"Many voices in our day present a version of spiritual warfare where Satan seems to hold the position of prominence, even preeminence. Christians are left to wonder what magic spell or formulaic expressions can be invoked to see their demons excised. Yet, since Christ has triumphed over all the forces of darkness, his people should grow in hope and faith as they look to Christ. Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura present one of the finest and most biblically responsible and insightful studies of spiritual warfare now available. While they account fully for the reality of Satans deception, cunning, and power, they give greater stress (as they ought!) to the superior and indefatigable victory and sovereign reign of Christ. Christians need the message of this book. Satan, indeed, is a real and present danger, but Christ is our real, risen, and reigning hope! Spiritual Warfare guides readers into a clear and grace-empowered understanding of these truths." -Bruce A. Ware, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Often people talk about spiritual warfare but don't understand what the Bible actually teaches on the matter. Borgman and Ventura unpack from the scriptures the true nature of spiritual warfare. As result readers will not only understand spiritual warfare but will also be equipped to fight the good fight of faith. Borgman and Ventura are to be thanked for an eminently clear, wonderfully biblical, theologically rich, and practically applicable study." -Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Spiritual Warfare is thoughtful, biblical, theological, accessible, and impactful. The book is exegetical and expository, without feeling like a commentary or running homily. In it authors Borgman and Ventura make much of Christ and what he has done without negating the reality of our adversary and the real danger he presents, or our own call to faith, righteousness, prayer, and perseverance that flow directly from our Savior's finished work. What a timely, refreshing, encouraging, convicting, and empowering book! I can't wait to get it in front of our people." -Voddie Baucham
"Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective is a wake up call to every minister of Christ that our work is not merely academic or intellectual, but also spiritual and supernatural. We have forces arrayed against us that cannot be defeated with any human armament. I fear that this theme has been too often ignored by the biblical scholar and too often exaggerated by those whose conclusions are not grounded in the Scriptures. For this reason, this balanced treatment will be a tremendous benefit to pastor and layperson alike." -Paul Washer
"William Gurnall once said that the battle between Satan and the saints makes the most brutal war on earth look like childs play. Yet so many Christians act like civilians on vacation instead of soldiers on the front lines. Borgman and Ventura, like experienced master sergeants, give us the Bible's basic training on spiritual warfare. Drawing from the classic text in Ephesians 6, their teaching will both clear away false ideas about the spiritual battle, and equip Christians to stand firm to the end." -Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
"I count it a privilege to commend this book characterized by careful exegesis, helpful illustration, and suffused with practical pastoral application. In opening up the meaning of Ephesians 6:10-20 the authors have also given us an extensive and helpful bibliography of other expositions of this passage by means of the many judicious quotations of authors, past and present, who have expounded this crucial portion of the word of God. The structure of the book and the questions given at the end of each chapter should make the book useful for adult Sunday school classes, small-group studies, as well as a helpful tool for personal devotional use and healthy self-examination. Thank you, Brian and Rob, dear friends and fellow laborers in the gospel, for providing the church with this very useful edifying tool." -Al Martin
"Standing in a long line of Puritan-style reflection on the nature of spiritual warfare, Borgman and Ventura have produced a brief but remarkably rich book which offers very helpful insights on this subject. The thoughtful reader will find here sobering meditations on the power of evil and sin but also be pointed to the great encouragement to be found in the word of God and supremely in the Lord Jesus Christ. This volume is both a helpful pastoral tool and a fine devotional book." -Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Pa.
"Too many popular evangelical notions about spiritual warfare have been shaped by superstition, bad teaching, and pulp novels about battles with territorial demons. Multitudes of Christians are mystified, terrified, unsure of their roleignorant of Gods strategy in the warfare against the powers of darkness. Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura turn to the Word of God and skillfully unravel the mystery. I appreciate how they deal with this vital subject in a meticulously biblical, thoroughly enlightening, and wonderfully edifying way."
-Phil Johnson
"This fine book on the vital issue of spiritual warfare is a clear exposition and application of Ephesians 6:10-20. It challenges believers to realize that the Christian life is a serious spiritual battle. Christs victory over the powers of darkness, the nature of the conflict we are engaged in, the provision of Gods armour with all its wonderful weapons, and the need for believers to stand firm in the Lord and be committed to his eternal gospel are all carefully explained and applied. We are indebted to the authors for presenting a Biblical and Balanced Perspective as the sub-title claims. Highly recommended." -Peter OBrien, author of Ephesians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary Series, Emeritus Faculty Member, Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia
"The increased hostility of our anti-Christian culture is forcing many Christians on to the back foot and even into the bunkers. This stirring book is a much-needed clarion call to battle, but one that emphasizes the spiritual nature of the battle and of the weapons we must use." -Dr. David Murray
"Authors Borgman and Ventura aimed for biblical accuracy and balance in addressing spiritual warfare. They hit the bull's-eye! 'How we think about this battle is critical to how we fight it.' Here is a brief treatment that is also clear and accurate: Satan may prowl around as a "roaring lion" seeking someone to devour, but Christ is the reigning Lion who has already won the battle and sits on the throne!" -Pastor Bruce Ray, author of Withhold not Correction, and Celebrating the Sabbath
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul describes deliverance from bondage of sin through the work of Christ. He brings that deliverance to bear in our personal experience by the enlivening grace of God. He issues a call for us to walk in this newfound freedom, worthy of our calling in Christ, amidst the dangers and challenges of this fallen world. Paul concludes his letter in practical terms for the battle we face as part of the normal course of the Christian life. It is here in Ephesians 6 that Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura meet us to orient us to the strength, weaponry and strategy by which our Lord equips us for the battle. These pastors provide clear, concise, competent and compelling counsel in what can be a neglected or abused topic." -Stanley D. Gale, author of Warfare Witness: Contending with Spiritual Opposition in Everyday Evangelism