Sept. 2024 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of Bible Origins: The Underground Story— a unique graphic novel-Bible hybrid that interweaves New Testament narratives and letters, with action-packed graphic novel tales of its origin in the early church.

“The Bible Origins project has been so amazing to watch come together,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “Bringing together New Testament narratives alongside manga-style early church tales of bravery and danger brings the Bible to life in such a new and unique way. It is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of young readers.”

Specially designed for readers ages 8 and up, Bible Origins: The Underground Story contains portions of the New Testament interspersed with full-color graphic novel stories. The engaging art brings to life tales of couriers braving danger to deliver the gospel stories and letters about Jesus to secret house church gatherings for the very first time.

Six full-color graphic novel stories are illustrated by Siku and Jeff Anderson, features include:

• A dynamic, fresh paraphrase of portions of the New Testament.
• Stunning Visuals: Vibrant, full-color graphic novel illustrations bring the early church to life.
• Educational and Entertaining: Provides both spiritual wisdom and historical context to engage young readers.
• Accessible and Exciting: Makes biblical narratives engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
• Inspiring Faith: Encourages reflection on the teachings found in the New Testament.
• Type size: 10

“Our witness is never not on display.”

Learn how to better understand what’s behind our differences and how to cross the divide with the bridge of Christ’s love and compassion with a new book from Chad Lakies.

Politics. Identity. Ideologies. Economics. There is plenty to disagree about in our day-to-day lives. As Christians, we are sometimes characterized by what we’re against rather than what we’re for. In his new book, How the Light Shines Through: Resilient Witness in Dark Times, author Chad Lakies explores challenges Christians today face as we navigate and engage with a culture frequently defined by fracture and division, reminding us that “our witness is never not on display.”

“As we gather together regularly as God’s people, we are shaped by those who shine the light of the Gospel into the darkness of the world,” writes Lakies. “Our lives are watched by outsiders. We are always, whether intentionally or not, Christ’s witness.”

“This reality of Jesus in our lives here and now changes how we act, and Lakies offers suggestions for how the church can live out that present-tense reality,” writes Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president emeritus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “We followers of Jesus have an unprecedented opportunity in our lifetimes to offer a resilient witness to the light that shines in today’s darkness.”

Throughout his new work, Lakies first acknowledges the reality of culture today and the ways in which the church has reacted thus far. Then, he explores the challenges Christians face in today’s world and how they can navigate these experiences. Finally, he asks readers to turn back in time to the practices of the early church in order to find better ways to interact with the world today.

“The challenges of discipleship in the twenty-first century seem overwhelming to many Christians,” says Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “Affirming the relational nature of God’s reality, Lakies turns our attention to the person of Jesus, demonstrating how His assumption of a self-sacrificing identity shines His light into our lives and through us into the lives of those whom He has made our neighbors.”

Visit cph.org for more information. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.

About the Author
Chad Lakies (MDiv, PhD) is Vice President for Ministry Engagement within the United States at Lutheran Hour Ministries. His former life as a nonbeliever provides exceedingly relevant experience for thinking about how to engage with friends and neighbors outside the kingdom of God. He and his wife, Bethany, have two daughters, Anabel and Daphne.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT:
Erica Sontag, Public Relations
Phone: 314-268-1303
Email: erica.sontag@cph.org   

Praise for How the Light Shines Through

The challenges of discipleship in the twenty-first century seem overwhelming to many Christians. Lakies explores our underlying sense of bewilderment and fear as society changes around the church. Affirming the relational nature of God’s reality, Lakies turns our attention to the person of Jesus, demonstrating how His assumption of a self-sacrificing identity shines His light into our lives and through us into the lives of those whom He has made our neighbors. Readers are equipped to embrace those who can only confront and refute in the spirit of acceptance, patience, and humility displayed by the Lord Himself.
—Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

What do drums, tar pits, elephants, and a doctor who becomes a patient teach Christians about outreach? Chad Lakies wields these and other storied images to help a post-Christendom church mend her nets. He offers ways to share Jesus in word and deed, especially as our secular neighbors are gripped by their mortality, stirred by a sense of purpose, or roused by the light creeping in through joy and pain. People-fishing is still our calling. Lakies tunes our ears to our risen Lord. Perhaps the time is ripe to cast on the other side of the boat?
—Michael Zeigler, speaker of The Lutheran Hour, Lutheran Hour Ministries

People are deeply hurting in this current age, when the convergence of individualism and the unending quest for personal meaning has paradoxically led to widespread loneliness and despair. The Christian Church, when embodying Christ’s mission of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration, offers a potent remedy. Dr. Lakies rightly calls the church to lean into this challenge and bring the Gospel to bear, for a relationship with Christ and His church provides what the culture cannot: identity, restoration, hope, and belonging.
—Michael A. Thomas, PhD, president, Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Chad Lakies calls Christians back to bold and resilient faith. Exposing flawed responses to a confused and chaotic culture, Lakies helps believers see and articulate the saving voice, wisdom, and ways of Jesus. This book guides readers through the storm of societal upheaval and provides resources for the church to bring Jesus, the friend of sinners, to the world.
—Rev. Michael W. Newman, president, LCMS Texas District; author of Hope When Your Heart Breaks: Navigating Grief and Loss

Reading How the Light Shines Through was a timely reset for untangling complex topics in the work of the church in uncharted territory. Chad Lakies tackles issues of identity, hospitality, authenticity, and resilience in the framework of loving others. Chad gives clear direction for how my own winsome witness can reflect a disciple­ship path following Jesus. Using this model, now my complicated life task is to never let an issue prevent a relationship.
—Connie Denninger, cofounder of Visual Faith® Ministry

Chad Lakies invites readers into a stimulating theological conversation about Christian living and faithful witness in our pluralistic here and now, offering insight into both the way things are and how we may engage with confidence, humility, and love. Never does he lose sight of the ultimate—proclaiming Jesus Christ, the light of the world—and never is his tone less than hopeful.
—Rev. Jacob A. Scott, LCMS; chaplain, Oregon National Guard

Beyond tired outreach programs and scripted evangelism conversations, this book is exactly what the church needs in the here and now into which God has placed us. Lakies diagnoses the hostile culture that surrounds us without calling for a war against it. Instead, his insight into the culture, blended with some of the best prac­tices of the early church, gives Christians a way to talk about the faith authentically with the people in their lives.
—Rev. Grant A. Knepper, pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Modesto, California

Dr. Lakies has written to the church’s heart with this book, speaking to our fears and frustrations as well as to our loves and our very identity as Christians. Through his deep reading of Scripture, theology, and the best of sociology, he has collected critically important insights for anyone who serves our Lord in the contentious present age. Pastors and lay leaders will find herein both keen insight into what we are feeling and helpful advice to guide us in these turbulent times.
—Phillip Brandt, PhD, pastor, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon; campus pastor, Concordia St. Paul Global’s ABSN nursing program in Portland; author of Sunday-Sermon.com

If all the swift changes in culture have you feeling back on your heels, you owe yourself the chance to calmly think alongside Chad Lakies before reacting out of fear or frustration or even zeal. In his new book, Lakies helps us understand these dark times in nuanced and important ways, and he points out hopeful steps we can take toward embodying a resilient witness.
—Rev. Don Everts, author of The Reluctant Witness: Discovering the Delight of Spiritual Conversations

NASHVILLE, Tenn., September 2024—Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, proudly announces that bestselling author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Karen Ehman’s Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All has sold more than 250,000 copies across print, digital, and audio formats.

A New York Times bestseller, Keep It Shut delivers timeless wisdom on the power of words and intentional communication. Blending biblical insights and strategies, Ehman’s book explores core topics such as motives, emotions, and listening, while also addressing the complexities of digital communication.

“Karen Ehman’s ability to connect with other women on a deep, personal level is profound,” said Webster Younce, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Books. “This milestone underscores how deeply her message of grace and kindness continues to resonate with readers and affirms her position as a leading voice in ministry. We are delighted to celebrate Karen, her achievement, and the ongoing influence of her work.”

Renowned Christian leaders, including Lysa TerKeurst, Candace Cameron Bure, and Sally Clarkson, have praised Keep It Shut for its humor, transparency, and practical approach to navigating modern communication challenges like gossip and social media. Since its publication in 2015, Keep It Shut has continued to equip readers in discerning how to choose words carefully, know when to speak up, and recognize when to remain silent. This book also has a six-session study guide and video study for small groups.

In 2017, Zondervan published a companion devotional—Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge. Over the years, Zondervan has published nine of Ehman’s nearly twenty books, including Let. It. Go. (2012), Keep Showing Up (2019), and When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable (2021).

Karen Ehman is a beloved leader in the Christian community and is featured on platforms such as TODAY Parenting, Fox News, FamilyLife, and Focus on the Family. She also contributes to Encouragement for Today, an online devotional that reaches more than four million women daily.

For more information or for media inquiries, contact Rebecca Schriner at rebecca.schriner@harpercollins.com.

Karen Ehman is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker, a New York Times bestselling author, and a writer for Encouragement for Today, an online devotional that reaches over four million people daily. She has written eighteen books including Keep It Shut, Pressing Pause, and Keep Showing Up. Her passion is to help women to live their priorities as they reflect the gospel to a watching world. Married to her college sweetheart, Todd, the mother of three, and mom-in-law of two, she enjoys antique hunting, cheering for the Detroit Tigers, and feeding the many people who gather around her mid-century dining table for a taste of Mama Karen’s cooking. Connect with her at karenehman.com.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:
Rebecca Schriner, Publicity Manager | Zondervan Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 
Rebecca.Schriner@HarperCollins.com

Carol Stream, IL (September 23, 2024) – Tyndale House Publishers and Focus on the Family proudly announce that three of their titles have been honored with 2024 ACFW Carol Awards, which recognize the year’s best Christian fiction. These awards highlight Tyndale’s and Focus on the Family’s continued commitment to publishing compelling, faith-driven stories that inspire and uplift readers.

Focus on the Family’s A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander was given the award in the Contemporary category. The book follows two women of different centuries living in the same house who share strikingly similar journeys.

“I’ve been a member of ACFW since its origin over two decades ago and wouldn’t be writing today without the relationships I’ve made and encouragement I’ve received through this stellar writers’ organization,” Tamera says.

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and Christy Award Hall of Fame inductee. She is known for her rich characters and thought-provoking plots.

Tyndale received the Carol Award in the Debut category for Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer. In this romantic comedy, Kinzer delivers a heartwarming story of mistaken identities, second chances, and finding love in unexpected places.

Tyndale senior acquisitions editor Elizabeth Jackson says, “Becca’s stories deliver a great balance between a fun sense of humor and a refreshing amount of depth, striking the right chord for fans of contemporary romance, a genre readers are flocking to right now.”

Becca Kinzer is a critical care nurse and a 2018 ACFW First Impressions Contest winner as well as a 2019 Genesis Contest winner and a 2021 Cascade Award winner. Her second novel, Love in Tandem, released in April 2024, and First Love, Second Draft will release in April 2025.

The winner in the Historical category, Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem, transports readers to 1933, revealing the true story of a Jewish lawyer and a group of spies who uncovered Adolf Hitler’s plan to take over Hollywood.

“I’ve loved Stephanie’s work from her first release with us. I hope this recognition brings new reader attention to this title and her previous works as well,” says the Tyndale fiction publisher, Karen Watson.

Stephanie Landsem has traveled the world to learn about women of the past and writes to honor their lives and to bring today’s women hope and encouragement.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Andrea Martin, senior director of public relations and author relations at Tyndale House: andreamartin@tyndale.com.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a trusted voice 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 people as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive in Christ. 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 or X.

Instagram star and comedian Ellen Skrmetti shares stories behind her wildly popular “Hey Jesus, It’s Me” sketches of a middle-aged, southern-woman’s opinions on mamas, menopause, and menus–and on giving the Lord a bit of advice about those unspoken prayer requests.

As a young girl, Ellen Skrmetti loved performing. She starred in plays, sang in the church choir, and even competed in the Miss Mississippi pageant. But backstage at the pageant, she was gripped by severe stage fright and made a deal with God: If you help me get through this, I will never, ever get onstage again. After successfully hitting the high note in “Adelaide’s Lament” from the musical Guys and Dolls, she packed up her drama clothes for good—or so she thought.

When the pandemic hit, Ellen longed to bring a little joy to the dark struggles the world was facing. She thought about all of times she’d asked Jesus to walk with her through pain and heartache—and how often He’d laughed with or comforted her, even during her blazing hot flashes. So she decided to share that message with others, in 30-second videos on Instagram that quickly went viral.

Holding a remote control in her hand, Ellen “calls” Jesus with comments and questions, including asking Him not to make her an advance maternal age mama (again) and if He could bless the nourishment of her food to someone else’s body. She also asks for advice when her best friend’s ex-husband’s new wife shows up in the next pew, or what nursing home plans to make when she’s eight years past your first geriatric pregnancy.

From a pageant queen with stage fright, to viral videos, to her growing popularity as a stand-up comedian with sold-out performances, Ellen’s humor is rooted in southern charm and culture. Her relatable stories in Hey Jesus, It’s Me will bring levity to our lives, or at least some validation that we’re not the only ones asking if we can ghost our relatives in heaven.

Ellen Skrmetti got started in comedy after training at the famous and premier school of comedy, Second City. She had just started booking herself at comedy clubs when the 2020 Covid shut down happened. As she reminds us, “dreams don’t have deadlines,” and now a tour company is pursuing her and millions are watching her comedy. After one of her Instagram posts went viral in Spring 2022, others soon followed with millions of views.

CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 – The Good Book Company is pleased to announce that their Tales that Tell the Truth series for kids has surpassed 1 million units in print sales.

This 14-volume series of hardback Bible storybooks by various authors combines faithful storytelling with stunning illustrations by Catalina Echeverri. Each book focuses on a true story from the Bible and teaches children wonderful truths about Jesus.

Books in the series include:

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, winner of the ECPA Bronze Sales Award, by Carl Laferton
• Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer, winner of the Christianity Today; Children & Youth 2022 Book Award, by Laura Wifler
• The One O’ Clock Miracle, winner of the Speaking Volumes Children’s Book of the Year, by Alison Mitchell
• God’s Very Good Idea, winner of the ECPA Bronze Sales Award, by Trillia Newbell

James Burstow, President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our aim has always been to create books about Jesus that children themselves will choose to read over the other favorites on their shelf. The Tales That Tell the Truth series embodies this vision, with vibrant illustrations and captivating stories that kids love to read again and again, underpinned by faithful, biblical truth which parents delight to share with them. We are thrilled at the thought of a million storybooks being enjoyed by families around the world and exciting them about Jesus.”

The Good Book Company celebrates this accomplishment and anticipates the series’ continued contribution toward their goal of providing biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that encourage Christians and their church families to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

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

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Catalina Echeverri is a Colombian freelance illustrator specialising in children’s books. She is based in London, UK, and illustrated the best-selling The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross.

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.

Discover the power of following Gods word with this transformative guidebook that gives you permission to let go of the emotional stress weighing you down and find beauty in the life you already live.

Feeling fragmented and frazzled, many women today are caught in a vicious cycle trying to do too much, hold everything together, manage and control their circumstances, and avoid mistakes at all costs.

But no matter how hard we try, there are many things outside of our control. In trying to do it all, we are undone ourselves.

What if we could shift our perspective so that, instead of spinning our wheels wasting energy manufacturing and controlling our lives, we aim to let go and lean into who we are becoming?

In When Doing It All is Undoing You, Alyssa Bethke helps readers understand the difference between what is in and what is out of our control, and she examines how our striving for approval, balance, happiness, and lofty ideals often masks underlying fear and disappointment. She acknowledges that even when we do all the right things, the outcome we hope for is not guaranteed, and addresses the disillusionment so many of us feel when the life we have looks nothing like the life we envisioned.

Ultimately, Alyssa shows readers that turning towards the God who is after our authentic hearts is the only guarantee of a life of hope and fulfillment, the life we’re all longing for. By drawing near to God as the primary source of our joy and contentment, we can learn to hear His voice, find freedom and hope in our deep disappointments, and become the women that He created us to be- free, full, and faithful.

Alyssa Joy Bethke loves Jesus, matcha, and the sun, and squeezes as much pickleball and reading into her week as possible. She is married to Jeff, the love of her life, and is mom to three of the greatest gifts: Kinsley, Kannon, and Lucy. The Bethke family recently moved from Maui to Tennessee and are embracing the wild adventure of a life surrendered to God. Alyssa and Jeff help reclaim God’s design for men, women, and families at Forming Men, Forming Women and Family Teams.

Journey through More than Two Hundred of God’s Promises and Discover How He Keeps Them

Author Terry Zuehsow explores encouraging and assuring promises from God in his new devotional journal, Exploring God’s Promises.

God’s Word is overflowing with promises. He earnestly wants believers to grow to know Him and to more fully experience His promises in their lives. In Terry Zuehsow’s new devotional journal, Exploring God’s Promises: A Guided Journey through His Word (Concordia Publishing House, September 10, 2024) the author leads readers through more than two hundred encouraging and assuring promises. Each promise contains devotional material and theological talk to help readers see how God gives and keeps His promises.

“Welcome to the start of a unique journey through the promises of God,” writes Zuehsow. “Here you will have the opportunity to explore all God has done, is doing, and will do on your behalf. Although the assurances of God presented in the following chapters apply to every believer in Jesus Christ, it is my prayer that you will personalize each promise in your own heart and mind.”

Readers will work through this book at their own pace, taking time to truly soak in the promises and see them working in their lives. No matter what struggles readers may face, they will be strengthened by God’s assurances for them in His Word. Journal space is provided for readers to answer reflection questions and truly connect with the Savior, offering Him their thanks and praise.

“God works through His Word,” says Steve Wagner, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas, and director of Pastor360. “Exploring God’s Promises embraces this expansive truth, narrows it down to the reader, and connects it to promises God makes in His Word and through His Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14).”

Visit cph.org for more information. Contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.

About the Author
Terry Zuehsow is a certified PA, practicing psychiatry in a Christian outpatient setting. He has also taught high school and college science and religion and worked as a computer systems architect. Throughout his adult life, he has led Bible classes at his local church. Terry has been married to his wife, Angi, for forty-nine years. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. His hobbies include choir, family games, and long walks.

About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

CONTACT:  Erica Sontag, Public Relations, 314-268-1303, erica.sontag@cph.org     

Praise for Exploring God’s Promises

What a blessing it is to see this book in the works. The purpose of Exploring God’s Promises is to help us apply God’s Word to our lives—our joys, our tough times, our every situation. A neat feature of this book is that you can respond personally to the God who knows your name, as Isaiah 43:1 tells us. Please read, enjoy, and take to heart these wonderful messages from God’s Word.
—Mary Alice Minirth, writer and life coach

This book of assurances is unique and special. It’s intensely biblical. You’ll hear God speak to you personally—through His Word. However, it also reflects a loving father’s deep concern for his daughter. You’ll be blessed.
—Dr. Gene Getz, pastor; professor; author

God works through His Word. Exploring God’s Promises embraces this expansive truth, narrows it down to the reader, and connects it to promises God makes in His Word and through His Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). I believe you will find this book to be profound, for your hope abounds when you know God is at work through His Word; personal, as love for God and others finds expression when it deeply impacts your life; and penetrating, as the laser-like truth of His Word is a solid foundation for your faith and trust in Him in every circumstance of life.
—Steve Wagner, pastor, Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas; director, Pastor360

Through insightful reflections, Terry Zuehsow intertwines God’s inspired Word and enduring promises with questions that facilitate a deeper engagement with Scripture. Since the heart and emotions can be deceptive, Zuehsow’s book guides us to experience healing and renewal by anchoring our trust in God’s enduring promises. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking guidance, inspiration, and renewed assurance of God’s purpose and unconditional love.
—Florene West, director, Our Savior Lutheran Preschool, McKinney, Texas

Has anyone ever written a book just for you? Now you can say that someone has! Exploring God’s Promises shows Terry’s commitment to thoughtful education, helping everyone know God in a deep, meaningful, and personal way. Even though I’m a lifelong Christian, reading Terry’s book made me realize what God’s promises are, how many there are, and how they belong specifically to me (and you!). He distilled promises from every part of the Bible so that the assurances of God are at your fingertips. Read it and see the wondrous love that God has for you.
—Tara M. Niendorf, attorney

Exploring what God has done on my behalf through Terry’s book was deeply moving and powerfully humbling. As yesterday, today, and forever promises came to light, my relationship with the everlasting, loving God increased. I even found myself growing in confidence as a child of God as I journaled my feelings. Most assuredly, the Holy Spirit dwelt in my mind, heart, and soul as this gem of writing unfolded itself before me.
—Anni Jezek, retired educational coach; master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University Texas

Exploring God’s Promises is a concise and organized study of the promises of God found in every facet of the Bible. Terry Zuehsow prepares his readers with ways to get the most from his book, and space for journaling is included to assist the readers in exploring their relationship with God and considering His promises. Mr. Zuehsow’s faith and close relationship with God are evident in his research and illustrations, and he makes God’s promises personal to all who study His Word.
—Larry Wissner, retired LCMS school administrator

This book is for every Christian who would like to know in a more tangible way the promises of God. Exploring God’s Promises is helpful, interesting, relatable, compelling, accurate, theologically appropriate, and very moving. Terry takes the reader on a transformative journey through the scriptural promises of God. Sometimes in the storms of life, it is difficult to see that we are not alone or even to realize that anyone cares for us. But through this book, readers can trace the times God has cared deeply for them, comforted them, and enabled them.
—Jacqueline Truax, retired international marketing project manager; graduate marketing studies professor; principal, BSEI

For many years, I traveled on a spiritual pilgrimage, seeking not only the promises of God but also a way to convince myself the promises were actually for me. When I read Terry’s book, I found exactly what I was looking for. Drawing on both serious griefs and wonderful triumphs in his life, Terry has carefully searched for God’s promises, and he presents them in such a way that readers will be assured that the promises are for them. My journey through these pages has deepened my faith and my love for the Lord, who indeed has promised to meet all our needs.
—Karen Brinkmann, senior test development specialist