Spiritual Warfare: For the Care of Souls (Lexham Ministry Guides)

I received this book from Lexham Press at no charge in order to leave a review; I was not expected to leave a positive review; nevertheless, here it is. I’m really quite shocked at how much I enjoyed this book. I came into it assuming that there would be much with which I would disagree. That assumption was correct, in fact—though most disagreements were fairly minor. However, despite the minor points throughout that my more cessationist-inclined convictions disagreed with, I was overwhelmed by how encouraging the book was to me as a pastor. Being steeped in ministry does open one’s eyes to the sinfulness of man and the powerful pull and lies of the world and the devil. The author does an exceptional job of reminding pastors just how weighty our work is, as well as just how susceptible to spiritual attack our line of work makes us. Ristau argues well that spiritual attack basically comes in two forms: lies, and temptation. And so to resist spiritual attack involves knowing and proclaiming the truth, and cultivating self-control. The prayers he shares throughout were very encouraging; and the list of recommended resources at the back was very helpful as well. I certainly recommend this work to all who are in ministry. Read it with a discerning eye; but read it, nonetheless.