Born For Battle: 31 Studies on Spiritual Warfare

by R. Arthur Mathews

Dr. Neil Anderson of Freedom in Christ Ministries writes in his foreword:

"There was a time I thought I could explain the world through the grid of my Western rational and natural world view. When I turned to Christ for my own salvation, I was taught how to explain the failure of humanity by the nature of the fallen world and the ongoing struggle with the flesh. I learned about the kingdom of God but was taught little about the kingdom of darkness. Then someone put Arthur Mathew's book 'Born for Battle' in my hands and I began to understand the nature of the spiritual battle that believers are called to engage in. `Born for Battle` is one of those Christian classics that needs to be read again and again by every generation. I trust it will do as much for you as it has done for me."

Genres: Christian, Theology, Prayer, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Barbara]

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Born for Battle by R. Arthur Mathews is the vegetable you love to hate. You know it's so good for you, but you just don't want to. And yet, when you do eat it, you experience the benefits.

Born for Battle takes the Christian through prayer strategies in short chapters with some stories from the author's own experience. From my perspective, the book is written in an older style so I had to work extra hard to keep my mind focused on the information shared. However, I did find that I was inspired to pray more actively and a desire built within me to make prayer a bigger part of my life.

I used this book as a part of my devotions in the morning so I only read small chunks every day. And I think that kept me learning a new thought or truth every time I sat down with it.

[Brandon]

I Almost gave this book 3 stars and I don’t know why! I learned a lot, took many notes, gave a sermon on the armor of God the day I finished it but there was something about it that I feel was left out. Maybe i was expecting it to go into actual descriptions about the pieces of armor. Either way it was fun to read and easy to digest.

[Sam Boychuk]

This book is a treat. It is arranged in discrete chapters. Vitamins for persistence and momentum. Get it, read it, be encouraged. (I think I'm going to reread it)

[Chris Brown]

My second or third time through over the years. Its 31 short chapters tailor it to being used as a daily morning devotional. It's encouraging and interesting with much exhortation unto prayer. But not a whole lot of details or explanations of the actual process of engaging in spiritual warfare. Still a great book.

[Jordan]

Kinda hard to read at times because of the old language but super powerful book if you need help figuring out how to equip yourself for spiritual warfare in the supernatural.

Really it’s all about PRAYING!!!!!!!

[D Cox]

A good book. Timely reminder and wake up call. So many things I've read lately point to prayer in spiritual warfare.

[Melanie]

But we have good news. The good news is this: Jesus has won the battle and we are on the winning side. Jesus came to undo the world of Satan (1 Jn. 3:8).

Written by an MK-turned-soldier-turned-missionary, this 31-day devotional highlights the spiritual battle that Christians are in. Moreover, it challenges believers to engage in the battle and points out the way the Armor of God and the power of prayer equip us to do so. At times it leaned heavily (maybe too much so?) into war analogies and terminologies that the author, given his background, understood or had experienced but made it somewhat difficult for a modern reader to grasp. Nevertheless, I was challenged and encouraged by what he had to say and the truths he reminded me of.

[Larona Son]

Every Christian should read this.

[Mallorie R]

Every Christian needs to have this book in their library! Easy to read as it is broken up into a daily read in 31 days, Born for Battle discusses spiritual warfare. The author goes from giving the reader an understanding of spiritual warfare to exhorting, encouraging and teaching the reader the foundations of solidering well for the kingdom of God.

[Jim Becker]

Very good advice on spiritual battles written by a missionary with OMF.