Ramirez
wants us to understand the role of Satan in the world. He knows
whereof he writes as he was the third highest ranked priest in a
Satanic cult in New York City before he had a miraculous encounter
with Jesus. He told his story in Out of the Devil's Cauldron.
He's
been in the enemy's camp. He knows how to combat the enemy's tactics.
He writes about the ways the devil tries to invade our lives, the
reality of spiritual warfare, and what it means to really be a
soldier of the cross.
The
primary avenue of attack is the mind. The devil knows that if he can
capture that he has a stronghold. He will then go after the will and
emotions. Ramirez reveals the devil's strategies and doorways we are
to stay away from. Temptation and deception are the devil's favorite
tools. We need to know who we are in Christ and be firm in that
identity, not allowing Satan to steal it.
I
was surprised at this insight: The number one tactic the devil uses
to create strongholds is to convince one that their sin is under
control – they could quit any time.
Ramirez
writes that it is important to be able to distinguish the voice of
God and the voice of the devil and he helps us do that. He also
identifies spirits that are deployed to bring down ministries.
He
encourages us to engage in spiritual warfare but also urges caution.
“For we believers to win the war, we must discern the battle before
we engage.” (59) “It is important for us to pray and hear from
God before we make any moves, anywhere.” (28)
Ramirez
has included practical suggestions and techniques for spiritual
warfare. He has many prayers that readers can use in the warfare,
including those for obtaining one's own spiritual freedom.
Spiritual
warfare is something I have not heard a sermon on in years. It's time
for the church to wake up, Ramirez writes. This is a great book,
based on personal experience and Scripture, to help Christians
understand the war and engage the enemy. It is practical yet cautions
against hasty engagement.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
John
Ramirez is an international evangelist, author, and international
speaker. You can find out more at www.JohnRamirez.org.
Destiny
Image, 176 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club
Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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