FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June
22, 2007
Contact: Heather
D. Adams
Director
of Publicity
(615)
902-2224 office/(615) 902-2746 FAX
hadams@thomasnelson.com
3:16 The Numbers of Hope
Bestselling
Author Max Lucado Examines the Most Famous Verse in Bible
For God
so loved the
world
that he gave
his one and only Son,
that whoever
believes in him
shall not perish
but have
eternal life.
John 3:16
John
3:16. These 26 words comprise what is
arguably the most well-known verse in the Christian Bible. Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia,
calls this verse “the Bible in a nutshell” and even small children can recite
it from memory. It is one verse that all Christians can
agree on—uniting believers across denominational lines and theological
rifts. Why is this verse so well-loved, easily
recognized, and oft-quoted? Bestselling
author and pastor Max Lucado believes it is because John 3:16
uniquely presents the hope of Christianity.
Lucado believes the message is so vital that he has focused an entire
book, 3:16: The Numbers of Hope (Thomas Nelson, September 11, 2007),
on an exploration of its meaning. Within
his newest book, Lucado encourages Christians to view this verse with fresh
eyes, and he invites seeker exploring faith to consider the unparalleled claims
of John 3:16.
Max Lucado calls John 3:16 “a
twenty-six-word parade of hope” and “the Hope Diamond of the Bible.” He encourages readers to consider the
unequalled appeal of this verse, “Think of it – this verse is brief enough to
write on a napkin or memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather two
thousand years of storms and questions.”
And he follows with a heart-felt challenge for his readers: “If you know
nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return
here. We all need the reminder.”
Max Lucado uses John 3:16 as a
starting point for addressing some of the most central issues of life and
religion. “John 3:16 begins with God, ends with life and urges us to do the same,”
he writes. Some of the life and death
issues Lucado tackles include:
Lucado
suggests that John 3:16 is to Scripture what the Mississippi River is to
America—an entryway into the Heartland.
Lucado explains in the introduction: “Believe or dismiss them, embrace
or reject them, any serious consideration of Christ must include them. Would a
British historian dismiss the Magna Carta?
Egyptologists overlook the Rosetta Stone? Could you
ponder the words of Christ and never immerse yourself into John 3:16? The verse is an alphabet of grace, a table of
contents to the Christian hope, each word a safety deposit box of jewels.”
Thomas
Nelson and an unprecedented group of licensed partners will release a variety
of products under the 3:16 brand during 2007 and 2008. Some of the products from Thomas Nelson
include Lucado’s hardcover book, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, Hope. Pure and Simple (a gift book), The 3:16 Promise (evangelism booklet), God’s Great Big Love for Me (pre-school
board book) 3:16 (teen edition) and a
DVD small group study. Thomas Nelson’s
international division will also release several simultaneous foreign language
editions of 3:16. LifeWay will release an adult church curriculum with
companion workbook as well as a church musical.
Indelible Music will issue “3:16 – Songs of Hope” a compilation CD
featuring major artists. Indelible is
also producing a high definition DVD project, “3:16 – The Stories of
Hope.” Hallmark/Dayspring will produce
greeting cards and gift products branded with the 3:16 images and
text. Kerusso
and Bob Siemon Designs will offer branded apparel and
jewelry respectively. (Consult the press
kit for a complete listing of all 3:16 products.)
Because
Palm Sunday, an important Christian holy day, falls on March 16 in 2008 (3-16-08),
a national church campaign is being developed around the 3:16 message. Churches across the U.S. (and beyond) will be
invited to host a simulcast of a live event featuring Max Lucado and musical
guests. This outreach event will serve
as a rallying point for churches interested in sharing this message with their
communities. A national television
special is planned to air on Easter Sunday, one week later. Outdoor advertising and other promotional
tools will be implemented by churches to further connect their communities with
the message of John 3:16.
With more than 50 million books in print, Max
Lucado’s 60+ titles are read worldwide in more than 20 languages. Christianity
Today magazine dubbed Lucado “America’s Pastor,” and Publishers Weekly, the general market publication for books and
bookselling, recently proclaimed “there aren’t many authors bigger than
Lucado.” In 2005, Reader’s Digest called him “America’s
Best Preacher.” His books
are regular fixtures on national bestseller lists including The New York Times, USA Today
and Publishers Weekly. Lucado has been
featured in a wide range of media, including USA Today, “Larry King Live” and “NBC Nightly News,” and has spoken
at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States.
3:16 – The Numbers of Hope
By Max Lucado
Available September 11, 2007
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Hardcover, ISBN 10: #0-8499-0193-6, ISBN 13: #978-0-8499-0193-5, $24.99
256 pages, 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Religion/Christianity/Christian
Life
Review copies and limited
interviews are available upon request.
Contact Heather Adams, Thomas
Nelson, 615-902-2224, hadams@thomasnelson.com
Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of
Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and
family value themes. For more information, visit our website
www.thomasnelson.com.