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Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare
David Powlison brings biblical realism to the often sensationalized subject of demonic deliverance. He gives clear, balance, biblical and insightful help on spiritual warfare.
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1994
11 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
David A. Powlison
144 books223 followersDavid Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 10, 2019
Présente une position différente sur comment chasser les démons (autre que parler au démon et lui dire de sortir des corps) qui semble être la position traditionnelle des chrétiens d'avant comme les Puritains. Très facile à lire, Powlison est très doux même envers ceux qu'il critique
March 31, 2024
A very helpful book about spiritual warfare. My theology on demonology was pretty weak and I honestly didn't know how to handle demonization as a pastor. Powlison's perspective is very scripturally based and reassuring.
June 16, 2019
One of the things that struck me first about this book was the irenic way Powlison handles those he disagrees with. The doctrine of spiritual warfare has a wide variety of self-styled experts vying for the attention of Christians. Many of these “experts” appear to draw their doctrine of demonology and spiritual warfare more from the writings of novelist Frank Peretti than from Scripture.
Practitioners and writers on spiritual warfare typically concentrate on what Powlison terms the Ekballistic Ministry Mode (EMM). The Greek derivation of ekballistic means “to cast out.” The idea of identifying, naming, and then casting out demons is the central feature of EMM. Sin, rather than being sourced from our old nature, is largely seen as the product of demons of lust, greed, etc.
Powlison challenges the entire EMM schema. He does so without using any cheap shots (which would be frankly easy to do, given some of the ideas of EMM practitioners). Rather, he makes his points with careful, contextual, exegetical precision, dismantling the careless interpretations of the scripture texts normally cited in support of an EMM-style ministry. In fact, I would say the skillful exegesis Powlison employs is the defining characteristic of this little book.
Another treasure of Power Encounters is the wise manner in which Powlison distinguishes between moral evil and situational evil. His point is that the distinction between the two different kinds of evil calls for a different response to each, a matter that EMM completely overlooks.
Powlison’s answer to EMM is what he calls “classic mode” ministry: helping Christians deal with troublesome sin in their lives, as well as demonic oppression, by taking them straight to the cross. The gospel is the most powerful weapon. It is the only weapon needed to completely defeat the forces of darkness.
The worst part of Power Encounters is that it has gone out of print. That should never have been allowed to happen to a resource this valuable. Every pastor and biblical counselor should have a copy of this little book. Used bookstores are charging three figures for old copies. I purchased mine from biblicalcounselingbooks@gmail.com and more are available from them. They have secured permission to make reprints. For a slender book weighing in at 160 pages, $30 was a fairly steep price. It was worth every penny. Five stars, highly recommended.
Practitioners and writers on spiritual warfare typically concentrate on what Powlison terms the Ekballistic Ministry Mode (EMM). The Greek derivation of ekballistic means “to cast out.” The idea of identifying, naming, and then casting out demons is the central feature of EMM. Sin, rather than being sourced from our old nature, is largely seen as the product of demons of lust, greed, etc.
Powlison challenges the entire EMM schema. He does so without using any cheap shots (which would be frankly easy to do, given some of the ideas of EMM practitioners). Rather, he makes his points with careful, contextual, exegetical precision, dismantling the careless interpretations of the scripture texts normally cited in support of an EMM-style ministry. In fact, I would say the skillful exegesis Powlison employs is the defining characteristic of this little book.
Another treasure of Power Encounters is the wise manner in which Powlison distinguishes between moral evil and situational evil. His point is that the distinction between the two different kinds of evil calls for a different response to each, a matter that EMM completely overlooks.
Powlison’s answer to EMM is what he calls “classic mode” ministry: helping Christians deal with troublesome sin in their lives, as well as demonic oppression, by taking them straight to the cross. The gospel is the most powerful weapon. It is the only weapon needed to completely defeat the forces of darkness.
The worst part of Power Encounters is that it has gone out of print. That should never have been allowed to happen to a resource this valuable. Every pastor and biblical counselor should have a copy of this little book. Used bookstores are charging three figures for old copies. I purchased mine from biblicalcounselingbooks@gmail.com and more are available from them. They have secured permission to make reprints. For a slender book weighing in at 160 pages, $30 was a fairly steep price. It was worth every penny. Five stars, highly recommended.
January 20, 2019
There, i finished it. Pawlison spends the majority of the book hammering out all the wacky things Spiritual Warfare is NOT. Then he explains how spiritual warfare really is just the normal daily christian things we are supposed to be doing anyway: evangelism, discipleship, personal growth. The heart of the book really is just standard Biblical counseling ;).
June 2, 2020
This blew my doors off. Powlison writes so clearly, thoughtfully, and generously. I appreciate his take on the importance of spiritual warfare, his refusal to operate in extremes, and his willingness to be thorough. This book is important. I would strongly recommend it.
April 28, 2024
Powlison tackles deliverance ministry practitioners by challenging them on biblical grounds. He is fair, persuasive and needs to be reckoned with if one wants to have a biblical understanding of how to wage spiritual warfare. It’s the precursor to his “Safe and Sound” book released just before his death. There is some overlap but in general they are complimentary. The only downside is it is very difficult to find a copy nowadays.
November 29, 2010
"Power Encounters" is David Powlison’s response to the wide ranging deliverance ministries in spiritual warfare (what he calls “Ekballistic mode of ministry” or ERR). This book is a helpful corrective to much of what has been written in the past 25 years. Readers expecting another tutorial on how to remove demonic footholds from their lives will be sorely disappointed, as Powlison believes that there is no basis in Scripture for seeing deliverance from demons as a step or tool in sanctification. While Powlison acknowledges that there are demons and demonic activity is a serious matter, he is concerned (based upon his reading of Scripture and his years as a counselor) that those engaged in ERR are doing more harm than good. There is much in this book that is helpful, but I will list only a few representative strengths and weaknesses. As I look over what I have written, I recognize that my listing of strengths is not as long as the weaknesses. Please do not take this as condemning. I would not hesitate to make this book my first recommendation to anyone wondering about spiritual warfare.
With regard to strengths, Powlison does an excellent job demonstrating that deliverance is never mentioned in Scripture as a means of sanctification. This is particularly helpful because so much in the ERR movement deals with sanctification issues today. Powlison’s work on differentiating between moral evil and situational evil is also helpful. In Scripture, demons were mainly responsible for destruction and hurt, not morally culpable sins. As usual, Powlison’s case study examples are very helpful.
Here are a few concerns/questions I had as I read a book with which I largely agreed and found most helpful: 1) At times the strength of his conclusions outpace the strength of his biblical argument. 2) He recognizes that the ERR movement is diverse, but in his arguments, he ultimately paints with too broad a brush and his critique lacked the nuance that the broad movement deserves. 3) He goes to great pains to demonstrate why Jesus’ deliverance ministry is not to be duplicated by believers today. Oddly enough, at times he made the kind of argument for this that I would expect from a classic dispensationalist. At the risk of overstating, Powlison sees more continuity with the Old Testament saint’s experience than he does with Jesus. Is there really no continuity between the deliverance ministry of Jesus and that of the New Covenant believer? 4) Connected to #3, Powlison reduces the miracles of Jesus’ ministry (particularly the deliverance miracles) to signs that demonstrate the validity of his teaching. Admittedly they were signs, but they were not empty signs. They were evidence that the Kingdom had been inaugurated and everything that Jesus did was in keeping with the character of the Kingdom. When Jesus delivered individuals of demonic possession and oppression, he was demonstrating that in His Kingdom, there is no room for the demonic. Surely that has some implications for the believer today. 5) If the believer battles the world, the flesh, and the devil, does it not stand to reason that there will be different ways of battling the three? Powlison believes that Scripture prescribes the same means for all three, but did not deliver a persuasive argument for why this should be. 6) I think he could do a little more work on what it means to resist in the biblical imperatives to “resist.” It seems that he spent more time on what it does not mean than what it does mean.
With regard to strengths, Powlison does an excellent job demonstrating that deliverance is never mentioned in Scripture as a means of sanctification. This is particularly helpful because so much in the ERR movement deals with sanctification issues today. Powlison’s work on differentiating between moral evil and situational evil is also helpful. In Scripture, demons were mainly responsible for destruction and hurt, not morally culpable sins. As usual, Powlison’s case study examples are very helpful.
Here are a few concerns/questions I had as I read a book with which I largely agreed and found most helpful: 1) At times the strength of his conclusions outpace the strength of his biblical argument. 2) He recognizes that the ERR movement is diverse, but in his arguments, he ultimately paints with too broad a brush and his critique lacked the nuance that the broad movement deserves. 3) He goes to great pains to demonstrate why Jesus’ deliverance ministry is not to be duplicated by believers today. Oddly enough, at times he made the kind of argument for this that I would expect from a classic dispensationalist. At the risk of overstating, Powlison sees more continuity with the Old Testament saint’s experience than he does with Jesus. Is there really no continuity between the deliverance ministry of Jesus and that of the New Covenant believer? 4) Connected to #3, Powlison reduces the miracles of Jesus’ ministry (particularly the deliverance miracles) to signs that demonstrate the validity of his teaching. Admittedly they were signs, but they were not empty signs. They were evidence that the Kingdom had been inaugurated and everything that Jesus did was in keeping with the character of the Kingdom. When Jesus delivered individuals of demonic possession and oppression, he was demonstrating that in His Kingdom, there is no room for the demonic. Surely that has some implications for the believer today. 5) If the believer battles the world, the flesh, and the devil, does it not stand to reason that there will be different ways of battling the three? Powlison believes that Scripture prescribes the same means for all three, but did not deliver a persuasive argument for why this should be. 6) I think he could do a little more work on what it means to resist in the biblical imperatives to “resist.” It seems that he spent more time on what it does not mean than what it does mean.
August 26, 2020
David Powlison’s Power Encounters is without a doubt the best book on spiritual warfare that I have ever read. When I say “spiritual warfare,” I am specifically pointing to our understanding of the activity of the devil and the demonic as it affects our Christian lives. Powlison, with scholarship and charity points out that many who have embraced a model of deliverance from demons have missed the Scripture’s solution to problems that many chalk up to spiritual battles. As a popular speaker and biblical counselor, it makes sense that Powlison would address this topic, and he does so extremely well.
Positives
Powlison demonstrates by a thorough walk through Scripture that many of the issues that people blame on demons are actually issues of basic human sin. The author argues that Scripture never blames demons for human attitudes and behaviors. When demons are addressed, the Scripture most often depicts evil spirits as causes of evil on the same level of sicknesses or natural disasters; however, the Scriptures never say that a demon causes a man’s lust, greed, or pride. Thus, in problems of human hearts or behaviors, a more classic type of spiritual warfare, repentance and discipline, is what the Bible calls for.
Powlison, as he makes this sound case, is very much charitable toward those with whom he disagrees. Powlison does not caricature. He is not writing the book as a way to score easy points against his debate opponents. Instead, with love, Powlison both points out the positive things that those who disagree with him bring to the table while showing the dangers and weaknesses in their view. It is refreshing to see a book that is both polemical and gracious.
Negatives
The two weaknesses that I see in this book are not Powlison’s fault. First, this book is too short. Powlison’s argument is so excellent that the reader is left wanting to see more. The influence of the charismatic view of angels and demons is so wide-spread that more questions abound than could be answered. This book could easily have been another hundred pages longer without at all being a problem.
Secondly, this book is not in print. This fact is the greatest weakness the book has. Why this book is not in print is not something I have been able to find easily, though my understanding is that this work was to be a part of a larger series that the publisher never got together. Sadly, to get your hands on a copy of this excellent resource will cost you probably triple the cost of the average trade paperback (I generally see it in the $40 range on Amazon). Thus, you cannot get a handful of copies of this work to use in a small group study.
Conclusion
I said it in the introduction, and I will say it again, this book is the best work on spiritual warfare that I have ever read. Powlison relies on Scripture, not experience. He argues wisely, strongly, and graciously. His conclusions are practical and greatly useful for a counseling setting. If you have questions about what we ought think about the demonic today, Powlison’s work is worth the effort to get hold of and read.
Positives
Powlison demonstrates by a thorough walk through Scripture that many of the issues that people blame on demons are actually issues of basic human sin. The author argues that Scripture never blames demons for human attitudes and behaviors. When demons are addressed, the Scripture most often depicts evil spirits as causes of evil on the same level of sicknesses or natural disasters; however, the Scriptures never say that a demon causes a man’s lust, greed, or pride. Thus, in problems of human hearts or behaviors, a more classic type of spiritual warfare, repentance and discipline, is what the Bible calls for.
Powlison, as he makes this sound case, is very much charitable toward those with whom he disagrees. Powlison does not caricature. He is not writing the book as a way to score easy points against his debate opponents. Instead, with love, Powlison both points out the positive things that those who disagree with him bring to the table while showing the dangers and weaknesses in their view. It is refreshing to see a book that is both polemical and gracious.
Negatives
The two weaknesses that I see in this book are not Powlison’s fault. First, this book is too short. Powlison’s argument is so excellent that the reader is left wanting to see more. The influence of the charismatic view of angels and demons is so wide-spread that more questions abound than could be answered. This book could easily have been another hundred pages longer without at all being a problem.
Secondly, this book is not in print. This fact is the greatest weakness the book has. Why this book is not in print is not something I have been able to find easily, though my understanding is that this work was to be a part of a larger series that the publisher never got together. Sadly, to get your hands on a copy of this excellent resource will cost you probably triple the cost of the average trade paperback (I generally see it in the $40 range on Amazon). Thus, you cannot get a handful of copies of this work to use in a small group study.
Conclusion
I said it in the introduction, and I will say it again, this book is the best work on spiritual warfare that I have ever read. Powlison relies on Scripture, not experience. He argues wisely, strongly, and graciously. His conclusions are practical and greatly useful for a counseling setting. If you have questions about what we ought think about the demonic today, Powlison’s work is worth the effort to get hold of and read.
November 14, 2020
I finished my second read of "Power Encounters" after reading "Soul Care." It was amazing how David Powlison addressed issue after issue I saw within "Soul Care" even though "Power Encounters" was written 21 years before "Soul Care." Powlison helps you think clearly about demon possession and spiritual warfare. From the "Power Encounters":
The modern demon-deliverance ministries are predicated on two fundamental errors. First, they misread the biblical record and fail to distinguish between moral and situational evil. They cast out “demons” of moral evil, something neither taught nor illustrated anywhere in Scripture. Second, they fail to reckon with the general mode shift away from the command-control mode towards the classic mode.
There are serious theological and pastoral consequences of going beyond Scripture. If we are to address one situational evil---spirits that cause affliction—differently from how we address every other situational evil, we will need good reasons and clear instructions. And if we are to widen the use of the EMM [Ekballistic mode of ministry (EMM). From the Greek word ekballo, which means to “cast out.”] mode dramatically—supposing that spirits infiltrate the human personality, take up residence, and secretly exacerbate and constrain patterns of sin and unbelief---we will need utterly compelling reasons. (p. 91)
The term EMM focuses on the mode of ministry, suggesting a particular form of pastoral activity: casting out demons. It is part of a grass roots practical theology—a way of addressing life problems—that finds varied expression both in pastoral ministry and in methods of personal growth. Ekballistic evangelism, for example, seeks to drive demons out of people and places so that individuals and groups can come to Christ who would otherwise be prevented. Ekballistic santification seeks to break demonic strongholds inside Christians; “when the demon goes, the Christian grows.” EMM sanctification can be done too others as part of discipleship-counseling. And Christians can do it to themselves after being taught methods of ongoing self-deliverance. In sum, ekballistic spiritual warfare envisions the warfare of Christians as a battle against invading demons, either to repel them at the gates or eject them after they have taken up residence.
Contemporary EMM is obviously based on the key assumption that demons of sin reside within the human heart. According to EMM advocates, people undergo a moral demonization. For example, indwelling demons of rage, lewdness, terror, pride, rebellion, and accusation reinforce—and in some way control—anger, immorality, fear, self-absorption, obstinacy, and self-recrimination. Demons take up residency and, to a greater or lesser extent, take over functions of the human heart. (p. 29)
The modern demon-deliverance ministries are predicated on two fundamental errors. First, they misread the biblical record and fail to distinguish between moral and situational evil. They cast out “demons” of moral evil, something neither taught nor illustrated anywhere in Scripture. Second, they fail to reckon with the general mode shift away from the command-control mode towards the classic mode.
There are serious theological and pastoral consequences of going beyond Scripture. If we are to address one situational evil---spirits that cause affliction—differently from how we address every other situational evil, we will need good reasons and clear instructions. And if we are to widen the use of the EMM [Ekballistic mode of ministry (EMM). From the Greek word ekballo, which means to “cast out.”] mode dramatically—supposing that spirits infiltrate the human personality, take up residence, and secretly exacerbate and constrain patterns of sin and unbelief---we will need utterly compelling reasons. (p. 91)
The term EMM focuses on the mode of ministry, suggesting a particular form of pastoral activity: casting out demons. It is part of a grass roots practical theology—a way of addressing life problems—that finds varied expression both in pastoral ministry and in methods of personal growth. Ekballistic evangelism, for example, seeks to drive demons out of people and places so that individuals and groups can come to Christ who would otherwise be prevented. Ekballistic santification seeks to break demonic strongholds inside Christians; “when the demon goes, the Christian grows.” EMM sanctification can be done too others as part of discipleship-counseling. And Christians can do it to themselves after being taught methods of ongoing self-deliverance. In sum, ekballistic spiritual warfare envisions the warfare of Christians as a battle against invading demons, either to repel them at the gates or eject them after they have taken up residence.
Contemporary EMM is obviously based on the key assumption that demons of sin reside within the human heart. According to EMM advocates, people undergo a moral demonization. For example, indwelling demons of rage, lewdness, terror, pride, rebellion, and accusation reinforce—and in some way control—anger, immorality, fear, self-absorption, obstinacy, and self-recrimination. Demons take up residency and, to a greater or lesser extent, take over functions of the human heart. (p. 29)
March 21, 2025
My favorite quotes:
"Third, notice Job's mode of spiritual warfare. Job actually never mentions Satan, the secondary cause of his afflictions. Nor does he focus on the tertiary causes; murderous raiders and thieves, painful sores covering his body, rejection by his wife and relatives. Instead, Job wrestles with God, the primary cause, because God is sovereign. And finally Job repents of self-righteousness. He proved to be the wise spiritual warrior by honesty, by reproving his wife's and counselors' folly, by repentance, by faith. In so doing, Job glorified God and humiliated Satan."
Page 57
"Zechariah sees Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Joshua is unclean. But, interestingly, Satan is not even allowed to speak. The LORD takes Joshua's filthy rags and clothes him in the garments of righteousness. Satan acts as malicious accuser of a man who is sinful and justly accusable, a "burning stick snatched from the fire." But God the deliverer silences Satan with his stunning promises of the forgiveness of sins through a coming Messiah."
Page 58
"One key to understanding spiritual warfare in the ministry of Jesus Christ is to notice that he mounted a twin-pronged offensive against the powers of evil—against moral evil and situational evil. Jesus employed two modes of warfare to address two different facets of the evil works of the devil. Scripture and everyday speech use the word "evil" in two distinct ways, situational and moral. A passage from Ecclesiastes 9:3 illustrates both: "This is the evil [situational] in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil [moral] and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterwards they join the dead." We both do and experience evil; the dominion of darkness is made up of sin and suffering."
Pages 64-65
"There are some obvious discontinuities between what Jesus did and what we are to do; there are also continuities. Scripture teaches us to discern the difference."
Page 77
"We can forgive another's sins against us, but we do not forgive the same way God forgives. If a person asks for our forgiveness and is a hypocrite, we still forgive subjectively, holding no grudge against him or her. But the hypocrite will remain unforgiven objectively, because God reads the heart. Jesus does authoritative, objective forgiving; we do personal, subjective forgiving."
Pages 83-84
"Not only do the world, the flesh, and the devil appear in concert, but the Bible consistently presents them in a carefully crafted balance. Of the three, God primarily focuses on the flesh—the human heart and its vulnerability to evil. Humans stand center stage. We are called to radical self-knowledge in relation to the gospel of Christ's grace. We are called to search out all the corruption, deceit, and depravity of our hearts, hands, and tongues. We are called to know God in fellowship with our blood-bought brothers and sisters. Scripture addresses people, not demons."
Page 110
"The very sufferings by which Satan would brutalize us into his image are used by God to purify our faith and reveal his glory. As in Job and all of Scripture, the malice of the devil ultimately serves the very cause he hates."
Page 116
"Determining whether or not there is a "demon in the toaster"—or simply a loose wire—is less important than how one deals with it. Both EMM and prayerless reliance on technical expertise are defective responses."
Page 120
"Third, notice Job's mode of spiritual warfare. Job actually never mentions Satan, the secondary cause of his afflictions. Nor does he focus on the tertiary causes; murderous raiders and thieves, painful sores covering his body, rejection by his wife and relatives. Instead, Job wrestles with God, the primary cause, because God is sovereign. And finally Job repents of self-righteousness. He proved to be the wise spiritual warrior by honesty, by reproving his wife's and counselors' folly, by repentance, by faith. In so doing, Job glorified God and humiliated Satan."
Page 57
"Zechariah sees Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Joshua is unclean. But, interestingly, Satan is not even allowed to speak. The LORD takes Joshua's filthy rags and clothes him in the garments of righteousness. Satan acts as malicious accuser of a man who is sinful and justly accusable, a "burning stick snatched from the fire." But God the deliverer silences Satan with his stunning promises of the forgiveness of sins through a coming Messiah."
Page 58
"One key to understanding spiritual warfare in the ministry of Jesus Christ is to notice that he mounted a twin-pronged offensive against the powers of evil—against moral evil and situational evil. Jesus employed two modes of warfare to address two different facets of the evil works of the devil. Scripture and everyday speech use the word "evil" in two distinct ways, situational and moral. A passage from Ecclesiastes 9:3 illustrates both: "This is the evil [situational] in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil [moral] and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterwards they join the dead." We both do and experience evil; the dominion of darkness is made up of sin and suffering."
Pages 64-65
"There are some obvious discontinuities between what Jesus did and what we are to do; there are also continuities. Scripture teaches us to discern the difference."
Page 77
"We can forgive another's sins against us, but we do not forgive the same way God forgives. If a person asks for our forgiveness and is a hypocrite, we still forgive subjectively, holding no grudge against him or her. But the hypocrite will remain unforgiven objectively, because God reads the heart. Jesus does authoritative, objective forgiving; we do personal, subjective forgiving."
Pages 83-84
"Not only do the world, the flesh, and the devil appear in concert, but the Bible consistently presents them in a carefully crafted balance. Of the three, God primarily focuses on the flesh—the human heart and its vulnerability to evil. Humans stand center stage. We are called to radical self-knowledge in relation to the gospel of Christ's grace. We are called to search out all the corruption, deceit, and depravity of our hearts, hands, and tongues. We are called to know God in fellowship with our blood-bought brothers and sisters. Scripture addresses people, not demons."
Page 110
"The very sufferings by which Satan would brutalize us into his image are used by God to purify our faith and reveal his glory. As in Job and all of Scripture, the malice of the devil ultimately serves the very cause he hates."
Page 116
"Determining whether or not there is a "demon in the toaster"—or simply a loose wire—is less important than how one deals with it. Both EMM and prayerless reliance on technical expertise are defective responses."
Page 120
May 23, 2025
A helpful and informative title that covers a topic many in Powlison’s tribe seem to steer clear of. His approach is winsome and biblically sound in majority of points, the only shortcomings are related to the dogmatism that presumes all of church history and theology has always had the same systematic and experiences. It is not just reformed (which is understandable and the prerogative of the author and expected audience) but it is also undeniably “western” and as is the tendency with some in this circle, the two are united without reference or thorough discussion. Overall, this title remains helpful despite these occasional overstated absolutes. What is the bottom line? How are we to effectively engage in spiritual warfare? With scripture shared with love and in prayerful dependence, in all summary - with biblical counselling, a point I am in great sympathy with in experience and conviction.
August 18, 2023
4.5. Very helpful and incisive counterweight to the contemporary deliverance-ministry perspective. Powlison does a great job walking through the terrain of this ministry approach and offering his appreciation, critiques, and alternatives.
I wish he would have spent more time exploring psychological explanations of the various “demonic phenomena” that occur within these ministry contexts. However, his insights here were still very good and his exegetical work through various passages and proof texts made up for this deficiency.
I wish he would have spent more time exploring psychological explanations of the various “demonic phenomena” that occur within these ministry contexts. However, his insights here were still very good and his exegetical work through various passages and proof texts made up for this deficiency.
May 7, 2025
I appreciate the organization of the book and some of the terms used to consider deliverance ministries. Although the organization was consistent, synonymous terms and similar terms create confusion if unfamiliar with topics and themes.
The case studies in the final chapter does help bring the author’s intent together. Follow-up or supplemental material regarding aftermath of case studies would be helpful to explore to add to overall viewpoint and stance of readers.
The case studies in the final chapter does help bring the author’s intent together. Follow-up or supplemental material regarding aftermath of case studies would be helpful to explore to add to overall viewpoint and stance of readers.
May 13, 2022
Le combat chrétien est de marcher humblement dans la dépendance du Dieu Tout Puissant en reconnaissant notre état pécheur justifier par l'amour de Christ.
Le combat chrétien ne peut pas être victorieux en craignant la puissance de Satan. Dieu est plus fort et jamais par notre propre puissance nous serons vainqueurs. Il nous faut pour vaincre revêtir les armes de Dieu.
Le combat chrétien ne peut pas être victorieux en craignant la puissance de Satan. Dieu est plus fort et jamais par notre propre puissance nous serons vainqueurs. Il nous faut pour vaincre revêtir les armes de Dieu.
May 26, 2023
I can’t say this has aged well but Powlison has some good points. He’s a bit mechanistic in his style and very focused on the debate about spiritual warfare that was popular in the 90s, hence it hasn’t aged well. Overall though he gives a helpful framework to think about spiritual warfare though which makes it a helpful read.
June 6, 2024
El libro Preciso para entender cómo batallar en la guerra espiritual y ser libre de las mentiras de la autoliberación, oración para sacar demonios o eternos procesos de sanidad interior! Buenísimo!!! 100% bíblico
November 4, 2025
Très bien ! Je crois avoir préféré le cours de Florent Varak offert par la Facilté de Théologie Scriptura
April 10, 2020
Una buena introducción bíblica sobre la guerra espiritual, especialmente, para aquellos que están inmersos y confundidos acerca de cristianos con demonios.
April 28, 2012
Refreshingly biblical and grounded polemic against EMM (ekbalistic mode of ministry). Would love to see an expanded version, even though the churches that emphasized these things in days gone by are mostly focused now on church growth. So I doubt the book is necessary, at least in the States.
September 3, 2010
A good Biblical approach to spiritual warfare that tended to take some of the mystery out of the debates surrounding it.
February 4, 2013
Best book on spiritual warfare out of the dozen that I own.
September 18, 2013
Masterful. A must read for anyone who has ever used the adjective "spiritual" to describe his/ her own spiritual condition or the condition of anyone/anything else.
Read
February 10, 2013Surveys different views of demon possession from a Reformed Christian perspective.
Read
August 31, 2018David Powlison gives a contrast of those who believe we need to do spiritual warfare and those who think it's more a matter of our Christian walk. He deals with the Scriptures those who do demon deliverance and shows why the Bible teaches that walking with Christ and dealing with sin is the way to live holy.
It's a thin book but very deep although understandable. He is meticulous in his arguments.
I would have wished he didn't use his made-up term which he abbreviates EMM - ekballistic mode of ministry, but that was part of trying to include all those who do this and not just the Charismatic ministers who do this type of ministry.
I tend to identify with Bob in the two examples in the last chapter.
It's expensive if you get it on Amazon. I got a used copy from Thriftbooks.
It's a thin book but very deep although understandable. He is meticulous in his arguments.
I would have wished he didn't use his made-up term which he abbreviates EMM - ekballistic mode of ministry, but that was part of trying to include all those who do this and not just the Charismatic ministers who do this type of ministry.
I tend to identify with Bob in the two examples in the last chapter.
It's expensive if you get it on Amazon. I got a used copy from Thriftbooks.
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