The Three Battlegrounds [Paperback]

Francis Frangipane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1989

This book is an in-depth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare which the maturing Christian will face: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. It provides a foundation of insight, wisdom and discernment on the nature of the battle and the keys to victory. The Three Battlegrounds will serve as a companion for those serious prayer warriors and leaders who are making preparations for the days ahead.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

- Audio book of the original best-selling book! --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From the Author

This is a book about spiritual warfare. Before we proceed, however, I have two concerns. The first is our need for wisdom. There is an old European proverb worth heeding. It reads: "Age and treachery will always defeat youth and zeal." Before we engage in spiritual warfare, we should know this about Satan: He is an ancient and extremely treacherous foe. On the other hand, the strength of most Christians lies primarily in idealism and untested fervor. It is not long, usually five to ten years in the ministry, and most zeal has waned. Without warning, the minister's call has deteriorated from a walk of vision to a mere job. What occurred was that zeal, by itself, challenged the treachery of hell and lost. The brightness of youthful dreams dimmed under the dark cloud of relentless satanic assault. Under the weight of growing frustrations and discouragement, compromise increased, and with it came iniquity and spiritual bondage. Yet, the real villain was not sin but ignorance. 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. Jesus prepared His disciples for everything, including war. They saw Him casting out demons. In fact, He sent them forth doing the same. But before He sent them out, He charged them to become 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 defeat the enemy, but wisdom must precede warfare and virtue must come before the victory. Consequently, the goal of this book is to train the church in wisdom and call the church to innocence. We will not disregard what we have previously learned; we will still live by faith. But we must learn the ways of God, which means we must think with wisdom. And we must be pure of heart, that we may see God and gain discernment. Indeed, it is this very ignorance that has left us vulnerable to satanic attack. Of my second concern, let me say that there are no shortcuts to successful warfare, only ways to make it longer and more perilous. One way of peril is to enter battle blinded by presumption. When it comes to waging war effectively, consider carefulness to be the essence of victory. Whatever lofty spiritual plane you imagine that you are on, remember: Adam was in Paradise when he fell. Before your increased knowledge and religious experiences make you overly self-confident, recall that Solomon wrote three books of Scripture; he actually gazed upon the glory of God, yet he fell. Yes, even in your deepest worship of the Almighty, do not forget, in long ages past Lucifer himself was once in heaven pouring out praise to God. We all have seen many who have fallen. Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold. Do not presume it cannot happen to you. Our enemy has been deceiving mankind for thousands of years. Our experience, on the other hand, spans but a brief moment. It is wisdom to recognize that we do not know all there is to know concerning warfare. Therefore, be bold but never brash or arrogant in your prayer life. Use your spiritual authority administratively, compassionately, but never presumptuously. Multitudes of well-meaning but ignorant Christians have approached the field of spiritual battle with flippant attitudes and have suffered greatly for it. Study several books and seek confirmation from the Lord for your strategies. As it is written, "Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance" (Prov. 20:18). Thus, our purpose here is to help equip you for battle in each of the three primary battlegrounds: the mind, the church and the heavenly places. There are other fields or subcategories of spiritual warfare; however, these are where most of us will face conflict. One last note. A few of you will be instrumental in actually saving your cities. Our prayer is that these chapters will help and equip you for that goal. The promise of the Spirit speaks thus: "There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it, and constructed large siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom" (Eccl. 9:14-15). While many are predicting the destruction of our nation and the collapse of our cities, they have not considered the power of Christ in you. But remember, "Wisdom is better than strength...wisdom is better than weapons of war" (Eccl. 9:16, 18). -- Francis Frangipane --

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Product Details

• Paperback: 153 pages
• Publisher: Morningstar Pubns; 1ST edition (February 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962904902
• ISBN-13: 978-0962904905
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Orthodoxy

More About the Author

Francis Frangipane is the founding pastor of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which he began in 1989. Publication of Francis' book The Three Battlegrounds in 1989 fueled demand for him as an international conference speaker. Francis Frangipane is well known for his efforts in uniting thousands of church leaders in hundreds of cities around the world. The author is also a frequent guest on Christian television programs and has been profiled in several Christian magazines. His online school, In Christ's Image Training (www.icitc.org) has students in over 70 nations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Critical Principles for All Believers!!!, June 15, 2004

By 

Robert D. Ison "Helping You Find New Hope" (Marion, KY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Three Battlegrounds (Paperback)

It is very difficult to present written works that provide detailed information, amazing clarity, inspiration, and an emphasis on Scripture. Francis Frangipane has created just such a work in his presentation of the Three Battlegrounds.

Sections one and two reveal very practical information concerning the struggles Christians face in the battle over their minds and their churches. The information revealed in these sections will help to integrate common sense, experience, and practical applications into your church and/or personal devotion.

Section three is so simple yet powerful it will blow you away. Here we are taught about the battle involving the Heavenly realm or at the strategic level. Frangipane does not present controversial techniques nor does he disguise his own personal agenda. He simply presents clear information concerning the battles that rage. Like many readers, I underline as I read. Looking back over section three, I have noticed that a majority of the pages have underlining and some chapters are almost completely underlined.

Christians of all experience levels and backgrounds will benefit from reading this book. The book reads quickly and easily because there is not any extra opinions or information. The material is well developed but to the point. This work does not present the "shaky ground" findings of some spiritual warfare advocates. It does however present historical, Scriptural, and pracitical information so that prayers can address specific strongholds in all of our lives.

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Call to Action, February 19, 2004

By 

"mamaholly" (Kodak, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Three Battlegrounds (Paperback)

I've been searching to learn more about intercessory prayer and spiritual warfare. Frankly, I've spent a good deal of my Christian life afraid to engage my spiritual authority over evil as it has been given to me through Christ. I was scared by other Christians who warned about making sure you have no unconfessed sins or unknown sins in your life to be protected.

Frangipane addresses these issues but in a sensible way without instilling fear in his readers. This book has inspired me finally to action with complete faith in the authority and righteousness of Jesus.

This was an eye-opening read that I saw ring true with what I've been seeing in my daily life. Frangipane focuses on the love that Christians must have for Jesus and for one another. I found myself grabbing the phone to share meaningful insights with my sister (accountability/prayer partner), my mother, my husband, and my friends.

After reading this book, I went back and was reading again "Praying God's Word" by Beth Moore (another favorite author of mine) and noticed that many of her quotes in that book come from "The Three Battlegrounds".

I found information in the Jezebel chapter in helping me relate to some of my friends who are having trouble in marriage. I found wonderful insights into my own behavior. I found a sense of purpose and direction in which was previously lacking in my own personal spiritual warfare. I can't tell you how many times my hair was standing on end and a loud, "AH-hah" came from me.

I know I will use this book over and over again.

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have title, November 27, 2000

By 

Caz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Three Battlegrounds (Paperback)

For those who are in the throes of spiritual warfare, or those who are studying the topic, this title is a must-have for your library. It's not a long read, but it is a deep read - and one that you will find yourself coming back to time and again.

Mr. Frangipane is one of my all-time favorite Christian writers. He rightly divides the Word and his wisdom abounds; his humble spirit is found in the essence of his writings.

This title, 'The Three Battlegrounds,' will reveal much to the reader on the three most difficult realms of living - with oneself, with one's fellow believers, and with the Lord. The author is astute, with deep knowledge of the Word, and he ever draws the readers back to the source of their faith and love, Jesus Christ.

This is one of his best, though all of his writings are on the mark. Be sure to pick up 'Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God' as well. You won't be sorry!