"Don't Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully" is a thought-provoking book by David Platt that challenges readers to reexamine their understanding of the Gospel and what it means to follow Jesus. In this book, Platt presents a compelling case for embracing the radical call of Jesus, urging readers to let go of the comfortable and often watered-down version of Christianity that pervades American culture.
Platt confronts the reader with the stark contrast between the American Dream and the call of Jesus, emphasizing the sacrifices and radical obedience required to truly live out the teachings of Christ. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, biblical exegesis, and cultural analysis, he dismantles the notion of a convenient, self-serving faith and calls for a wholehearted commitment to the gospel.
This book challenges readers to consider the cost of discipleship and the implications of wholeheartedly following Jesus. It serves as a wake-up call to a complacent church and a catalyst for a deeper, more authentic faith.

Platt consistently calls the global church back to the heart of the gospel and nothing else.. It's easy to hear his pastoral heart begging us to draw back to the truths of Scripture and the heart of Christ.

3.5 stars.

I always enjoy books by David Platt; he has a conversational writing style and, more often than not, really packs a theological punch--especially given that the books are on the shorter side (~200-ish pages)!

This one is as convicting as I expected. I do wish that Platt had fleshed out some ideas/statements more; they felt a bit one-sided and unequitable. Fair statements? Absolutely. But neither of the big 2 American political parties is perfect, and I was frustrated by a number of statements against one without also looking at the flaws of the other. He wasn't lacking for space or a word count (from this reader's perspective, anyway) and definitely could have kept the thought process going for a stronger argument or to hopefully pave the way for more dialogue (which was, after all, at least one of the end goals).

I also had expected more resources to be provided based on a couple statements he made within the book; not sure if the list of possible activities at the end of the book was supposed to be "it" or if that part wasn't included with the NetGalley eARC. The included list was helpful, for sure, but different than expected.

Still, a worthwhile read that certainly prompted me to take a hard look at my own life and how I might be (okay, am, heh) holding back.

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

Pastor David Platt, the New York Times bestselling author of Radical, in his latest book, Don't Hold Back encourages us to repent and follow Jesus's steps even when the Churches that we call family are sick in America where we are part of it.
Some key takeaways I could find from this book are:

We are quick to accuse, belittle, cancel, and not trust each other as we get tangled in a cultural climate we forget that it leads us not to enjoy one another's fellowship at the table, not to encourage one another and not to love one another in word and deed. Therefore many are leaving the table as many sisters and brothers (many of us) get divided and hurt by one another. Jesus should be the reason to bring us unity as he brings together a group of different personalities in the church. In the Bible, like how the disciples of Jesus such as Mathew - a wealthy tax collector, and Jesus called Simeon - an occasionally militant anti-government movement put up with one another and lay down their lives for one another. It wasn't easy as they were extreme personalities even then they did what Jesus wanted for them - unity and this kind of togetherness. (See John 17:20-26). Another example is Paul, an ethnic jew and by his own admission a Pharisee of Pharisees, who spent his life loving and sacrificing for people he once abhorred. Jesus prayed for unity and the message of the gospel spread throughout the world. Love one another, actively listen and seek to understand one another, James(14:1-3) instead of attacking and tearing down, Be sincere, humble, and honest with one another.

The author reminds us that God created all people wonderfully and equally in his image as one human race. As we do in contemporary culture bible never defines different races according to skin tone, hair texture, or physical traits, Read Galatians 3:28. Instead Paul taught us we are united in Christ and that no one is more valuable than another. David Platt reminds us what scripture teaches us our hearts include pride, prejudice, and partiality - the sins that are root causes of racism. And American Christians are not exempted from this as the disparity continues.

The author convicts his readers to repent and memorize God's word when our thoughts offend the bible on money, materialism, marriage, mission, or any other issue. Instead of perversely misapplying the word of life used to injure, oppress, and exploit, the author calls to show kindness, compassion, and friendship to those who are like us.

The author defines biblical justice and Injustice with some practical steps, Read (Deuteronomy 16:19), (Jeremiah 22:3) (and Deuteronomy 32:4). It is the true gospel the good news of Jesus that would shine as our only hope for ultimate justice. Spread the gospel in other countries, and train the next generation to accomplish the Great Commission in the bible.

I just reviewed DONT HOLD BACK BY DAVID PLATT, Thanks to Netgalley and Multnomah for an advance copy for my honest review.

Thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah for the free book.
I have lots of feelings about this book, and I think it's one I'll be thinking about for a while. I am all for challenging the 'American gospel' and digging deeper into what the Bible actually says. I liked how Platt called people into truly loving one another and showing what this would look like in the world today because there is a lack of love. But I also feel like there are parts of this book that might isolate others wanting to understand things better. Trying to say that certain groups are 'cults' is not a way to make your cause look good. I also felt like this author thinks that his way is the only way and that there is no other way. I will be thinking about it for a while, but I am going to continue to read and search out other books that deal with the americanization of the gospel, too.

As Americans we have added several things to the gospel, whether it be border security, materialism, idolatry of nation disguised as patriotism, etc. David Platt seeks to dismantle these false gospels in pursuit of the one true God and the true heartbeat message of Christianity. This book is the alarm clock that calls you out of a spiritual slumber and into the fields that are ripe for harvest. I think this is an important discussion for any American believer to be a part of. Thank you Dr Platt!

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

In true David Platt style, he diagnoses the problem in the twenty-first century Church and offers a biblical solution. It’s easy to feel his passion for the Lord and His Word. It gave me much food for thought and areas to pray for within myself and the Church.

I received a digital copy of this book for review.

David Platt has always had a way with words, but there is just something about this book that is so different in a good way. This book was convicting, challenging, and really opened my eyes to the world's view of the gospel versus the real gospel. We are called to be different and set apart and this book was very raw in the sense that Platt holds nothing back regarding Christian's in today's society. There is so much in this book that I will need to read it again just to digest and process everything. This may be my favorite Platt book yet!

A book every American Christian should read. Such a great book about leaving behind what Christianity has become in America to become spreaders of the actual Good News of Jesus. We have let the American church be ruled by our divisions instead of united around the Gospel. A very convicting book and one that is very relevant for our time. Highly recommend.

"It's possible for followers of Jesus to have different views on different issues- and discuss those differences- but still be a united church."

"At some point, we have to stop endlessly scrolling through our phones and watching our screens, filling our minds with messages from this world, and start spending our time saturating our minds with God's Word."

"Instead of God being the consuming addiction in our lives (the one thing we want), we seem content to make God a convenient addition to our lives (along with many other things we want). In our country, we've created a kind of Christianity where we've simply added God to all sorts of other people and things we love."

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

“Our church family is sick,” Platt writes. (173/2503) Particularly that in America. While he is grateful for all God's grace has meant for America, he finds the American gospel wanting and would like to see it loosed from ties to a nation. “There is much more to Jesus and the church than the American gospel could ever offer...” (127/2503)

Platt helps us understand what the gospel is really about. We can have loving unity, he says. We start with understanding Who unites us and then understand what's worth dividing over and what's not. He reminds us of the necessity of humility. He explores racism and justice. He reminds us immigration is an opportunity to share the gospel. He includes many stories to illustrate his teaching and includes six practical steps for moving toward being better followers of Jesus in our country.

In the end, Platt writes, there is a choice before us. “The American gospel or the biblical gospel.” (2222/2503)

This is a great book for those who have become uncomfortable with the direction some of Christianity has taken in America. This book is a good one, reminding us what the Gospel of Jesus really is and encouraging us to embrace it.

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

In the book Don't Hold Back, author and pastor David Platt, writes about…. I am not sure. Platt deals with a number of hot button topics like racial injustice. He writes: “Sure, none of us is guilty of sending a Jewish person to a concentration camp because we thought Jewish people should be exterminated. Similarly, not one of us is guilty of abusing an African slave because we thought he or she was a person of lesser innate worth. But our pervasive sinfulness means that personal pride and ethnic prejudice are a present possibility in all of us. According to James 4, we’re all prone to the pride before God and prejudice toward others that leads to selfishness, jealousy, fights, quarrels, and covetousness. We all face temptations to prefer people who are like us in color, culture, heritage, history, or social status. And the Bible shows that such temptations can lead us to ignore, avoid, disparage, neglect, and mistreat people who simply aren’t like us.” But in his writing, he sounds like he is just chiding white people to do a better job while ignoring the racial hatred found in the non-white churches. He writes more like a leftist preacher preaching the social gospel.
But in some of the book Platt writes some challenging thoughts and shows the positive side of the church in history. He writes: “We see Christians in subsequent centuries leading the way in outlawing infanticide, child abandonment, and abortion in the Roman Empire. We see the church working to stop barbarous gladiator battles, institute prison reforms, end the cruel punishment of criminals, justly punish pedophilia, rightly ban polygamy, promote education for the poor, and provide hospitals for the sick…..”
This was a hard read that focused on several topics and the title did not seem to fit. I am not sure if I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so timely and exactly what I needed. If you have found yourself frustrated with the American church’s position or general lack of a stance on issues that plague us today, then this is the book for you. Platt attacks this passivity headfirst, and spoke directly to my heart with actionable ways to live as Christ with those who do not and likely will not ever have views that align with mine. It is summarized well through this quote: “It’s time we show countercultural compassion to those who don’t agree with us. It’s time we show them that the Word of God is not a weapon we wield against them but rather words that move us to show love and kindness to them.” This book is relevant and important.

Don’t Hold Back is a “Family conversation” for the American church about some issues we need to collectively address. Among other things, David Platt talks about racism, welcoming the sojourner, keeping the gospel at the center, and giving our lives so that all may hear about Jesus.
I’m giving this four stars not because it isn’t a great book (it is), but because I felt like I’ve already read this in Radical and Counter Culture. Sure, it was a bit “updated,” as it refers to the unique challenges that have arisen since 2020, but his basic points are the same as they were in his other books.
I do think he shared more of his heart here, as you can sense the urgency he writes with. And I can appreciate consistency with the message.
If you are new to David Platt’s writing, this will be a great read, but if you’re already familiar with his teaching, there won’t be much new here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

Really thought-provoking and challenging. I can find David Platt to be a little off-putting, but not in this book. I really felt challenged to decide if I was living the American gospel or biblical gospel or if I want God's gifts or if I want God. This book is well-worth your time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you netgalley for a free.e-copy of this book to read.
Don't Hold Back by David Platt was amazing. It covered so many topics that are prevalent in today's society but addressed them from a Biblical standpoint. He stretches your thinking with his words. This might be my favorite book by him. It will definitely be recommended by me to anyone who will listen!

David Platt, pastor and author of well-known books such as "Radical" and "Something Needs to Change", has a new book out, the title of which intrigued me and made me want to request an ARC. "Don't Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully" is his newest book which centers around the importance of forsaking the individualization that the US embraces for the sake of sharing the Gospel with everyone. I especially enjoyed this section of the book: "Either we unite as the bride of Christ around the Gospel of Christ and the authority of his Word, or we united as a social club around our country's ideals and our personal positions. Either we bridge the ethnic divide that Christ has abolished, or we deepen this divide that our country has perpetuated . . . Either we pursue God as the prize of our lives now and forever, or we prostitute God for prizes that will all fade."

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a review for David Platt's upcoming book that will be released on Feb 28, 2023. The title is Don't Hold Back.  I love David Platt's previous books, so when I got the chance to review his latest one, I jumped at it.  This book deals with a topic that for me, I wasn't very interested in at first, but as I read more and more, I realized that it is vital right now as it deals with what the Word of God says about race, and how to keep racism out of the church of Christ which is His body of believers, not necessarily a church building.

David Platt explains what the Bible has to say about race, and how racism is rooted in sin, and how we need to really take an honest look of how we are separating our churches not only by race but by many other factors, and it is separating the body of Christ, which He never meant to happen!  He created us for unity, and we need each other, and this book really explains that. 

Here's an excerpt from chapter 2 explaining the definition of racism,
Each of these expressions of racism was or is rooted in the belief that one race is superior to another.

Here's an excerpt from his book that I think sums up his message:
from chapter 2:  "To all my brothers and sisters in Christ of every color, then, let’s care for and truly share life alongside one another, and let’s work together for healing among so many who have been hurt by the church’s approach to race in our country. In the process, let’s experience the multiethnic beauty Jesus has made possible for us in our lives and in the church."

I loved his point about how we say we are colored blind, a statement I have used myself, But others hear claims of color blindness and ask, “Why are you choosing to ignore part of who I am, where I’ve come from, and how my family’s ethnicity and history have affected me, particularly in light of the fact that I’ve been affected in significant ways because of these things?”  Calls for color blindness can come across as attempts to minimize a significant part of someone’s heritage and makeup. In addition, by promoting color blindness, we run the risk of diminishing the creativity of God and misunderstanding the way he sees us. Yes, God sees each of our hearts, and at the core, we’re all wonderfully and equally made in his image. But biblically, it sure seems like God sees different people in different colors from different backgrounds with different histories.

Also loved how he shared this verse:
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” For all of eternity, our diversity will be fully present, even as we experience a greater unity than we have ever known on earth.

So, this book forced me to look at my own heart, and ask God to show me if I am separating myself from others in any way, and to help me to see His created beings as His body, making them my brothers and sisters in Christ!  I realized that I do tend to be more comfortable with people like me, and when I do that, I am missing out on many friendships of people unlike me that God is putting in my path!  So I don't feel like it is only skin color or race that is separating us, but my own personal preferences, and for me, I am asking God to change that!  So David's book helped me to understand what the Word says about treating people of all races and walks of life, and helped me to celebrate our differences, helps us to repent of previous racism, and makes me want to learn about different races or cultures by celebrating them right here in America, the melting pot, but no longer being afraid of them because they are different from mine.  I have white skin, but I am a mixed race Caucasian, Mexican, Basque, Irish, and more so I am basically a mutt haha.  But Jesus came for all people, and the book of Malachi states it perfectly, Malachi 2 verse 10 Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?

So please take time to read this book, look deep within your own heart, and let us function in the unity that our Creator and David Platt so desperately desire for us!  This book gets a 5 out of 5 rating for me!  I'm so glad he wrote it!!

(4/5) While this book is short and sweet (only ~200 pages), I found myself highlighting even full pages and sending them to friends. This book could be read alone or with a small group to spark discussions within your community. While no book of this type is a be-all, end-all, it's a diving board into deeper humble consideration, reading, research, and discussion. This book will challenge you - pretty much no matter who you are or what your thoughts are on religion/politics - and that's a good thing.

Platt writes in the introduction:
I've come to a clear conclusion: The problem is not just an American dream that has consumed our lives, but an American gospel that has hijacked our hearts. What do I mean by an American gospel? For far too long, we have traded in the biblical gospel that exalts Jesus above everything in this world for an American gospel that prostitutes Jesus for the sake of comfort, power, politics, and prosperity in our country.
In the following chapters, Platt discusses gospel unity, healing racial division, trusting God's Word and speaking the truth in love, doing justice with kindness, and playing our part in spreading the gospel around the world.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I loved this book. David Platt describes the choice we all face of pursuing an “American gospel” or a truly biblical gospel. My favorite chapters were Chapter 4, “Overflowing Justice”, which describes the good life for believers in Jesus as doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God. I also enjoyed chapter 7,”Worth It All Six Steps to a Different Future”, which describes six super helpful application steps to embrace the biblical gospel in our lives and in the lives of our churches.

Don’t Hold Back is Platt’s call to the American church to leave behind our natural inclination to comfort and ease to follow and pursue Christ with everything we have. Building on his previous message in Radical, Platt lays out a biblical picture of the true gospel and offers specific and actionable steps that Christians can take today to make Christ center in their lives. This is a very sobering, humbling, and inspiring book. Highly recommended for anyone looking to take their faith more seriously and honor Jesus in everything they do!