New and revised studies from 'Be' teacher Warren Wiersbe, whose 'words transcend generations'

The words of one of Christian publishing's most celebrated writers are being introduced to new readers, thanks to a variety of new resources from different publishers.

New titles and revised studies from Warren Wiersbe—an internationally known Bible teacher, broadcaster, former pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago and the author of more than 150 books—have been or will be published by David C. Cook, Baker Books and CLC Publications.

In September, Cook released The Transformation Study Bible, comprising commentary from the 50-plus books in the popular "Be" Bible commentaries spanning 30 years. In January, the publisher also began releasing revised editions of the "Be" books such as Be Diligent, Be Authentic, Be Basic and Be Obedient as well as four books in "The Wiersbe Bible Study Series"—new companion pieces for the "Be" series for small groups.

"I believe Dr. Wiersbe is a special and gifted Bible teacher whose words transcend generations," said Dan Rich, senior vice president and publisher for Cook. "He has a gift to make Scripture come alive and make everyday sense to the average Joe. As he says, he puts the cookies on the bottom shelf. Such a gift needs to be preserved and passed on to our children and, in turn, to their children."

Wiersbe, now 81, is also still delivering new material for readers. Two new books, Too Soon to Quit (CLC Publications), about finishing well, and On Earth As It Is In Heaven (Baker Books/Baker Publishing Group)—a look at the Lord's prayer—released in February.

"I'm a maverick," Wiersbe told Christian Retailing. "If I have an idea for a book, I go to work. I don't tell anyone, and when it's finished, I worry about finding a publisher and contracts."

The "Be" series has more than 6 million copies in print. Last summer at the International Christian Retail Show, Wiersbe was honored with a CBA Life Impact Award in recognition of his "devotion to Christ and faithfulness to God's Word," as a result of which "multiplied millions of believers around the globe have discovered the glory of God and have seen Christ come to life in relevant ways."

Wiersbe attributed part of its longevity to its accessibility for the average reader or Bible student.

"I'm a one-gifted person," he said. "I admire those multi-gifted people. All I do is use words, and I've tried very hard to present them where a man, woman, teenager could all read and understand them. One of the greatest compliments I've ever received is when a kid came out of one of my sermons and said, 'I understood every word you said.' "

Wiersbe also expressed amazement at news of a Pentateuch collection of the "BE" books, focusing on the first five books of the Old Testament, which was translated and introduced to Chinese readers.

"It's remarkable," he said. "They're distributing (them) with the permission of the communist government. It's inexplicable. When you hear things like that, it makes you say, 'Hey, God's at work.' "

Wiersbe is again at work on another new book, focusing on the "I am" statements of God from the Bible. Release date, title and publisher have not been announced.

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