Church Champion Book Review: Abide by Warren W. Wiersbe
Author: Faith in Later Life
As we explore what it means to engage in discipleship that will sustain us both now and in later life, Church Champion Jean shares a few thoughts about the book Abide.
At Christmas I was given Warren W. Wiersbe’s Abide: Understanding the secrets of living for Jesus by a dear friend. I glanced through it but for various reasons it lay on my bedside table, waiting for me to pick it up and read it.
So when you have finished reading your current book or if you are looking for something else to read – here’s one I would recommend. If reading isn’t your thing, then this book is still for you. It’s short, just 76 pages, the Bible passages are included within the text so you don’t have to stop to look them up. The publishers, (10Publishing) say “Books that point to Jesus change lives”. Abide certainly points to Jesus.
The book is based on John 15: 1-17 where Jesus starts by saying “I am the vine and my Father is the gardener”. It is for those who have walked the Christian journey for many years – giving reminders of what it means to Abide in Christ and to those who are seeking to show what it is to Abide in Christ.
Here’s a couple of extracts:
Good Works: (Pages 15-16) “And the beautiful thing about these good works is that they are tailor-made for each individual believer. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)
Some of the branches produce their “good works” fruit in their own homes. Others serve Christ in stores and offices, or even in the cabs of trucks or the cabins of jet planes. The teacher, the builder, the doctor, the city official, the gardener and the printer – all of these and many more serve Jesus Christ (if they are Christians) by accomplishing the good works He has planned for them. In the Christian life, there is no such division as “secular” and “sacred”. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” “1 Corinthians 10 v 31).
A Christian pilot can serve and glorify the Lord just as much as the missionaries he is flying to the field.”
Christian Joy through difficult times: (Pages 40-41)
“When the believer is abiding in Christ, he experiences an inner joy. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11)
Christian joy is not the absence of trial or trouble; it is a deep peace and confidence in the midst of trial and trouble. The very hour in which Jesus spoke those words was one of tremendous pressure and challenge for Him. Judas would betray Him; Peter would deny Him; His own followers would forsake Him and flee. He would be arrested, falsely accused, humiliated, beaten, and then crucified. He would even be forsaken by His Father! Yet Jesus was able to give His joy to His disciples! It was a joy in the midst of sorrow, a confidence in the midst of man’s failure and sin.
The world offers entertainment, and even a bit of happiness; but only Christ can give joy; and this joy comes from abiding in Him.”
Do you know the secret of living?
In order to bear fruit, we must abide in Christ . . .
What is the secret of abiding? It is obeying; give God your will.
What is the secret of obeying? It is loving; give God your heart.
What is the secret of loving? It is knowing; give God your mind.
Christ gave His disciples complete instructions for living the abundant life. And He speaks to us today through His Word, saying: This life can be yours as well!’
Abide: Whether we have known Him for years or we want to know what is means to “Abide in Jesus” – this book is a challenge to us all.