The Defining Verse: Find Your Life’s Sentence Through the Lives of 63 Bible Characters

by Warren W. Wiersbe

“Scripture frequently sums up a man’s life in a single sentence.” – Charles Spurgeon

Inspired by the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, Warren Wiersbe launched a personal study of the lives of prominent Bible characters. Interested in more than biographical facts, Wiersbe sought out the themes of each person’s life as reflected in the pages of Scripture.

How does the Bible summarize this person’s life?What is the key to understanding his or her character?How do I see my own life reflected in the life of this person?The Defining Verse takes you into the lives of sixty-three Biblical men and women who encountered an extraordinary God. For each, Wiersbe identifies a Scripture verse that sums up that individual’s life and then reflects on the lessons to be learned, both positive and negative. Now including a personal study for personal self-reflection, you will not only be challenged by these examples, you will be stimulated to consider what your “life sentence” will be.

Previously released under the title Life Sentences.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Defining Verse spotlights 63 biblical men and women, each viewed through the lens of a single verse that captures their walk with God.

Take Ruth, for example. Her defining verse is Ruth 1:16 —
"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Wiersbe explores this as more than loyalty to Naomi—it’s Ruth’s bold declaration of faith and trust in a new future with God.

This book offers fresh perspectives and spiritual encouragement, rooted in Scripture.

Now to figure out my defining verse!

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Robert Kiefer
Length: 21h 57m

[Adam Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Love how the chapters are divided. Great read and character study reference.

[Allison Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new favorites. Like sitting with an old friend learning worlds if new things and not even knowing your learning.