Born for Battle by R. Arthur Mathews is a book focused on spiritual warfare, structured as a 31-day devotional. Drawing on his experiences as a World War II veteran and a missionary in China, Mathews provides an encouraging and practical guide for believers on engaging in spiritual battles through prayer.
Key aspects
This chapter explores the spiritual battle believers face as soldiers of Christ. It traces humanity’s fall in Eden, the victory of Jesus on the Cross, and the crucial role of prayer, submission, and...
Chapter 2, The Soldier’s Best Friend, emphasizes the believer’s role as a spiritual soldier. Victory over Satan is attained through proper preparation: being filled with the Holy Spirit, storing...
Chapter 3, Our Wrestling, explores the Christian's spiritual conflict against Satan and the forces of darkness. It emphasizes that true victory begins with surrender to Christ and abiding in His...
The chapter "Dealing with the Enemy" explores how evil influences have infiltrated various aspects of society, challenging moral standards and religious beliefs. It discusses the increasing control...
The chapter "Rendering the Enemy Powerless" emphasizes the need for Christians to actively resist spiritual attacks, drawing from J.O. Fraser's experiences as a missionary in Southwest China. It...
The chapter "Long Range Penetration" draws parallels between military strategies and spiritual warfare, emphasizing proactive engagement against both physical and spiritual adversaries. It references...
The chapter "Churchill and the Language of Battle" draws a parallel between Winston Churchill’s use of language in warfare and Apostle Paul's application of military imagery in his letters,...
The chapter illustrates how prayer is a potent force in spiritual warfare, using Old Testament examples to demonstrate believers' authority over evil forces. It contrasts this with modern political...
The chapter highlights a crucial distinction between personal conviction and limited faith through two contrasting examples: Pastor Hsi and King Jehoash. It emphasizes that inner victory stems from...
The chapter emphasizes the critical distinction between possessing weapons and the willingness to use them in spiritual warfare, drawing parallels to historical military scenarios like those on Omaha...
This chapter emphasizes that prayer is the true cutting edge of all spiritual work—not a supportive act but the very essence of Christian ministry. It argues that the power and history of any mission...
In "The Conflict of Two Wills," the author explores the dynamic between human will and divine will within prayer. The natural inclination is often to focus on personal concerns in prayer, but true...
This chapter explores the deep meaning behind the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer—“Our Father.” It emphasizes that prayer is not a mechanical recitation but an act of intimate relationship,...
Chapter emphasizes the supremacy of God’s claims over human desires in prayer. The chapter examines the Lord’s Prayer petitions—“Hallowed be Thy name,” “Thy kingdom come,” and “Thy will be done on...
The chapter titled "The Predictable" delves into the theme of suffering and sacrifice within God's divine plan, using both historical events and biblical parables as illustrations. It begins with a...
In this chapter titled "Introduction," the author addresses a critical issue within contemporary prayer practices: the over-reliance on familiar phrases and structured prayers as opposed to...
The chapter titled "Faith - Attitude or Act?" explores the theme of faith and its role in overcoming obstacles through prayer. It begins by likening hindrances to prayer to both external...
The chapter "Authority – Assumed or Authentic?" explores different types of authority through biblical narratives, contrasting the ineffective assumed authority seen in Acts 19:13–17 with authentic...
Paul's teachings on prayer emphasize its vital role in Christian life, showcasing how his own profound experiences with prayer shaped his approach to faith. Unlike structured techniques, Paul’s...
The chapter contrasts human perspectives with divine perspectives, using Psalm 104:3 and Isaiah's declaration to illustrate how earthly concerns often overshadow God's broader plans. It highlights...
The chapter introduces the concept of opportunity as more than just desirable options; it emphasizes understanding opportunities through spiritual principles rather than personal preferences,...
The chapter explores a divine principle underlying prayer as depicted throughout Scriptures: God desires unity with His people when executing His plans. This involves leading them to pray first, then...
The chapter "When Faith’s Expectations Are Not Realized" delves into the paradox of faith when faced with unmet expectations. It reflects on life's unpredictable nature, where fervent beliefs and...
The book of Daniel offers profound spiritual lessons that go beyond its famous visions of Gentile world powers. While many focus on the prophetic imagery, the real-life applications—exemplified in...
Chapter 25, The Eternal Symbol, explores the contrast between our limited human perspective and God's eternal plan. Observing the world through the narrow "window" on China or similar tribulations,...
The chapter "Fuel-Less Fire" emphasizes that the miracle of the burning bush lies not in the bush itself but in the self-sustaining fire of God’s glory. Unlike human zeal, which can fade, God’s fire...
This chapter emphasizes the collaborative nature of God’s redemptive work with humanity, highlighting prayer as the vital link in this partnership. While God acts sovereignly, He invites His people...
This chapter highlights the intertwined relationship between God’s problems and human prayer through the story of Hannah. God faced a spiritual challenge: His word was not reaching His people due to...
This chapter emphasizes the supreme importance of prayer in the life of a Christian and the church. Using historical examples such as Fraser of the Lisu and the Philippian Christians supporting Paul,...
Chapter 30 emphasizes that enduring discipline is essential for accomplishing God’s mission. Using Jesus Christ as the ultimate example, the chapter highlights that His success was rooted in...
Chapter "God's Scramble Squadron", illustrates the believer’s call to spiritual vigilance and authority through the metaphor of the RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain. Just as pilots raced to...
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