Eh, nothing new. Not sure this book is necessary, It seems like the author just needs to publish content or something of the sort.

This was a really convicting read, on a lot of levels. "Gospelbound" calls the American church today--no matter what side of the political aisle we fall on--back to Jesus.

In John 13:35, Jesus told his disciples, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (ESV). We dont' see that in the world today, nor (all too often, alas), in the church. Many of us spend more time in the black hole known as social-media comment threads, getting in arguments with virtual (literally) strangers, than we do being Jesus' hands and feet to them--even if we both profess to be Christians.

This is incredibly timely and something I think a lot of folks could learn from, myself included. We all have our roles to play in Jesus' kingdom ... will we lean on him to show the way, and follow through even--especially--when it costs us something?

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I found this to be a great book to address what a gospel-believing Christian looks like. Unfortunately today, many who call themselves Christians, or even evangelicals, aren't truly bound to the gospel. This book was an encouragement to me!

Do you find yourself anxious and without hope looking at the state of the world?
Our society is full of disappointing, even anxiety-producing stories. The more you are on social media, the more you see this. And, especially over the last year and a half, simply keeping up with the news of the day can make one anxious.
The same can be said of American Christianity. It’s full of disappointing stories. The more you are on social media, the more you see this.
So where is the hope? What hope do we have if those who are supposed to be the light of the world sometimes simply magnify the darkness? That is the question at the heart of Collin Hansen and Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra’s new book Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age. The answer: Those who are transformed by the gospel of Christ will have hope in the gospel alone, and they will live in a way that doesn’t make sense to the rest of the world. With that, hope spreads.
Hansen and Zylstra started the Gospelbound podcast to bring solid reporting to stories and developments in the church that otherwise might go unnoticed. In many ways, Gospelbound the book is both an outgrowth of the podcast and its raison d’etre. Topics include how Gospelbound Christians suffer with joy, care for the weak, think differently about hospitality, love enemies, and give away freedom. And if you’re thinking “that doesn't describe any Christians I know”, it may be time to put down the smartphone and read this book.

Southern Baptists of Texas help with disaster relief after floods in 2016 (story here).
This is not to say that Christians are undeserving of rebuke. I am one of the first to do so (scroll my Twitter feed). Neither are Hansen and Zylstra saying anything of the sort. Instead, they point to the difference that the gospel of Jesus Christ should and does make in the lives of people who have been transfixed by it. The gospel doesn’t create Christians who abuse, kill, lie, and deceive. That is what happens when instead of clinging to the gospel, Christians cling to power. Jesus did the opposite. He renounced all earthly power in return for gaining souls.
To illustrate, let’s take two examples from the book: 1) suffering with joy, and 2) care for the weak.
Regardless of whether Christians persecution happens at all in America, the question becomes how Christians should respond to persecution, especially infringement of religious freedom. How does the gospel affect how we respond to suffering? We are to be joyfully, faithfully, and lovingly intransigent.
This word “intransigent” was used to describe me on a playful Twitter post where I gave “bonus points” to those who could describe me with bigger words. I wasn’t sure where it came from, but it turns out the descriptor was intended in a completely positive way: “You seem uncompromising on truth to me”, she said. Now I can only wish it described me in total. As a matter of fact, I can’t think of too many descriptors I would rather embrace. What if all Christians were lovingly intransigent? Zylhoff explores this concept and what it means for religious freedom in tandem:
In fact, trusting in God — and acting in faith and love — may be the key to protecting our constitutional freedom to worship. (I mean, the key certainly can’t be fearing and loathing our enemies.) In our country’s early days, the Quakers — — even though many did not consider them to be orthodox Christians — — gave us an example. Starting in the colonial era, they faced harsh persecution from Puritans for their preaching and for their refusal to serve in militias and to swear oaths. This infuriated colonists who felt they needed every able body to fight against Native Americans and the British. Some Quakers had their tongues bored through with hot irons, their ears cut off, or their lives ended with a hangman’s noose. But they joyfully and peacefully stuck to their convictions. “Over time, the colonies realized, Look, we’re not getting anywhere by punishing these Quakers,” religious freedom attorney Luke Goodrich told us. “Over time, by steadfastly suffering and doing it joyfully, the Quakers really won some important religious freedom protections.” That’s the key for Christians today, he said. “Religious freedom comes not just from good laws. Sometimes religious freedom comes from good people who are willing to suffer for their religious beliefs. And I think that’s really going to be how we maintain religious freedom in the years to come, is our faithfulness to our convictions, our willingness to suffer joyfully.”
This willingness to suffer joyfully also extends to all suffering, however, something that anyone can apply at whatever time in one’s life. So, do Christ-followers do this? I can say absolutely. As much attention is given to those that crave it when suffering in any form, there is a strong undercurrent of Christ-followers that I personally know who suffer in joy. They know their reward is in heaven, and the mission is here on earth.
The largest gap between how “Christians” are seen and how Gospelbound Christians actually live, in my estimation, is where they want to see a transformation. Most attention, both in churched circles and in broader society, is given to Christians who want to either transform or save American culture. This leads us, often, to a danger that is just now being realized by the American church: that of Christian Nationalism.

But here is what John Piper has to say about cultural transformation in Gospelbound:
“When I read 1 Peter, his expectations for the people being won to Christ do not appear to include cultural transformation,” author and speaker John Piper told me (Sarah). “The expectation is: Keep on declaring the excellencies of the One who called you, and keep on doing good deeds. Some people will be moved to faith, and others will go on maligning.”
So what transformation do Gospelbound Christians seek instead? The transformation of souls into Jesus followers. Just as Piper says, “declare the excellencies of the One who called you, and keep on doing good deeds.”
An excellent example of such a Christ-follower is seen in the same chapter, in a story I’ve heard numerous times over the past few years because of how well it encapsulates the Christian mission: the story of Rachelle Starr. Starr felt a calling to reach women who work at strip clubs in Louisville. She would bring them meals and slowly work to find them other jobs, places to live, whatever they needed to escape a life vulnerable to the sex industry. But she didn’t just want to change their physical lives. She brought them the gospel of Christ to save them both physically and spiritually.
So how is it going?
“…Starr said that pulling women out of the industry is a slow, one-step-forward-and-two-steps-back process. Even though Scarlet Hope has helped hundreds of women leave the industry, they don’t always stay gone. And for every woman that does, “five more walk in the door,” Starr said. She’s even seen it on a larger scale. When one of the club owners came to Jesus through the influence of Scarlet Hope, she shut down her club. But she sold it to another club owner, and it reopened nine months later.”
“OK, but why would I want to do that if it’s not even making a difference?” That’s where the gospel gives us hope. Even if there’s no tangible difference in the strip club scene in Louisville due to what Starr and Scarlet Hope are doing, they are changing women’s lives for eternity. Zylstra explains:
But God isn’t asking us to fix every problem. He didn’t ask Starr to swoop in and save all the sex workers in Louisville. He just asks her to love him and obey him one day at a time. Until he returns and finally brings his perfect kingdom in its full glory.
That’s the beauty of the gospel. God simply asks us to do our part and trust Him with the rest. That is what gives us hope.
Do you find yourself anxious and without hope looking at the state of the world? Me too. And that’s why I think Gospelbound will touch your heart as it did mine. Seeing how Christ-followers should and do act when the world goes crazy, that’s what gives me hope in what my life can be as well if I surrender it fully to what God wants. Buy it. Read it. Share it.
I received a review copy of Gospelbound courtesy of Multnomah Books and NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.

“Christians aren’t exempt from worrying about the many changes that affect our culture—otherwise Jesus would not have needed to tell us not to be anxious (Matthew 6:25).”
Quote from book
All over Christian’s are anxious about many things occurring around the world. In Gospel Bound, the authors share stories of Christian’s from all over, clinging to the hope we have in Jesus despite the anxieties and troubles going on in the world.

I received an advance e-copy from the publisher through Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

If you are a Trump-supporting Christian, then you need to read Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age by Collin Hansen and Sarah Eekhoff Zystra. With passages encouraging Christians to live with honor by "choosing to wear a mask even if it makes you uncomfortable" and having hope that "doesn't crack when the election doesn't go the right way", who else can I assume this book is geared toward?

I recently read a Christian book on hope that was about finding hope through personal pain and looking toward the examples of Jesus experiencing pain as a human being. Gospelbound is almost the opposite. It's about finding hope even when society accepts transgender people as mainstream.

And if you know me, then you know how I feel about that.

I more closely identify with Red Letter Christians and Reconciling Lutherans. So when I read other Christians complaining that they're being persecuted because they have to provide birth control through insurance or because God isn't taught in public schools, I just want to start playing the world's smallest violin.

Jesus was persecuted, yes. He was killed! Black people are being persecuted. They're being killed. Homosexuals are being persecuted. This whole country has been nothing but different groups being persecuted - jailed, beaten, murdered - simply for being non-white, non-male, and non-straight.

So tell me again how American Christians are being persecuted?

I did like reading how it's important to find common ground and work together with people who are different from you, and how Christians need to be open-minded. "Even if your enemy lives next door, if you're a Christian, Jesus said you must love and pray for them." In fact, two of the "gospelbound Christian" traits are caring for the weak and loving your enemy.

I finished this book, made a lot of notes, wished I could have discussed and/or debated this with someone, and am now going through answering the reader questions in the back of the book. This wasn't my favorite book, but I have to keep in mind that not every "Christian" book is going to be my cup of tea because I don't always share the same views of typical Christians.

Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age is published by Multnomah and is available to purchase now. I received a free e-ARC in exchange for this review.

I'm thankful for books like Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age by Collin Hansen & Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra that help point us to Gospel hope. Through stories, Collin and Sarah show us how we can have hope in these crazy anxious times we are currently in. They offer us better stories than the constant scroll on your phone. By reading this book, you will be encouraged and inspired. I often get really self-focused and can become anxious. I need to read stories like these to remind me that is not all about me.

I’m not really sure what I think about this book. It is a generational book that is a recurring theme in Christianity.

A gospelbound Christian is, according to the authors, one who takes the claims of scripture seriously and puts the gospel into practice.

A very good primer with good examples and role models.

Worth the time and a recommended read.

Justice, mercy, hope. All have been needed from time immemorial. In our current age, Christians seem to be losing sight of all the struggles that have gone before us. This book helps place thing in a historical and biblical perspective to offer a hope for the modern time. Great read for the person struggling with the despairing situations facing the world.

It seems to be a tough time for religion in the U.S. Confidence in religion is in decline. Only about half of Americans think religion does more good than harm. (154/4739) Christians feel they are losing influence on society. We've lost ground in sexual ethics and religious liberty. (3297/4739)

The authors want Christians to have a broader perspective and not lose heart. A look at history and activities around the world will remind readers of the power of the gospel. The authors tell many amazing stories of people whose lives and actions are bound by the gospel. They are laying down their lives for the weak, the sick, the poor, the lonely, and their enemies. The stories give great hope and assurance of the power of the gospel to a needy world.

But the authors take the American church and American Christians to task as well. The church is concerned about losing privilege and power it was never meant to have. (308/4739) The authors ask if the power the American church experienced did not make it stronger but rather sapped its potential for genuine Christlike faith. (295/4739) American Christians are especially unprepared to suffer for their faith. Part of the reason is because they have been a favorite in American society. (1253/4739) We need to have faith in the midst of this anxious age and be prepared to suffer with joy.

So there is good news in that we see the power of the gospel working in so many ways in the world today. But we also are admonished to personally act and sound like Jesus and to make sure our actions do not hinder others from believing the gospel. If you are discouraged, this book will encourage you. The book will also challenge you to be the example of Jesus to your next door neighbor.

There are Questions for Reflection for each chapter so this book would be a good choice for a small group to read and discuss.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I had just spoken to one of my ESL students who said she has little or no hope for the world in which we live. Her vocal tone was almost a monotone and she rarely smiles. I am not sure how I can help this beautiful young woman. I want to help. I want everyone to understand that they were put on earth, at just this time and place, because God has a plan and purpose for their lives. Then I came across this book – Gospel Bound by Collin Hansen and Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra.

The authors of this book suggest that the key to living a hopeful and rewarding life is ‘to think big and small at the same time.'  What does that mean? Thinking big for me means trusting God for everything. Thinking small means helping others. Buy a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk and take it to the young mother who commented she didn’t have any. Call the friend who is making some tough decisions and simply listen to her talk. Giving what I can when I can is often just a little thing but it makes a God-sized difference in someone else’s life.

One of the problems in the US right now is that we do not understand or perhaps even recognize the amount of suffering that is going on around us. We have isolated our thoughts and actions to our own small group of people and rarely reach out to others. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be. The question becomes – is what I’m doing making any difference at all?  Gospel Bound suggests that it’s rare to be able to change someone else’s habits. But we must keep on helping others. Some will eventually see the Light. Others will go on as they always have. The Bible doesn’t say each endeavor will be successful, it just says do it! (Be obedient!) We are not asked to do miracles, that’s God’s job anyway, we’re asked to use what we have been given and get on with it.

How do we show God’s love in this topsy-turvy world? Here are a few examples from the book:

          God’s Word is and must be our guide.

          Live and work with integrity.

          Give the best we have in all circumstances.

          Show hospitality by sitting with newcomers in worship.

          Volunteer in ways we never thought we could.

          GET INVOLVED. Don’t just sit back when you see a need.

          Be holy, godly, diligent, at peace (2 Peter 3:11,14).

          Work while we wait because our minds are set on heaven.

          Invest your love (of Jesus) in all your relationships. Take the focus off yourself.

          Visit the lonely, feed the hungry, care for the sick.

          Do what’s right even when you don’t want to. Even if no one notices. In other words, live with honor. Romans 12:17

          Plant a church.

          Pray through all your decisions and then stick with them.

Favorite Quote: “When billionaires like Bill Gates give away their fortunes to fight diseases and help the world’s poorest people, we recognize God’s provision, even if Gates does not recognize God.”

Although I recognized the value of this book I was a bit disturbed by some vulgar language and way too much explicit description of sexual activity. I simply want to warn you with this statement. I hope it doesn't keep you from reading it.

This book wasn't quite what I expected, but it has a lot of information for readers to consider, particularly in times of uncertainty. The book also reminds the reader of the certainty of God's love, which doesn't change like our circumstances.

Christianity in America is changing. In Gospelbound, Collin Hansen and Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra share stories that teach us how to live with resolute hope in shaky times. With real-life stories and Gospel truth, Hansen and Zylstra show how Christians can stand in our anxious age.

Resolute Hope

The key to living with resolute hope is to think big and small – at the same time. What this means is to trust God and look for small ways in the ordinary rhythms of life to make an impact for the kingdom. The people in these stories are Gospelbound because they are tied to the Gospel, they are bound by love, and they are bound for glory.

These stories of Gospelbound Christians share themes of hope in that they: (1) embrace the future, (2) live with honor, (3) suffer with joy, (4) care for the weak, (5) set another seat at the table, (6) love their enemies, and (7) give away their freedom. Faith and love drive these stories and set them apart as distinctly following the way of Jesus.

Practical Examples, Biblical Principles

What I appreciate about this book is that it gives practical examples of how to live out Biblical principles. When speaking about how Christians are to live honorably, it is straightforward in saying we can be living with sexual honor. We can love everyone not as objects for self-fulfillment but as subjects of God’s beautiful design.

You won’t find sugarcoated stories of the Christian life in this book. Suffering is the subject of Chapter 4, and stories are told of suffering Christians from around the world. But it is a suffering that sparks into joy when we hold on to the hope that Jesus will never leave or forsake us.

Count the Cost, Picture the Prize

This book also combats the notion that Christians only do good works when we are being watched. In Chapter 5, we see how Christians care for the weak when the cameras aren’t rolling. In fact, Christians care even when there seems to be no end to suffering. We serve in the supernatural strength that God supplies. And we serve acknowledging that we, too, are weak and need God to help us.

I was challenged by this book with the stories of how Christians are called to love our enemies. The closing chapter acts as a real reminder of the world we live in. The West is shaping up so that there is no social benefit to being a Christian. Instead, there is a very high social cost. And so this book asks us to count the cost, but look to the prize. We can be confident in Christ, bound to and for the Gospel. And for glory.

I received a media copy of Gospelbound and this is my honest review.

Interesting book filled with information that gives the reader a look into the thoughts of people in today's time of uncertainty. One thing we can be sure of is the love God has for us. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required