Killing Kryptonite: Destroy What Steals Your Strength

by John Bevere

You Can Destroy What Steals Your Strength
Just like Superman, who can leap over any hurdle and defeat every foe, followers of Christ have the supernatural ability to conquer the challenges we face. But the problem for both Superman and us is there’s a kryptonite that steals our strength.
Of course, both Superman and kryptonite are fictional. But spiritual kryptonite is not.
This book offers answers to why so many people―and the churches they attend―are unable to experience the divine strength that was evident among the first-century Christians.
In Killing Kryptonite, John Bevere reveals what this kryptonite is, why it’s compromising our churches, and how to break free from its bondage.
Not for the faint of heart, Killing Kryptonite is anything but a spiritual sugar high. This is serious truth for any Christ-follower who longs to embrace the challenging but rewarding path of transformation.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Spirituality, Religion, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published October 17, 2017

About the author

Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.

John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.

Reviews

[Beckynovacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge John Bevere fan, but even given this fact, he has to prove himself to me with each book. I actually made notes for myself as I read it, because it's so quotable. He brings to light Biblical insights on topics that can be very difficult. I finished it a few days ago, and it has already made a tangible effect on my daily life. I am recognizing things that I compromise on all the time, but shouldn't. He talks about sin that isn't sin for everyone, but may be for me. It's about refinement and sanctification. I have a new outlook on freedom. Today, I was fasting and praying about some things that have been on my mind, and God gave me insight, and even a phrase that simply expresses what I was seeing: Surrender ignites passion. Letting go of negative things in my life and surrendering them to the Lord made me feel passionate about the things that I really care about, and is so freeing! Read this book if you want to go deeper with God, and if you want spiritual revival in your personal life and your church!

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely one of the best and also hardest spiritual books I’ve read in quite some time. John’s message about the Kryptonite that is so pervasive in modern Christian life (idolatry, aka the presence of known sin) is one that is extremely difficult to accept but one that I believe will ultimately be incredibly liberating to so, so many people (myself most definitely included). I think this a book that absolutely every who claims to be a Christian should read, but be warned: it is NOT an easy, breeze through and agree with everything at the end of it kind of read. It is deep, powerful, aggressive, uncomfortable and in the end, I think, incredibly timely for the world we live in. It will not be an easy read but it will be one you are better off for having wrestled with, that much I can guarantee.

Favorite Quote: “God’s deliverance or provision always comes, but not before the opportunity presents itself to disobey His word.”

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Killing Kryptonite is (I think at least) my third John Bevere book. This was another good book, with what was ultimately a simple message about practiced sin and idolatry. Despite its simplicity, I agree that it is a very relevant and timely message for many in the American church and I thought it was well articulated, though I’ll confess that I thought it could have been a little shorter.

[Lynne Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bevere speaks boldly to us in his latest book, Killing Kryptonite, to address why we as individuals and as a church, are not living in the power promised to us by Jesus. Using both illustrations from his personal journey, and extensive Bible references, John carefully walks us through explaining what is making us weak and ineffective. It might sometimes be difficult to hear the truth, but John Bevere does not shy away from telling us what we really need to hear.
This is a book that we need to be reading, and teaching about. It’s a book we need to buy for others! Let’s not compromise ourselves and live lives that are not worthy of Jesus Christ, who died to set us free from ourselves and give us life to the full now and ever after.
I received an advance digital copy of this book.

[Andrea Conway · Rating 1 out of 5]

Prosperity gospel junk

[Andrew DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

John does it again! The message in this book is so important for everyone in the church and explains how we can get rid of sin in our own lives and in our communities. Incredible, much-needed book!

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dear friend recommended this book to me, so I started reading it without any bias. After the first chapters it felt like the author came out of a rather charismatic environment and I wasn't quite satisfied with his hermeneutics presented in his writing, e.g. he used the old covenant promises, which were specific for the Israel nation, to promote the idea that under the new covenant we should lead even healthier and wealthier lives, which is straight forward nonsensical. As I kept reading, it gradually lightened up, as Bevere openly confessed his associations with false teachers/teaching and how he tries to steer clear (not sure if he's managing that). On a positive note, he also addressed many issues and sins, and talked lengthy about the misuse of tolerance inside the church walls. His main idea of keeping the body of Christ pure is a very noble one, however his view that our generation will reach the status of prime health, abundance and supernatural gifts is a bit problematic. I wouldn't recommend this book to either cessationists, nor to new Christians as it takes a reader, who's well acquainted with various movements (prosperity, NAR etc) to navigate through Bevere's perspective on what today's Christians should have/do. And I would also be very cautious when reading authors who openly associate with progressive motivational speakers. Read it with a vigilant mind, not nit-picking every word, but testing it with scripture :)

[Karen Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A critical message for such a time as this! Idolatry. Commandments. Sin. Purity. These are uncommon topics in our society, and even in our churches today; yet, the author tackles them head on and does a fantastic job of speaking the Truth in love. This book will convict you (in a good way) and challenge you to "know God intimately," which is really what we need to overcome any challenge in life and destroy what steals our strength. I highly recommend!

[Justin Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85/5, or 7.7/10 ;-)

I read this with 2 of my closest friends and got to have a conversation with them about it every week or every other week. We had outstanding conversations and not only connected about the book, but got to know one another better throughout the talks. I'm so glad we did that, because there were some parts of Killing Kryptonite that I didn't enjoy or agree with and it was helpful/beneficial to hear the different perspectives of 2 guys I trust and love as brothers. And as they explained why a certain part stuck with them or what they took away from a section, I was challenged to expand my understanding of each one and see it from my friends' respective points of view. We encouraged each other, challenged each other, and respectfully disagreed at times as well. It was all very healthy and enlightening, and ultimately a blessing.

Bevere makes dozens of excellent, sound points. He drifts a little bit from time to time, uses some Scripture passages too loosely or out of context here and there, and occasionally fluctuates between too direct or too vague, but overall John has a wonderful heart and a passion for following Jesus with everything he is and has-- and for that I highly respect and admire him. I learned some things and was provoked by a few others, so all in all, it was a successful read. Some very important topics are discussed, so I recommend.

[Olga Gorea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my mind. I have realized one more time the importance of intimacy with my God. Moreover that , He is my Daddy , ready to help me fight with my fears and life "giants".
Love Him. Trust . Believe. Keep on you going. Do not be affraid of "giants "
I highly recommend you read it !!!

[Alex Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend it!

[Rissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Logan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from John Bevere. First book I’ve read from him but might have to pick up a few more! Currently typing out some of these chapters to keep with me!

[Ben Presten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely powerful, eye-opening book. Packed with the Word, this book is so convicting and motivated me toward holiness. I highly recommend it.

[Letisha ⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*astounded the whole time* This book is so important (never read anything as impactful before), a must read to all Christians out there!! Great for book study/ book club, abs mind blowing and life changing. I hope to never forget what I learnt in this book and I want to reread in the future.
4.9⭐ not 5 bc the writing needs a lot of focus

[Rich Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read from Mr. Bevere. The first was, "The Bait of Satan", which I also recommend. This book focused more on sinful mindsets, behaviors, and weaknesses in the disciple of Christ. The transparent testimonies and real boots on the ground experience living the life as a believer in Christ was relatable and refreshing. There were a couple instances where I didn't completely agree with Mr. Bevere thoughts and how he ran his business. But that is not to say that this book won't encourage you to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Good job Mr. Bevere!

[Carrie Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

John clearly speaks hard truths with a pastor's heart full of love for God's people, much like the apostle Paul years ago. Mr. Bevere doesn't want us just getting through life, but he deeply desires us to live fully-pleasing-and-acceptable-to-God lives. Lives that do not merely display God's glory on occasion but are full of His power and grace on a daily basis.

Using illustrations from his life and ministry, John ignited a passion in me for more—more intimacy with God, more display of His power in and through me, more of whatever God needs me to see and wants me to be. More than once I felt convicted where I recognized that compromise has crept into my life, and more than once I asked God to help me remember the lessons I was learning so I could walk away from this book forever changed.

I do believe this is one of those few books that I will read again—not merely because I want to, even though it was that good. No, it's because I need to. If you want to better understand what holds you back from more fully experiencing God in your life, this is a great place to start.

[Ryan Koenig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fine. I believe Bevere has a good intention in writing it. At times, his reproach of the church really flirts with legalism, but I still understand the severity of the point he’s trying to make. At times, he interprets scripture in a way that makes me tilt my head and say, “um, maybe?” I did find the book rather redundant—some of the chapters completely unnecessary. “For every one look at your sin, take five looks at your savior.” - Tim Keller. In this book, Bevere flips that ratio, to his detriment.

[Nderitu Pius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re reading this book is a breathe of fresh air. Realizing indeed the BODY OF CHRIST is indeed in need of help and help from our laxity of the LORD'S WORD. Consider this, we speak about godly matters and GOD but we lack the power. This is where we have dumb questions like "Do we still have miracles happening?" rising from people outside the church and even in the church. This is a call to the church to depart from the ways of evil and return back to her first love as Angela played adultery against her husband. Be warned as Matthew 7:21-25

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

...boy howdy where do I begin. Is it with the false advertising (or lack of advertising period) that made me pick up this book thinking it was just a general inspirational self-help book, or is it how I'm disturbed about the many other Goodreads users who openly approve of and in fact give high praise to a book that not only OPENLY AND EXPLICITLY advocates for homophobia and misogyny but in fact explicitly tells you you're going to be a better person for it! This is absolute trash, among the worst of the worst and yeah, John Bevere deserves to get canceled back to obscurity HARD.

[Jesse Ludema · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. I read the first two chapters but was not intrigued at all. It lacks substance and depth. Maybe it would be good for someone who is just new to faith, but I felt like I was listening to a sermon by a scatterbrained preacher. Bevere definitely says good things, but that definitely doesn't qualify this book as a good-read.

[Karrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Made it through the first five chapters, and it became clear that John Bevere is a heretic, primarily preaching the prosperity gospel. If people would actually read and study the Word of God, I think more people would have discernment towards this type of false teaching. Always pray for discernment from God!

[Sheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much Old Testament vs New Testament "In the Old Testament, people's spirits were dead. There was no life force flowing from their inner person." If this is true how was Abraham a friend of God?
I appreciated the emphasis on repentance.

[Tom Fenske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In seinem Buch Killing Kryptonite untersucht John Bevere die Gründe, warum viele Christen heute nicht dieselbe übernatürliche Kraft erfahren, die im Neuen Testament beschrieben wird. Bevere identifiziert „geistliches Kryptonit“ – Sünde und Kompromisse – als Hauptursache für diese Schwäche und bietet biblisch fundierte Lösungen zur Überwindung an. Durch die Analogie zu Supermans Verwundbarkeit durch Kryptonit argumentiert er, dass Gläubige durch unbereinigte Sünde ihrer göttlichen Autorität beraubt werden. Das Buch gliedert sich in vier Teile, die systematisch die Ursachen, Auswirkungen und Lösungsansätze für dieses Problem darlegen



Bevere beginnt mit einem Vergleich zur Einheit der ersten Christen, deren Gemeinschaft und Hingabe an die Lehre der Apostel sie befähigte, Zeichen und Wunder zu wirken (Apostelgeschichte 2,42-47)3 Er betont, dass Spaltungen, Neid und egoistische Motive – wie sie in der korinthischen Gemeinde auftraten (1. Korinther 3,3) – die Gegenwart Gottes behindern. Diese Einheit sei kein oberflächlicher Konsens, sondern resultiere aus gemeinsamer Unterwerfung unter Christus als Haupt der Gemeinde.



Ein besonders prägnantes Kapitel widmet sich der Gefahr, zwischen „persönlichem Glauben“ und „öffentlicher Frömmigkeit“ zu trennen. Bevere warnt davor, dass viele Christen Sonntags predigen, was sie unter der Woche nicht leben – eine Haltung, die er als „geistliche Schizophrenie“ bezeichnet. Diese Doppelmoral untergrabe nicht nur die Glaubwürdigkeit, sondern blockiere auch den Zugang zu übernatürlicher Kraft, da Gott sich nicht mit Heuchelei verbindet (Jesaja 29,13).



Besonders eindringlich ist Beveres Analyse der Gemeindebezogenen Folgen. Er verweist auf Josuas Niederlage in Ai (Josua 7), wo die Sünde eines Einzelnen (Achan) die ganze Gemeinde Israel lähmte. In modernem Kontext bedeute dies, dass unkonfrontierte Sünde in Leitungsgremien oder prominenten Gemeindemitgliedern die gesamte Körperschaft schwächen kann – ein Aufruf zu transparenter Accountability-Struktur.



John Beveres Killing Kryptonite ist mehr als ein Buch über Sündenbekämpfung – es ist ein Manifest für eine Generation, die sich nach authentischer Gotteserfahrung sehnt. Durch seine schonungslose Analyse und praktischen Anleitungen fordert er Gläubige heraus, Kompromisse zu verlassen und die „vergessene Kraft“ des frühen Christentums wiederzuentdecken. Die Botschaft ist klar: Nur durch Reinigung von geistlichem Kryptonit können Christen die übernatürliche Autorität ausüben, zu der sie berufen sind

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reseña
Matar la kriptonita fue uno de esos libros que me tuvieron en suspenso hasta muchas páginas después de que comencé a leerlo. Por un lado John Bevere se toma el tiempo necesario para dar una larga introducción, cuya intención es llevarnos poco a poco y de manera detallada hacia un un punto en específico. Y aunque esto puede ser bueno para muchos, en mi resultó en una frustración de sentir que no había un hilo claro del tema que se quería exponer.

Por alguna razón, el libro consume varios capítulos iniciales dando vueltas alrededor de algunos conceptos generales, en su mayoría enfocados a las repercusiones del pecado en la iglesia como cuerpo de Cristo, para de repente decirnos que la kriptonita en el contexto su libro se refiere a la idolatría. Es aquí cuando te das cuenta que muchas páginas pudieron ser ahorradas. De ahí en adelante el mismo autor trata, de manera forzada, llevarnos de la mano por algunos temas que el mismo dice parecen no estar relacionados.

No podría decir que Matar la kriptonita no es buen libro, de hecho me parece bastante acertada la manera en que Bevere trata varias creencias vigentes en círculos protestantes y que no corresponden con una mentalidad de hijo que es heredero de Dios, tal como el de la santidad. Pero al mismo tiempo que expone distintas situaciones y ejemplos se pierde el objetivo y siento que no se llega a ninguna parte.

La santidad por lo tanto, no es un fin en sí mismo, como lo dibujan los legalistas. Es la entrada a la verdaera intimidad con Jesús. – John Bevere, p.274

Conclusión
Después de 286 páginas, creo que el objetivo del libro no se cumple como se esperaba. Un mejor trabajo de edición fácilmente solucionaría varios problemas y haría más digerible la gran cantidad de información presentada. Desafortunadamente creo que lo mejor de este libro bien podría ser solamente su título tan creativo.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly would rate this book somewhere between a four and five star. I believe John is a talented author and expertly communicates what he wants to say. He is very passionate. I like reading the audiobook because it was read by the author. I think that added a little bit of something to the book for me because you could hear the Passion in his voice as he was leaving… Almost as though he was talking directly to you. It really moved me. It also made me question my priorities which generally hasn’t been some thing that I have done. It might be that I’m turning 40 and I’m getting on the downward slope of things as far as how much life I have laughed and really need to focus on the long-term goal. Maybe it’s that I’m starting to question with the state our world is in right now where I’m going to sit on that spectrum and how I’m going to make a positive change. Honestly I felt kind of convicted and semi-uncomfortable during a lot of the reading but that’s not a bad thing. I had to take it in chunks so that I could really process and think about it and pray about the content Honestly I felt kind of convicted and semi-uncomfortable during a lot of the reading but that’s not a bad thing. I had to take it in chunks so that I could really process and think about it and pray about the content. I guess it really makes me think about things from a different perspective and that’s not a bad thing.bbIt really makes me that you know that I don’t spend enough time with the Bible. I really need to get on a reading plan and do better with that

[brian d rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I read a book with an expectation of 5 stars. I read with the intent of it being what I expect. Every time the author visits a place I can’t follow its impact on me diminishes. Not that its wrong, It’s just that I may find myself in a place where I can’t find myself agreeing often, or even sometimes not at all. Nearly three years elapsed from when I started this book to when I decided to finish it. I stopped reading it in 2019 and Ickes it back up in 2022. I got this book because the title caught my eye. Being a Superman fan, I liked the idea of receiving a Christian message wrapped in the familiar colors of my favorite super hero. Sadly, I also encountered the authors rather bold declination of gay people. Having a close friend who is a gay woman, and a lover of Jesus and of God, is someone who is headed unapologetically to eternity in hell. I can’t agree with gayness being a lifestyle choice. Here, I’m not referring to the folks who try bi sexuality as a bit of fun. Or people who make gender choices. I’m referring to the people pained by the reality of when they are MADE that way. I don’t agree a gay man or woman wakes up one day and admits to same sex attraction. This I have a massive problem with when I say on one hands, God doesn’t make mistakes, the author seems to support blanket authority of love all, and live and love like Christ unless they’re gay. I’ve got a lot to learn on this topic, but this book caused more anger than created solutions.

[Marcio Gabriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yay I finally finished this! Took waaaaaaayyyyyyy too long. It had a very good message but it dragged quite a bit, often being repetitive, but I guess it gets the point across? I just wish it had spent more time on the whys and how as opposed to “this is the way it should be”. Maybe that was just me idk.

It felt like this book was written to a very specific audience that either already knew all of these answers and just needed reassurance and to touch up on a few things, or someone who has very little knowledge about some of these topics on idolatry, but that doesn’t particularly struggle with it a lot, or cannot handle a very in depth discussion. It didn’t really try to encompass different types of readers that might have benefited from the message as well in my opinion. It boiled down to “don’t be an idolater” and “pray and trust in God first” which is in itself a good message, but I think it could have been delivered a bit better, especially considering how repetitive some parts were, while some things were just stated to you as facts and didn’t get developed.

Overall pretty good, but because it didn’t grip me, I don’t think it was that great. I like the message and I have applied some of it in my life as I was reading, but I still feel it falls short on areas I really hoped would be explored in more nuance.

[Joe Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killing Kryptonite by John Bevere offers a bold and passionate message aimed at identifying the “kryptonite” that weakens modern-day believers and hinders the power of God in the Church. Bevere writes with urgency, drawing from Scripture and personal experiences to challenge readers to confront sin, complacency, and compromise in their spiritual lives.

There are definitely noteworthy insights scattered throughout the book. Bevere’s passion for holiness and spiritual authority is evident, and at times his words are both convicting and timely. Some chapters are particularly thought-provoking, offering strong reminders of the need for repentance, accountability, and deeper connection with the body of Christ.

One commendable feature is the inclusion of group discussion guides in the back of the book. These resources are a valuable addition, especially for those looking to use Killing Kryptonite in a Bible study or small group setting. The questions encourage self-reflection and foster honest dialogue, which can be beneficial in a community setting.

Overall, Killing Kryptonite is a meaningful read for those willing to be challenged in their faith walk. While not without its flaws, it offers moments of clarity and conviction that can inspire transformation when approached with an open heart.

[Penny Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s nice to hear a modern mainstream preacher talk about grace, AND law/obedience - instead of Grace as an excuse to do what you want. There are an abundance of scriptures that tell you Grace does not mean we should stay in sin. I do feel like it’s not talked about enough in todays world.

John (and Lisa’s) books typically use a non faith based subject to compare their points to. Although it makes sense in this book with superman’s weakness being kryptonite, and we have our own kryptonite etc. I personally can find the constant comparison a bit tiresome and would prefer to dig into scripture more. I can see it being something that probably benefits new believers maybe? In fact, I think this is the type of book new believers should be reading so they understand grace, obedience and what their weakness might be straight away in their journey with the Lord. Although we all need to be reminded along the way to keep on track.

I listened to this as an audio book on Audible. John uses his own voice which is always great when authors do this. If you’re short on time, audio books are a great way to get through your reading list. I have been listening to Killing Kryptonite on long car journeys instead of putting the radio on.