Christian publishers have released several products tied to The Bible, a 10-hour TV miniseries that will debut on the History Channel at 8 p.m. EST, this Sunday, March 3.

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey produced the five-part miniseries of major Bible stories, from Noah's ark and the Exodus to the death and resurrection of Jesus, slated to air for five Sundays in March—culminating on Easter, March 31. Best known for producing the TV shows Survivor, The Voice and The Apprentice, Burnett and his wife, Downey, of Touched by an Angel fame, are Christians.

"In terms of importance, nothing we've ever done, not Touched By an Angel, not Survivor, not The Voice, not The Apprentice, none of this could possibly compare to The Bible," Burnett said.

FaithWords has released two novels and a devotional based on The Bible: A Story of God and All of Us: A Novel Based on the Epic TV Miniseries; A Story of God and All of Us: Young Readers Edition; and A Story of God and All of Us Reflections: 100 Daily Inspirations Based on the Epic TV Miniseries—all were written by Burnett and Downey.

Church resource organization Outreach also created The Bible 30-Day Church Experience Kit along with a small group DVD study and personal guidebook. Twentieth Century Fox will release and distribute The Bible on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

LifeWay Christian Stores, among others in the Christian retail channel, has gotten behind the project, which took five years to complete.

"This exciting project ... offers ... a great opportunity to introduce, or reintroduce, family and friends to God's Word; to draw people face-to-face with Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ; to open up discussions about salvation and faith," said the chain's eblast this week. "While this series is an adaptation of the Bible, we believe God can use it to further His kingdom, and we hope and pray you will join us in that endeavor."  

Meanwhile, in:cast events is offering The Bible Simulcast Event at 12:30 p.m. EDT, Saturday, March 2, from Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. The live event for churches and small groups features Saddleback's pastor, Rick Warren, Burnett and Downey in a preview of The Bible miniseries. Click here for more information on The Bible Simulcast Event. 

Click here to read a column about The Bible miniseries by Downey and Burnett in the February issue of Christian Retailing.

Click here for more information on The Bible miniseries.