"Evangelical's Guide to Spiritual Warfare" Book review

I am finding it really hard to decide how to rate "The Evangelical's Guide to Spiritual Warfare" by Charles Kraft because I simply don't know if what he says is true. My experience with spiritual warfare is limited and therefore I can't exactly consider myself an expert on the subject. I suppose, then, the best place to start is with what I do know.

I do know that the North American church, by and large, has ignored the topic of spiritual warfare which has left us virtually without any knowledge on how to deal with the very real, very present issue of demonic influence in our society and possibly in our own homes. I would agree with the author that there are indeed a hierarchy of evil spirits who have different jobs, levels of power and, for lack of a better word, personalities. I also know that God has been challenging my narrow idea idea of what a "good" christian looks like lately. Some wear long black robes with big crosses, some wear long jean skirts and some have mohawks. Some also command demons, in the name of Jesus to tell the truth. Therefore, until The Holy Spirit points it out otherwise, I'm taking Mr. Kraft's word on the subject. It's encouraging to read a book written by someone God has used be beautifully in the past. And what is more beautiful than watching Jesus set prisoners free?

Truthfully, the first part of this book was hard to delve into. It felt more like reading a textbook and I nearly gave up. Fortunately, I kept with it because this book contained a lot of information that was new to me. Plus, it was like the author's passion started to shine through when he got past the first few chapters which were on changing your worldview. (Indeed, important chapters - just a little dry)

The one drawback about "The Evangelical's Guide to Spiritual Warfare" is that after I read it, I felt rather overwhelmed. Perhaps this is a good thing but helping someone with deep inner healing is far outside of my ability. I suppose if I was confident, God wouldn't be able to use me as freely though because I would be relying on my own strength instead of begging Him to work through me.

At the end of the day, I would encourage believers, especially those in leadership to read this book. It is of value and, like I said before, deals with an often overlooked topic.

BTW, I was given a free copy from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for a free copy. My opinions are my own.

"Deliver Us From Evil"

If you get the chance to read "Deliver Us from Evil" by Don Basham, do it. What an important and eye opening book! Mr. Basham, who is now with the Lord, tells of how he unintentionally got into deliverance ministry - in other words, got into a ministry of casting out demons. I have always known that Satan, demons, evil spirits, etc. were real and present in this world but I didn't know that spirit filled Christians could still be so bothered by them and that so many "issues" could be caused by them. Really that is what this book is about - not so much about people without Christ being bothered by demonic forces, but rather people in the church.

At the end of the book, Mr. Basham went through how to know if your problem is a carnal spirit (in other words - your sinful default setting) or demonic, how evil spirits gain access and so on. So amazingly straightforward in it's layout (very readable too) he also tells how to deal with it as well as advice for anyone who is just starting out in deliverance ministry. Love that! Of course, there is no deliverance apart from the blood of Jesus. It is through Jesus that a Christian has any authority of evil spirits. Praise the Lord though because He has indeed granted us that authority.

Here's where it gets personal: I am a born again, spirit filled Christian and have been for years. I've had dreams from God, been used powerfully in ministry and love Jesus. But, I have also struggled with an overwhelming fear of mirrors after dark on and off throughout my adult years. After reading this book, I realized, with much shock, that my problem was an evil spirit. And, as it would turn out, not one but around a dozen! With my husband by my side, we went through the steps laid out in the book and I could feel them leaving. Their exit wasn't as dramatic as some in the book (which he said it may or may not be) but the joy we both felt afterwards was tangible!

I can't say I'll never struggle with fear again but not in the same way because I have come to realize the authority I have as well as the truth that any issue isn't always demonic and not always carnal. It could be one or the other or both. Mine was both. Now I just have to, through prayer and fasting and reading the Word, deal with the carnal. Fortunately, God is more than willing to strengthen me.

BTW, I got this book free in exchange for an honest review.