Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Deliver Us From Evil by Don Basham

Deliver Us From Evil- A Pastor's Reluctant Encounters with the Powers of Darkness, is a first person, auto- biographical account written by Don Basham. This book is a 2014 reprint of the original published in 1972.  Written over 40 years ago, this monumental, charismatic Christian book was ahead of its time, spearheading the deliverance ministry and the concept of literal spiritual gifts.

The author was a pastor and bases this memoir  on his personal experiences and personal anecdotes from his ministry experiences. Some may find these stories difficult to believe and a bit theatrical.  In it important to keep in mind the charismatic background of the author is based on the belief of the real workings of the Holy Spirit and the literal belief in modern day spiritual gifts such as tongues and healings.  

Much of the book is an invaluable resource where the author has taken scriptural truths and promises- and relate them to the modern day believer to use and apply when facing any trial or work from the enemy.  The scriptural references especially in the last chapter, "Pages from my notebook"  will empower any reader with a quick resource of how to respond in faith to any difficulty- large and small.  It is a spiritual self help book as well as a memoir,  in the fact that it will allow the reader the tools to look within himself and identify any areas or issues where Satan has his foothold.  The chapters, "Keeping our deliverance" and "Right now in your own room" is like an instruction manual to equip the reader with the tools for the deliverance ministry as well as for personal deliverance.  These final chapter really make this work personal and allow the reader to relate to the Pastor's story as a participant and not simply as a spectator.  Not only that it tells the reader how to face and address these issues! For those who are at a loss of how to begin to approach their spiritual problems there are a number of sample prayers applicable to any number of situations. There is sufficient, introductory material and background material  on the devil and possession so that readers unfamiliar with these concepts won't feel lost.

The cover alone will draw in the reader, with its mysterious antique devilish gargoyle looking over a quaint, old fashioned, broken cityscape.  Ironically, the antiqued,  aged yellowed cover gives this 40 year old account a fresh new look for a new generation of open minded readers thirsty for anything about the occult or possession.  Not only will this book draw in the Christian but perhaps horror movie and occult enthusiasts alike.  I received this book published by Chosen, a division of the Baker Publishing Group, for the purpose of writing this review. 

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