Here's a nice little taste:
Our English word authentic comes from a Greek word that means "original as opposed to a copy." Authentic people are people with direct, firsthand experience, people who make mistakes but don't accept any mistake as final. They're pioneers, not settlers, and they don't blindly and blandly follow the crowd but prefer to follow that "different drummer" whom Henry David Thoreau wrote about in Walden.
Why study these authentic men? Because we live in a world of pseudosaints and artificial heroes, many of whom are manufactured by the media and puffed by the promoters. The only thing some well-known Christians are known for is they're well known. Apart from that, there's nothing distinctive about them. They belong to the herd.
God is looking for authentic people who will dare to have firsthand spiritual experiences in life and not settle for the secondhand imitations that are promised if you listen to the right seminars, watch the right videos, and attend the right meetings.
"When people are free to do as they please," wrote Eric Hofer, "they usually imitate each other." For proof, check out any generation of teenagers, college students, or business leaders. Not so with authentic people. They struggle through life and let God make them the special individuals He planned for them to be. Eccentrics are painfully odd, and they repel us; individuals are creatively different, and they attract us.
A New Look at the legendary insights of Dr. Warren Wiersbe
David C Cook releases revised editions of
Dr. Wiersbe’s trusted Bible commentaries—the “BE” Series
As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God’s Word. Whether you’re a pastor, a seminary student or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth and practical Bible scholars in modern history.
A man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago and the author of more than 150 books. For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today.
Easily accessible for both pastors and lay people alike, Wiersbe’s profound study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group. David C Cook’s third installment of eight revised “BE” series volumes each feature updated content for today’s readers, a new introduction by Ken Baugh and new study questions for each chapter. The 2009 expanded Bible commentaries will include the following studies:
· Be Diligent (A Study of Matthew) encourages us to follow Christ’s example and actively serve others and God. (January 2010)
· Be Wise (A Study of 1 Corinthians) explores 1 Corinthians, Paul’s practical guide to seeking Godly wisdom. (March 2010)
· Be Authentic (A Study of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) shares how we can pursue authentic relationships with others and God. (January 2010)
· Be Basic (A Study of Genesis) gives fundamental truths from the book of Genesis on relationships, faith, sin and spiritual fulfillment. (January 2010)
· Be Obedient (A Study of Abraham) explores the remarkable life of Abraham and shows how we too can be obedient through faith. (January 2010)
· Be Strong (A Study of Joshua) shares the need for strong believers of purpose, while encouraging us to lead victorious lives. (March 2010)
· Be Decisive (A Study of Jeremiah) powerful insights for making the decisive, powerful choice to live by God’s absolute truth and values. (March 2010)
· Be Encouraged (A Study of 2 Corinthians) is a lively commentary that will help you be encouraged no matter what challenges come your way. (March 2010)
