Cook Bible

As the world’s most popular annual Bible commentary for more than three decades, Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC) provides 52 weeks of study in a single volume.

As the world’s most popular annual Bible commentary for more than three decades, Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC) provides 52 weeks of study in a single volume.

God’s people were never meant to blend in. Instead, we’re called to stand out from the crowd, and become a beacon of hope. But nothing dims our light more than conformity, when voices that once proclaimed truth begin to quietly yield to a noisy world. Based on the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, this study offers an eye-opening look at the high price of conformity, and shares how we can stay distinct from our surroundings.

Find true success through a life of integrity and character. We all long to succeed in every area of life, in our careers, our relationships, and our finances. But in the daily pursuit of our dreams, we can forget to examine just how we measure success. The book of 1 Samuel offers striking contrasts between succeeding God’s way and trying to achieve goals by any means necessary. This guide examines the life of King David, and shares how we can find true success through our character, conduct, and lifestyle.

Part of Dr. Warrem W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Decisive has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares the need for decisive believers in a lukewarm culture.

We've all heard the phrase: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. What about faith? Will your faith thrive in tough times? Do you desire a more resolute faith? The book of Daniel relates the familiar Sunday School stories of the lions' den, the fiery furnace, and some remarkable prophecies, but take some time to investigate these stories more closely. How did Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego possess such a fearless faith? Perhaps no one in the Bible possessed a more resolute faith in God than these individuals.

It takes courage to walk out our faith. Courage to stand for what we believe. To set our standards on Biblical truth, not cultural trends. To pursue a life defined by integrity and character. And we find no greater profile in courage than in the life of Christ. This study follows our Savior as he faced opposition, challenged critics, and courageously chose to make the ultimate sacrifice.

For both Ruth and Esther, God used stressful circumstances to bring about his eternal purposes. Ruth's commitment to the God of Naomi affected every generation to come, as she became an ancestor of King David and more importantly, Jesus Christ. Esther's obedience led to the preservation of her people at a moment in history when all seemed lost.

Freedom is a central theme in our world. It’s become a rallying cry for people, groups, even entire nations. But freedom without boundaries can be costly. Based on the book of Exodus, this study offers an eye-opening look at the pitfalls of deliverance without discipline, and shares the freedom found through a loving submission to God and His will for us.

There is a deep connection between obedience to God and experiencing life as He intended. But godly living only happens when we’re equipped with His word. The book of Deuteronomy holds insights into this truth, and a parallel for believers today. As the Israelites prepared to live in a culture with radically different values, Moses shared both the pitfalls of disobedience, and the power found in following God. This study examines Moses’ remarkable thoughts on personal obedience, and explores how we can equip ourselves to experience God’s best in our lives.

"The school of life is preparation for eternity with God." No God, no passing grades! And the best students in this particular school are the ones who know that the bell signaling the end of the last class may ring when least expected. With creative word pictures like this, and the spiritual depth and insight that comes from a lifetime of worshipping the Lord, popular author, pastor, and teacher Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe guides you through the mountains and valleys of Psalms 90-150.

The modern church has become a comfortable place, as congregations focus on creating warm and welcoming environments. But have casual attitudes replaced reverence for the Lord? The prophet Ezekiel was called to remind God’s people about His holy and glorious nature, and that message remains as relevant today as when it was first delivered. This study examines Ezekiel’s mission to describe the indescribable, a God beyond imagining, a King worthy of our reverence.

We serve a holy God. And as His children, God longs for us to pursue a life that is pleasing to Him. But what does this look like? The book of Leviticus provides the answer. Originally written for the ancient Israelites, Leviticus continues to offer timeless principles for living that remain relevant to believers today. This study examines those principles, and explores how we can cultivate holiness in our daily lives.

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Warren W. Wiersbe tackles this question as he explores the life of Job in his commentary Be Patient. Through Job's story, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and encouraged to endure the suffering in our own lives.

Our world yearns for how-to guides and the secret to a fulfilled life. However, no truth is man-made. The wisdom that God granted to King Solomon is the same wisdom that would benefit us today—if only we would seek it. The book of Proverbs offers principles to develop godly character daily. From the dangers of speaking without listening to the satisfaction inherent in fearing the Lord, author Warren Wiersbe will unpack the Scriptures in ways that will help you apply these spiritual truths.

It is certainly true today that the "Do Nothings" outnumber "The Company of the Concerned," which in part explains why society is so confused and frightened. It's time for God's people to be concerned! Meet some concerned believers who made a difference in their time and who show you how to make a difference in your time.

Numbers can be deceiving. The book of Numbers opens with a count of every person fit to serve during the Israeli’s exodus from Egypt. Yet while over 600,000 were counted, only two were allowed to enter the Promised Land. The lesson? God values quality over quantity. And as the next generation finally experienced God’s promise, we discover that He doesn’t just want us counted as believers, but as people He can count on.

Prepared to be awed by our God. The books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Malachi are viewed by Biblical scholars as the Minor Prophets. Yet the insights and messages contained within these books are anything but minor. These prophets offer a unique, firsthand view of an all-powerful God who longs to intimately connect with His people. This study examines their personal stories to discover how He interacts with our world in truly amazing ways.

Picture a world where people live according to their own personal standards, where believers can’t seem to agree, and where people are trapped in every kind of sin. Sound familiar? While this list hits close to home, these issues are found in the book of Judges. And it’s during times like these where God is searching for those who are ready, willing, and available to confront the enemy.

We all admire the hero. That person who’s celebrated for accomplishing big things in the face of even bigger odds. Yet heroes aren’t defined by their circumstances, but by their choices. They’re people who continually choose to serve others, even when no one is watching, and without expecting credit. Based on the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, this study examines three unsung heroes of the Bible who can inspire us today.