Six Battles Every Man Must Win: . . . and the Ancient Secrets You'll Need to Succeed

by Bill Perkins

The story of David's “mighty men” (primarily found in 2 Samuel 23) drives this challenging and encouraging book for Christian men. The mighty men weren't drafted into David's army because of their impressive resumes. They were broken men who, given an opportunity to achieve greatness, responded like champions. The author uses the story to illustrate the six battles David's men fought and men today must win to become powerful and effective warriors in God's kingdom.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Marriage

160 pages, Hardcover

First published February 29, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

As a writer I try to look under the rock to see what's hidden. Once I see something I have fun writing about it. I especially enjoy discovering how each puzzle peace fits into the picture. I'm a tenacious editor. I suspect I've edited almost every page of every book I've written thirty times . . . or more. I only wish I had more time to make each line better. I love wrapping sentences with God's grace.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The back cover of the book quotes Patrick Morley as saying this is "an important book... that crackles with 'aha' moments." That's really only true if you haven't been in church much, if ever. For a man new Christian faith, this book is a great guide. But with each chapter, I couldn't help feeling that I'd heard the same message, delivered with the same scripture, in a sermon from the pulpit. For example in one chapter, he exhorts men to remain sexually pure against the backdrop of the story of David and Bathsheba. While the guidance and associated scriptural reference remain sound, the ideas presented were hardly original.

Perkins outlines six fundamental battles that men must face and conquer on an ongoing basis. These battles represent struggles that we all face to varying degrees throughout our lives. Perkins illustrates his points effectively, making many comparisons to movies in an attempt to connect with his reader. In parallel, Perkins effectively intertwines these battles with stories of David and the men in his army. These scriptural examples effectively illustrate the same battles that men face today.

Additionally, some chapters gave very clear, actionable guidance to men on combating these challenges. Alternatively though, other chapters covered more abstract topics, and the guidance was much less clear and concrete.

In summary, Perkins delivers his message and guidance in an entertaining manner. The book gives sound, Bible-based guidance to men on being better fathers, husbands, and (above-all) followers of Christ.

[J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat cheesy and theologically basic, the book does at least bring several major issues to light. Most men find church boring and religion hopelessly tedious. Perkins briefly examines some reasons for this.

Many men find modern life has taken the wind out of their sails and left them morally adrift, striving for meaningless bullshit. Perkins uses anecdotes as well as the Jewish legend of David's Mighty Men to lay out a path where more traditional masculine characteristics are valued and channeled into "spiritual battle."

A few major issues with this approach are that "spiritual battle" is often just a stand-in term for culture wars. Also, it doesn't take much for "spiritual battle" to spill over into actual battle, as we witnessed when Muslim right wing extremists hijacked planes on 9/11 or when Christian right wing extremists attempted to storm the U.S. capitol at the urging of a president skillful at manipulating spiritual ties. The concept of spiritual warfare only goes so far and it doesn't really touch the root of the issue - repressed aggression and repressed resentment - which often seems to bubble up in tragic and unforeseen ways.

[Major Doug · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just cross your legs & say no...sure. Some questionable interpretations of the bible, but I liked some of his non-bible references (also questionable interpretations).

[Israel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top notch, I recommend for every man.

[Ady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too bias

[Andrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greitai ir lengvai skaitoma knyga apie tikrą vyriškumą. Paprastai, aiškiai, įtikinamai apie labai svarbias kasdienines dvasines kovas, apie kurias paprastai niekas nekalba ir nemoko!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Perkins understands the battles men face, and the myth that we just don't like to talk about them. The truth is - we do, despite the feeling of inadequacy it triggers, we want to take whatever measures necessary to be the men God created us to be. This book is centered on David and his ragtag team of outcasts, and how their biblical account applies to each battle we as men face. 1) fight for our identity, 2) fight for personal holiness, 3) fight for your family, 4) fight through pain, 5) fight for your friends, 6) fight for a strong faith.

What's most interesting is the author's observation that David failed, not as a lowly outcast with his close band of rejects, but as an accomplished king alone on a rooftop. Our vulnerability comes when we isolate ourselves within our own sense of adequacy, whether than surround ourselves with other godly men in recognition of our moral frailty. "Endure hardness, as a good soldier."

[Gary]

So much has been written in recent years on the subject of battles men face in the world today.Typically, the battle targeted has been the battle for sexual purity. It is refreshing to read Bill Perkins' book, Six Battles Every Man Must Win, and understand that six other battles men face and seek to conquer, are vital to our spiritual growth in Christ. Those battles include: Our identity in Christ; our personal holiness; our family; pain; friends; and storng faith. I believe when we recognize these battles in our lives and begin to work on conquering them, we will find all the battles of the flesh conquered as well.
Bill Perkins' book can be a life changing experience for many men.

[Mark Soone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent book, hence the rating. I am not so sure that I enjoyed the book, as much as I enjoyed the discussions that my men's group had in regards to the struggles that men are faced with spiritually. We had a great time, and hopefully we grew as we challenged one another through, the discussions that the chapters and questions we addressed. I would recommend this more as a group study though than an outright sit down and read type of book.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the book:
Fight for your identity
Fight for personal Holiness
Fight for your family
Fight through pain
Fight for your friends
Fight for a strong faith

Read it for the full story.

[Adam Ybarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical steps towards becoming the man God has destined you to be.

[Bogdan]

it is a good one...

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill very clearly writes about things we all face as men. He makes a clear call to stand up together as men and fight the battles we have been given.