KREGEL TITLE GAINS RECOGNITION FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY

To the Jew First is given an Award of Merit in the 2009 CT Book Awards.

Christianity Today Magazine announced their 2009 Book Award winners this week, and among the Award of Merit recipients in the Apologetics/Evangelism category is To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History (Kregel Academic & Professional 2008), edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch Glaser.

To the Jew First is based upon the biblical mandate to take the gospel “to the Jew first.” There has been a renewed effort among Christians to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Jewish community. The book is a comprehensive resource that looks at the historical, theological, and biblical context for doing so, and provides encouragement for Christians and Messianic Jews engaged in evangelism.

Darrell L. Bock is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he is the author of the best-seller Breaking the Da Vinci Code and numerous works in New Testament studies, including Jesus According to Scripture.

Mitch Glaser is the president of Chosen People Ministries. Mitch and his wife, Zhava, are Jewish believers in Jesus and have each labored for more than twenty years in ministry among the Jewish people. Mitch holds a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies.

For two decades, the Christianity Today Book Awards have drawn attention to books that illuminate people, events, and ideas that play a pivotal role in shaping evangelical life, thought, and mission. According to a CT press release, this year’s judging process began with 436 titles from 67 publishers, and was narrowed down to ten winners and eleven notable Award of Merit winners.

In response to the news of the award, Kregel publisher Dennis Hillman said, “To the Jew First has received a well-deserved honor, and we are thrilled to have partnered with Darrell and Mitch to produce this needed resource. Our hope is that this book will achieve its purpose: to equip Christians to share the good news of Messiah’s coming with the Jewish people.”

Videos that Rebuild Families

Author, step-parenting expert, and author of the Rebuilding Families Web site Maxine Marsolini wants to encourage step-parents to take the next step in making your family experience the best it can be. She says, "When husbands and wives, parents and children, stepparents with blended families, and the long list of relatives important to every household member are able to harmonize, the load is lighter. Sometimes we all need a little coaching to find the next fresh idea and move away from cycles that are hurtful and tiring."

In an effort to help families grow and flourish in 2009, Maxine is incorporating webTV video content to her ministry. "WebTV gives me the privilege of uploading program content in short 5–15 minute segments," Maxine says. "It also allows you to access that content when it is most convenient for you from your computer or Web-based phone. As of January 5, you can visit 'Women of the Word' or 'WebTV4Women'and select the program you'd like to see and hear. Doing family well is so important. Think forward. What values do you one day want your children to leave home with? Those values are built today. The best part is they promise to strengthen tomorrow."

Blended families are becoming more common in today's society. Regardless of the circumstances, children often experience deep feelings of hurt, anger, and depression when two families join together. In Maxine's book Raising Children in Blended Families—a book focused on children from blended homes—she uses her experience in a blended family as well as advice from recognized experts to teach the art of stepparenting.

About Maxine . . .

Maxine Marsolini is an author, speaker, pastor's wife, and member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Together with her husband, Charlie, they are a blended family with seven children, which makes her a valued resource for stepfamilies. Maxine's articles have appeared in magazines such as Decision, Lifewise, Bible Advocate, and Whispers from Heaven.