Books

President Steve Douglass

“Bob Ricker has a great pastor’s heart. He never lost sight of his call to be a shepherd even as his church grew to be one of the largest in America. He is a pastor to pastors and has a strong desire for people to come to know Christ personally.”

About President Steve Douglass

President Douglass was personally selected by Bill Bright in 2000 to be his successor. He has a passion for ministry which has built over nearly four decades of service. When he came to Campus Crusade he held a Bachelor of Science degree from M.I.T. and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard. During the next 32 years, he held a range of positions with Campus Crusade, including Executive Vice President and Director of U.S. Ministries. Douglass is the author or co-author of several books, including: Managing Yourself, How to Achieve Your Potential and Enjoy Life, and Enjoying Your Walk with God.

Rev. George Verwer — Foreward

"I have been amazed over the years to discover how many Christians, who seem to really know Christ, do not have full assurance of their salvation. This book could make the difference for them.

I have known Bob for over 40 years and I know he 'walks the talk' and for me that is important. Please take a moment to read the Contents page and you will see important chapters you may want to go to right away about something that is on your heart at this time.

I recommend this book for serious Bible study groups because it has great study questions at the end of each chapter. Keep in mind that you don’t have to understand and agree with everything you read. Keep going back to the Scriptures. In my own struggles with doubt, I was greatly helped by a Scottish theologian who said that great faith is not in the absence of doubt, but often as we walk our way through it. My prayer is that you will grow stronger in your faith."

About Rev. George Verwer

Rev. George Verwer is the Founder of Operation Mobilization and led the organization for 40 years. During that time about 120,000 missionaries were recruited from many nations. Becoming a born-again Christian at age 16 at a service in which Billy Graham spoke, he returned to school in northern New Jersey. Within a year, about 200 of his classmates had been led to Christ. Today OM reaches around the world through two ships and over 4,000 missionaries working in more than 80 nations. Rev. Verwer has written many books and articles. He has touched my life by being in our home, church, and the BGC as well as inviting me to be part of their ministry in and through the ship Logos in Calcutta. I have been personally challenged by his life of godliness, prayer, evangelism, and his unrelenting schedule. It is unbelievable, with such a busy man, to pick up the phone and hear, “Hi Bob, this is George.”

Marilyn Meberg — Preface

"You are about to read the most important book you will ever encounter. It is brilliant. I say that not because Bob Ricker is one of my favorite persons on the planet or even that I’m honored he happens to be my cousin. The simple truth is this book addresses every issue of the questing and burdened human heart. 'Can I lose my salvation? What is the unpardonable sin? Have I committed it? Have I sinned so much God gives up on me? What about my doubts? Why do I have doubts?' Bob is a well-trained biblical scholar. Like any reputable scholar, he examines the original languages in order to ferret out the exact truth of God’s message to His people. As a result, the reader feels confident and can say, 'Hey, Bob knows what he’s talking about!'

One of my favorite statements Bob writes is '...no verse in Scripture makes another verse untrue… Each verse should be interpreted in the light of the entire Bible. Every verse is true. Every verse has its part in the whole of the message of God as He reveals Himself to us.'

Bob makes the verse connections so clear. That then calms the anxious heart in its search for assurance. Assurance is there. It is God’s gift. Bob makes sure we understand that amazing gift so we are better able to receive it.

There is an unusually sweet family connection between Bob and me. His father Sanford and my father Jasper were brothers. It was Sanford who introduced Jesus to my resistant father. Dad was fiercely independent with seemingly unattainable goals. He was determined he needed no one but himself. Sanford persistently told Dad he needed Jesus. Dad persistently said he didn’t. When the banks failed in the 1930s, taking every penny of Dad’s hard-earned wages, Sanford introduced Matthew 11:28 to my deeply discouraged father. 'Come to me all of you who are weary and carry burdens. I will give you rest.'

Dad yielded then to the message of Jesus; the one who took his sin as well as his burdens upon Himself. Ultimately, both brothers, from a family of 10 children, entered the ministry and unfailingly preached the truth of God’s message of salvation to all who would believe and receive.

Bob comes from a rich heritage. Both Uncle Sanford and Aunt Grace committed all their energies to minister to whomever and wherever God called them. Their three children, Phyllis, Sandy, and Bob, all responded to the same God-call. Each has spent their adult lives sharing who Jesus is and how to know Him personally. I love them, respect them and am so proud to be a Ricker!

Proverbs 23:24 'The father of a righteous person will rejoice greatly; whoever fathers a wise child will have joy in him.'

You, cousin Bob, are a 'wise child.' "

About Marilyn Meberg

When you see a book by Marilyn Meberg, buy it…not because she’s my cousin but because it is good! It will be truth that makes you laugh and cry and if you follow what she says, you may have a life-changing experience. I delight to hear people tell me what Marilyn’s ministry has meant to them. She speaks to the masses while it may seem she is speaking just to you. I stand six inches taller when someone is talking to me about Marilyn because I can say, “She’s my cousin and my dad led her dad to the Lord.” If you have a particularly thorny problem, you’ll want to know what Marilyn says about it. Not only is she a professional counselor with two advanced degrees but also because you will receive a biblically sound and practical path to follow. Marilyn is a much loved speaker and writer with Women of Faith. She is often the one giving a message at these conferences on how to enter into a personal relationship with Christ.

Dr. Paul Emanuel Larsen

“Dr. Ricker’s new book, Assured of Heaven, clearly addresses the deepest anxiety of the human heart: Can I be certain of going to heaven? He persuasively and decisively answers with a resounding ‘Yes!’ In simple but profound words, he covers the subject with sensitivity and deftness. I have known Bob for more than 20 years—not just for his role as leader of one of America’s most evangelical church denominations. I have come to know both he and his wife, Dee, as close and encouraging friends. His power as a preacher is now manifest in the skill he uses in writing this book. Having experienced his pastoral care during a tragic death in my own family, I see that same compassion on every page of this book. He does not hesitate to share his own journey. This book is most helpful both for pre-Christians and new Christians. But it calls all of us who have been Christians for some time; whether we be pastors, theologians, apologists, or leaders—we will find ourselves called to return to our first love and certainty—that we are heaven-bound children of God.”

About Dr. Paul Emmanuel Larsen

Dr. Paul Larsen has been a much appreciated pastor and following his pastorates a much appreciated President of the Evangelical Covenant Church. He is honored with the title President Emeritus of the Evangelical Covenant Church. During his time as President, the Covenant’s senior residences flourished and new steps were taken in church planting. He has also served as Chairman of The William Carey Heritage Foundation. He is an astute and gifted leader, visionary, and able manager. His passion for the work of Christ around the world continues in his retirement. He is deeply involved in a major ministry of education for Christian leaders in India to which he makes semiannual trips.

Dr. Keith Knopf

“A MUST READ book for everyone; not only for the believer, either to solidify his assurance or to bless him with that longed for certainty, but also for the unbeliever to warn and produce conviction by the Word. Though well substantiated by appropriate Scripture verses, Assured of Heaven is delightfully interesting because of the expression of personal feelings and experiences. Though authored by a theologian, it is written in a language that is easily read and hopefully understood by one with no background in theology.”

About Dr. Keith Knopf

Dr. Keith Knopf has had a distinguished medical career in California and Washington for more than 40 years. His unique passion for the things of Christ and His church has caused him to give himself to ministries at the local, district, and national levels. He has made a number of trips overseas—often to serve medical needs as well as a personal witness including Mexico, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Republic of the Philippines, Japan, and Cameroon. His church work is an important part of his life as he is “hands on” in the church, along with district and national efforts of the Baptist General Conference. He is a model of a Christian’s vocation and ministry which honors Christ.

Pamela Hoover Heim

“To believe there’s a heaven yet have strong doubts about getting there is to suffer a singular kind of torment. Bob Ricker makes a strong, compelling case that believers need not just hope but can know with certainty where they will spend eternity. He does so by raising valid, plaguing questions and then sharing biblical truth in ways that speak assurance to both mind and heart. This life is too short and forever is too long not to be Assured of Heaven.”

About Pamela Hoover Heim

With high recommendations, I invited Pamela Heim to be the National Director of the Baptist General Conference Women's Ministries. Her vision and the working out of that vision went beyond what I could generally anticipate. She soon became one of the most important leadership people in the BGC. She designed and developed a two-year leadership training program involving lectures, homework, and a practicum project—leading to certification. Pamela has a passionate burden to see women grow in their walk with Christ and equipped for life and service. In “retirement” she continues to model and teach leadership through the non denominational Women School of Ministry Leadership across the country with outstanding results. She also speaks at retreats and seminars.

Rev. Troy Dobbs

“You cannot read ten pages of Dr. Ricker’s book without seeing a quintessential pastor’s heart for people. This book is replete with astute biblical answers, heartfelt authenticity, and profound wisdom for everyone wrestling with the core issues of both life and faith.”

About Rev. Troy Dobbs

Rev. Troy Dobbs is the Senior Pastor at Grace Church of Eden Prairie, in Minnesota, and is in process toward earning his doctorate at Denver Seminary. He has successfully served several churches. Unusual growth has been part of the blessing of his ministries. He is presently a much appreciated pastor where I have been given the honor of being Senior Pastor Emeritus. This mega church is expanding in depth and size. Pastor Dobbs makes a strong point that Bible study is intended to change lives. It is only when God’s Word finds its way into our behavior that it can take root and that Bible study for the sake of knowledge alone is powerless.

Dr. Paul Cedar

“I have known and admired Bob Ricker since we were teenagers. Over the years, he has demonstrated a deep love for people. This book is an expression of that love as he addresses the subject of doubt which is experienced by so many people. I encourage you to read it carefully. I believe that God will use it to help you overcome any doubts you may be experiencing including doubts about your eternal destination.”

About Dr. Paul Cedar

Dr. Paul Cedar serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Mission America Coalition. He served as Chairperson of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization from 1998-2004 and continues as one of Lausanne International Committee’s senior advisors. He is a member of the National Prayer Committee and the Board of the U.S. Center for World Missions in addition to a number of other strategic ministries. He has served as President of the Evangelical Free Church and Senior Pastor of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California. He also served as Pastor of Evangelism at the Hollywood Presbyterian Church and as pastor of several Evangelical Free Churches.

Dr. Dan Borg

“Assured of Heaven is an outstanding work on a much-needed subject. It will be a great help to those who struggle with doubts about their salvation. Dr. Ricker does a masterful job of explaining biblical texts and their impact on understanding salvation. In Assured of Heaven he tells of his own pilgrimage from childhood doubts to childlike faith. He is a blessing to our church and his new book, Assured of Heaven, will be a blessing to every church, pastor, and individual who reads it.”

About Dr. Dan Borg

Dr. Dan Borg is Senior Pastor of Bethany Church on the Hill, Thousand Oaks, California. This is our family church where Dee and I, our daughter and son-in-law, and our four grandchildren belong. Dr. Borg has served here since 1999 and has, at the same time, been a professor in the Biola University BOLD Program where he taught a variety of Bible and leadership classes. He has been pastor of three churches in Minnesota and graduated from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, with an MDiv in 1980 and a DMin in 1993. His doctoral thesis was in conflict management which continues to be an area of interest and ministry. He is very close to publishing a book on this essential area. It is a book pastors and other leaders will benefit from reading.

Dr. John A. Anderson

“This is without doubt the most comprehensive work I have seen on the assurance of salvation. Bob has gone to great depths of analysis and observation, and all with solid scriptural support!”

About Dr. John A. Anderson

Dr. John Anderson grew up in a BGC church in Wisconsin where he accepted Christ at age six. He graduated from Bethel College and Bethel Theological Seminary and later received his doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was in full-time ministry for 32 years seeing distinguished growth in Vancouver, Washington, a relocation building program, and significant growth in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. His enthusiasm for ministry took the form of church growth through discipleship and small group ministries. He prioritized one-on-one leadership development with elders and ministry leaders in the church. Since retirement, he has continued utilizing his strong pastoral experience by serving as interim pastor of four churches.

Dr. George Brushaber

“Faith and doubt coexist in our lives as spiritual beings created in God’s image but we are finite and fallen too. Dr. Ricker is a reliable and helpful guide through the thicket of tensions we experience as we seek confidence and assurance regarding our destiny. Dr. Ricker, through his own story, gives us permission to face our questions and doubts as we seek assurance and confidence in the faith commitments we have made to the Lord. This book is a good guide for us as we live in the tension of the search for assurance, confidence, and certitude.”

About Dr. George Brushaber

Dr. George Brushaber was President of Bethel College and Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, for 27 years. Near the end of his career at Bethel, he led the institution to university status and name change to Bethel University. Earlier he was in pastoral ministry, professor of philosophy and theology at Gordon College, Vice President and Academic Dean at Westmont College, and Vice President and Dean of Bethel College. He has also had a dual career in religious journalism including leadership positions with Christianity Today. He is an ordained minister of the Baptist General Conference. He has earned a BA at Wheaton College, an MA at Wheaton Graduate School, an MDiv at Gordon Divinity School, and a PhD from Boston University.

Dr. David Rambo

“Most thoughtful Christians at one time or another encounter doubt about the essentials of faith. Bob Ricker, from his own faith journey, encourages readers to own these doubts. He further provides helpful, biblical answers for working through the maze. You will see his convictions about certain doctrinal issues, including some that are much debated, but at the same time he is congenial toward those of other persuasions. The spirit of conciliation permeates his writing. Helpful discussion questions make it a good study resource for group or individual work. I recommend this book with enthusiasm.”

About Dr. David Rambo

After a pastorate in Maine, Dr David Rambo served as a missionary in the Republic of the Philippines. He taught at Canadian Bible College and Seminary after which he served as Vice President for Overseas Ministry and President of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dr. Rambo also served as President of Nyack College and Seminary. His ministries have spanned 49 years. He is a graduate of Nyack College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and earned his PhD at New York University. Dr. Rambo served as Director of a new Doctor of Ministry Program for international leaders at Asbury Theological Seminary and recently taught part-time for Asbury Seminary in Orlando.

Dr. John Jenkins

“Dr. Robert Ricker addresses one of the critical issues that is important to the stability and confidence of every person who wants to have a strong enduring walk with Christ. His treatment of this subject will bring a level of peace and confidence that every believer needs.”

About Dr. John Jenkins

Dr. John Jenkins is Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Landover, Maryland. He was first licensed to preach at age 15 and was much sought as a youth preacher. He is in his second pastorate which is the church where he was licensed. He is best described by the words “humility, compassion, and integrity.” He serves in various capacities on a number of boards and committees. Since becoming pastor of his present church, it has grown from 500 to 10,000 active members. Soon after he led his church into the BGC/Converge, his godly leadership was seen and utilized. Under his leadership, the church has over 100 ministries meeting the diverse needs of the congregation and community. His ministry extends throughout the United States and the world.

Archivist Jim Lutzweiler

“Veteran believer/pastor/statesman Bob Ricker, sharing his own Bunyanesque experiences, has written on a critical theological topic addressing disturbing questions in normal Christian growth.”

About Archivist Jim Lutzweiler

Archivist Jim Lutzweiler is the Archivist at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. In addition to his BA in Biblical Languages and his MDiv, he also holds an MA in American History. He operates a microfilm business specializing in the preservation of historic fundamentalism, evangelical periodicals, and manuscript collections. An example of his work is twelve monographs on the Roots of Billy Graham. He has done a major research on Evangelist Billy Sunday. He has developed articles—several in depth—on people and events which most of us only knew the headlines prior to his findings. However, many of these people were used by God to change history and we are indebted to many of them.

Dr. Leland Eliason

“For seekers who wonder if there’s a basis for assurance of heaven or for believers who struggle with doubts, this book offers a treasure of wisdom. The frequently quoted Scripture passages provide authority, Bob Ricker’s transparent description of his personal struggle creates authenticity, and the multiple illustrations provide applications to a wide variety of people and circumstances. On every page Bob’s pastor’s heart and his love for God and His Word shine through. Reading it was like being on a spiritual retreat.”

About Dr. Leland Eliason

Dr. Leland Eliason graduated from Bethel College and Bethel Theological Seminary. He has his Master’s of Sacred Theology in Pastoral Psychology from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Paul and his Doctorate of Theology in Pastoral Psychology from Boston University School of Theology. He recently retired from Bethel University as Executive Director and Provost of the seminary. He has also served Bethel Theological Seminary in three geographic regions: St. Paul, San Diego, and Bethel Seminary of the East located in Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Auburn, MA. He has been a senior pastor in two churches and involved in pastoral counseling beyond the churches and academic institutions he served.

Rev. Richard Varberg

“Two great tragedies exist in the Christian Church. One is that many true believers in Jesus Christ lack assurance of salvation and an eternal home in heaven. The other is that some professed believers think they are going to heaven but will never get there unless they realize the errors of their beliefs and come with simple faith in Jesus Christ alone. Bob Ricker writes from both his personal and pastoral experience and explains in great detail the biblical answers to both situations. Read this book and discover how and on what basis you can be sure of heaven.”

About Rev. Richard Varberg

Rev. Richard Varberg is a graduate of Bethel College and Bethel Theological Seminary. He served 40 years as a missionary in the Republic of the Philippines. This 40-year experience resulted in over one hundred churches being planted. All of his remarkable ministries in the Philippines are now under Philippine leadership. When he retired to the United States, he was called to serve as the Director of International Church Planting, Training and Mentoring for the Baptist General Conference. After serving in this position, he asked to be replaced so he could write his memoirs—a 768 page book entitled: From the Iowa Farm to the Philippine Field. Recently a second book has been published: Why Didn’t You Come Sooner?

Todd Ricker

“This book begins with a startling admission by its author: ‘Call me “Thomas,” the doubting disciple.’ In Assured of Heaven, Dr. Ricker (or, as I like to call him, ‘Dad’) confronts everyday crises of faith with clarity, certainty, and honesty. As you read this book, enjoy the stories, the assurances, and the profound wisdom from which I continue to learn every day of my adult life.”

About Todd Ricker

Todd is our first born. He and his sister were born during Dee and my first pastorate in Sylmar, California. Todd is a graduate of Biola University with a degree in Humanities. While working in the Northeast, he earned a Master’s Degree in Community Economic Development from New Hampshire College Graduate School of Business (now Southern New Hampshire University). He is a full-time union organizer and lives with his wife, Sandra, in Portland, Maine. His passion is to enable people without a voice to gain a living wage and appropriate benefits with reasonable working conditions.

Kristen Ricker Wise

“Everyone needs this book! Either you’ve had doubts or you can help someone else who has! If we know something to be true, we must tell others. Assured of Heaven makes that task fun and easy to accomplish. The conversational tone in which it is written makes it an enjoyable read. Now you can experience the joy I had growing up listening to Bob Ricker—my dad—tell stories and make biblical truths come to life.”

About Kristen Ricker Wise

Kristen is a wife and mom of four. She attended Biola University and California State University of Northridge earning a degree in Childhood Development. She and her husband, Mike, had a developing relationship throughout college and married the week after graduation. She directed the preschool at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach. Mike has served many years as Chairman of the Board and Kristen has a number of areas of ministry at their church, Bethany Church on the Hill. Their children are mcKensey, Harrison, Jackson, and Dawson—all of whom love being at church and have attended Bethany’s elementary school.