Customer Reviews

Be Authentic (Genesis 25-50): Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World (The BE Series Commentary)

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Do you often tire of the people portrayed to us via tv, internet or even books. People portrayed as perfect people. Warren Wiersbe has taken a look at three authentic men in the Bible, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Men from the Old Testament who were definitely not perfect men. Men who had deception problems, problems being fair, and family troubles.

Broken down into thirteen chapters, each chapter examines the lives each man, their home lives and the problems they faced and caused. He also compares the similarities between the father's and sons. Each chapter ends with discussion questions perfect for personal Bible study or group studies. This book is a perfect tool for someone looking for a personal Bible study. It will guide you to be yourself and to show you the pitfalls that come when we give in to our personal choices, and the victory of following God's directions.

Part of Dr. Wiersbe's "BE" commentary series, this second edition of the book has been updated with the discussion questions, and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. Dr Wiersbe a respected pastor and author will guide you to discover how to live an authentic life.

216 pages, $12.99 US 4 stars

This book was provided by The B&B Media Group for review purposes only. No payment was received for this book.

I am reading the Bible for the first time and wanted a commentary to help me decipher and to teach me what was REALLY being said and how to apply the words and teachings to my life. This book series is a MUST for anyone who wants to read AND understand AND apply the Bible to their life. A+++

`Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World' is Dr. Warren Wierbe's ([..]) commentary on Genesis 25-50, covering the lives of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Here is Dr. Wiersbe's explanation for why we should study the lives of these three men:

Why study these three 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 other thing some well-known Christians are known for is that they're well known. Apart from that, there's nothing distinctive about them. They belong to the herd. (pp. 13-14)

Dr. Wiersbe ([..]) has had a long and storied career. He's 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. An interesting side note - the church which I attend is also attended by one of Dr. Wiersbe's daughters. What a blessing to have Dr. Wiersbe as a father!

I was especially intrigued by the chapters covering the life of Joseph (Genesis 39-50). He has always struck me as one of the most amazing people in the Bible. I am grateful for Dr. Wiersbe's insights on Egypt at the time Joseph lived there:

The Egypt in which Joseph found himself was primarily a land of small villages inhabited by peasants who worked the land and raised grain and vegetables. Thanks to their system of irrigation, the annual flooding of the Nile River supplied ample water for both the crops and the cattle. There were some large cities such as On (Hieropolis), where Ra the sun god was honored, and Memphis, devoted to Apis, the sacred bull, but most of the population lived in the small villages. (p. 107)

I appreciate the biblical - and extra-biblical - knowledge that Dr. Wiersbe imparts.

Joseph seemed to never be bitter and said one of my favorite passages in the Bible: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). Here Dr. Wiersbe makes a comparison of Joseph's life with another person in the Bible:

Joseph didn't minimize their sins, but he said, "You intended to harm me" (Gen. 50:20 NIV). He knew that there had been evil in their hearts, but he also knew that God had overruled their evil deeds to accomplish His good purposes. This reminds us of what happened on the cross. Peter said "Him [Jesus], being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up" (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV). Out of the greatest sin ever committed ever committed to humankind, God brought the greatest blessing than even came to humankind. (p. 184)

As is always the case, Dr. Wiersbe's commentary on Genesis 25-50 is profound and biblically based. Each chapter ends with Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion. One can never go wrong in studying a commentary by this gifted and godly man. I would highly recommend it for personal or group study. 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.

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

Reviewed by Andrea Schultz - Ponderings by Andrea - [..]

I received a copy of this book as I was reading through the final chapters of Genesis.

Warren Wiersbe tears apart the scripture and provides information that aids in your biblical understanding. Then he provides GREAT discussion questions that make you think about what you've read and how to be an authentic doer of the Word. In an age when false teachers our abundant, it is refreshing to find teaching that is biblical and applicable. Great book, worth the money.

Be Authentic by Warren W. Wiersbe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are over 4 million "Be" books in print and there is a reason for that! This book, along with it's counterparts, are excellent resources for the person in the pew as well as the full-time ministry personnel.

Reading this book is not like reading a dry, just the facts, commentary - it's like reading a fascinating book that helps you really grasp the passages of Genesis 25-50. Wiersbe explains the scripture in a clear way that is easy to understand for anyone, not just the scholars. I highly recommend buying this series of books that will walk you through the entire Bible so that you can have personal access to digging deeper in your walk with Christ.

Here is some more detailed information on this book:

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. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6631-1/176 pages/softcover/$[...]/January 2010)

· Be Wise (A Study of 1 Corinthians) explores 1 Corinthians, Paul's practical guide to seeking Godly wisdom. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6636-6/192 pages/softcover/$[...]/March 2010)

· Be Authentic (A Study of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) shares how we can pursue authentic relationships with others and God. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6630-4/192 pages/softcover/$[...]/January 2010)

· Be Basic (A Study of Genesis) gives fundamental truths from the book of Genesis on relationships, faith, sin and spiritual fulfillment. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6635-9/176 pages/softcover/$[...]/January 2010)

· Be Obedient (A Study of Abraham) explores the remarkable life of Abraham and shows how we too can be obedient through faith. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6632-8/160 pages/softcover/$[...]/January 2010)

· Be Strong (A Study of Joshua) shares the need for strong believers of purpose, while encouraging us to lead victorious lives. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6637-3/176 pages/softcover/$[...]/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. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6634-2/204 pages/softcover/$[...]/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. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6633-5/176 pages/softcover/$[...]/March 2010)

Acclaimed worldwide as a pastoral resource for international leaders, the "BE" series will soon include companion study guides--the Wiersbe Bible Study Series--with each study guide correlating with the appropriate "BE" book. David C Cook plans to release additional editions of the series over the next few years.

The "BE" Series by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe

David C Cook/January and March 2010

[...]

This review copy was provided courtesy of David C. Cook.

I really like these bible studies because they are told in a story biographical manner. They don't whitewash the people, they present them as they are, the problems they faced, how they responded, and how God responded. Everyone makes mistakes and sins, that's reality. The message here is that God forgives the sin, stays true to his covenant and promised blessings, but doesn't erase the sin, the sinner still has to face the consequences of his sin, even if it is years later or the next day. I liked the quote that the author uses which to me sums up this part of the family tree: "Faith is living without scheming." How much better off these men would have been if they had had faith in God and hadn't schemed to have their own way. Having the study follow the leaders through 3 generations helped to show how characteristics follow through the people time after time, century after century. The ponderings at the end of each chapter helped to bring the theme of that chapter into the present day and also to review the chapter. It is an excellent bible study.

I absolutely adore Warren Wiersbe's "Be" series of commentaries. These informative books are a valuable tool for any serious Bible student. They are designed to be read in conjunction with the book of the Bible that is being studied to shed light on words and phrases and customs of the time. Each chapter addresses a manageable portion of scripture and ends with a series of questions that can be used for discussion or personal reflection and study. The notes at the end of the book also contain valuable information that will lead the reader to greater understanding of scripture, and consequently, a deeper relationship with the Lord.

"Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith In The Real World" is a wonderful resource in this series. There are valuable lessons within the pages of this incredible work of non-fiction that will inspire and grow the faith of the reader. This brilliantly engaging and informative book deals with Genesis 25-50, some of my favorite Old Testament reading. I cannot wait to use this book in my next in-depth study of those passages.

Great reading. If you're looking to obtain an understanding of the Book of Genesis, this is the book for you. It not only explains verses, the author is not afraid to include opinions of other biblical scholars that may differ.

I highly recommend all 3 books on Genesis.