Concordia to Release First-Ever Bible Guide of Its Kind This Fall

Saint Louis, MO (PRWEB) June 13, 2014 -- The Holy Bible stands alone as the only sacred text, tying God’s promises to specific people, places, times, and cultures. Now, Concordia Publishing House is introducing an exciting new resource that lets readers step into what was happening in the world during biblical times.

A two-volume set, the Lutheran Bible Companion is the perfect complement to the cherished Word of God. It provides important cultural, geographic, and theological context to stories, offering historical and political perspective. CPH is excited to announce this comprehensive new resource will reach the public this fall.

“The Lutheran Bible Companion fills an important gap in Bible handbooks,” says CPH editor Edward Engelbrecht. “It gives voice to the oldest and largest Reformation church body with a thorough statement of its biblical doctrine, its application, and its Christian practice.”

This first-ever, all-encompassing Lutheran guide to the Bible features commentary that reflects Lutheran theology. It is a must-have for any Lutheran library—from professional and academic to church and family.

“A wealth of information is provided about each book of the Bible and the Apocrypha, along with extensive comments from Martin Luther and Johann Gerhard—essential spokesmen for the Reformation tradition,” Engelbrecht says.

To preorder the Lutheran Bible Companion, visit cph.org. To interview the editor or to obtain a review copy of the book, contact Beth Behrhorst, Public Relations, at beth.behrhorst(at)cph(dot)org or 314-268-1294.

Advance Praise for Lutheran Bible Companion

Entering the pages of the Lutheran Bible Companion is like taking a seat at a never-ending banquet, where the fare is plentiful but can never be totally consumed. To quote Martin Luther in his observation about studying the Scriptures, “There is always something left over to understand and to do. Therefore you must never be proud as if you were already full.” The Lutheran Bible Companion is a “must have” resource for those who truly want to be satisfied with the Spirit-filled illumination of God’s Word as we learn how culture, context, and historical events can enhance our desire to drink deeply of His wisdom, commands, and promises.
—Dr. Kurt Senske, CEO Lutheran Social Services of the South,
Author of The Calling: Live a Life of Significance (Concordia, 2010)

Upon first looking at this resource, I was almost overwhelmed, but in a very good way. Concordia Publishing House has done it again, providing a top-quality resource to supplement the Bible. There is a wealth of information available at my fingertips, information that answers some of the tough questions when reading God’s Word, and supplies much-needed background, maps, charts, photos, and resources for further study. As I continue to encourage women to be in God’s Word, I will also encourage them to purchase and use this. This book will be my companion in my daily quiet time.
—Janice M. Wendorf
16th President of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

In my library there are books that look wonderful on the shelf. They stay there because they are, professionally and personally, valueless. There are other books on those shelves that are used occasionally and even a few which are consulted frequently. The Lutheran Bible Companion is a work that will NOT be placed on any of my shelves. In its scholarly goal of using the Scriptures to point people to Jesus, it is simply too valuable to be positioned anywhere other than where it can be instantly and regularly consulted.
—Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®

The Lutheran Bible Companion is a fine resource that will nicely supplement The Lutheran Study Bible. It provides a comprehensive overview for laypeople of the books of the Old and New Testaments and Apocryphal writings, including historical and geographical background along with doctrinal themes. Lutheran Bible Companion is unique in that it provides a rare combination of art, maps, charts, and literary and theological commentary on the texts of the Holy Scriptures. There is really nothing quite like it on the market today. Pastors will want to make sure the members of their congregation learn about it.
—John T. Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry/Missions
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN

About the Editor

Lutheran Bible Companion editor, Edward Engelbrecht, also is contributing editor of The Story Bible, a 2012 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Christian Book Award finalist. Both resources, as well as numerous others he has developed or contributed to, are published by CPH. His research on professional and academic topics has appeared in many prestigious publications, including the Journal of Early Christian Studies, LOGIA: A Journal of Lutheran Theology, Concordia Journal, and more. This Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod-ordained minister, husband, and father-of-four also serves as a guest preacher and Bible class teacher.

About Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For 145 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 8,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

Beth Behrhorst, Concordia Publishing House, 314-268-1294, [email protected]