Biography
Warren Wiersbe was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1929. In 1945 he responded to Billy Graham's preaching at a Youth for Christ rally. He studied at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he met his future wife, Betty, and graduated in 1953.[1] [2]
His pastoral ministry included Central Baptist Church in East Chicago, Calvary Baptist Church in Covington, and The Moody Church in Chicago. He also worked with Youth for Christ. From 1980 to 1992 he served as Bible teacher and general director at Back to the Bible in Nebraska.[1] [2]
Wiersbe's writing grew alongside this pastoral and broadcasting work. His Be series developed from teaching material into a large collection of Bible commentaries, completed in 2002 after a long period of work. Other books addressed preaching, worship, Christian experience, and the responsibilities of ministry.[2]
He and Betty had four children. The record of his life includes both the public teaching and the sustained household partnership behind it. He died on 2 May 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska.[1] [2]
His influence remains visible in resources that help ordinary readers follow a biblical passage and consider its application. His surviving books and recordings provide the context needed to understand quotations drawn from his ministry.[1] [2]
Sources and references
“The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard at all times.”
“God doesn’t bless us just to make us happy; He blesses us to make us a blessing.”
“The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps constant communion with Him will see many reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long.”
“The will of God ought to be a source of strength and satisfaction to the children of God.”
“The essence of idolatry is enjoying the gifts but not honoring the Giver.”
“One of the greatest judgments God can inflict on any people is to let them have their own way.”
“There is no substitute for an understanding mind.”
“Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God.”
“Outlook determines outcome, and attitude determines action.”
“The world’s philosophy is that you are ‘great’ if others are working for you, but Christ’s message is that greatness comes from our serving others.”
“The past must be a rudder to guide us and not an anchor to hold us back.”
“Real contentment must come from within.”
“The Bible is seed, well plant it. The Bible is bread, well then eat it. The Bible is a light, well then follow it.”
“Never underestimate the amount of damage one person can do outside the will of God.”
“The important thing is not the praise of men; it is the approval of God.”
“The Christian who abides in Christ and shares His life will produce the fruit of holiness.”
“You cannot manufacture holiness.”
“Holiness is nothing else but the beauty and character of God displayed in our everyday lives.”
“Holy living means more than victory over sin; it also means growth in character so that we become more like Jesus Christ.”
“It takes careful reading and study, prayer, meditation, and obedience to mine the treasures of the Word of God.”
“If you look to others you will be distracted; if you look to yourselves you will be discouraged; but if you look to Christ you’ll be delighted.”
“Trusting God means thinking and acting according to God’s word in spite of circumstances, feelings, or consequences.”
“Salvation means we are going to heaven, but submission means that heaven comes to us!”
“Faith moves in the direction of peace and hope, but unbelief moves in the direction of restlessness and fear.”