Don't Hold Back

Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully

By: David Platt

Narrated by: David Platt

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 David Platt (P)2023 David Platt

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

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.

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.

Don’t hold back

Thank you for going there!! We ( conservative Christians) have struggled too long with acknowledging this message. May God give us an open mind and heart. 🙏🏽

Christians local and abroad called to become love

Platt brings a missional mind to locals and a heart felt call to love those around us, wherever we find ourselves.

Amazing and encouraging

David, thank you so much for not holding back your words of encouragement and commitment to our Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ is very encouraging sticking to the truth. I just love how you present the great commission in Hill Jesus would want us to live seeking him in all we do, your words encourages me to do so, thank you!
Geoff

Typical modern babble

It started out solid by dividing issues into essential and secondary. when he went on for an hour talking about racism he lost me. Just more postmodern babble with little focus on the scriptures.

disappointed.

Didn’t live up to the title

Not what I expected. I was expecting a call to a self-sacrificing return to scripture with a pure heart and desire for connection with Jesus that leads to transforming the church in America. (The review I wish I could have written) Unfortunately what I got was more like a political message. Perhaps I missed the point but, to me this book feels like an attempt to support the blending of Christian theology with the policy of the political left. I don’t see this book accomplishing its stated purpose or goal. I was thinking this book would be more like “Letters to the Church” by Francis Chan but sadly it was not.

From radical to radically brainwashed white guilt.

I was so excited to read this book because the previous books I’ve read by David Platt were gospel rich. I was so disappointed in reading this. I tried hard to push through, but I got to a point where I just said this is absolutely absurd. Not only do I want my money back because I don’t want my money to go to David Platt pocket but I also will sincerely, not listen to a single thing that David Blunt has to say here out.

Another preacher bows to woke culture

I have never left a review before but I will now. This book is just another reminder that even pastors are going woke.