Fresh, unexpected exploration of the early church and its lessons for today from one of the most beloved voices in inspirational fiction. n the first century, believer didn’t just mean someone who heard and agreed with Jesus; it meant someone who acted on that belief. And when the outside world saw the faith of these new believers, they declared “they turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). … 17:6).
That’s the kind of believer New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin wants to be. The kind, as Martin explored in his first nonfiction book, What If It’s True?, who understands that the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is so powerful, it reshaped history. The kind of believer who lives with that same world-changing faith today.
They Turned the World Upside Down focuses on the lives of those who lived and walked with Jesus and believed in his message. In his beloved lyrical style, Martin illuminates key moments from Scripture and shares stories from his own life as a disciple. With the same depth, sensitivity, and emotion that have made his novels beloved to millions, Martin helps us engage the fundamental principles of our faith in new and inspiring ways.
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Charles Martin is mostly known for his novels, all of which I have enjoyed and are not overtly Christian. This non-fiction book is a challenge to Christ followers to follow their Lord whole-heartedly. It’s a book to read slowly, one chapter at a time, and think about before moving on. Well-written (of course) and well worth the read!
Wow! This book is nothing like what I was expecting! Aptly named, They Turned the World Upside Down is an incredible guide, shining a light on the apostles, and the radical transformation in each of their lives once Jesus was raised again, and the Holy Spirit entered their hearts. It is a battle cry for you to check your faith, ask yourself the tough questions (if you are a believer, where is the fruit?) and a reminder of the importance to live your faith!
This text is so rich that I plan on delving deeper and really grasping what the author is saying. I found myself highlighting so many passages that it ended up being redundant, almost every sentence provoking reflective thoughts and tugging at my heartstrings. I’m not going to lie, it’s was a challenge read, even just breezing through, but only because of the conviction I felt when I compared my life to the lives of the apostles and others that lived radically for Christ.
They Turned the World Upside Down comes at a pivotal time in our world, and it is a message that needs to be heard by every listening ear. I can already feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit in my heart, and I know anyone that picks up this book will feel the same. It’s time we all question what we really believe, light that fire within, and be the light in this dark world.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Talk about a book that will step on your toes and challenge you in your walk of faith! Our relationship with Jesus is nothing we should take lightly. It’s not enough to be a “Sunday Christian” and live the rest of our lives as if Christ hasn’t made a difference in it. The transformation that happened in the apostles themselves is nothing short of radical. Just think of Peter, who went from denying Christ to dying as a martyr. Any he wasn’t the only one. And let’s be honest, no one would willingly die for something they didn’t believe with every fiber of their being. The urgency and drive for the Great Commission was alive and well despite the persecution that existed in the early church. Sadly, in today’s world we’ve lost that deep-rooted sense of urgency in a drive to share Christ with the world. The world is drowning and yet we aren’t directing them to the lifeboat. This book challenged me to dig deep and really analyze how deeply my faith is rooted and challenged me to do something about it. Although I wasn’t sure about some of the creative license, I appreciate that the author noted whenever he did so. And the overarching message of this book was clear and to the point. I liked that it made me think about my walk and to not settle for a life of complacency. I’m really glad I picked up this book and highly recommend it to other readers.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
If you prefer a faith that is comfortable …
If you prefer for your life to stay the same …
This is probably not the book for you.
But if you are up for challenge and conviction, this could be exactly the book that you need to read.
The book starts at the ascension. Jesus is leaving to go back to heaven. His disciples are left behind and are commissioned to go into the world. Anyone looking in from the outside would have doubted their ability to live out the call. After all, they had failed him before. But instead they take the challenge and go on to transform civilization. This was the start of what is considered Christianity today. Definitely a strong start.
But this book is not about the disciples. Instead it is really about the choices that they made that would transform their lives. Repentance. Belief. Faith. Following the example set before them of Jesus.
This book is exploding with Scripture. Verse after verse tell truths that match with the actions of the disciples. They also challenge the reader to examine their own lives to see if they are making choices that will also make a difference.
I did not agree with absolutely everything the author said. Certain small sections did not ring true. To be honest, I think he would be fine with that. Because one point that he hammer home is this – check out what the Bible says for yourself. As I was reading the book, I bookmarked so many pages with sections that I want to look at again. I will examine and try to determine for myself what the Scriptures say.
This is not an easy read. The chapters are longer. There is so much to ponder. And only if a person reads it carefully will he/she be able to really digest what is being said.
I heard Charles Martin talk on Annie F. Down’s podcast, “That Sounds Fun.” I took notice of his familiarity with the Bible and his dedication to want to proclaim its truths. At that point, I preordered his first non-fiction book, “What If It’s True.” Then when I heard he wrote another nonfiction title about the disciples, I preordered that as well. I have listened to part of it, and I really like the fact that the author is the narrator. The author does an excellent job of refuting potential objections and also in making it quite clear that he does not have all of the answers on his own.
I did receive an e-copy of the book as a part of a book tour – I ended up reading that to finish the book. At some point, I am certain that I will buy the hardcover book. I want to be able to take notes. I want to remember the verses that were quoted. This review is my idea as I definitely believe in this book’s message and think that those who are pondering faith in Jesus should read this one. I know that this book has changed me for the better, and one reason is the fact that it makes me want to keep reading the Bible for myself to understand what I believe to be true.
“They saw a dead man walk. And they believed. And they did.”
Sound sincerely simplified? Maybe. Sound genuinely profound? Absolutely.
If you choose to read this book out of curiosity, you probably won’t make it past the prologue, for “They Turned the World Upside Down” is a gut-wrenching, life-changing tutorial- turned- testimony of what it means to “believe in”, not “about” the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And if you do, what does it mean?
For, “Unbelief turned over nothing. Unbelief healed no one. Unbelief delivered no one.” It begs the question; “what exactly do you believe”? Would you have built an ark? (Noah) Or would you have been willing to sacrifice your one and only son? (Abraham) Or, bringing it closer to home . . . . would you forgive the undeserving, pray for the healing of another up until the point of death, believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to work miracles, cast out demons, overcome strongholds? The twelve disciples did.
Filled with page after page of supporting Scripture, alongside beautiful examples of prayers to offer as supplications before the throne of grace, this book is a reality check, for what would our world look like if believers truly lived their lives, as the disciples did, with an unwavering confidence in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, because they “saw a dead man walk, and they believed”. Faith changes everything, if you are “willing to be willing”.
“The age of passive, wimpy Christianity needs to close. The Father is raising a priesthood, a kingdom of priests who walk in belief and faith, and who do what he says. Who choose to be strong and courageous. . . . . “
This is definitely a convicting, thought-provoking, challenging book. I really appreciate Charles Martin’s heavy use of Scripture throughout the book, and his encouragement to consider if what you believe is actually based on what the Bible says or traditions you’ve always been taught. It’s so important to read and study the Bible, to make sure your beliefs are based on it, and to always seek to know God and His word better. This book challenges the reader to “believe in,” not just “believe that;” to put faith into action; and to go to God’s word with your questions and doubts. It’s definitely worth reading and taking seriously for any Christian wanting to challenge and grow your faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the authors second non-fiction book that helps bring the bible to life. This author helps readers go a little deeper in the word and imagine they were there witnessing the event. (It felt that way to me anyway Grin).
I liked the imaginative re-telling of bible stories, how the author helps readers apply what they have read to their lives, and the beautiful, heartfelt, candid prayers at the end of each chapter. The author does this in a non-preach way, not claiming to be an expert but shares life experiences and what he has learned on his journey through scripture.
The author encourages readers to linger in sections that grab their attention and/or heart, (he suggests to) “read slowly, and write down in the margins of the book what has pierced their heart and mind, so that they can reflect on it later.” The author does an outstanding job of putting the reader there with Jesus and his disciples. The author writes as if you were hearing the bible dramatized. This is one not to miss. I’ll be reading this book again. It’s a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
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