Stumbling Toward Eternity: Losing & Finding Ourselves in the Cross of Jesus

by Josh White

Live with freedom and abundance as you freshly discover the cross of Jesus through the powerful stories and biblical insights of influential preacher and musician Josh White.“[A] vision of gospel hope.”—John Mark ComerDesperation reverberates at the very center of our anxious age. Despite our fiercest efforts, we never seem to find the meaning, depth, and beauty we long for. Where do we turn? There are so many voices promising happiness and endless ladders for us to climb toward a wholeness we can’t seem to reach.Yet what if what we are looking for has already come down to us?In Stumbling Toward Eternity, writer, pastor, and recording artist Josh White offers confessional stories and theological insights as he interprets the pain of his own past, the complicated “mixture” of the present, and the beautiful uncertainty of the future through the lens of grace. Using crisp and honest prose, he reveals why the most familiar symbol of Christianity—the cross of Jesus—is also the most misunderstood. He shows us why the goal of our desperate existence is not arriving at perfection or success but knowing the crucified Christ.The cross is not something to climb toward status. It is something to die on. It is where illusions die and wounds are healed. The cross is where the crucified God speaks over us words that bring freedom. Freedom from futility. Freedom to live with hope. Freedom to truly love.When we lose and find ourselves in the cross of Jesus, we discover that even the most dissonant notes of life can be redeemed in His song, even as we stumble toward eternity.

Genres: Theology, Church, Nonfiction

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

Reviews

[Carter Fenster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes perfectly my spiritual state. I am ‘Stumbling Towards Eternity’. It doesn’t look pretty at times and sometimes it doesn’t really look like I’m moving forward. This is a good reminder of my faulty ‘Ladder Theology’ that I live out daily. This book has brought me closer to the healer not just the healing he offers. If you haven’t been able to tell I love books by pastors of Portland churches lol. It brings a fresh perspective on issues and is filled with personal stories that represent the ideas in each chapter. Love that style!! Also I need to look into more books about the seven words of the cross. This part of the book focused on the words Jesus spoke as he hung the cross. Jesus loves us even through the imperfect journey of stumbling forwards eternity!!! Thank you Josh White.

[Jonathan Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful. It will forever be one of my favorites. No book has moved me more. Probably because i desperately needed to hear what Josh had to share about Jesus and life, at this specific point in my walk with God. Also, as Josh recounted the hurt and pain of the past with his relationship to his father, I too was forced to confront the hurts and pain with my father and his passing. It wrecked me. I could barely finish the final chapter as I was left in tears.

thank you Josh,

and thank You Jesus.

[Abby Helmuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much food for thought, and an argument for seeing ourselves and others with unflinching honesty and grace. I wrestled (a lot) with his discussion of forgiveness, though, and it comes down to the question of “is forgiveness really complete, or really forgiveness, without repentance?” Having been in contexts where “forgiveness” has been a means of exploiting others, unclear theologies of forgiveness are really difficult for me to untangle. I’m glad I stuck with the book, though, because there was much that was challenging and comforting.

One downside was that, in my opinion, a majority of the footnotes should not have been included. I found them to be distracting, especially since some of the material in the chapters jumps from topic to topic already.

[Doug Addington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole new revelation of the cross of Jesus

I SO enjoyed this look at the last words of our Lord in light of a man who is just like you and me. So life-like and realistic. So true to himself, so deep and convicting, yet SO hope filled and encouraging.....
I cried so many times as I saw myself in Josh's words, experiences, and wisdom. It has given me a whole new perspective on the work of the cross and the depth of love Jesus has for us. I will never look at the crucifixion the same again. Thank you Josh....may God bless you richly for this treasure He inspired you to share with us.

[Andrew Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read this book, I was carried through this book. Each page holds gems that I will reference to and hold in my understanding of Jesus forever. I can’t say I’ve ever read a memoir mixed with theological consideration, but dang.. not sure if this can be topped. Comprehensive for the new and mature believer in Christ. This is just as much an evangelistic tool as it is a deepening one. Thank you Josh.

[Ruth Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️🔥📣 for a book that I “stumbled” upon and wrestled through, like a feast I didn’t know I needed. Have never heard of the author so I explored the content very cautiously. Will re-read again in time to dive deeper into some chapters that introduced newer ideas Im not quite familiar with/sure about yet.

[Brett Balsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully and well written book. Very impactful, cuts to the heart, shoots straight. A must read.

[Tim Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great combo of pointing to Jesus and personal memoir. Loved it.

[Meredith Hammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part memoir, part theology surrounding seven phrases Jesus said on the cross. Beautiful, honest, deep. I haven’t read a book quite like this before and I’m so glad I did.

[Craig Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've listened to Josh's music over the years and watched a few of his sermons, so I couldn't wait to read his first book. If you are familiar with his music, you will see a theme running through everything he creates - hope, grace, centering on the cross of Christ, forgiveness, and more.

The way he writes draws you in and as he makes each sentence come to life. You can tell there is so much thought and intention behind each word. His teaching on Jesus' last moments on the cross are spot on and eye opening to things we may have no considered before. This study was so good for me and one I will most likely reference in upcoming sermons.

What I love about the book, and what kept bringing me back with excitement, was Josh's transparency. Throughout the book there are chapters containing reflections on Josh's personal life that span from childhood up until now. You witness Josh wrestle with how to forgive his father. Truly wrestling with how to live like Jesus and how He forgave up until the last minutes of His life. You get to know Josh throughout the book, which makes the last chapters so real - it was the first time I've cried reading a book.

There's so much hope, honesty, encouragement, and truth wrapped up in the book. I can't wait for his next one!

[Isaac Josue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was well written and insightful. I think for people at different points of faith and life it will certainly hit differently. Had I picked this book up when I was new it my faith it just might have had me in tears.

Whites honesty, vulnerability, and exegesis of the cross is a beautiful mix that brings, what can often be boring theology, alive and can penetrate a readers heart. The themes we hear in church that “God loves us” or “God is gracious” can render us numb to their actual significance; Whites ability to help readers internalize the grace of God is the best part of the book

The layout could certainly use work, but if you feel inclined to read this book, I wouldn’t tell someone to pass on it. It might just not be the right season for me to read it

[Seth Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Josh does have some strong opinions (some I agreed with, some I wrestled with, and some--ultimately--I personally disagreed with) the message of his work is clear, consistent, and honest--there is nothing we can do to add to or take away from salvation; Jesus loves us and died for us in spite of us. The gospel has never been so clearly displayed than in the breaking down of the last words of Jesus on the cross. This book speaks provocatively, but not offensively, the hope of the gospel to a time of world history that desperately needs it. Not necessarily for the faint at heart, yet a masterpiece of gospel hope for the all people.

[Zachary Bemrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this a 5 star review because I just love Josh White. Josh White is the pastor of Door of Hope located in Portland, OR. I try and make it to Sundays when I am in town. Josh White always keeps it real and I would encourage ANYONE to look up his teachings on YouTube. He always spits fire and his love for The Lord and people is tangible. Oh, yea and did I mention that he is also an incredible song writer with the most beautiful voice. Dude is a TOTAL G. He is tatted up and rocks a gold tooth. Josh White is very much authentically and unapologetically himself (something worth emulating). I was so happy to find out that he had taken pen to paper and released his first book.

Stumbling Toward Eternity is a raw, intimate and unfiltered look into Josh’s life with a emphasis on Father wounds. Unfortunately, I have my own father wounds so this one felt personal. Although, my father wounds are very much different than his, it was still comforting to listen to another man be so vulnerable. I have learned in my own life that vulnerability is POWERFUL and MOVING. It can make our suffering well worth the pain endured. I count it all a blessing.

Ongoing forgiveness as well as radical grace are the main themes I took away from my reading but the book is broken up into 7 topics: Judgment & Forgiveness, Division & Acceptance, Heartbreak & Comfort, Abandonment & Communion, Suffering & Satisfaction, End & Beginning and Surender & Rest. I shan’t go any further for the sake of spoilers.

This is a great book for those exploring Jesus but also for the seasoned believer. No one is perfect. Everyone falls short. Grace is a gift. Salvation by works is a ladder that is impossible to climb. Thank you Jesus for the debt paid. I highly recommend giving this a read. Super short but powerful. I would also strongly recommend listening to Josh’s music library. He truly has an incredible gift.

I will leave you with Josh’s most beloved phrase. “Even on your worst day, Jesus is crazy about you!”

[Matt Reser · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.9 stars.

White combines personal memoir with deep theological reflection on the crucifixion to present a hope filled picture of the gospel that does not shy away from the mystery and the paradox of life on this side of eternity. White divides his work into seven chapters which correlate to the seven last words of Jesus from the cross: The Cross of Judgement and Forgiveness, The Cross of Division and Acceptance, The Cross of Heartbreak and Comfort, The Cross of Abandonment and Communion, The Cross of Suffering and Satisfaction, The Cross of the End and The Beginning, The Cross of Surrender and Rest. Within the chapters there are two types of meditations: theological reflections centering on the words of Jesus from the cross and memoir, what White calls fragments. The memoir focus on White's struggle to love his broken father in his brokenness. While I don't agree with everything that White says in his theological reflections-as he has some very hot takes-it's clear that White deeply loves Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This book made me cry more then once, and filled me with the hope that even on my worst day that God loves me more then I can imagine. Simply put, you need to read this book.

[Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember coming across ‘Stumbling Toward Eternity’ (what a captivating title) on someone’s Instagram story earlier this year, but it wasn’t until I heard Josh White’s recent sermon on the Bridgetown Church podcast that I knew I had to read it. Damn that man can preach!

Although I must admit that it was a little hard to get into at the very start, I was soon hooked and it just got better and better. So much so that this book has easily become a favourite. I just finished it before writing this and my cheeks are still damp. What I loved most about this book is how White was able to seamlessly interweave his memoir throughout the theological commentary on the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross. As someone who loves autobiographies, I looked forward to reading each of the memoir fragments that gives the reader a candid insight into White’s personal life (especially into his complex relationship with his father). This book is also a salient reminder of the profundity of the seven last words of our crucified Saviour on the cross.

What a beautiful book written by someone you can tell has such a pastoral heart for God’s flock who all find themselves stumbling toward eternity.

[Gustavo Maldonado · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, it has great perspective towards life more than eternity, I know that’s paradoxically with the title, but I stand by it.
I’m giving the book 3 stars because it doesn’t have coherence with his statement of the 7th words of the cross, to me the author covers wayyyy to many topics without focusing on one topic at the time
It was an enjoyable lecture? Yes. But it’s way too preachy, I understand the many feelings that the gospel represent, and how it constantly battles our emotions but he needs to let go of the repetitive topic of his father.
Coming from a broken marriage with a distant father the truth is that at some point you need to forgive and forget, I think he did none of those since he clearly goes back and forth with the resentment towards his past.
I would not call this book “theological” this is the memoir, the diary of a believer.
I also thing the length the creation of this book caused a incoherence in the order of his ideas, he has too much content in just one book, focusing on way too many things without closing up with a clear statement

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He was abandoned so that we could belong.”

I read this book in one day, which is probably a record for me. The book starts out as a mix between Josh’s coming of age story, and Jesus’ final sayings on the cross. By the end of the book it becomes evident though, that it wasn’t really Josh’s story, but his fathers, and how Jesus’s work on the cross and his fathers life is one long connected story which transcends millennia. It was a easy to read book, with insightful moments and quotes that took me by surprise. I was glad I read it.

[Tara-Lee Oostenbrug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, once I started reading I couldn’t really stop.

“The pilgrimage of Jesus into the depths of our lost state was an invasion of the love of God itself that has come to set the captives -you and me-free. His cross is His victory over sin, death, and the dominions of darkness. His cross is our door of hope and the continual reminder that the best is yet to come”.

[Stephen Carminati · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely insightful, emotional and amazing read!

Nothing I can say here will do this work and the bared heart of this writer any justice at all except to say, thank you Josh for your courage and transparency to share all that you shared here and thank you Lord Jesus for how you have used and continue to use this Brother for Your glory!

[Marcus W. C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good Holy Week read, but more of a memoir of Josh White's than a theology book. A really good reminder of truths but no new thoughts for me. Although, the story of his life is really touching and relevant.

[Lydia Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One of the great principles of scriptures, is that God places dreams in our hearts that must die before they can be brought to fruition. I have often said that, at least in my own experience, God gives us what we want— in a way we never could’ve imagined— only when we no longer need it.”

[Dorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man... this book is such a good friend- one who doesn't shy away from calling you out but does so with such humility, always pointing you towards Jesus. So unpretentious and honest. So loving and pure.

[Nikki Hatzakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a warm hug. It’s a blessing to be invited into the life and experiences of others, and even more to see someone so sweetly tie their difficulties back to the cross. Just the right read at just the right time. ❤️

[Jennifer Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this artist’s music. It has a depth that resonates and so does his writing. He centers his book on the person of Jesus and the centrality of the cross in our faith. His personal story that’s woven throughout is a moving testimony of the transformative power of loving Jesus.

[j.j · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book! throughout most of the read, it felt like we were having a conversation.

[Lacey Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good content although his writing style was a little hard to follow at times…and perhaps the layout with so many footnotes.😅

Loved his story and how Jesus was the center!

[Jake Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Messiah has won. There is grace. Best summary I can given. Extremely moving book about life, the cross, grace and everything in between.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to earth and honest. Makes me want to listen to more of his music.

[Caleb Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

It is rare to find a Christian writer who takes both the craft of writing and Christ seriously. In this book, Joshua Alexander White does that so well.

White is raw, honest, and poetic. At times I found myself chuckling, in tears, and left with a deeper awe at the scandalous grace of Christ.

White gives language to the pain, incongruence, and hope found on this journey called following Jesus. Every young Christian needs to read this book.

[Amos Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I cried at the end