This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years

by Jaquelle Crowe

The teen years have been hijacked—by fashion, music, movies, and games; by the pressures of school, peers, and society; and by superficial expectations set by the world. But there is something more glorious than all these influences that has the power to change the life of a teenager: the gospel. Writtenby a teenager for teenagers, This Changes Everything is a deeply theological yet practical and accessible book on how the gospel radically transforms every aspect of the teen years, including pursuing relationships, managing time, combating personal sin, and cultivating healthy habits. In a culture awash with low expectations for young people, this book exhorts teenagers to embrace a gospel-centered perspective on their lives and pursue wholehearted devotion to Christ now.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Parenting, Theology, Faith, Christianity

Audio CD

First published March 1, 2017

Reviews

[k.m.s. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on my shelf forever, and I wish I'd picked it up much sooner! I had high expectations, and This Changes Everything most definitely rose to meet them!

WHAT I LOVED
- the readability. Literally. It was so easy to read and understand. Never did I find myself asking "what did Jaquelle mean by that?" Everything was explained clearly, and in a conversational manner that I loved, at that.
- the action steps. Do not expect to just read this book; expect to act upon what you read. Jaquell gives suggestions and discussion sections to apply what she's just talked out. I really appreciated that.
- The Gospel is woven into every page. It was amazing, beautiful, and inspiring.
- The chapter on relationships was my personal favorite. Everything was so practical, so God-glorifying, and so encouraging (can I get an "Amen" to the purity message?)
- the length. It reminded me of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity in length. I appreciated that This Changes Everything wasn't a three-hundred page book; instead, it feels like an easy to use handbook for how the Gospel transforms the teen years.

WHAT I DIDN'T REALLY LIKE
Not much here! A few parts near the start felt a little repetitive, but that's all :)

In short, I wish every teenager could get their hands on a copy of Jaquelle's book and read her wisdom about how the Gospel really does transform the teen years!

[Micaiah Keitel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: Four Stars
I’ve heard so many good things about this book. Once I found it at a Christian bookstore, I couldn't help but buy it straight away. Here are my thoughts on this impressive little book. =)

What I Loved...
The challenge it presented the reader. It simply can't be possible for one to read this book and not be challenged in some way. Each chapter led to deep questions and a hard look at one's life. The Gospel really does change everything. The question this book asks is will you let it change you?
The points Jaquelle touched on. Jaquelle touched on eight major areas of our lives that the Gospel changes: our lives, stories, communities, sin, disciplines, growth, time, and relationships. I'm so glad that all of these had a chapter to themselves. My favorite (and the most challenging to me) chapters were the ones on time and disciplines.
The writing style. Jaquelle's writing style made this book easy to read. The stories, examples, and lists that she provided made everything easy to understand and remember. It wasn't like reading one big sermon--it was more like a letter from a friend.

What I Didn't Love...
Where was baptism? Baptism is such an important part of the Gospel. I was shocked to not find it in this book! I can't recall a time when Jaquelle talked about baptism's significance, or what it had to do with the Gospel message. We see Jesus get baptized (Mark 1:9-11), He commissions the disciples to not only make disciples, but to baptize those disciples in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), and all over the rest of the New Testament, all over the Gospels, there is baptism. Obviously, baptism is important to Jesus, and it should therefore be important to us. As I've said before, baptism is an important part of the Gospel message, and I was sad to not see it in this book.

Overall...
This is a book that I would recommend to all of my fellow teens. It's not just a book that one can label as "read" and walk away from. It's a book that challenges you to live all out for Jesus, because the Gospel changes everything.

A Quote From the Book...
This is the truth I've learned: if you live for Jesus, you can't live an unchanged life. If the gospel is true, it will inescapably change every little part of us.
-This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe

[Allyson Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouraging and inspiring book for teens! I loved how the author wrote this book in an encouraging tone, almost as if she was sitting across the table from you. It was so inspiring in everything she said from how to better use your time, have better relationships, and more!

I think more teens need to read books like this. The teen years are truly some of the best years of your life, but too often they're wasted. This book is a call to stand up and let the gospel change your life-specifically your teen years. Don't waste these precious years that are cultivating the rest of your life. Live a life pleasing to God!

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I read those before reading it with my teenage kids. The information in this book really should be reframed a little. There's a distinct danger that it can come across to the reader as a legalistic list of behaviors that a successful Christian will exhibit - a sort of standard to measure up against - rather than being a discussion of what God is able to work in those who love Him and abide in Christ and His Word. It raises the bar for the modern teen but doesn't talk enough about how it is GOD Who accomplishes all this in a person's life through the glory of the gospel and the process of sanctification.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super great, informative look at the Christian life. It would be a great read for young teens or those who don't have a super strong Christian influence in their lives. Personally, with my dad being a pastor, my parents had already taught my sisters and me everything we read in this book. But...I will say that it is delivered well. It's a great place to start...like if you've recently become a Christian this would give you a great overview of what it means and how you need to move forward with your life.

The doctrine was sound, which was nice to see from someone so young and I really enjoyed reading it even though it was more like a refresher course for my sisters and I. But as I said, it is definitely worth reading!

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this one on my shelf for the last year and finally picked it up this week. Jaquelle is one of the sweetest women I've ever known and I loved this glimpse of her teenage heart. She has only grown and matured since then and it's been an honor to be a small part of her world.

I loved so many things about this book. It's a quick, easy read. I choose to read a chapter a day to really dwell on each chapter and think through each topic. It's very well-organized and structurally very clear. Each point logically follows the next. It was easy to digest with relatable examples and each chapter had a few brief discussion/reflection questions to help readers dig in a little deeper.

Jaquelle's tone is a fierce call to live on purpose--something my heart resonates deeply with--and yet in a very humble and human way. She masters the balance between calling us out (including herself) in ways to grow and be diligent with encouraging us in grace and love. She doesn't shy away from calling out behaviors and mindsets our culture have deemed "better" than other behaviors and mindsets that are more "obviously" wrong. She shines a light on the trap of mediocrity and settle for less than what God has called us to--again, something that deeply resonates with me personally. Her enthusiasm for the topic bleeds through the pages infectiously.

The book is founded on solid, grounded truth. Each section examines what the truth is and explains how the truth should affect and change our lives. I loved her focus on the life-long pursuit and how this is a journey of Christ-reflection. Everything filters through that one goal: becoming more like Christ. And tangibly connecting not just the knowledge of truth, but the application of it in our lives. That's what the Christian walk should be about! Not merely hearing the word, but doing what it says. Going beyond understanding into being living sacrifices that impact the world around us. The gospel should so change us that we bear fruit in the people and places we touch every day of our lives.

I know the book was written by a teen for teens, but I myself found conviction in these pages. It was a refreshing reminder of who my God is, who I am, and who I was made to be. A beautiful breath of truth, wisdom, and grace. And a fiery call to go above and beyond, to bring that truth out into practical everyday moments that together build a lifetime.

I'd recommend this to anyone who is seeks to stoke the flame of their faith, especially those who need a sisterly reminder to keep pressing into the hard things we're called to do, even in the everyday. I'm likely going to see if I can bribe my brothers into reading this. Maybe Jaquelle's vibrant little book can shake them out of the stupor of our culture and plant seeds that will change their lives.

[ashley nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaquelle does an amazing job showing how the gospel should influence every area of our lives... from our identity to our relationships and more. As a teen writing to fellow teens, she is very relatable and personable. She keeps the gospel at the center of every chapter and constantly reminds that we don't change simply because we are following rules but because we love God and desire to follow and honor Him in everything we do. This book is a call to teenagers who are willing to go against the flow of culture and instead be counter-cultural in the way we think and act.

[Jane Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of book that I want to own 5 copies of so I can hand them out left and right. So. Good.

This Changes Everything is inspiring, encouraging, and it has such a broad audience. There's books out there directed to public schooled teens, others to home school teens, et cetera. But Jaquelle has artfully made this book apply to literally any Christian teen at any stage of their Christian walk.

There's some great reminders in here of what it is to live all for Jesus' glory, and some amazing practical advice for how we can apply it to our lives. This is a book not just a book to read, but a book to live.

I 100% recommend this to all teens. And even if you're not a teen anymore, go ahead and read it anyway--it's still worth the time.

[R.M. Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several non-fiction books in the past few years that are intended to create a change in the reader's life, and most of them have been good, but I have a tendency to be lazy with what I read and not really apply it. This book was different. I don't think I could not apply the advice in This Changes Everything, because it totally removes any excuses (especially "but how do I apply this?").

Chapters 1 & 2 - Our Identity and Our Story:
The first chapters started off slow, for me. They covered topics I'm already overly familiar with, and identity (the focus of the first chapter) is a topic my youth group just did an entire study on. Those didn't impact me as much as they maybe should have.

Chapter 3 - Our Community:
The third chapter is where I had my first (and only) major qualm with the book. Chapter three is all about community and the local church, and it's actually quite well-done. However, Jaquelle's opening assertion is that you must be in a local church and you're ignoring God-given responsibility if you're not, and this is something I strongly disagree with. As someone who's had struggles with multiple churches not fulfilling their proper role as a church and who's learned to work around it, I believe it is entirely possible to not be in a local church and still have fellowship with other believers and still minister to our spiritual brothers and sisters. That said, I do believe that if you do have access to a good local church, it's ideal to be part of it.

The remainder of the community chapter is excellent. All of the points Jaquelle uses to support her initial argument are points I agree with whole-heartedly, and she gives excellent examples of what the local church should be and how to be part of your church and contribute to the body of Christ. It's clear from her writing that she's been blessed with a great church, and I'm abundantly glad for her and for others who have supportive and healthy church families around them.

And even if you're not part of a great church just yet, but you do attend a local church and you have the ability to contribute to it, Jaquelle's advice is brilliant. Though I'm not in a church on Sundays, I hope to apply this advice to the youth small group I attend.

Chapter 4 - Our Sin
This chapter is where things really started to get convicting. This chapter is primarily focused on "ordinary sins." Sins we might not even notice, or sins we think we can brush under the rug because "they're not that bad." I know those sins, and they're sneaky little things. But Jaquelle brings them into the light and confronts them and reminds the reader that they are "that bad" and need to be faced, and then proceeds to give concrete ways to confront our own "ordinary sins" and take every thought into submission as we're called to. Having concrete steps to avoid sin removed the excuse to stop facing my own "ordinary sins" and forced me to admit that I've been ignoring them and to confront them.

Chapter 5 - Our Disciplines
In chapter five, Jaquelle explains four spiritual disciplines--reading God's word, memorizing God's word, praying, and evangelizing. Not only does she explain what each one is and why it's important, but she starts off the chapter by tackling the attitude with which we should practice them. As someone who's grown up in a Christian home, been homeschooled, and been surrounded by fellow Christians in most of my activities, the disciplines aren't new to me; but the overall tone with which Jaquelle writes, exhorting us to practice the disciplines with joy and to see them as a privilege, was eye-opening and convicting for me.

Chapter 6 - Our Growth
Growth is easy to seek in theory, but much harder to pursue in practice. In this chapter, however, Jaquelle reviews the importance of growth and lays out a few concrete ways to pursue and facilitate spiritual growth, as well as mentioning ways we can stunt our growth if we're not attentive. This chapter made me stop and reevaluate what I take in and whether the way I approach media is as God-honoring as it could be, and whether I'm taking in things that facilitate growth or that put my focus on things that aren't beneficial.

Chapter 7 - Our Time
Ah, time management. My old "friend." Time is something God has been bringing more to the forefront of my attention in the past week or so, and this chapter really put a point on it and helped me spot places I'm improving (though still not perfect) and places I'm still missing. The biggest strength in Jaquelle's writing is how concrete her advice is and how well she breaks it down to feel doable for a teenager. She was a teenager when she wrote this book, and she gets it. This chapter is yet another excellent example of that, and she spends as much time as she needs delving into the common ways we waste time and how to combat those tendencies.

Chapter 8 - Our Relationships
This chapter starts by addressing relationships as a whole: the fact that they're good, followed by a description of the two main ways we tend to make messes of them (idolatry and selfishness). And let me just say that the latter was so accurate I laughed out loud.

After the general overview, Jaquelle goes a little more in-depth about relationships with our parents, relationships with our siblings, relationships with friends, and relationships with those of the opposite gender. Each is full of important things to remember and gives excellent insight into practical ways to build healthy relationships.

Conclusion:
Overall, this book was excellently done. Not only is it well-written and full of practical advice, but it's firmly grounded in Scripture and the focus is completely where it should be: on Christ and the gospel. I highly recommend it to any teenager looking to bring their life more in-line with Christ and strengthen their walk with Him.

[Autumn Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. A book every Christian should read!

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading this book. I've more-or-less moved past my teenage years, so not all aspects of the book are still relevant. That being said, this is the sort of book I would have found very helpful toward the beginning of my teenage years. Crowe does a really good job of connecting with her readers using some pretty apt analogies. I particularly liked the analogy of a lukewarm relationship with Christ being as meaningful as your relationship with Facebook friends you don't actually know anymore. May have to use that one myself some day.

This book is trying to cover a lot of different areas, and as a result, Crowe doesn't have the time to delve into all of them in-depth. To me, the book felt rather like an introduction to a bunch of separate topics. But for the type of reader the book's aiming at, it's a rather solid introduction. It's a book I'd love to give to many of my students at the charter school I teach at. A number of them would benefit a lot from reading this book and being introduced to the greater world of Christian thought.

All-in-all, I'm not the ideal audience for the book, but I see this book as being quite valuable for the audience it's going for. Recommended for Christian teens wanting to apply what they believe into all areas of their life.

Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).

[Katherine Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of this book is the gospel, and Jaquelle does an awesome job of keeping it front and center. So many books are centered around "doing" - five steps to this or seven strategies for that. Jaquelle goes to the heart of the matter: how the gospel changes us from the inside out.

The writing style was excellent. It's informal and personable, without being dumbed down at all. Jaquelle shares personal stories and observations (some of which can be quite humorous!), all within a framework of deep theology and an obvious love for the gospel.

But even though it is centered around theology, it's still very practical. Without becoming rule-centric at all, Jaquelle lays out a broad, soaring view of how the gospel should change the way we think, act, and interact with others. I was challenged and convicted at several points (especially in the chapter about how we use our time!).

Overall, this is a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it to Christian teens everywhere!

I received a free copy of this book from Crossway publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Katy Van Meter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was an older book, until she mentioned her first article on ‘The Rebelution’. You have now entered the Twilight Zone. :)

For what it’s worth, I hear the authors heart, because I too faced my teen/YA years with a genuine desire to be a Christ follower in the era of ‘Do Hard Things’. But reading this now, I can’t help but wish there was more about The Gospel of Christ Jesus and less about what a disciplined, self-denying, world rejecting Christian teen should be like. Give young people a grander, large vision of Jesus. We can’t systematize Him in culturally narrow areas of teen life. Do more of this. Do less of this. Never do this. Be better here. It is discouraging if we don’t have a clear vision of the One who did it all for us.

Wouldn’t recommend. Likely a reminder that lived-reality is a great teacher, and teens aren’t quite ready to be authors.

[Paulina Olivares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al comenzar a leer este libro pensé que eran los temas típicos que ya todo el mundo sabe. ¡Qué equivocada estaba! A veces lo que necesitamos es volver a lo básico, mantenernos firmes en eso y creerlo para poder avanzar. ¡Quiero vivir mi juventud para Dios! Gran trabajo Jaquelle, gran nuguet de pollo (chiste del libro).

[Gray Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaquelle is an amazing and an inspiring teen author. This book is lovely, she writes with grace and power.

[Marie Tankersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I worried that this book would be “too basic and cliche” and that it would not be very convicting or challenging for me.

I was very wrong. This book convicted me many times, and the Lord worked on me through this writing. I often found that the things I read about in this book corresponded to the events happening in my life, and the sins that I was holding onto. His timing is perfect.

I’m so thankful to God that he brought this book into my life and continues to remind me daily even through the books I read, what is most important.

I would recommend this to all teenagers who would like to learn how to live a life that is glorifying to God, as well as new believers of any age. I will definitely encourage my 14 yr old brother to read this soon :)

[Adora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any fellow teen or young Christian! It is so good and it truly changed my perspective on the gospel!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years is such a great read, and extremely timely for this generation of young people who long to honor God with their lives NOW, in every area of their lives. Jaquelle writes in such a way that you can understand and relate, whether she's touching on the importance of spiritual growth, or ways to guard against sin and cultivate holiness and godliness, it's almost as if she takes the hand of her readers and not only shares how the gospel changes every area of our lives but she also walks through the journey with her readers. It's more like a conversation than a lecture. I personally gained so much. There were many things I was reminded of, and other things were slightly new. It challenged me personally, and caused me to stop and think as I read.

Jaquelle has written a book jam packed with biblical truths and insightful how-tos for this generation to confidently reject the status quo, and fully embrace this season of youthfulness and allow the gospel to wholly change every single area of our lives; glorify God through our daily lives and activities, and serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. I highly, highly recommend adding this book to your reading list!! Take the time to read it, glean from it, and allow God to speak to you!

I received a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness was this book worth the wait!

I'd been looking forward to it for so long and ordered it the day it came out. It didn't disappoint.

The book is divided into several chapters with pretty general titles, but each chapter is full of practical, specific guidance for what a Christian life looks like as a teen (and really, for anyone, although some things obviously won't apply as much to adults). It's practical but not overwhelming, and not skimpy on the truth in favor of "life tips". There's a whole chapter devoted to explaining the gospel, and each chapter is sure to address the why behind the tips, the truth that leads to the action.

Some chapters, like the one on sin and the one on evangelism, were incredibly convicting. In fact, the entire book was a convicting reminder of how far I fall short of the life I ought to be living, and yet it led me to prayer and praise and resolve rather than guilt and overwhelm.

This will be a book that I return to over and over for the remainder of my teen years and probably after that as well. I can't recommend it enough, to anyone, and I can't wait to read anything and everything else Jaquelle writes in the years to come!

[Addy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, well-written book. It shares practical, important insight on various topics that teens should always have at the front of their minds. I found it simple and understandable. It's neat that Jaquelle was a teenager herself when she wrote this. None of it is written by someone who doesn't really understand/hasn't experienced what she's writing about.

Totally recommend this!

[Eliza Downer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains the much needed encouragement and conviction for our generation. Jaquelle weaves her words with grace as she presents the truth that will change any ones life. I received a free copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

[samantha aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I expected! I loved how it covered teens in the church, and how we have the same level of responsibility as adult Christians. I annotated a lot in this book, and definitely recommend!

[Clare S-B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book, with lots of good points. I recommend it to any teen christian who wants to really live a faithful changed and godly life. I don't fit into that category anymore but it was good to be reminded about everyday christian living by this book. It is well through out, simple and easy to read. It would make a good gift for any young christian.

[Sarah Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid (albeit quite intense) book on how teenagers can live best for Christ once they’ve put their trust in him.

I think I would have found this much more relevant as a young teenager in school but still helpful reminders that knowing and calling upon Jesus impacts all aspects of life - not just Sundays.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was hesitant to read this book because of the title, but here I sit, a 36 year old woman encouraged and convicted by this great read! Teenager or not, READ THIS BOOK! She explains the gospel beautifully and our identity in Christ... that’s just the beginning... I won’t spoil it for you!

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a clarion call for teens to become a part of the church body, instead of isolating themselves within their own group. The church needs diversity - all ages, ethnicities and classes, to minister to each other and those outside its doors. The author — a teen herself — challenges her peers to honor Christ in all areas of life, and to become a vibrant part of their local church. I was highly impressed with this book, and recommend it to any young person who desires a dynamic walk with the Lord.

[Gaye Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom beyond her years and worth reading even for those who aren't teens.

[Mckinley Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Jaquelle has great insight into all of the topics she wrote about. I loved that she constantly talked about how you're never too young to shine Jesus's light. I was inspired and encouraged by the examples she wrote about in her own life.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really impressed that a young adult (furthermore a girl) wrote a book so centred on the Gospel and with as much references to a orthodox christian tradition (shequote a lot of good christians : Bavinck, Grudem, Luther ...). I found it really accessible to everyone, and very practical. It's short and people can read it quickly (I read it within 1 day).

PS : I had the priviledge to get it for free and read it before, I thank the publisher house that allowed that.

[Karis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was handed a hard copy of This Changes Everything at the end of a wonderful youth retreat, so I was very eager to jump into it. However, I was not expecting to read something that would challenge me so much. I would certainly recommend it to any Christian teen who wants to be actively pursuing godliness. My copy is quite underlined, and I know I’ll be turning back to it for re-reads and to continue challenging myself in my walk to become more like Christ. This author writes with a maturity that comes from time spent digging into God’s Word, but on a level and understanding that any fellow teen will relate to.

Do find a copy and sit down to meditate and be challenged by this book, This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe.