Book Review:Spiritual Warfare by Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura

Spiritual Warfare is one subject a lot of Christians do not discuss much. I think one of the reasons are some Christians assume it has something to do with the charismatic movement. Another reason is there is not proper understand on spiritual warfare.

Steven Lawson wrote in the introduction of Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura's book, Spiritual Warfare, "The Christian life is not a playground. Rather, it is a battlefield of spiritual warfare. The closer we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, the more we advance to the front line of the conflict" (pg. vii).The Bible is very clear that all Christians are in a war that is not fought as one would think a war is fought. The Apostle Paul wrote:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

This is the passage of Scripture that Borgman and Ventura spent expositionally in the book to help their readers understand the weapons of warfare the Christian has at their deposal. Borgman and Ventura even took time to write about the religious background for Ephesians so the reader can know why Paul wrote these terms for the church. Ephesus was a religious city with many false gods and when the gospel came there, it made an impact on the religious scene.

Borgman and Ventura talked about some tough topics that some Christians need to know. For example, is Satan under God's sovereignty and can a Christian be demon possessed? Many Christian wrestle with these questions and the authors did a great job answering them Biblically.

There are not many books on spiritual warfare I can recommend, but I am happy to recommend this one. Spiritual warfare is a subject that Christian cannot be ignorant of. This book will help believers, no matter how long they have been a Christian, to understand what spiritual warfare truly is and how to engage it Biblically.

Thanks Reformation Heritage Books for letting me review this book.