The Three Battlegrounds: An In-Depth View of the Three Arenas of Spiritual Warfare: The Mind, the Church and the Heavenly Places

by Francis Frangipane

The term spiritual warfare introduces a new but perhaps unwelcome dimension for many Christians. While we may never initiate spiritual warfare ourselves, we all must face the fact that the devil has initiated warfare against us. Therefore, it is essential that we discern the areas of our nature that are unguarded and open to satanic assault.

There are three arenas of spiritual warfare the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church, and the heavenly places. Before Jesus sent his disciples out, He charged them to become as wise as serpents yet innocent and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16). This fusion of divine wisdom and Christlike innocence is the taproot of all spiritual victory. Indeed, we can share in Christ's victory over our enemy, but wisdom must precede warfare and virtue must come before triumph.

Francis Frangipane's revolutionary book, The Three Battlegrounds, has been groundbreaking in the arenas of spiritual warfare. A timeless resource, this newly revised edition provides practical knowledge and powerful application for defeating the enemies of our faith.

Here are some quotes from the book: "Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our hearts."
"There are satanic strongholds over countries and communities and there are strongholds which influence the churches and individuals. Wherever a stronghold exists, it is a demonically induced pattern of thinking. Specifically, it is a house made of thoughts which has become a dwelling place for satanic and activity."
"Is your love growing or becoming softer, brighter, more daring and more visible? Or is it becoming more discriminating, calculating, less vulnerable and less available? This is very important issue, for your Christianity is only as real as your love. A measurable decrease in your ability to love is evidence that a stronghold of cold love is developing within you."
"There is a war, a very ancient war, between the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of Jezebel. In this age-old battle, Elijah represents the interests of heaven: the call to repentance and the return to God. Jezebel, on the other hand, represents that unique principality whose purpose is to hinder and defeat the work of repentance."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1989

About the author

Francis Frangipane is a Christian minister and author.
He is the best-selling author of 16 books, including Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God and This Day We Fight. Pastor Frangipane is also the founder of In Christ's Image Training (ICIT), an international online ministry school with students in over 120 nations. This online course is designed to take Christians at all levels and lead them into a deeper understanding of what it means to be like Christ. The home study curriculum is quoted as being one of the most impactful journeys you may take with the Lord. Pastor Frangipane's prayer is to see Christlike pastors and intercessors united before God, revealing the love of Christ to their communities. To find out more about this ministry, please visit frangipane.org

Reviews

[Jaketha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I prepare to write my own book, this is the first resource that God led me too. I have already marked up most of the 1st chapter, which is entitled Satan's Domain: The Realm of Darkness.

This chapter teaches that Satan dwells wherever there is spiritual/moral darkness. The Bible declares that ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT, thus Frangipane connects the dots by stating that ALL of us have darkness in our hearts. It is through that darkness that Satan gains the legal right to access our lives. This is why the Bible declares we are to GUARD OUR HEARTS FOR OUT OF IT FLOWS THE ISSUES OF LIFE (Proverbs 4:23). Satan is not ignorant of the darkness in our hearts, even if we are.

Therefore, here are some important 1st chapter quotes:

"It is essential to our basic well-being that we discern the areas of our nature which are unguarded and open to satanic assault.... If we tolerate darkness through tolerance of sin, we leave ourselves vulnerable to satanic assault. For wherever there is willful disobedience to the Word of God, there is spiritual darkness and the potential for demonic activity" (p. 14, underlined added).

"Victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart. This rule apples to every facet of spiritual warfare. Indeed, Satan will be allowed to come against the area of your weakness until you realize that God's only answer is to become Christlike. As you begin to appropriate not just the name of Jesus but His nature as well, the adversary will withdraw, Satan will not continue to assault you if the circumstances he designed to destroy you are now working to perfect you" (pp. 18-19, boldness added)

This chapter alone has helped me to find one significant area in my own life where darkness resides. Therefore, I leave you with this quote/question from page 17: "Do you know the areas where you are vulnerable to satanic assault?" If you don't know the answer to that question, it would behoove you to petition heaven like never before, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal area(s) of darkness within your own heart. From there, seek God wholeheartedly to turn away or lay aside that darkness, allow Him to heal you in those areas before those areas eat you alive. I recently heard the following statement which fits this chapter most appropriately: "Your mind is suppose to rule over your body, not your body ruling over your mind."

God Bless!
~Jaketha

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Francis Frangipane's eye-opening book about the three arenas of scriptural spiritual warfare. His scholarship and love for the Lord comes through every page. I got the impression that Mr. Frangipane values a life full of prayer and discerning of God's teaching about satan and his various attacks on people. The author focuses on how satan attacks and how we can defend ourselves. The author does also spend the majority of his book satan's attack on people, the church and the world. I also got the clear message of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Among the best chapters on the ones about the Spirit of Antichrist, the Spirit of Jezebel (and the Spirit of Babylon) and discernment. I felt better equipped for the battle in each of the three primary battlegrounds: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. Anyone who reds this book and the bible will feel the call to become involved in the spiritual deliverance ministry.

God bless you, Francis Frangipane for this work of faith, love and commitment.

[Rick Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Three Battlegrounds author Francis Frangipane brings together an exception writing style with uncommon insightfulness. Content and clarity have met in a book I will put in my permanent collection. Which is not very large.

The book deserves to be read more than once.

There's always a battle raging for our body, soul, and spirit. For the church, for our community…and more. When a person decides to love the Lord with all their heart, with all their soul, with all their mind, and with all their strength; the more significant the battlegrounds are likely to become. Almost gauranteed.

The Three Battlegrounds is a great tool to have available to fight the good fight.

[Noemi Barrios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its much more than expected, It really opened my mind about the daily battle we struggle but don´t notice, or we dont think it has spiritual influence. It made me more aware of how dangerous it is to let little things enter in our lifes and or closer friends. Also has instructions about how to fight against those spirits

[Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with issues that arise in the life of the church can be difficult at best. It is helpful to understand what is really going on 'behind the curtain' as it were. The author, having lived through difficult times in the life of the church, brings insight and encouragement from the scriptures to help the reader understand the true nature of the struggle and to examine ourselves and our attitudes; our lifestyles and our choices, in order to begin the process of change so that we can be made more fully into the image of Jesus. Only then can we really affect change in the environment that surrounds us in our daily lives. I'm glad I found this book.

[Mark Durrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for pastors and Church leaders!

I began to read this book in paperback several years ago but only got half way through. I picked it up on Kindle this weekend - and it was exactly what I needed to read for this season in ministry. Pastors, elders, leaders, missionaries - please please read this book!

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always an excellent read!

[Julia Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read the unrevised version (it was the only one I could find), so I am curious to see what was changed. I'm not sure if I agree with everything in this book. I think I need to think about it more. I did really like the beginning and the end. He made many valuable points that I want to mull over.

[William Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading!

One of the most powerful clarifying guide to the Word I have read in 76 years. A new author to me; one that I will continue into his works.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips; it is not consummated until the nature of Jesus is in our hearts.”

“We cannot be successful in the heavenly war if we are not victorious in the battlefield of our minds.”

“Your attack against the strongholds of hell will be in the areas of your knowledge. Satan, on the other hand, will counterattack in the areas of your ignorance.”

THIS BOOK IS SO RICH. Frangipane so humbly addresses the areas where the people of God can fall to ignorance/passivity or prideful approaches to spiritual warfare, false discernment, etc. and reminds the reader that repentance and humility are the crucial foundation to spiritual warfare. To first seek to be like Jesus, yeah?

I felt such sweet conviction through this entire read and again, this book leads the reader to repentance after nearly every chapter. I recommend taking it slow, taking notes, and really letting the Lord deal with your heart while being taught how to fight. Crazy empowering🔥

[Todd Truax · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough treatment of all Christians battle with darkness. This is not a scary treatment, but an equipping book on the nature of the battleground where we encounter evil in our lives. How does Satan work in the lives of people and what provision has the Lord made for our victory. Burying our heads in the sand does not end the war we are in, but rather gives our enemy a further weapon against us in ignorance. Rev. Frangipane has unmasked the methods of the devil to destroy our lives and God's remedies. A great read and the truths presented are absolutely necessary in the life of the Christian.

[Randall Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had this book for years & finally read it. Transformed my thinking about how to pray, recognizing that our battle starts within the mind, but goes on to a spiritual battle for other people's souls, to the point that praying for people while praying against oppressive spirits can often win the entire battle. His testimonies about their prayer warfare for people within his church was revolutionary for me. Recommended for anyone who wants to pursue spirit ministry and pursue blessing for their own lives and those of the people around them.

[Amy Litzelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read The Three Battlegrounds several times over the years - the last time as a group study. I have now marked and underlined so much that I've had to resort to different colors and symbols! I think it is a "must-read" for every Believer. It gives so much wisdom on spiritual battles without focusing on the negative or darkness. Instead, it gives truth of how we should think, walk, and live when we are in Christ. Great book!

[Abigail Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many profound points in this book. I highly recommend it, and dare I say every Christian should read it. Our battle really isn't against flesh and blood, and it's important to know the war that we are in. Frangipane uses lots of scripture, and is always pointing you back to Jesus, instructing you to be first and foremost led by Holy Spirit, not his book. It has wonderful truths in it, and I gained much from reading it.

[Carol Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written and informative

I find Francis a very inspired author with deep knowledge of the Spirit of the Lord. Yet, even in his knowledge, he writes in a way that I can understand. I often read, highlight, and go back and note and find even more. Learning about strongholds was great, understanding the power and authority we have in Christ and how to use it correctly, even better. But the hope we have in Christ and the nature we are being conformed to is amazing!

[Ross Heinricy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book regarding spiritual warfare, and the author does a great job of relaying spiritual truths of Scripture. Francis helps provide a "plan of attack" as we face spiritual conflicts and a how-to on being victorious in the spiritual realm. I have 3 pages of notes from this book - too much to print here.

[Chris Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, but took off one star because it seemed to strive for profundity and another star because a few of the interruptions of the Scriptures seemed to be a reach. It is a very good, easy read and I believe the author is sincere and well qualified. It is worth your time.

[Lynne Wainwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

This book contains great information about spiritual warfare. My favorite quote...Victory begins with Jesus on the lips but it is consummated with spirit of Jesus in the heart....

[Barrie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you go headlong and intensely into new areas of ministry, avoid this book. If you can balance what you read with the rest of scripture, this is informative, helpful and Biblical. I can understand why Frangipane has such a following.

[Abigail Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical handbook on spiritual warfare. Good book.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book , not to be taken lightly , it might change your life !

[Moriah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Three Battlegrounds: Francis Frangipane

I read this book as part of a prayer ministry mentorship program I’ve been a part of for the last year and whoa, I was very blown away. Much of the pages are highlighted in yellow! The Three Battlegrounds is all about spiritual warfare and is strongly backed up with biblical scripture evidence and examples. It first helps the believer to understand that the devil is real, and means serious business to attack the church as we begin to step into our callings and seriously manifest as the Living Kingdom here on earth. “Before we engage in spiritual warfare, we should know this about Satan: he is an extremely ancient and treacherous foe." Frangipane states how it is not sin that is the villain that causes Christians to lose their zeal, but rather ignorance of the devil and his schemes.

"We put the devil in a doctrinal box and expected him to stay there. He did not. He undermined relationships, and our love grew cautious. He resisted us in prayer, and our faith turned weak. Disillusionment set in. After spending much time with struggling pastors, I have seen a common trend in most: They failed to discern the assault of the devil. They stood unprotected against an ancient, treacherous foe.”

The book explores 3 specific battlegrounds- areas where the enemy attacks; the mind, the church, and the heavenly places, and how to stand and defend against, which comes first by submission and having a pure and honest heart before God.

“Victory begins with the name of Jesus on my lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in my heart.”

I found many of these chapters to be very powerfully convicting; particularly the chapters on Cold love; and guarding against unforgiveness and how the body of Christ will not reach its fullness until we learn to stand united in unconditional love, which comes first from our unconditional love for God. Even recently, I’ve found areas in my life where I’ve harbored resentment towards individuals for hurt they caused, and realized that not only was it sin for holding judgment against them, but it also was harming me spiritually and keeping me growing into new maturity. While I do not think I necessarily hold serious grudges, I became aware how I kept allowing my mind to keep circulating around the hurt, and not finding freedom to move forward, and allow God’s love to flow through.

Also the chapter of False discernment had me very self reflective. This chapter discusses how we may think we are making a righteous judgment on someone, but in reality if it is not rooted in the love of Christ, then our discernment is really just coming from a critical spirit. While reading, I could think of at least a few times in my personal life where I thought I was operating in discernment towards a situation or even an individual and how it came back to bite my relationships with those individuals through critical words and brash decisions.

“False discernment sees the outside of the person or situation and pretends it knows the inside Godly discernment comes from having godly motives; godly motives are those rooted in God’s committed love”

More than anything this book really has helped me to see how easy it is for us to walk in pride and think we can handle warfare, or just everyday life situations on our own and easily get thrown way off course. It made me realize how desperately I need to be rooted and anchored in the person of Christ, and how without Him, I can truly do nothing on my own.

“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, more true than in spiritual warfare. If we will be victorious, we must follow Jesus as our Lord and King… It is essential we understand the difference between being taught and trained. Reading this book is being taught, being personally led by Jesus is being trained..Your confidence must securely be in the Lord, not in this book.”

I recommend this book to anyone who is of the Christian believer community, even if we are not directly involved in a specific type of ministry because not only does it help us become aware of how the devil attacks and operates within the church as a whole, but it helps us become aware in our individual lives as well and how we can step forward in greater freedom and authority as we are positioned and submitted to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our great Captain of the Hosts!

Overall, The Three Battlegrounds is a very powerfully written, and eye opening book!

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a convicting, powerful read. I didn’t 100% agree with all Frangipane says but one or two chapters in particular were an answer to prayer.

Unlike other books I’ve read on the same topic, there’s a real humility here; also a sense of caution and (most importantly) the primary focus of our relationship with God and growing in Christ likeness.

I’m still slightly skeptical about some points he makes but I 100% recommend this. The best thing I can say is I’ll be buying more books by Frangipane.

Recommend

[Sarah Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting and humbling in the most beautiful yet scary way. I have been doing this with my Devotions for a few months now. I will read a chapter or sometimes just a section and it is beyond life-changing. Deep, thought provoking and everything the church (including me) needs right now.

Top 3 most life changing books I’ve read and will continue to read over and over again.

Note to author or publisher- please create an audio version of this book!!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely changed my worldview on sanctification, spiritual warfare, and how I love my church and my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is one that I feel I will come back to again and again. I've read a lot of Christian sort of "self help" books. This one leaves them all in the dust. Honestly, the only book that I feel has had a greater impact on my faith walk is the Bible itself. Highly, highly recommend.

[Shelly J. Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading and equipped work!

This is such an informative book. Frangipine provides practical knowledge and powerful application in recognizing the battlegrounds and defeating the enemies of our faith. I highly recommend this book.

[Jacob Mbanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

Helped me understand, the power I have in Christ, and the authority of prayer. Very good book, i recommend it to anyone that wants to see an increase in their life of prayer, and desires a greater surrender to Christ.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this book.
It is true, and well presented, but often just another review of common material.
It was definately not a book I couldn't put down.. Took me about four months
I suppose there is not much 'new' information.

[Julie Edberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing book! One of my friends and I used this as a weekly study and discussion. Each chapter is so rich with content. One of the key quotes in this book is “Victory begins with the name of Jesus on my lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in my heart.”