They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storyteller’s Journey with Those Who Dared to Follow Jesus

by Charles Martin

In the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, the testimonies of those who had followed him were so bold and powerful that they turned the world upside down. What would happen if we lived with that same kind of faith today? In 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). In this follow-up to What If It's True ? Charles Martin, a New York Times bestselling novelist, blends storytelling and teaching to explore the lives of the disciples in the aftermath of the Resurrection and as they spread the message of the Gospel and “turn the world upside down”, leading up to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica. In his beloved lyrical style, Martin illuminates key moments from Scripture and shares stories from his own life as a disciple. Learn to become a believer Filled with supporting Scripture and beautiful examples of prayers to offer as supplications before the throne of grace, this book will show you what our world could look like if we lived as the disciples with an unwavering confidence in the power and presence of God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Religion, Audiobook

384 pages, Hardcover

Published January 5, 2021

About the author

Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to give your spiritual life a punch in the arm? Start the new year with this upcoming release from Charles Martin. Using copious scripture references, Martin encourages readers to live a victorious life through the power of the Spirit, just as the new apostles did in the book of Acts. So many of us are feeling restricted, even imprisoned by the events of 2020. We forget that Jesus, the Son, has already been victorious. He has declared 'tetelestai' -- It Is Completed! And Martin also reminds us many times that the grace our Heavenly Father has for us is greater than the sin that is in us. Use this book to help you put your spiritual armor on for 2021. Included are spaces for journaling, prayers tailored for the subject of each chapter, and an index of topical scripture references in an index. After reading this book, I have a new perspective. May you also be blessed by picking up this book.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

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
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I needed to spend time with each day and digest the thoughts of the author. This is a non-fiction book that challenges its readers to turn the world upside down like the disciples did in the Bible as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. There were many things in this book that challenged me and encouraged me in my faith.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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. . . . . "

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a passionate guy.
I learned a lot. I had to think through a lot of things.
I’m very curious what he will write in nonfiction next.

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ There are several chapters in this book that provide real food for thought as to whether we, in our thinking, have limited the power of the Holy Spirit that we choose to utilize. I didn’t take these chapters to be saying that if we aren’t speaking in tongues, we aren’t real Christians. I took it to be saying that while there are some who engage in Pentecostal activities for inauthentic motives, we should not discount the ability of the Holy Spirit to act in His full power. I appreciate Martin’s willingness to present topics (more than just the topic of tongues) in this book that we can/should wrestle with and that can turn the world upside down.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

First the good. Five stars for the writing. Charles writes non-fiction in a very engaging manner. I was captivated by his paraphrasing of the Biblical narratives. Even his speculations of events and dialogues didn't seem too far fetched. Additionally, I could fell his passion and live for Jesus and his desire to share that with the reader.

My big issue is his constant appeal to signs and wonders as the norm and as the reason why the early church began to turn the world right side up. First was his appeal to "you will do greater things". He interprets this qualitatively, as in we should expect to do even greater things than Jesus. What could be greater quantitatively than raising the dead or forgiveness of sins? Instead, we should understand"greater" quantitatively. We should expect to reach more people with the gospel than Jesus did. Considering He only had around 500 disciples at His ascension, it is safe to say we (the church) has done greater things in this respect.

What really enabled the church to begin the process of turning the world right side up was not the use of the miraculous signs. The Holy Spirit coming upon those at Pentecost was a once and for all empowerment of the church, not something that needs to be repeated. What enabled the growth of the church was not the miraculous of the early part of Acts 2, but the enabling of the activities if the church at the end of Acts 2. There we see the early church worshipping, fellowshipping, evangelizing, and doing works of mercy. These are indeed Holy Spirit enabled activities, but not the miraculous signs and wonders that Charles encourages throughout the book. Rather than seeking the miraculous and thinking that is the key, Jesus would have us change the world by doing the ordinary, which is still antithetical to the world.

Even though it was heavy on the signs and wonders, I still enjoyed the book and was encouraged and challenged by it.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been privileged to read several (fiction) books written by Charles Martin, and have greatly enjoyed them. I've appreciated his style of writing, and knew I'd be in for a treat if I'd read this book.
But I did not realize the full extent of it.
Charles Martin takes the old familiar stories in the New Testament and brings them to life before your our very eyes. He paints word pictures with such clarity, such beauty, as to absolutely take your breath away.
This book is about Jesus death. His Resurrection. His disciples. Their lives, and how they turned the world upside down.
I found this book to be extremely relevant in my life today, and I believe it tells us a message that is needed for all believers to hear. We need to be more than just 'saying' that we are following Jesus. We need to be living it in such a way that there is no question. We need to be people that turn the world upside down. This book gives off such passion, such zeal, that really makes me want to do just that!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wake-up call! There are a few things mentioned in the book I feel I need to research for myself, but I think that means it’s a good book as it’s thought provoking in regards to my beliefs. I would recommend reading this book as it’s a very motivating faith pep-talk. We need that these days!

[Joleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whoa! I’m not sure where to go with this one.

It feels as though I’m being lectured by Charles Martin that, if I’ve led my whole life as a Christian in service to the Lord, and knew from the first moment I accepted Christ that the Holy Spirit came upon me, but if don’t speak in tongues or perform signs and wonders, then there's something wrong with me and I’m rejecting of the Holy Spirit.

If not for the stunning way in which this book was written, I would’ve thought this was not the same Charles Martin whose fiction books I’ve grown to love. Chasing Fireflies, Wrapped in Rain and When Crickets Cry were amazing fiction books with enough challenging theology to please my Bible-loving heart. But this was a non-fiction book that took tremendous liberties with scripture, and written with such dogmatism that, frankly, I was dumbfounded.

From the prologue through chapter six my husband and I were tracking. (This was a book our life group decided to read). But chapter seven started to kick up his position on sign gifts, then chapters eight and nine went full-blown Pentecostal in that, if we didn’t exhibit these gifts, we were denying the Holy Spirit's work in our life, or just plain rejecting Him. I have been open to the Holy Spirit's leading including receiving that gift or prayer language. It has just never happened. And I am not a denier of sign gifts. But to say something is wrong with me if I don’t exhibit them "when the Holy Spirit would love to do that for me", is just puffed up arrogance to me.

"You may disagree with my theology and you may argue to the contrary, but let me ask this: Do you honestly believe that if you ask for the Holy Spirit and then expect to receive Him as the believers did in Acts, God is going to look down on you and shake His head? Waggle His finger? Why? Because you believed His Word? I don’t think so. I think He’s going to pull you up into His lap and lavish you with His Spirit and knock your socks off and destroy your puny expectations and weak limitations."
1. I received the Holy Spirit at my conversion
2. I have asked for the "baptism", multiple times, and sincerely
3. I don’t think God would ever waggle His finger at me
4. I have no puny expectations or weak limitations

Charles Martin prayed at the end of each chapter and the following was part of a prayer we non-tongue-speaking Christians were supposed to pray along with him…

"Acts 2:38–39: “Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”’
Lord, I accept that promise as for me and spoken to me, and I repent. Holy Spirit, I receive You. I repent for keeping You at a distance. For shunning You. For telling You to sit quietly in the corner and do nothing without permission. I’m so sorry for not revering You. For treating You as anything less than who You are. You are a member of the Godhead sent to empower and fill me and dwell in me, and I’ve held out my hand like a stop sign and said, “No.”

1. I repent for nothing of the sort
2. I don’t, nor have I ever, kept the Holy Spirit at a distance
3. Nor have I ever shunned Him, I already have Him
4. And telling Him to sit in a corner?? How entirely absurd.

This is what Mr. Martin thinks of a person who is not exhibiting signs and wonders, that they are relegating the Holy Spirit to a corner, since signs MUST follow in a believers life because "it’s evidence"…no matter how many years we've been in service to Him.

Oh, I finished this book, but I have to admit to some ardent discussions in the group, and some major talks with my husband…good ones, though.

One terrific thing about this book was it caused us to seek the scriptures, a lot, to find validity in Mr. Martin's words or for argument against. We just wanted truth. And truth from the Word of God.

Sorry to my charismatic friends, but we felt this was unsound and just went too far.

[Josh Olds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charles Martin maybe best known for The Mountain Between Us, a story of survival and romance that got turned into a movie with Kate Winslet and Idris Elba in the starring roles. For his whole career, Martin has teetered on the edge of Christian fiction. His novels are relatively clean, convey strong values, and tick every box the Evangelical Christian Publication Association has to qualify Christian fiction—except that he had a “secular” publisher.

Well, contracts end, and while most authors would be pushing for the wider audience of a “secular” publisher, Martin has now found a home firmly in the Christian publishing industry. As part of that, Martin has branched out from fiction into non-fiction (of sorts), first with What If It’s True? and now with They Turned the World Upside Down. Both of these books are billed as a storyteller’s journey, and what Martin means that he will take readers on a sometimes speculative, sometimes reflective journey through Scripture to help readers engage with the biblical text.

They Turned the World Upside Down primarily focuses on the early church and its formation after the ascension of Jesus. At times, the book seems devotional. For instance, Martin chooses to end each chapter with a prayer. But there are too few chapters and the chapters are too long for this to really work with the confines of a typical devotional reading.

At other times, Martin seems intent on writing biblical fiction, using his storyteller mind to opine on the thoughts and motivations of the disciples. This could have been—and should have been—the book’s highlight, but Martin inevitably breaks into the narrative with an apology for his speculation, reminding readers of the liberties he is taking. This lack of full commitment draws the reader away, making them second-guess what they’ve read. The job of an author is to immerse the audience in the story and make them believe. It’s something Martin has built a career doing. But here, he seems unable to convince even himself, so the effect on the reader falls flat.

Martin’s theology is heartfelt and sound, though he does stumble on a few details. Overall, Martin reads Scripture like a layperson, which is fine, but doesn’t come across as an authoritative teacher on the subject. In one example, he explicitly states that Moses and Aaron are the great-great grandchildren of Levi. If you only look at genealogical rolls in Exodus 6, you can understand why—sort of. Amram is listed as the grandson of Levi and the father of Moses, which would be one great, and not two. But even more critical thought would show that there have to be more generations than that. Abraham lived ca. 2000 BC. Moses lived in 1400 BC. Even if you don’t agree with the dates, remember that God told Abraham his descendants would be 400 years in slavery (Gen. 15:13). A good, critical read of the texts in context show that genealogical roles have to be using “beget” (Hebrew yalad) in a generational, not paternal sense. A scholar, or even a critical reader, would have to acknowledge this. Martin misses it.

The concept for They Turned the World Upside Down is good enough, but Martin’s attempt to play biblical scholar over storyteller leads to poor scholarship and clunky storytelling. Because Martin sticks pretty much to Scripture, with only occasional deviations into personal or present-day stories, the narrative ends up with Martin speculating on Scripture in fiction, exegeting it to middling ability in non-fiction, then apologizing for his speculation. Obviously, the first book (which I’ve not read) sold well enough that a sequel was in order, so maybe I’m just not the target audience for the book. I came to this book because of Martin’s name and I wanted to see how he handled non-fiction. I love his fiction and will continue to read his future books, but I’ll leave his non-fiction offers to the side.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, I'm finding this book very doctrinally sound. The author challenges all of us to live sold out to Jesus. He points out the way the disciples' lives were radically changed when the Holy Spirit fell on them, and challenges us to allow God to change us in the same way. I am quite challenged with this book. I do have one quibble with it, though. If I read it right, which I may not have, but I think I did, he seems to say that there needs to be a dramatic proof of receiving the Holy Spirit. He points out that when the Holy Spirit fell on people in the book of Acts, they spoke with new tongues and prophesied, and believes that the same thing should happen to us. I've been mulling this over for the last few days, and I believe that speaking with new tongues might not always be speaking an unknown language, but, possibly, no longer swearing, etc. Prophecy is not necessarily foretelling the future, but preaching Jesus. Taken that way, I wholeheartedly agree that those signs will follow the coming of the Spirit—but that's not what I read in this book. On the other hand, the chapter about the Kingdom of God is great stuff. Here are a couple of quotes I highlighted: My question for you is, while you are willing to be saved, are you prepared to be goverened? and When you come to Jesus, you give up your rights. These are teachings that are not very popular today, and I applaud Mr. Martin for writing about this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHIRP AUDIOBOOK

Having read several books by Charles Martin, I picked up this one simply because of the quality of his authorship… This book is basically written like an extended Bible study. He is spot-on with his understanding of the scriptures and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him break down the Word in a way that everyone can understand. I took my time with every chapter and reviewed it like a daily devotional book, marking sections for deeper study. Thank you, Charles Martin, for your time and effort to publish this work. It’s a blessing.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE LOST AND THE REDEEMED.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Martin's exceptional new They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storyteller’s Journey with Those Who Dared to Follow Jesus is an incredible look at the lives of Jesus and the early disciples. With abilities honed over years spent creating and developing characters, Martin invites us to imagine what it was like to be the disciples (Peter, seeing the resurrected Christ after his shameful denial; the woman with the issue of blood, touching Jesus' hem and being healed; Jairus, watching this healing as he knows his daughter is dying at home, waiting for a touch from Jesus, and more) and those who saw and heard Jesus's words, and experienced His touch (now, Jairus, on the other side, with his healed and living daughter!).

They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storyteller’s Journey with Those Who Dared to Follow Jesus is not just a historical retelling of the early days of the Christian church. Rather, it adds to these incredible teaching and opportunities for prayer. Who is God the Father? What is, really, Jesus' heart for us? What does the Holy Spirit do in the lives of believers? What is the battle we've been in since our birth, and how do we fight it? And what about the kingdom of heaven?

Martin explores all of these, and more. His desire is for readers to fully embrace God and to allow Him to really be Lord of their lives. He carefully, faithfully, and kindly (yet truthfully) examines what it means to be a disciple, a child, of God. What does it require from us? And how can our lives transform when we're living fully in Christ?

I urge you to get a copy of this book. Its words can take you on a journey of healing, understanding, commitment, and faithfulness. It will change you; and you'll delight in knowing God more deeply and passionately because of it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought to mind the tradition of an oral history. Charles Martin is a masterful storyteller, and in my minds eye I imagined sitting around a fire while the magnificent true story of Jesus unfolded. The tone that he sets is something between conversational, informative, and storyteller, this book is smooth reading, written in a flowing prose that sifts through the words evoking emotion and new insights into the culture they were living in.

The author doesn't claim to be a great Bible scholar, but shares what he knows while using his gift for storytelling to put you right there with Jesus and his followers. The author does a great job of showing how the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ inspired followers of Christ to do things far beyond anything that anyone had ever done, giving their lives, material possessions, everything to follow him and spread the Gospel.

Overall, an enjoyable read, familiar, comforting and encouraging. Meant for slower savory reading, to be read in smaller pieces. A thoughtful read, that would make a great gift of encouragement.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mikaela Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Martin is a master storyteller. In They Turned the World Upside Down, Martin uses his gift to bring the story of Jesus' disciples to life. Growing up in the church, I've learned about the disciples for years; however, I've never made a strong connection to them or their lives. Charles Martin gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the disciples, providing them with the opportunity to relate to the disciples in an entirely new way. Additionally, Martin has clearly done his research and offers many thought-provoking insights that will not only deepen your understanding of the time the disciples lived in, but will also encourage you to dig a little deeper in your own quiet time. I would highly recommend this book!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

[DeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several of Charles Martin’s fiction novels and loved them all but this book is a work of nonfiction and, in my opinion, his best work yet.

The conviction I felt after reading the prologue told me I’d better brace myself for something amazing as I began Chapter One. What unfolded as I turned the pages was a beautiful surrender of my heart and soul. I don’t cry much and certainly not over books/movies, but this book had me on my knees, tears streaming at the reality of my brokenness and His amazing grace. I am overwhelmed by His love and mercy. It’s this kind of love that upends an entire world.

This book is also a call to action. For followers of Jesus to rise up as disciples and continue to walk like Paul, Silas and Timothy. I want more than ever for my life to glorify Him.

Charles Martin’s trademark storytelling comes through as he talks about personal experiences and relatable struggles. This book is a walk with an older brother, his arm wrapped around you as he shares wisdom he’s learned over the years.

I have no criticisms. This book is rich in Scripture and Gospel truth. You’ll want to highlight and take notes. You’ll read it and then you’ll want to read it again(I know I will).
•
5/5 ⭐️ - if I could afford to I’d buy this book for anyone who would read it, it’s that good.

[Terri Milstead]

2022: Intro and one chapter in and I’m putting this down. Feel bad about it because it was recommended (and loaned to me) by a sweet matriarch of my church. That said, I can’t make myself continue.

The book is an immersive, super descriptive dive into the experiences of the first followers of Christ. (I think. I didn’t get much past the resurrection.) It is trying to do what The Last Temptation of Christ did by putting you right in these big moments and making you feel the weight of them. Instead of inspiring me, though, I find it tedious and even a little manipulative. I’m just not into this sort of emotional narrative but I do understand how others could find this very meaningful.

[Nick Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I gave Charles Martin’s first non-fiction work, “What if it’s true” 5 stars, but, for me, this one did not live up to expectations.

Although this book was genuine and I feel that many would benefit from it, I found it extremely repetitive. I am also not a huge fan of his writing style when it comes to the novel style writing in this book. I felt like much of the content was oversimplified especially compared to his previous book, and, personally, I felt like I didn’t learn much of anything new.

However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t! If you enjoyed “What if it’s true”, then this is worth the read.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so powerful! They Turned the World Upside Down was a new side of Charles Martin that I had not yet experienced, having been a fan of his fiction novels. I really appreciated how conversational the book was. Martin definitely challenges the reader, but always in a friendly, compassionate way. This book gives the reader a lot to unpack and I’m grateful for it. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time. A big thank you to W Publishing Group/Thomas Nelson for the copy!

[Tawallah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a journey that did end up being worthwhile. Initially there was skepticism with the speculative elements alongside known facts about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Then there was the controversial verse in Mark which almost resulted in this being abandoned. Only because the author was honest and vulnerable, that I persisted. To state that the beginning is true to its title is an understatement. Despite that turbulent start, the rest of the journey led to reflection and heartfelt prayers.

This is the sequel to What if it’s true- if new to Christianity or curious that is a better book to start with. But I was able to read this without reading it’s precedent.

This will not be an easy read but it is worth the time.

[Dina Koble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible and should be read by all Christians or those who question if Jesus is real and the Bible true. Charles Martin narrates the audiobook as well. I read the book underlining and then listened to the audio—worth taking the extra time. I purchased the book so I can revisit it periodically. It blows my mind he can write such good fiction and nonfiction. I hope he has more of both in mind for the future.

[Cynthia Feenstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. So well done! I want to re-read it already!

I love the format of the book.

It’s about being a bold follower of Jesus Christ. He pours out supporting Scripture, he shares heartwarming (but not cheesy) personal stories, he includes exercises for stepping up in boldness, he ends each section with a prayer.

It sounds like a devotional, but it’s not. It exposed the areas of my life that are fragile, which I didn’t want to admit, it illuminated the areas that I could be doing better, it confirmed the areas where I’m getting it right, and it inspired me to walk with more boldness in my Savior. I’m not a self-help Christian inspirational kind of reader. I’d usually rather read scripture, but this was really well done..

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intensive reading. A book I would like to read again. Makes you think about where you stand with following Jesus. Not sure what was true and what was the Authors view.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer Barten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the minority on this one. I didn't love it. I liked the idea that the disciples were flawed and so are we, which means we can and are disciples. But somewhere along the way, the book got overly long and started dragging. I got bored in places. I couldn't figure out how I was supposed to read it. Was it a book to read, a study to do nightly with prayers at the end or something else?
I love Charles Martin's fiction books and think I will stick to them in the future.
Thank you, netgalley, for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Blake Western · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good author who writes that every Christian should see signs and wonders. Many people will disagree with his conclusions and the way he uses certain Scriptures with commands to disciples or certain people and applies them to everyone.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say at the outset: I have not read Martin's other non-fiction book, "What If It's True?" which this book is obviously a follow up to that one. However, as I got into this one, it didn't seem to be a problem.

"They Turned The World Upside Down" is an in-depth look at the Christian life from virtually every possible perspective. Martin is a great writer and knows his material well, both from personal experience, as well as his research from his "day job" as a best-selling fiction author. He writes earnestly, warmly, and with an understanding of what questions a reader may have as he delves into various aspects of living the Christian life in 21st century America.

Martin is a Pentecostal Believer and knows how this tradition is viewed in our culture. Perhaps the strongest part of the book is from Ch. 8 on, where he discusses the work of the Holy Spirit and guides the reader step by step through the Pentecostal understanding of the work of the Spirit today. The author addresses issues of demonic attack, spiritual warfare, exactly how it might be impacting the reader's life, and what to do about it.

The book is heavily noted with Scriptural references and suggested prayers, both at the end of each chapter and at the end of the book.

My only "complaints" so to speak, are these: the book has a LOT of information in it! It took me a long time to get through it, and frankly, I did skim certain chapters. It was overwhelming at times. Secondly, what would have helped, in my opinion, would have been more personal stories -- either his or other people's -- to break up the straight information he gave. It would have helped if there had been a bit less info, and a few more "illustrations."

Otherwise, this is an excellent book for anyone who has real questions about why they should bother living such a life. Martin clearly lays out the cost benefit analysis of following Christ Jesus.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND