What does a true pastor look like, and what constitutes a faithful ministry? How can we identify the life and labors of one called by God to serve in the church of Jesus Christ? To address these questions, Rob Ventura and Jeremy Walker examine how the apostle Paul describes his pastoral relation to the people of God in Colossians 1:24-2:5. By discussing these essential attitudes, qualities, and characteristics of a faithful minister of Christ, A Portrait of Paul provides gospel ministers an example of what they should be, and demonstrates for churches the kind of pastors they will seek if they desire men after God's own heart.
 Target Readership: Churches looking for a pastor will find guidance in what a faithful man of God will look like. Christians looking for a church will find a tool by which they can assess the pastors of the flock in the light of God's Word, finding men to whom they can commit the care of their souls. Christians already in a church will be better equipped to pray for their pastors and will further understand what it really means to be shepherded by a man after God's own heart. Ministerial students pursuing the work of the ministry will see a picture of a man they should seek to imitate. Pastors will be encouraged to persevere in the high calling of gospel ministry.
 Table of Contents: 1. The Joy of Paul's Ministry 2. The Focus of Paul's Ministry 3. The Hardships of Paul's Ministry 4. The Origin of Paul's Ministry 5. The Essence of Paul's Ministry 6. The Subject of Paul's Ministry 7. The Goal of Paul's Ministry 8. The Strength of Paul's Ministry 9. The Conflict of Paul's Ministry 10. The Warnings of Paul's Ministry

A Portrait of Paul: Identifying a True Minister of Christ

Religion & Spirituality

Rob Ventura

Jeremy Walker

Christian Books & Bibles

Reformation Heritage Books

Too often, Christians today either sensationalize the subject of spiritual warfare by obsessing over demon possession, exorcisms, binding the devil, and rebuking demons, or they minimize the idea and are unprepared for the real struggle they face against principalities and powers. Pastors Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura provide a balanced approach that exposes the fictions and superstitions surrounding this vital doctrine and at the same time reveal the unseen realities of this struggle. Basing their battle plan on Ephesians 6:10-20, the authors give an overview of the battle, a guide to the armor God gives us, and instruction regarding the vital wartime disciplines of prayer and proclamation of the Word. By learning to think biblically about this subject, Christians are enabled to deflect the blows of their adversary, fight sin, and live God-glorifying lives as followers of Jesus.
 Table of Contents: 1. Be Strong in the Lord 2. Put on the Full Armor of God 3. The Schemes of the Devil 4. The Nature of Our Conflict 5. The Belt of Truth 6. The Breastplate of Righteousness 7. The Gospel of Peace Footwear 8. The Shield of Faith 9. The Helmet of Salvation 10. The Sword of the Spirit 11. Warfare Prayer 12. Warfare Prayer and Proclamation 13. Spiritual Warfare Debriefing Appendix 1: The Sovereignty of God and Satan Appendix 2: Can a Christian Be Demon-Possessed? Appendix 3: Pray for Your Pastors 
 Endorsements 'Authors Borgman and Ventura aimed for biblical accuracy and balance in addressing spiritual warfare. They hit the bull's-eye! How we think about this battle is critical to how we fight it. Here is a brief treatment that is also clear and accurate: Satan may prowl around as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, but Christ is the reigning Lion who has already won the battle and sits on the throne!' - Pastor Bruce A. Ray, author of Withhold Not Correction, Celebrating the Sabbath , and Help! My Friend Is Suicidal 
 'William Gurnall once said that the battle between Satan and the saints makes the most brutal war on earth look like child's play. Yet so many Christians act like civilians on vacation instead of soldiers on the front lines. Borgman and Ventura, like experienced master sergeants, give us the Bible's basic training on spiritual warfare. Drawing from the classic text in Ephesians 6, their teaching will both clear away false ideas about the spiritual battle, and equip Christians to stand firm to the end.' - Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
 'Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective is a wake up call to every minister of Christ that our work is not merely academic or intellectual, but also spiritual and supernatural. We have forces arrayed against us that cannot be defeated with any human armament. I fear that this theme has been too often ignored by the biblical scholar and too often exaggerated by those whose conclusions are not grounded in the Scriptures. For this reason, this balanced treatment will be a tremendous benefit to pastor and layperson alike.' - Paul Washer
 'The increased hostility of our anti-Christian culture is forcing many Christians on to the back foot and even into the bunkers. This stirring book is a much-needed clarion call to battle, but one that emphasizes the spiritual nature of the battle and of the weapons we must use.' - Dr. David Murray

Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective

Brian Borgman

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Books by Rob Ventura