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Confronting Jezebel
This is one of those books that you can fly through, or spend a ton of time pondering as you read. I found myself taking forever because I had so much to think about. In fact I don't really have an opinion on it yet, can't say if it's great, just good, not bad, or not good! Still mulling it over.

One reason I decided to even read this is because of the foreword. Here's the quote that hooked me: "Steve has endured season of warfare in the Spirit over the years that God has used to season him." (Dr. Mark Chironna) That and my husband has been really into learning more on how to be prepared for the spiritual battle in front of Christians.

So here's a synopsis:

In Confronting Jezebel, Sampson enlightens the reader with the characteristics of the Jezebel principality - a subject of Satan. Remember Jezebel? I knew of her from the Bible, you know that really evil queen, but I didn't realize just how much she popped up in it until this book. Sampson does a remarkable job of showing just how much of Satan's dirty work she does. And let me just say, this is one minion of Satan that is pretty smart, as she tends to go after Christians who are confident and even powerful.

One big point Sampson makes over and over is that this principality, although given a female name, can influence both men and women in today's societies.

Most of the book is comprised of examples of Jezebel's destruction that Sampson has witnessed or heard about during his career in the Church. There are many disheartening, and nasty stories that involved strong Christians and stable churches.

Sampson says that Jezebel finds people who are insecure about something, and are making up for that insecurity by taking control of others in order to build themselves up (- sounds a little like what many kids are taught growing up to me...). He does make it clear that just because a person is strong-willed does not mean he or she is under the influence of Jezebel, but that if such a person is not striving to follow God's will Jezebel can get a foothold on this person. And it is a scary picture he paints of what happens when Jezebel really starts to influence.

Here are some of the quotes that stood out to me the most:
Refusing to try is not learning; it is evil. There is no grace for that
We have to take responsibility for our lives. -136

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If you are a new or young Christian (as in still focused on the fundamentals, not young in age) this probably isn't a good book for you, just because it makes you feel that your sins are all because a Jezebel principality has gotten a hold of you. This is most certainly a book for a Christian who has a good foundation with Jesus and even a strong support system of believers to draw strength and counsel from, because there is a lot here.

However, Sampson does spend the last chapter talking about ways to deal with Jezebels in all forms - in churches, work places, families, friends, yourself. Which, after reading everything, was a welcome relief.

Does this book sound interesting to you? Are you interested in hearing what the Bible says about the demonic battle going on? Does this just seem like too much for you? Let me know, because like I said, I'm still mulling this one over!












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** Please note this was received from the publisher, however the above review is all my personal opinion, and was not required for the book.