Don't Hold Back

Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully

By: David Platt

Narrated by: David Platt

The New York Times bestselling author of Radical challenges Christians to break free from an American gospel that prostitutes Jesus for comfort, power, prosperity, and politics—and fully pursue the true gospel that exalts Jesus above all.

Pastor David Platt believes we’ve gotten really good at following a really bad gospel—one that worships American ideas over biblical truth. It’s time for disillusioned, discouraged, and divided Christians, and the next generation, to follow Jesus into a different future.

But we have to make a choice: an American gospel or the biblical gospel. Worldly division or otherworldly unity. Compromise with the idols of our country or commitment to God’s call in our lives. In Don’t Hold Back, Platt encourages followers of Jesus to take necessary risks and find unimaginable reward as we:

• Work for—not against—each other, especially when we disagree
• Turn the tide on centuries of racial division in the church
• Trust all of God’s Word with conviction while loving everyone around us with compassion
• Do justice with kindness, and experience the good life according to God
• Play our part in spreading the gospel to all the nations of the world

We can experience the full wonder of Jesus and transcendent beauty of his church here and now. But in order to do so, some things need to be different. Starting not in “those people,” but in each one of us. With the gospel in our hearts and God as our prize, let’s press on and don’t hold back.

Critic reviews

“David’s prophetic voice always challenges me, making me rethink assumptions and overturning my status quo. It’s hard to feel settled with a David Platt book sitting around. David is one of our generation’s most important voices.”—J. D. Greear, pastor of the Summit Church

“David Platt never holds back. This book casts a vision of the sort of gospel that cannot be manipulated, marketed, or mobilized but, rather, can shake away all the nonsense and nihilism, leaving us with Jesus. Don’t hold back; read this book.”—Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today

Hallway There

It was great hearing an evangelical writing about racial and social justice. Unfortunately I believe the author, though promoting treating members is the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Seventh Day Adventists, non- believers and others with respect, it is conditional on trying to persuade then to become and believe as their faith community does. Along with this their repeated staying that the 3.2 billion who currently have never heard the gospel are forever condemned. This is a theology that I don't has merit not does it make sense of Christ died for all.

Makes you think

I am always challenged by David Platt’s speaking and writing, and this is no exception. David’s passion for the gospel and the lost is evident, and he takes on idols of comfort and complacency and cultural Christianity within the United States. (Those who accuse him of being woke aren’t listening at best, and are dishonest at worst.) if you want to be challenged, I highly recommend this book.

Content and Delivery

I listen to content in audiobook format because I have to read online documents all day long and my eyes get tired. Nevertheless, I wish I had bought the hard copy version of this one.

I find the authors cadence to be that of someone reading a textbook or encyclopedia.

For now I can only imagine how the topic is fleshed out because I cannot listen any further.

I wish I had used a credit and not a reward so that I could get a refund. TRULY DISAPPOINTED.

Disappointed

I am a true fan of David Platt. I love his preaching and previous books. Sadly, I will be returning this one. He says one thing but then contradicts himself in the following sentence. Racism is terrible. I agree, but all whites are not racist, yet David alludes to the fact that we need to realize we are. David swings too far on this one. He veers too far off the explanation of the word of God. Stick to the word of God and don’t try to appease one group at the expense of another.

Contending for the Faith

I was overcome with grief as I witnessed the church move away from the purity of God's word, to embrace culture and political ideals.
The word is no longer the syllabus and yardstick for believers, instead it's more a love for self, country and our political party.

I was beginning to feel alone and isolated when someone sent me this book. I rejoiced that I was not alone. This book has led me to personal repentance and a louder cry to God to show me what is my assignment in my post retirement years.
I'm revived,motivated and sold out to God.
Having walked with Jesus for over sixty years and doing what He wanted me to do in that season, I'm now ready for the greatest chapter of my Christian walk.
This book has given me hope and poured fresh courage in my heart.

Blessings to Brother David Platt.