July 2024 | LISLE, IL—On Tuesday, July 23, Fuller Seminary hosted a launch party for the August 6 release of the highly anticipated The New Testament in Color, the first volume of its kind written by a multiethnic team of scholars.

IVP President Terumi Echols said, “The New Testament in Color serves as a laser-focused Bible commentary that digs deeper into Bible teachings to provide context from a multicultural perspective, which is pioneering for the North American church.”

“The New Testament in Color is a book I long hoped would eventually be written and is in many ways overdue,” said Max J. Lee, Paul W. Brandel Professor of biblical studies at North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

Theologically orthodox and multiethnically contextual, The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary fills a gap in biblical understanding for both the academy and the church.

Esau McCaulley, Jonathan Blanchard Chair of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College and author of Sharing in the Son’s Inheritance and Reading While Black, served as the general editor for the volume. He said, “We wanted to create a project that embodies the North American church at its best. We wanted to bring together a diversity of cultures united by a common desire to read, understand, obey, and apply God’s word.”

Lee said, “The editors have done a superb job of gathering scholars from diverse ethnic backgrounds who interpret the biblical text adeptly using the familiar critical tools of exegesis, and who also demonstrate how reading from their particular social location provides theological insight germane to all of God’s people. They show how the New Testament addresses a range of issues important to today’s readers, including topics of restorative justice, immigration and hospitality, racial bias and violence, the priority of families and ecclesial communities, and so much more. Not to be missed are the excellent introductory essays, which trace the ethnic histories of peoples of color and their practice of reading the Bible with a hermeneutic of trust.”

In addition to the twenty-two contributing scholars, the associate editors for the project include Amy L. B. Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College and author of Women and the Gender of God;Janette H. Ok, associate professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Constructing Ethnic Identity in 1 Peter; andOsvaldo Padilla, professor of New Testament and theology at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University. He has published on the Acts of the Apostles and Paul.

Each scholar who contributed to the volume brings exegetical expertise coupled with a unique interpretive lens to illuminate the ways social location and biblical interpretation work together.

Padilla said, “I have often found myself wrestling with what it meant to engage my own ethnic identity. We all have the gift of contributing scholarly insights because of our social location, but we also run the risk of missing important insights because of our social location. My own Hispanic background, for example, that helped me (I think) get at some hidden aspect of the text could also be used to smuggle in some of the idolatrous baggage that is also part of my background. I was surprised how much I had to grapple with the danger of becoming just like the ‘colonizers’ we passionately have criticized when forgetting that this is a two-way street.”

Ok said, “Our collaborative editorial process embodied the joys, challenges, and fruits of bring­ing together scholars with different expertise, expe­riences, perspectives, and social locations that you see reflected in the work of our contributors. Cre­ative processes of this magnitude are messy, but I have learned to embrace the messiness as a gift to the church. The ideas for this volume took shape over time and the con­tributors submitted and resubmitted their work in conversation with the edi­tors while keeping true to their voice and vision. I am proud of this collective labor of love.”

The editors collectively expressed a hope for the readers of The New Testament in Color to grow in appreciation for the wider perspectives on biblical interpretation.

Peeler said, “My deepest hope is that all readers grow in their appreciation for the beauty of many perspectives and when they do so, they also grow in their awe of the creativity and abundance of God’s truth.”

“I hope that people are neither hyper critical nor paternalistic,” McCaulley said. “All biblical commentaries worthy of the name help people understand God’s Word so as to be captured by the vision of the human life contained therein. We hope that it inspires the reader to live more faithfully. Since no one corner of the church has the market on faithful living, the varied cultures included within the commentary might provide fresh insight into the nature of Christian fidelity. I also hope that alongside the differences they hear, they also note elements of familiarity. We are not completely closed off from one another. The same Spirit that inspired the Scriptures also moves in and among the varied cultures in which the gospel has taken root.”

Contact: Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com  

A Guide to Help Teens Learn, Live and Share the Gospel

Have you ever been in a situation where you really wanted to talk to you friends about Jesus, but you were not sure what to say or how to say it? Have you ever felt like you needed to understand the gospel better first? Many adults have felt that way. Now think back to what it would have been like for you as a teen. The thought of having those conversations can be very intimidating.

The gospel is the most powerful message in the world—it’s God’s dynamite to change hearts and lives. In Gospel 101 for Teens: Learning, Living, and Sharing the Gospel (New Growth Press/August 12, 2024), Jeff Dodge communicates the good news of Jesus in a clear, thoughtful, and compelling way, inviting students to grow in gospel familiarity, community, and action.

“This goal of this book is to present an overview of the gospel message, to invite you to begin to wrestle with some of the questions that arise as you think about and discuss the gospel, and to get you started on finding your own ways to share your faith with others,” Dodge writes.

Based on his popular Gospel 101 Bible study for adult small groups, but revised and adapted for a younger audience, Gospel 101 for Teens serves as an introductory-level course on the “big picture” message of redemption. It equips teens with the language of the gospel to confidently move past the fear of sharing their faith with friends and classmates. By learning to share the gospel in their own words and explain why it matters, teens will be ready to communicate this message in a life-giving, clear, and personal way.

“Christians talk a lot about the ‘gospel.’ What does that mean? The word gospel means ‘good news.’ But knowing that is just the beginning. In its fullest, richest form, the gospel is a story. In fact, it’s the Story—the true story the Bible tells that makes sense of all the other stories we’ve heard. It’s the story that makes sense of life itself,” Dodge explains. “One reason we can talk freely to people about the gospel is that something about it resonates with us as humans. Most people have a nagging feeling that there is something beyond this world. Why? Because deep down, we crave unending, unconditional love and the sure promise of a better tomorrow. These longings show that people are hardwired to seek answers only the gospel provides.”

Gospel 101 for Teens has a practical, easy-to-use, small-group study layout with ten self-contained lessons that help participants experience the transforming power of new life in Jesus. Each session has an introduction to the topic of the week, a Bible reading, an article to read, group discussion questions, and a survey to conduct outside of the group. Designed to be used in Sunday school and small groups, teenagers will grow in putting their faith into action and understanding the Bible as one, gospel story.

Gospel 101 for Teens: Learning, Living, and Sharing the Gospel
By Jeff Dodge
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-446-5
August 12, 2024 / Retail Price: $16.99
RELIGION / Christian Education / Children & Youth

Jeff Dodge, MDiv, DMin, PhD, is the teaching pastor at Veritas Church in Iowa City near the University of Iowa. Having come to Christ as a university student, Jeff’s passion is to strengthen and plant local churches in university communities.  In order to develop future leaders for church-planting in university communities, Dodge designed and directs the Veritas School of Theology (in partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary). Dodge also serves the Hope Center in rural Zambia, teaching rural church-planters and helping care for orphans. He is the author of Gospel 101, Gospel 101 for Teens, and Titus: Life-Changing Truth in a World of Lies. Jeff and his wife, Teresa, have four children and growing number of grandchildren.

A surprising diagnosis of PTSD led Dave Gibbons to look to his past for clues to explain the unexpected result.

Born to an American soldier and a Korean mother in the wake of the Korean War, Dave has spent his life struggling to blend his Korean roots and his very American upbringing. The family joins a conservative church that embraces a strict, rule-based faith, and they try to navigate life as one of the few mixed-raced families in their community. But when tragedy strikes, tearing the family apart, Dave is forced to face long- buried secrets that he can no longer ignore.

As he explores his family’s difficult past, he confronts his own pain and the persistent feelings of not quite fitting in either in America or his mother’s home country. And when a DNA test ultimately reveals a truth that shatters everything he understood about his history, he begins the journey to reconcile his American upbringing with his deep Korean roots, and he is forced to confront the traumas he unknowingly carried.

The Shape of My Eyes beautifully weaves historic reference points of the oppression and discrimination against Asian Americans with Dave’s own personal story. Dave’s wrestling with belonging in his family, in America, and in the church creates a raw, thought-provoking memoir about race, religion and finding home.

Dave Gibbons was born in Seoul, Korea yet culturally raised in America. He works in both for profit and not for profit organizations. Dave is an Advisor, Speaker and Spiritual leader. Dave founded an influential  church known for diversity, innovation and social impact. At the same time, he launched or worked with social impact organizations such as World Vision and Fuller Seminary. He loves working with creators and innovators in entertainment, sports, government, finance, and non-profits. Dave lives in California and Seoul, Korea, with his wife, Becca. He has four adult children and two grand-dogs.

Pastor Juan Martinez unveils ‘Prison Break’ to help set the body of Christ free from bondages, walk in freedom and forgiveness

Lake Mary, Fla.— Pastor Juan Martinez is helping to set the captives free with his 21-day devotional, Prison Break (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-387-7).

After experiencing the reality of a physical prison cell, Martinez has made it his life’s mission to help other individuals break free from the chains holding them back to walk in a life of abundance with Christ.

“People use religion as a drug, as a debate strategy, and even as a rulebook,” Martinez writes. “It is not enough to go through the motions and pretend to have a relationship with Him. To truly connect with God, we must make a lifelong commitment to Him.”

To help people walk free from whatever may be holding them back, including a religious mindset, and enter into a real relationship with Jesus, Martinez’s book offers daily encouragement to help change mindsets, prayers to seek God’s divine protection and mercy first and motivation to keep pursuing Jesus first above all things.

“The power that you need is in the cross. When we put away our foolish ways and come to our senses, we see the fruit of repentance,” Martinez writes. “We have to get to know God to understand how He moves. This life is accomplished when we crucify ourselves and put Him first in our daily choices.”

Whether facing figurative or literal bars, readers will find solace, encouragement, and practical guidance to navigate life’s challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

Prison Break, published by Charisma House, releases on August 6, 2024, and is available online and wherever books are sold.

Juan Martinez is the lead pastor of Get Wrapped Church and founder of Love Live Lead Ministries. A radio and television host and true revivalist, Martinez has a passion to reach the lost, broken, and sick with the love of Jesus. He has appeared on several televised programs, including on TBN Salsa, TBN, and CTN Vegas, and he is a popular conference speaker. The author of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: Unlocking the Promises of God, he lives in Houston with his wife, Ruthy. They have six children: Johnathan, Jay, Jonathan, Valery, Janina, and Josh.

Keep in touch with Juan Martinez:

• Website: juanmartinez.tv
• Facebook: @JuanMartineztv, @getWRAPPEDpeople
• YouTube: @ThisIsRealWithJuanMartinez, @GetWrappedPeople
• Instagram: @thejuandrlove, @getwrappedpeople

For a review copy or to interview Juan Martinez, please contact media@charismamedia.com.

Title: Prison Break: 21 Days to Spiritual Freedom | Release Date: August 6, 2024 | Retail: US $19.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-387-7 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-388-4 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5” x 7” x 0.52” | Page Count: 208 | Hometown: Houston, TX | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Warfare, RELGION / Christianity / Pentecostal & Charismatic, RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth

July 2024 | LISLE, IL—Made for PAX (PAX), an organization that provides mentorship and vocational development for emerging Christians of color, has signed with InterVarsity Press (IVP) to publish four Bible studies centered around its key values: peace, justice, and contemplation.

Tiffany Bluhm, executive director of Made for PAX said, “PAX is pleased to collaborate with an industry leader like IVP that is committed to addressing social issues and faith.”

Since 2019 PAX has been in the business of uplifting, promoting, and celebrating Christians of color. PAX is a Christian foundation that is committed to resourcing the church with slow, beautiful, Jesus-centered content to reach the next generation and change the world through the biblical vision of shalom.

The Bible studies from IVP, carrying the Made for PAX logo, will include these topics and authors:

Drew Jackson’s Bible study, tentatively titled The Story of Pax, will include video and offers an introduction to the Way of Jesus. Jackson writes poetry at the intersection of justice, peace, and contemplation. He is the author of the poetry collections God Speaks Through Wombs and Touch the Earth.

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, an award-winning writer, editor, author, and communications consultant, will contribute the Made for Pax study on the topic of mental health.

Migration is the theme of the coauthored study by Cheng-Tozun and Alexis Busetti, host of That Makes Total Sense! a weekly podcast dedicated to exploring God’s generosity and justice.

Kristel Acevedo’s Made for Pax study, tentatively titled Cross-Shaped Pax, will include video and will also be available in Spanish as Para en forma de cruz. Acevedo is the Spiritual Formation Director at Transformation Church in Indian Land, South Carolina.

Elissa Schauer, acquiring editor for the Made for Pax studies, said, “We admire and appreciate the mission, vision, and message of Made for Pax, and are particularly thrilled to have studies written by these four individuals. It’s a great partnership, and these resources are a terrific addition to our Bible study line.”

The Made for PAX Bible studies are tentatively scheduled to begin releasing in 2025 and will carry world rights. The PAX projects were represented by Joy Eggerichs Reed of the Punchline Agency.

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com  

July 2024 | LISLE, IL—American Book Fest has named two titles from InterVarsity Press (IVP) as finalists of the 2024 American Fiction Awards. The honored titles include The Surface of Water by Cynthia Beach and the coauthored IVP Kids book, Zion Learns to See, written by Terence and Zion Lester and illustrated by Subi Bosa.

The IVP finalists of this year’s contest join a prestigious group of past honorees, including Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Anne Lamott, George Sanders, Julie Andrews, Clive Barker, Vanessa Williams, Shark Tank’s Daymon John, Brad Thor, Kitty Kelley, and many others.

Winners and finalists for the American Fiction Awards were announced in over seventy genre specific categories. Awards were presented for titles published from 2022 to 2024.

The Surface of Water: A Novel by Cynthia Beach was a finalist in the Religious Fiction category of the American Fiction Awards. Julie Cantrell, author of Perennials, said, “A timely examination of the human heart, The Surface of Water explores the complexities of frail faith and fractured family, proving that sometimes even the truth can become watery. Readers won’t be disappointed as Beach delivers an emotional story through beautifully lyrical language, presenting characters who stick with us long after the last page is turned.”

The Surface of Water is about a megachurch pastor, a famous evangelist’s son, living in a world beyond his control. It’s also a story about a young woman trying to understand her complicated life. In the #ChurchToo era, this novel invites readers to see life’s shadowed edges—isolation, power, and abuse—illumined by the light of truth.

“The Surface of Water is an unflinchingly honest look at ‘big’ Christianity,” said Kelly Flanagan, psychologist and author of The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell. “Crafted before the recent spate of #ChurchToo scandals, it now reads as a prophetic harbinger of church abuses. It does for hypocrisy in the church what Demon Copperhead did for the opioid crisis.”

A finalist in the Children’s Religious category of the American Fiction Awards, Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness was inspired by real-life events. Zion has no idea what she’s getting into when she decides to join her dad at his work on Saturday. But she quickly discovers that a day at the community center brings new and wonderful people into her life. Zion learns about people experiencing homelessness and is moved to respond as she recognizes that all people matter to God.

Terence Lester said, “Our hope (both Zion and I) is that Zion Learns to See will inspire parents to cultivate a generation that loves without condition. Showing love to people, irrespective of their life situations or whether they have a stable place to call home, reflects our shared humanity.”

A March 2024 Black PR Wire review says, “A heartwarming children’s book fostering empathy and awareness about homelessness. Zion Learns to See invites young readers to see the world through a lens of hope and compassion while empowering youth to take action in their communities.”

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Since 1947, InterVarsity Press (IVP), a subsidiary of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, has been publishing thoughtful Christian books and content to equip Christians for a vibrant life of faith. IVP products speak boldly into important cultural moments and provide innovative resources for leaders in the academy and the church. To learn more, visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Interactive Bible Study Based on The Chosen Sells 500,000 Copies

July 16, 2024 (COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – David C Cook has been awarded a Gold Milestone Sales Award by the Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association (ECPA) for selling 500,000 copies of What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? The interactive Bible study, written by Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, and Douglas S. Huffman, is based on Season 1 of the popular television series, The Chosen.

The ECPA Milestone Sales Award program recognizes outstanding sales achievement in the publication of quality Christian literature. David C Cook will be honored for this award at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held in April 2025 in Nashville.

In addition to What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?, David C Cook has published four other interactive Bible studies based on The Chosen, including Blessed Are the Chosen (Season 2), The Way of the Chosen (Season 3), God’s Goodness for the Chosen (Season 4), and Get Used to Different, a student guide to The Chosen. This year, David C Cook also published The Chosen: Volume 1 – The Way of the Chosen, an original graphic novel written by Amanda Jenkins and illustrated by world-class artists. Amanda Jenkins has also authored two children’s books, The Chosen Presents: Jesus Loves the Little Children and The Chosen Presents: The Shepherd, both published by David C Cook.

Chadd Miller, divisional president of David C Cook’s publishing arm, and his entire team celebrate the impact What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? is having on so many lives. “This award not only symbolizes the milestone of half a million books sold, but also the fact that this book connects millions of readers to the person of Jesus Christ so brilliantly,” he said.

“We are blessed to partner with Amanda, Dallas, and Doug on this interactive Bible study series. We feel strongly that the purpose behind The Chosen show—to point people to the authentic Jesus of the Bible—is being fulfilled every time someone opens this book,” said Michael Covington, Vice President of Publishing & Acquisitions. 

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org

Media Contact:  Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011

Carol Stream, IL (July 22, 2024)—If you cringe at the thought of awkwardly bringing up your faith with others, you’re in good company. While most of us have the desire to share the gospel, we don’t always know how to bring it up. Let’s face it . . . it’s not easy to go from “How’s the weather?” to “Jesus died for you”; and no one is walking up to us on the street asking, “What must I do to be saved?” So what’s a well-intentioned Christian to do?

Enter Living Out Loud.

Living Out Loud isn’t a strategy for sharing the gospel; it’s about being so comfortable in your own spiritual skin that conversations about faith happen naturally and spontaneously. It’s about making God such an integral part of your daily life that you can’t help but talk about Him—at home, at work, with family, and with friends—not as a sales pitch, but as a facet of your regular conversations.

When your faith becomes obvious to those around you in the way you speak and live and love, evangelism stops seeming like a duty and simply flows from who you are.

In Living Out Loud, you’ll discover

• how to bring a refreshing countercultural presence to your relationships and conversations
• how to demonstrate Christian beliefs to unbelievers through your life and habits
• how to spiritually engage others in a way that feels natural

It’s time for a new approach to evangelism. Let Living Out Loud show you the way to communicate and truly embody the message of the gospel.

Living Out Loud by Kevin King
ISBN: 978-1-4964-9002-5 | Softcover: $17.99 | October 8, 2024 | Tyndale.com

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 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.

Carol Stream, Ill. (July 22, 2024) — Daily Hope and Rick Warren, in collaboration with Tyndale House Publishers, announce the release of Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise. Warren’s latest book offers wisdom and encouragement that will resonate deeply with anyone seeking to grow spiritually and navigate today’s unique challenges with God’s guidance.

Warren says, “God made you to know and love him—to have a relationship with him. I wrote The Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise to help you slow down, get quiet, and spend time with him. Together, we’ll explore Scripture daily and unlock its power in your life, deepening your friendship with God, and filling you with inspiration, hope, and encouragement.”

More than just another read, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise gathers 365 of Warren’s most insightful and enduring devotions in one place. This timely collection offers readers a simple and effective way to connect with God every day and develop a more authentic and meaningful relationship with him.

Daily Hope was created by Warren to captivate the hearts and minds of people far and wide with the life-changing message of the Good News of Jesus. Through his relatable, easy-to-understand Bible teaching and spiritual growth tools, individuals everywhere experience the depth of God’s love and grace, receiving the support and inspiration they need to grow in their faith and fulfill the Great Commission.

This partnership with Tyndale House Publishers has allowed Daily Hope to extend its reach and impact within the print marketplace, bringing hope-filled messages from God’s Word to even more readers around the world.

Please contact Andrea Martin (andreamartin@tyndale.com) for further information.

Daily Hope Devotional | ISBN: 979-8-4005-0112-8 | Hardcover: $24.99 | October 8, 2024 | Tyndale.com

Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, founded Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. Warren is the cofounder of Celebrate Recovery and executive director of Finishing the Task coalition. He is also the bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church. You can listen to Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope broadcast or sign up for his free Daily Hope Devotional at PastorRick.com.

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.

Contact:  Andrea Martin, andreamartin@tyndale.com, 630.784.5318