Once again, He warned them: He would leave them, they would not be able to follow Him, and they would die in their sins! God reveals His truth to the babes and not to the wise and prudent (Luke 10:21). 25 Oct 1998 (aged 45) USA. Dr. Wiersbe is author of more than 80 books, including the best-selling "BE" series. He is, perhaps, best known for his Be series, a series of 50 books from Be Real to Be Joyful, Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, said via email. We so emphasize Gods love for the world and the church that we forget that the Father loves the Son. Wiersbe does not understand Gods Word, since God is a God of separation. His preaching and writing are deep enough to make a Ph.D. professor think and practical enough to help a Sunday School teacher struggling with a passage of Scripture. A contributing editor to Baker Book House, he wrote books beginning in the 1950s under several publishing house labels; completing more than 150books including the popular "BE" series of commentaries on every book of the Bible which has sold over four million copies. It is our communion with Christ through the Spirit that makes possible the bearing of the fruit. Jesus had already mentioned His leaving them (John 7:34), but the Jews had misunderstood what He said. Several of Wiersbes extended family are Moody alums, including a son, David Wiersbe76; grandson Dan Jacobsen09 and his wife, Kristin (Shirk) Jacobsen09; and great-nephew Ryan Smith, a current student. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. But I can read and study and think and teach. A golden vine adorned Herods temple. I cant do so many of the things that successful men can do. W arren Wiersbe (1929-2019) was an influential Bible teacher and a prolific writer who published 150 books, including the popular "Be" series of commentaries that has sold more than 4 million copies. [3] Most of this information is available through Warren Wiersbe's autobiography Be Myself: Memoirs of a Bridgebuilder. You can follow him on Twitter. Nowhere, does Scripture anywhere establish this alleged distinction. It is unwise to build a theological doctrine on a parable or allegory. He has ministered in churches and conferences in Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and the United States. No doubt, His enemies reacted violently to these words, but some of the listeners put their faith in Him. In The Message this becomes the vapid and almost meaningless those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex. In 1 Tim 1:10, them that defile themselves with mankind is changed to the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever.. New International Version (NIV), Warren Wiersbe BE Bible Study Series 1. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Wes Ward Named as New Head of Moody Radio, Dr. John Perkins with wise words to the church on race. (His grandson Don Jacobsen explains the bridge-building metaphor here.). Because God loves us, He prunes us and encourages us to bear more fruit for His glory. This certainly involves the Word of God and the confession of sin so that nothing hinders our communion with Him (John 15:3). The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. He also taught courses on preaching at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. Warren W. Wiersbe was a well known international Bible conference teacher with a heart for missions and a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Jesus boldly made several claims to deity (John 8:26). The Message is much more like a New Age channeling than a true Bible translation. Wiersbe was committed to the practice of unBiblical ecumenicalism. But worse, he is actually giving credence to apostates which is so far removed from true Christianity (2 Cor 6:14-18), one can only conclude he was one in similitude. Would Wiersbe fill the pulpit, and pray about becoming a candidate? Set the world right; Do whats best AS ABOVE, SO BELOW. Not only did he reject the critical doctrine of separation, which is intimately associated with salvation (2 Cor 6:14-18), he brashly encouraged others to disobey the same. That is far from Biblical Christianity and once again proves he was nothing less than a wolf in sheeps clothing. Generously provided by. This is more of a personal testimony, he said, because I want to share these blessings with you, rather than write some scholarly essay, which I am sure I could not do anyway.. Known as the pastor's pastor, Wiersbe passed away Thursday, May 2, at the age of 89 two weeks before his 90th birthday. This site uses cookies to provide you with more responsive and personalized service and to collect certain information about your use of the site. They did not understand! Jesus made two more stupendous claims: Not only was He sent by the Father, but the Father was with Him because He always did what pleased the Father (John 8:29). Wiersbe made a commitment to the ecumenical philosophy as a young preacher. Its a privilege. There will be fruitmore fruitmuch fruit. 13:15). Wiersbe transgressed and did not abide in the doctrine of Christ for many reasons including the ones noted above. Of itself, a branch is weak and useless. B ible teacher, pastor, and preacher Warren Wiersbe died Thursday at age 89, leaving an impressive legacy of teaching, preaching, and mentoring countless pastors. And this is what happened. During that time he wrote a bi-weekly column for Christianity Today. Wiersbe was committed to rock & roll music and the neo-evangelical unBiblical philosophy. 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No, no, no. These are all unBiblical and apostate organizations that demand separation, NOT fellowship and association! But he also enjoyed live radio . Help train Christians to boldly share the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that clearly communicates to this secular age. Warren Ray Wiebe. [1][5] Before his death, Wiersbe and his wife Betty gifted their massive personal library of over 13,000 volumes to Cedarville University in Ohio. Also, you experience the Fathers pruning so that you will bear more fruit (John 15:2). The pastor, Dr. George Sweeting, had just resigned to become president of Moody Bible Institute. The points below cover some of the more important reasons why one should not read or endorse Warren Wiersbe but rather warn about this man who by all appearances was a false teacher and wolf in sheeps clothing. The word results is often heard in conversations among Christian workers, but this is not actually a Bible concept. Wiersbe married Betty Warren on June 20, 1953, and they had four children. Many Christians pray that God will make them more fruitful, but they do not enjoy the pruning process that follows! It means to keep in fellowship with Christ so that His life can work in and through us to produce fruit. The Message is the boldest and most provocative rendering of the New Testament Ive ever read., Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven., Youre blessed when youre at the end of your rope. Wiersbes philosophy was the lighten up, be positive, dont be so strict, be more tolerant, have a broader tent of associations. This is doing more than any other one thing to build an apostate church, which is the majority churches of our day. Like Lewis Sperry Chafer, Charles Ryrie and Zane Hodges before himall very vocal voices and proponents of Keswick theologyWiersbe is similarly confused over the true gospel. Clear rating. Life and Death . As we grow in holiness and obedience, we are bearing fruit (Rom. People regularly mention him, his preaching and his influence in their lives. In his autobiography, he connected some of his earliest childhood memories to Moody Bible Institute; his home church pastor was a 1937 graduate, Dr. William H. Taylor. . The symbolism of the Vine and branches is similar to that of the Head and the body: we have a living relationship to Christ and belong to Him. For less than $5/mo. They thought He was planning to kill Himself! Cedarville University celebrates the legacy of Warren Wiersbe, one of the foremost Bible teachers, professors and authors of the 20th century. After leaving The Moody Church in 1978, Wiersbe continued his writing, radio and teaching ministries, serving at, among other institutions, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in suburban Chicago. Dr. Wiersbe is author of more than 80 books, including the best-selling BE series. The early church, following the example of its Lord (Luke 24:25-27), would show from the Old Testament prophecies both the sufferings and the glory of the Messiah. The heretical teaching on unbelief is intricately tied to Keswick theology, which makes the same claims, and is found plentiful in Wiersbes commentary and radio show. Its a Keswick-related antinomian heresy and it is indeed a false gospel that can save no one. Dr. Warren Wiersbe once described Heaven as not only a destination, but also a motivation. In 1971 he received a call from the famedMoody Memorial Church in Chicago, succeeding George Sweeting, who became the president of Moody Bible Institute. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Ps 1:1-6), Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? [2], While attending the seminary, he was ordained as pastor of Central Baptist Church in 1951 and served until 1957. Not because of my family, although being the baby of the family is not easy. 18 Jul 1953. The praise that comes from our hearts and lips is actually fruit to the glory of God (Heb. Wiersbe is perhaps best known for his series of 50 books in the "BE" series: Be Real, Be Rich, Be Obedient, Be Mature, Be Joyful, etc., and other theological works. We knew he was a fraud because he had a head. 1:9-11), "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Eph 5:12), Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Dr. Warren Wiersbe and his son, pastor David Wiersbe, co-authors of Moody Publishers' Ministering to the Mourning. While at Moody Church, he continued in radio ministry as speaker on the Songs in the Night nationally-syndicated radio program that moved to Moody Church in 1968. The sooner we as believers discover that we are but branches, the better we will relate to the Lord, for we will know our own weakness and confess our need for His strength. During his long ministry and writing career, Warren Wiersbe covered pretty much every topic, including the inevitability of death. When Gods own Son came to the vineyard, they cast Him out and killed Him (Matt. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! David Roach is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press. Heaven and Earth, spirit and matter, the invisible and the visible worlds form a unity to which we are intimately linked (quoted from Warren Smith, Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church, 2004). 1:13). There is also a future vine, the vine of the earth described in Revelation 14:14-20. His most popular positions included pastoring the Moody Church in Chicago (19711978) and director of Back to the Bible radio ministry and editor of Christianity Today (1978-1982). If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. Its not a coincidence that all four of these men were associated with the heretical Dallas Seminary, a bastion for Keswick theology, all similar in belief consisting of the same unscriptural gospel (not only preaching a false repentance but even aggressively opposing true repentance as turning from sin and self) and perversion of Scripture, so that they created two classes of repentance: "justification repentance and sanctification repentance. The former apparently did not involve turning away from sins, while "sanctification repentance" (during the Christian life) apparently did. The cultivation of vineyards was important to the life and economy of Israel. He is the true Vine, that is, the original of which all other vines are a copy. As Christians, we do not live on substitutes! Through his lessons,. ), all the volumes in the BE Bible Study Series. Wiersbe embraced and promoted a false gospel that included false teachings on the Holy Spirit and repentance. From 1980 to 1992, he went to work for the Back to the Bible radio broadcast and succeeded Theodore Epp as general director the last six years of his time there. While working with Youth for Christ, Wiersbe got a call from Pete Gunther at Moody Publishers, asking about possible book projects. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom 16:17-18). What that fruit is, we will discuss later. Whether this was true saving faith or not (see John 2:23-25), we cannot tell, but our Lords words to them would indicate that they knew what they were doing. and to fight for His cause and kingdom. During those years he became a popular YFC speaker, which led to a full-time position with Youth for Christ International in Wheaton. Loving Jesus with a Living and Undying Love, For Those Who Do, and Do Not, Celebrate Lent. Among his contacts with Southern Baptists, Wiersbe spoke at the SBC Pastors Conference in 1977, when Vines served and president. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. Justin Taylor is executive vice president for book publishing and publisher for books at Crossway. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! After leaving The Moody Church in 1978, Wiersbe continued his writing, radio and teaching ministries, serving at, among other institutions, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in suburban Chicago. I wish every preacher could have at least six months experience as a radio preacher, he said later (because they would preach shorter). No, but there are special evidences that appear, and they are unmistakably clear. He also experiences joy (John 15:11). We just knew we were made for each other.. 2:21; Ezek. 15:28). It seems incredible that these religious experts should ask, Who are You? He had given them every evidence that He is the Son of God, yet they had deliberately rejected the evidence. Peterson was a big promoter of Roman Catholic contemplative mysticism and did not believe that homosexuality is a sin. He served for 10 years as General Director and Bible Teacher for Back to the Bible. The Lord has plainly and emphatically instructed the born again believer to stand for doctrinal purity, to rebuke error, and separate from it (e.g., Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 15:33; 2 Cor 6:14-18; 11:4, 12-15; Gal 1:6-9; Eph 5:11: 1 Tim 1:3; 4:1; 6:3-5; 2 Tim 3:5-9; 4:3-4; 2 Jn 1:9-11; Ju 1:3; Rev 2:6; etc). BTTB was very much "anti-Lordship" and for "easy-believism" which isnt surprising at all considering Wiersbes own alleged testimony of faith. Warren W. Wiersbe died on May 2, 2019, in Lincoln, Nebraska, just a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday. Wiersbe does not understand Gods Word, since God is a God of separation. With less of you there is more of God and his rule., Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God., Youre blessed when you get your inside world, your mind and heart, put right. During a meeting one night at The Moody Church, Wiersbe spotted a woman sitting by herself toward the side of the auditorium, Vines said. He really had quite a sense of humor, Vines said. Once you have begun to cultivate this deeper communion with Christ, you have no desire to return to the shallow life of the careless Christian. (The word translated purge in John 15:2 is the same as clean in John 13:10. And what can you expect afterward? After Dr. Epp's death, Wiersbe became the General Director and Bible Teacher. He pastored the Moody Church in Chicago (19711978) and succeeded Theodore Epp as director of the Back to the Bible radio ministry. (1) The vine. Though he was raised in the church and had attended Vacation Bible School, he trusted in Christ for the first time that night in response to Grahams altar call. At his ordination in 1951, he was asked what he thought about fundamental churches joining with liberal churches in evangelistic meetings. He replied, If God could use an unclean raven to feed Elijah, maybe He could even use a liberal (, I see my convictions, not as walls to isolate me from others, but as bridges to help me reach out to others (p. 216). Part of Dr. In light of this, consider the following quotations from Petersons The Message. The more we abide in Christ, the more fruit we bear, and the more fruit we bear, the more the Father has to prune us so that the quality keeps up with the quantity. His ministry to pastors continued as he spoke at Moody Founders Week, Pastors Conference, and numerous campus events. Warren Wiersbe, pastor and author of the popular 'Be' expositional Bible commentaries, has died aged 89. He believed that the Holy Spirit only convicts man of one sin before salvation: unbelief, so thats the only sin he must turn from. The key word is abide; it is used eleven times in John 15:1-11 (continue in John 15:9 and remain in John 15:11). Humor is based on contradiction, seeing the other side of a situation. Not the baseball field but the library. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Please subscribe to join weekly as we bring you Warren Wiersbe's classic Bible messages. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. Gods people are always encouraged by that blessed hope. Wiersbe teachings in Back to the Bible were heavily saturated with unbiblical and ungodly psychology and his commentary contains plenty of false doctrine. Its nothing but Hocus Pocus., That is unsurprising since Peterson was a New Ager through and through. Not even close. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (1929 - 2019) Warren Wendel Wiersbe was born on May 16, 1929, the third and youngest child of Fred and Gladys Anna Wiersbe, in East Chicago, Indiana. Burial. He could never say with the apostle Paul, I have fought a good fight, because he didnt believe in the fight. How frightfully awful to tamper and mess with the very words that God gave. Join us to study God's Word with our daily devotional! "He was a longtime, cherished friend of Moody Bible Institute, a faithful servant of the Word, and a pastor to younger pastors like me," said Dr. Mark Jobe, president of Moody Bible Institute. Yikes. So we're in a transition and I think it's a transition for the best, for the good., Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. Jesus had already mentioned His leaving them , but the Jews had misunderstood what He said. Meanwhile he also started work on the BE series of exegetical commentaries, books that soon found a place on the shelf of every evangelical pastor. He quickly learned to liven up Sunday school lessons with magic tricks as object lessons (not the cards! he would say). It is a tragic thing for a once-fruitful believer to backslide and lose his privilege of fellowship and service. Warren Wiersbe Hebrews As recognized, adventure as well as experience approximately lesson, amusement, as competently as pact can be gotten by just . If the branches could speak, they would confess that the pruning process hurts, but they would also rejoice that they will be able to produce more and better fruit. 10:1). I think that kind of debate about lesbians and gays might be over. Thats both a lie and false repentance and thus a false gospel. He kept writing, eventually publishing more than 150 books and losing track of how many (I cant remember them all, and I didnt save copies of everything, he said. [1], In 1995, Wiersbe became Writer in Residence at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. 26. Wiersbe served at Moodyfrom 1971 to 1978, during which time he wrote forMoody Monthly,penning the Insight for the Pastor column, where he offered not only practical theology counsel but also wrote biographical sketches of noted figures in church history, which formed the basis for his booksListening to the Giants(1976) andWalking with the Giants(1980). Bruce). This guy came in wearing a white robe and carrying a big pole and he said he was John the Baptist. Moodyexists to Proclaim the Gospel through equipping people to be biblically grounded, practically trained, and to engage the world through Gospel-centered living. 5:4). We pray, Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Throughout his career, Wiersbe authored more than 150 books. 10:21). Wiersbes autobiography ends with a slanderous mischaracterization of biblical separation and not a word of warning about the worldliness and apostasy that is spreading everywhere in his world of ungodly evangelicalism today including in his world. But I can read and study and think and teach. He also preached regularly at the annual Pastors Conference hosted by First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., where Vines was pastor. He once said of marriage: Getting a wife is something like being saved. - Warren Wiersbe 1 Good and Evil Let the trials of life make you a giant, not a midget. And we'll be challenged to look forward to our grand reunion with Christ and our loved ones. The branch cannot produce its own life; it must draw that life from the vine. Itsa marvelous, glorious privilege. I personally know of Mennonite evangelical churches that are guilty of this practice, and they reflect the same spirit. 27. all the volumes in the BE Bible Study Series. 2023 Southern Baptist Convention. It also involves obeying Him because we love Him (John 15:9-10). (4) The fruit. That defined Wiersbe but its heretical and ungodly to the core. His mother was of Swedish descent, and his father was of German descent. This is the evil and diabolical ecumenical principle of limiting the message for the sake of a broader tent of ministry, and there is zero authority in Scripture for such a thing. There is a fourth contrast. But it was his faithful preaching of Gods Word that helped The Moody Church BE a church God called them to be. During a meeting one night at The Moody Church, Wiersbe spotted a woman sitting by herself toward the side of the auditorium, Vines said. He went on to pastor in Illinois and Kentucky as well as serve on the staff of Youth for Christ International before assuming the pastorate of Chicagos Moody Church, where his radio broadcasts gained a national following. In June of 1953, he received his bachelor of divinity degree from Northern and married Betty Warren, whom he had met at Northern. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. Warren W. Wiersbe is a well known international Bible conference teacher with a heart for missions and is a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. The Father loved the Son before the foundation of the world (John 17:24); He loved the Son when the Son died on the cross (John 10:17). Jesus was returning to His Father in heaven, and nobody can go there who has not trusted the Savior. Warren Wiersbe, an author and pastor credited with influencing thousands of preachers toward biblical exposition, died May 2. He said. See ourPrivacy Policyfor more information. San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA Show Map. Dr. Wiersbe is author of more than 80 books, including the best-selling "BE" series. Wed spend the first twenty minutes laughing over what happened the day before. The shepherd brings the sheep into the flock, but the sheep must follow the shepherd in order to have protection and provision. The church he pastored hired a homosexual minister of music. God had to deal with the nation Israel and chasten it, but even that did not produce lasting results. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Suicide was an abhorrent thing to a Jew, for the Jews were taught to honor all life. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. The past vine was the nation of Israel (see Ps. Then you can see God in the outside world., But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils., The Pharisees were left sputtering, Hocus Pocus. The Christian dies in the Lord because he lives in the Lord (Rev. In fact, the vinedresser will even cut away whole bunches of grapes so that the rest of the crop will be of higher quality. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.