‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Nehemiah – Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review

One of the most prolific authors of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century in the field of Christian studies is Dr. Warren Wiersbe. I have read many of them! The latest ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Nehemiah – Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition.’

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Overcome the impossible. The life of Nehemiah is an inspiring testament to the power of determination. Years after Jerusalem’s defeat by Babylon, the Jewish people returned to their land only to discover a city left in ruins. Surrounded by enemies, Nehemiah finds himself tasked with an overwhelming charge: to rebuild the walls of his beloved city. This bible study examines Nehemiah’s remarkable journey from the everyday to the extraordinary and explores the unique power found in perseverance.

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series explores timeless wisdom found in God’s Word. Based on Dr. Wiersbe’s popular “BE” series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Structured for small groups, this eight-week study features selected commentaries from Be Determined, engaging questions, and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God’s Word into your life.

Here is the author’s biography:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.  For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. Dr. Wiersbe has written more than 160 books, including the “BE” series of Bible commentaries, which have sold more than four million copies. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

In the Introduction to Nehemiah, Dr. Wiersbe introduces us to this powerful man of God:

Nehemiah was the kind of person who cared. He cared about the traditions of the past and the needs of the present. He cared about the hopes for the future. He cared about his heritage, his ancestral city, and the glory of his God.

In my estimation, when it comes to leadership, Nehemiah stands with Old Testament heroes like Moses, Joshua, and David. It has done my heart good to study this book afresh and learn from Nehemiah the secrets of resolute leadership and successful service. I trust that reading these chapters will increase your own determination to serve God faithfully and finish your ministry with joy. (pp. 7-8)

The book is broken down into eight lessons:

1.   A Caring Attitude (Nehemiah 1-2)

2.   Workers (Nehemiah 3-4)

3.   Selfishness (Nehemiah 5)

4.   Pressures and Testing (Nehemiah 6-7)

5.   People of the Book (Nehemiah 8)

6.   Grace (Nehemiah 9)

7.   Dedication (Nehemiah 10)

8.   Sacrifice and Promises (Nehemiah 11-13)

There is also a bonus lesson, which includes a summary and review.

Each chapter has sections entitled ‘Getting Started’ and ‘Going Deeper,’ which come from the corresponding Wiersbe commentaries (in this case, ‘Be Determined’). Each chapter also features sections entitled ‘Looking Inward,’ ‘Going Forward,’ and ‘Seeking Help.’ They include insightful and challenging 

questions that allow us to study the particular sections of Scripture.

In Lesson 3 on Selfishness, I was challenged by this series of questions about leadership:

In what way was Nehemiah a good example as a leader and as a follower of God? Why is it critical for leaders to set good examples? What happens to organizations when leaders live out the “do as I say, not as I do” axiom instead? Is it fair to hold leaders to a higher standard than followers? What is the follower’s role in helping leaders become good examples? (p. 51)

My husband, Fred, loves to read books on leadership. He is a fairly new Christian (about ten years), and he has not read the book of Nehemiah in depth. I think this is the perfect study to learn more about Godly principles of leadership and service. I intend to study this with him; we can all learn more about those two important topics!

The chapters also include sections ‘From the History Books,’ which provide history tidbits with which one may be unaware. In Lesson 6 on Grace, Dr. Wiersbe shares this pertaining to Nehemiah 9:

The feasts and celebrations noted in Nehemiah probably most resemble the tent meetings of preachers such as John Wesley (1703-1791), Peter Cartwright (1785-1872), and Billy Sunday (1862-1935). These events drew huge crowds to meetings that were largely evangelistic but also often served as revival celebrations intended to spark new fervor in local congregations. While tent meetings have mostly faded into history, the most well-known evangelist of all, Billy Graham, continues to draw large crowds to stadiums. (p. 95)

I have reviewed several other Dr. Wiersbe’s books on my blog: ‘Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World,’ reviewing the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (you can read my review here), ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review’ (you can read my review here), ‘Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy’ (Judges – OT Commentary) (you can read my review here), ‘Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey Through the Scriptures,’ (the review is here) and ‘Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ’ (you can read my review here). I have found all of Dr. Wiersbe’s Bible studies and commentaries to be extremely insightful and encourage me to dig deeper into God’s Word. He has had quite a wonderful career, and his legacy will live on for all time. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to share his wisdom and insights by reading his many books.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by the B&B Media Group, Inc. for review purposes. 

‘Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review

I am a voracious reader of any book written by Dr. Warren Wiersbe. The latest on my checked off list is ‘Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ.’

Here is the synopsis of this book:

God is in the present? Are you? Do you find yourself living in memories, imaginations, and fears more than in the current moment? As Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe writes, “My past may discourage me and my future may frighten me, but ‘the life I now live’ today can be enriching and encouraging because “Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20).”

In Jesus in the Present Tense, Dr. Wiersbe explores the I AM statements of God – from His burning-bush conversation with Moses, to His powerful reassurances to the Israelites, to Jesus’ startling claims to be the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, and the True Vine.

The better you understand God’s I AM statements from both the Old and the New Testaments and apply these truths to your life, the more you will abide in Christ and bear fruit for His glory today. Then you will be free to live, serve, and know God more richly in the present tense – which is just where  He wants you to be.

Here is the author’s biography:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.  For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. Dr. Wiersbe has written more than 160 books, including the “BE” series of Bible commentaries, which have sold more than four million copies. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

In the Foreword, Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer of Sherwood Pictures (‘Fireproof,’ ‘Facing the Giants,' and ‘Flywheel’) said this about this book:

Joy in the Present Tense is a reminder that our Lord is not a distant deity, nor is He just a figure of history. He is the living God, the great I AM. Dr. Wiersbe guides us through a practical and applicable study of these statements. While these statement are familiar, we often forget that they are for us today, not just for those who heard them in the first century.

When you read this book, you’ll love Jesus more. You’ll see how the divine life is intended to work itself out in daily living. Many books today seek to water down truth to make it more acceptable, but not this one. This book will stretch you to look to the Lord daily for all your needs.

In a day when many are offering cotton-candy theology, Warren Wiersbe takes us to the meat, break, milk and honey of the Word of God. The content is sound and scriptural. May the I AM speak to you, as He did to me. (p. 10)

In the Preface, Dr. Wiersbe explains the power of Jesus:

No leader, no author, no organization, and no set of religious disciplines can do for us what Jesus alone can do, if we let Him. Even the book you are now reading can merely point the way to Jesus. Divine truth becomes dynamic life only when we yield to Jesus by faith and follow Him. If the founders of the world’s philosophies and religious systems were alive on earth today, they could only say, “I was.” They are dead, and they can’t personally help you. Jesus doesn’t say “I was.” He is alive and says, “I AM.” He can meet our needs today. He is alive this very moment and offers us a satisfying spiritual life in the present tense. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8). Past history, present reality, and future certainty all unite today in Jesus Christ, the great I AM. (p. 11)

Dr. Wiersbe explains that God explains Himself to His people in the Old Testament:

         

In nine places in the Old Testament, the Lord “filled out” or “completed” the name I AM to reveal more fully His divine nature and His gracious ministry to His people:

·         Yahweh-Jireh:  The Lord will provide or see to it (Genesis 22:14)

·     Yahweh-Rophe: The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)

·     Yahweh-Nissi: The Lord our banner (Exodus 17:15)

·     Yahweh- M’Kaddesh: The Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 20:8)

·     Yahweh-Shalom: The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)

·     Yahweh-Rohi: The Lord our shepherd (Psalm 23:1)

·     Yahweh-Sabaoth: The Lord of hosts (Psalm 46:7)

·     Yahweh-Tsidkenu: The Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)

·     Yahweh-Shammah: The Lord is there (Ezekiel 48:35) (pp. 20-21)

These names apply equally to Jesus.

The book goes on to detail all of the name with which Jesus referred to Himself: ‘The Bread of Life,’ ‘The Light of the World,’ ‘The Door,’ ‘The Good Shepherd,’ ‘The Resurrection and the Light,’ ‘The Way, the Truth, and the Life,’ ‘The True Wine,’ and ‘The Neglected I AM.’

I am involved with a women’s ministry entitled Gracestoration. It focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. So I will focus on that chapter. Dr. Wiersbe explains why Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd:

Jesus calls Himself “the Good Shepherd” because He is the genuine shepherd in contrast to the false shepherds and hired hands who over the centuries had exploited God’s people. Remember that civil rulers such as kings, princes, and governors were called shepherds, even though many of them were like wolves and robbers (Isa. 56:9-12; Ezek. 34). The promised Messiah was to be a loving shepherd (Isa. 40:9-11; Ezek. 34:20-24), and Jesus is that Messiah. The word translated “good” in “good shepherd” carries the meaning of “noble, praiseworthy, desirable, and pleasing to God.” Jesus qualifies. (pp. 81-82)

Dr. Wiersbe goes on to discuss how the shepherd is very aware of each of his sheep: he owns them, he knows them, he calls them, he cares for them, and he gathers his flock. Jesus engages in all of these activities with His church.

Dr. Wiersbe encourages us that the Godhead is still active today:

History is so often being rewritten these days that we may not know exactly what has happened in the past; and since we are not omniscient, we cannot predict the future accurately. However, there is still good news: Right now, in this present hour, God gives us the privilege of making decisions that may alter some of the consequences of the past and also help establish some exciting new directions for the future. “I tell you, now it’s the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Now! Today!

God wants His children to live a day at a time, in the present tense, trusting in His guidance and grace. “Give us this day” applies not only to our daily bread but also to everything else involved in our day-by-day pilgrim journey. From the first day of creation, the Lord ordained that our galaxy function one day at a time as Planet Earth makes its annual trip around the sun. The next time you say, “I wish I had more time,” remind yourself that we all have the same amount of time – twenty-four hours a day – and that perhaps we should be saying, “I wish I had more control over our time.” This means being wise and “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16) (p. 175-176)

I have reviewed several other Dr. Wiersbe’s books on my blog: ‘Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World,’ reviewing the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (you can read my review here), ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review’ (you can read my review here), ‘Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy’ (Judges – OT Commentary) (you can read my review here) and ‘Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey Through the Scriptures,’ (the review is here). Just as I did with those books, I recommend this one as well. Dr. Wiersbe writes with wisdom and authority, and the reader will always glean truth and grace in His writings.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by the B&B Media Group, Inc. for review purposes.

‘Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey Through the Scriptures’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review

I am always on the lookout for a good devotional. When I heard about the one from Dr. Warren Wiersbe, ‘Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey Through the Scriptures,’ I knew that it would be worthwhile.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Experience An Unforgettable Year of Spiritual Growth. We all long to read more of God’s Word. Yet our world never seems to give us time for a quiet moment with Scripture.

Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures is a topical, daily devotional designed for how you live. In just a few minutes each day, you’ll explore biblical truths on themes such as love, peace, and ministry. This devotional is filled with wisdom and insights that can improve your life.

Each day you’ll encounter:

·         Select Scripture readings that explore practical, everyday topics

·         Themed commentary from Dr. Wiersbe’s popular “BE” series

·         Thoughtful questions that prompt personal reflection

Topical. Relevant. Inspiring. Take a journey through Pause for Power, and experience an unforgettable year of spiritual growth and discovery.

Here is the author’s biography:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.  For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. He has written more than 160 books, including the “BE” series of Bible commentaries (of which ‘Be Authentic’ is one), which have sold more than four million copies. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

At the beginning of the book, Dr. Wiersbe explains how to use his devotional:

In the pages that follow, you’ll hear Isaiah’s invitation to wayward hearts, wrestle with Job’s dilemma, examine what Hebrews says about the breathtaking work of Christ, and listen in as Paul writes letters to infant churches. Such a task might seem daunting at first, but with the help of Pause for Power, it will take you only a few minutes a day. And here’s the best part: Over the course of a year, you’ll have read fifteen books of the Bible.

The devotions are undated, so you can start any day of the year. They’re also blended, so you can enjoy a variety of biblical voices and themes each week. One day you might contemplate Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and the next you might consider a wise saying from Ecclesiastes.

To get started, simply turn to Day 1, read the associated Bible passage in your favorite translation, spend time with the devotion, then ponder the question of the day. Repeat daily. In twelve months, you’ll have studied Job, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, and 1 John. But more importantly, you’ll have gained insight into God’s Word – insight that will bring you closer to the Author Himself. (p. 3)

When I review devotionals, I usually focus on my birthday and my husband Fred’s birthday. Being that the days are not dated in this one, I have to count off the day. Mine is Day 52, which is entitled ‘When Hope Becomes Hopeless.’ The featured Scripture is Ecclesiastes 9:5-10. I found both of those items to be interesting, as hope has been a little topic of focus for me of late, and because Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books in the Bible! This verse is included in the book:

The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.

                                        Ecclesiastes 9:5 (p. 55)

Here is part of Dr. Wiersbe’s devotion for that day:

What Solomon wrote about the dead can be reversed and applied to the living. The dead do not know what is happening on earth, but the living know and can respond to it. The dead cannot add anything to their reward or their reputation, but the living can. Solomon was emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities while we live, rather than blindly hoping for something better in the future….

We endure because we hope, but “hope in hope” (like “faith in faith”) is too often only a kind of self-hypnosis that keeps us from facing life honestly. While patients may be better off with an optimistic attitude, it is dangerous for them to follow a false hope that may keep them from preparing for death. That kind of hope is hopeless. When the end comes, the patients’ outlook may be cheerful, but the outcome will be tragic. (p. 55)

Each day includes ‘Something to Ponder.’ Here is the one for Day 52:

What is your definition of hope? How does your hope keep your faith strong? (p. 55)

Fred’s birthdate is Day 163, which is entitled ‘In Search of Good Samaritans.’ The Scripture passage is Philippians 2:19-21. Here is the Scripture included in the book:

I have no one else like [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

                                        Philippians 2:20-21 (p. 166)  

Here is part of that day’s devotion:

Is it possible to be a Good Samaritan today? Must we harden our hearts in order to protect ourselves? Perhaps sacrifice and service are ancient virtues that somehow do not fit into our so-called modern civilization. It is worth nothing that even in Paul’s day, mutual concern was not a popular virtue. The Christians at Rome were not too interested in the problems at Philippi; Paul could not find one person among them willing to go to Philippi. Times haven’t changed much. (p. 166)

And here is ‘Something to Ponder’ for Day 163:

What are some ways you’ve looked out for your own interests and not those of Jesus Christ? (p. 166)

Personally, that is a convicting point to ponder….

This book is a beautiful hardcover book that is compact in size, and includes a ribbon to keep track of the page where you left off. This book will be added to the nightstand where our devotional books are easily accessible before it is time to retire for the evening. 

As always, I highly recommend using resources from Dr. Wiersbe; our Life Group worked through the study of the book of Galatians, ‘Be Free: Exchange Legalism for True Spirituality.’ I have reviewed other Dr. Wiersbe’s books on my blog: ‘Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World,’ reviewing the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (you can read my review here), ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon’ (you can read my review here) and ‘Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy’ (Judges – OT Commentary) (you can read my review here). I hold Dr. Wiersbe in high esteem – and it is a pleasure to attend church with one of his daughters! 

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by the B&B Media Group, Inc. for review purposes. 

‘Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy’ (Judges – OT Commentary) by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review

One of the most anointed and gifted theologians of our day is Dr. Warren Wiersbe. ‘Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy’ is Dr. Wierbe’s Bible Commentary on the Book of Judges.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

God is Looking For a Few Good People. Picture a world where people live according to their own personal standards, where believers can’t seem to agree, and where people are trapped in every kind of sin. Sound familiar? While the list hits close to home today, these issues are found in the book of Judges. And it’s during times like these when God is searching for those who are ready, willing, and available to confront the enemy.

Part of Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s best-selling “BE” commentary series, Be Available has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares the insight that God’s kingdom advances through those who are available to Him. Based on the book of Judges, this study encourages us to stand for what’s right, and step into what God is doing in our world.

Here is the author’s biography:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.  For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. He has written more than 160 books, including the “BE” series of Bible commentaries (of which ‘Be Authentic’ is one), which have sold more than four million copies. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

In the Introduction, entitled ‘The Big Idea,’ Ken Baugh, Pastor of Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, California, describes what Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries have meant to his ministry and his life:

Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries have been a source of guidance and strength to me over the many years that I have been a pastor. His unique style is not overly academic, but theologically sound. He explains the deep truths of Scripture in a way that everyone can understand and apply. Whether you’re a Bible scholar or a brand-new believer in Christ, you will benefit, as I have, from Warren’s insights. With your Bible in one hand and Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary in the other, you will be able to accurately unpack the deep truths of God’s Word and learn how to apply them to your life.

Drink deeply, my friend, of the truths of God’s Word, for in them you will find Jesus Christ, and there is freedom, peace, assurance, and joy. (p. 11)

In ‘A Word from the Author,’ Dr. Wiersbe makes this observation:

I think that we today are living in a period similar to that described in the book of Judges:         

·         There is no king in Israel.

·         People are doing what is right in their own eyes.

·         God’s people can’t seem to work together.

·         People are in bondage to various enemies.

But here and there, God is raising up men and women who believe Him, confront the enemy, and win the victory.

The challenge of the book of Judges is – be available! No matter how dark the day, God can still work through people who will trust His Word, yield to His Spirit, and do His bidding.

Will you be among them? (p. 13)

The book of Judges takes a look at an amazing chapter in Israel’s history. One of the most intriguing people to me is Deborah, a Jewish judge who Dr. Wiersbe describes as ‘a woman of faith and courage’ (p. 45). He goes on in detail:

God had raised up a courageous woman named Deborah (which means “bee”) to be the judge in the land. This was an act of grace, but it was also an act of humiliation for the Jews, for they lived in a male-dominated society that wanted only mature male leadership. “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them” (Isa. 3:12). For God to give His people a woman judge was to treat them like little children, which is exactly what they were when it came to spiritual things.

Deborah was both a judge and a prophetess. Moses’ sister Miriam was a prophetess (Ex. 15:20) and later biblical history introduces us to Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Neh. 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36), and the four daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9). God called Deborah a prophetess and a judge, but she saw herself as a mother to her people. “I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel” (Judg. 5:7). The wayward Jews were her children, and she welcomed them and counseled them. (pp. 46-47)

That is a lot of valuable biblical information; what a pleasure to be able to 

share Dr. Wiersbe’s wisdom and knowledge!

Another interesting person in Judges is Samson. Here is Dr. Wiersbe’s description of this man:

Samson was unpredictable and undependable because he was double-minded and “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). It has been said that “the greatest ability to dependability,” and you could depend on Samson to be undependable.

Bold before men, Samson was weak before women and couldn’t resist telling them his secrets. Empowered by the Spirit of God, he yielded his body to the appetites of the flesh. Called to declare war on the Philistines, he fraternized with the enemy and even tried to marry a Philistine woman. He fought the Lord’s battles by day and disobeyed the Lord’s commandments by night. Given the name Samson, which means “sunny,” he ended up in the darkness, blinded by the very enemy he was supposed to conquer

Four chapters in the book of Judges are devoted to the history of Samson. In Judges 13-14, we’re introduced to “Sunny” and his parents and we see the light flickering as Samson plays with sin. In Judges 15-16, the light goes out and Samson dies a martyr under the ruin of a heathen temple, a sad end to a promising life. (p. 125-126)

Samson’s life is a cautionary tale to not take the life that God has given us, and the Holy Spirit He has entrusted to His believers, and not waste it by getting involved with the temptations of this world.

In the final chapter of the book, ‘Looking Back and Looking Around,’ Dr. Wiersbe looks at how the lessons in Judges can apply to today. One of the points he makes is that ‘God Still Blesses Those Who Live by Faith:'

It has well been said that faith is not believing in spite of evidence (that’s superstition) but obeying in spite of consequences. I might add that it also means obeying God no matter what we see around us or ahead of us or how we feel within us. Faith doesn’t depend on our emotions (Gideon was frightened much of the time, and Samson felt he still had his own power) or our understanding of the situation. Faith takes God at His word and does what he tells us to do. (p. 182)

This book includes ‘Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion’ which are highly insightful, and really get you to think about your answer! I like this question: 'Who are some "losers" (in literature, sports, politics, history, the Bible) became winners?' (p. 122) 

I highly recommend using resources from Dr. Wiersbe; our Life Group worked through the study of the book of Galatians, ‘Be Free: Exchange Legalism for True Spirituality.’   I have reviewed other Dr. Wiersbe’s books on my blog: ‘Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World,’ reviewing the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (you can read my review here) and ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review’ (you can read my review here). I consider Dr. Wiersbe to be one of the Godliest and most insightful theologians in our world today – and we attend church with one of his daughters, so that is another incentive to studying his work!  

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by the B&B Media Group, Inc. for review purposes. 

‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review

‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit’ is Dr. Warren Wierbe’s Bible Study Guide covering 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon

Here is the biography of Dr. Wiersbe from the back cover:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.  For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director.  He has written more than 160 books, including the “BE” series of Bible commentaries, which have sold more than four million copies.  He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Here is the description of the study from the back cover:

The Christian life is not easy.   Whether we’re walking out our faith, sharing the gospel, or helping in ministry, we can become discouraged as we strive to live in Christ.  The apostle Paul understood that believers would always face challenges, obstacles, and setbacks.  The books of 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon offer a wealth of encouragement for every Christian and share an underlying, powerful theme: Never give up!

In the Introduction, Dr. Wiersbe provides an interesting observation on the Pauline epistles included in this Bible Study Guide:

Paul used the Greek word pistos (“faithful”) at least seventeen times in these three letters.  The theme runs through each chapter: Be faithful in the Word, be faithful to your task, be faithful to the people to whom you minister.  God is faithful!  But don’t get the idea that the Pastoral Epistles are only for pastors and other “full-time Christian workers.” These three letters are for every Christian, every church member.

I have added a chapter on Philemon because what Paul wrote to him fits right into the theme of this study.  Philemon faced a difficult problem with his runaway slave, Onesimus, and Paul’s counsel encouraged Philemon to be faithful to the Lord in solving that problem.

As you study these letters, I want to help you understand the ministry of the local church and also encourage you to stick with it!  If you and I are faithful to the tasks God has given us, then His work will prosper and His name will be glorified.  Could we ask for more? (p. 7)

I don’t think we can ask for more!  All of us probably need improvement in the areas of encouragement and perseverance - overcoming obstacles.  The Bible is the perfect place to learn those truths, and Dr. Wiersbe, with his servant’s heart and wealth of knowledge, is the perfect teacher to guide us along on that journey.

This book also provides sections on ‘Going Deeper,’ in which excerpts from Dr. Wiersbe’s expositional commentary on these four epistles, ‘Be Faithful.’  He also brings in information from history books. 

Dr. Wiersbe’s discussion/reflection questions are always very insightful.  Here’s one from Lesson 7: Last Word, covering 2 Timothy 3-4:

Paul challenges Timothy to preach the word and “be prepared in season and out of season” for Christ’s return.  In what way is Paul’s charge to Timothy applicable to your own life?  What does it look like, practically speaking, to be prepared for Christ’s return?  How can you “keep your head in all situations? (p. 106)

I would highly recommend ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit’ for personal or group study.  I also think you should supplement it with the 'Be Faithful' commentary covering the same books.  My life/small group through our church is currently studying Dr. Wiersbe’s ‘Be Free: Exchange Legalism for True Spirituality,’ which studies the book of Galatians.  We are learning a lot.   

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by the B&B Media Group, Inc. for review purposes.