There is joy and triumph in the Christian life. The eternal God loves us and calls us to the highest good that we can enjoy. But that goal is achieved only by a fight.
In this classic guide to the Christian life, John White introduces the key areas in which we must wrestle time and again, including prayer and Bible study, faith and temptation, relationships and holiness. He lets us see our the spirit of the age, our own sinful nature, and the powers of darkness. And he gives us the encouragement to persevere in the battle.
New Christians who read this book will take their first steps in Christian living with confidence. Established disciples will find refreshing insights into the struggles and joys of life in Christ.
Reviewed by: Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD., Pastoral Psychology, Psychological Anthropology, Christian Education and Buddhism.
Review:
First published in 1976, John White’s The Fight is now part of the IVP Signature Collection. It has stood the test of time and its applicability in the 21st century remains high. The book derives its title from White’s contention that “When you become a Christian, a number of extremely important events took place both in heaven and in your own body. . . Justification... Regeneration. . .- i.e., God imparting to you His own life. . .and a new relationship with the powers of darkness. . .You are now the sworn foe of the legions of hell” (pp.1-5).
This theme weaves throughout his entire book. In the very last chapter he stresses again “To acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Lord is to join an army Whether you know it or not, you are enlisted” (P. 169) White describes the cosmic battle all Christians are engage in as between Jesus Christ the “UnConquerable One” (p. 176) and Satan , the “Infernal Majesty” (p, 55). White makes clear that God’s victory is sure, “the battle is the Lord’s” (p.175), but explains how this battle affects the Christian’s prayer life, relationships, holiness, faith and witness. A must-have classic.
5 stars
Excerpts:
"Prayer is not you trying to move God. Prayer is among other things being caught up into God’s directions and activities. He orders the affairs of the universe, and he invites you to participate by prayer. Intercession is God and you participating in partnership, bringing his perfect plans into being, (p. 15)."
"A witness is someone who tells others what he himself has personally and directly discovered about Jesus and God’s Word. He is a signpost (p.43)."
"It is by the 'word of [your] testimony' that you will overcome the deceiver. And that means the Word of God that has been proven true by you in your experience and about which you may legitimately testify. Once you are able to say, 'The Bible says. . .and it was such a help to me that it really solved my problem,' the gates of hell will not prevail against you, (p.66)"
"A 'Quiet Time' is a ‘tuning in' time. You should not switch off the radio once you have tuned into God’s wavelength.. . Christians should carry from their secret meeting with God the ‘same frame of mind’ into the world around them. . .Impossible as it may seem, it is the unusual privilege of the Christian to be aware of God at all times. Brother Lawrence in the little book The Practice of the Presence of God speaks simply and straight-forwardly of the same thing,” (p. 21).
"Faith is the means by which Christians do business beyond time and space and bring to pass otherwise unrealizable hope. . .Your own faith bridges the gap between your humanity and eternity. It can unleash eternal powers here on earth. . .Faith crosses the chasm into the invisible and hoped for," (p.75).