Run Over By the Grace Train: How the Unstoppable Love of God Transforms Everything

by Joby Martin, Charles Martin (primary_contributor)

Encountering the incomparable, immeasurable grace of Jesus is like getting run over by a freight train: you’re powerless against it, it takes you where it wants to, you can’t do anything to stop it, and it dramatically changes everything. The grace train is the most powerful thing in the universe and also the most beautiful. Grace is one of the most important concepts in Christianity, also it’s also one of the most misunderstood, misapplied, and most abused. Run Over By the Grace Train explores the topic of what it is, how we receive it, and how it changes absolutely everything about us. In this deep, spiritually rich book, Joby Martin offers nine key lessons central to understanding God’s grace as the central theme of the Christian life. Joby helps readers dig deep into scripture and understand that we are saved by grace alone, grace can’t be lost, grace does not condemn, and the sinner and the saint both need God’s powerful grace in equal measures.   Deep, rich, and life-changing, this book written in Joby’s characteristic straight-talk, wry style that entertains as it teaches. Run Over by the Grace Train is an ultimately encouraging, inspiring, and fulfilling look at the power of God’s grace.  

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

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Aleigha (LeighLee) Marie✞❀❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encountering the incomparable, immeasurable grace of Jesus is like getting run over by a freight train: you’re powerless against it, it takes you where it wants to, you can’t do anything to stop it and it dramatically changes everything. The grace train is the most powerful thing in the universe and also the most beautiful.

Grace is one of the most important concepts in Christianity, it’s also one of the most misunderstood, misapplied and most abused. Run Over By the Grace Train explores the topic of grace: what it is, how we receive it and how it changes absolutely everything about us. In this deep, spiritually rich book, Joby Martin offers nine key lessons central to understanding God’s grace as the central theme of the Christian life. Joby helps readers dig deep into scripture and understand that we are saved by grace alone, grace can’t be lost, grace does not condemn and the sinner and the saint both need God’s powerful grace in equal measures.

Deep, rich and life-changing, this book written in Joby’s characteristic straight-talk style that entertains as it teaches. Run Over by the Grace Train is an ultimately encouraging, inspiring, and fulfilling look at the power of God’s grace.

[Terri McElrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preordered this upcoming book by Joby Martin, lead pastor of the Church of Eleven22, and received an advance copy electronically on netgalley.com. I have to say, even though I have read the book already, I am still greatly anticipating receiving my copy in the mail. I am the type of person to highlight key passages, and mark up books like this because they speak to my life, and how I am living it.

This book started off explaining what grace is, and how when we get run over by the grace train, we should look different than we did before. Honestly, that part was simply a bit of a reminder for me, as I accepted the grace of Jesus Christ years ago. But it is always good to look back and remember what we were like before Christ walked into our lives.

Joby Martin goes on to talk about forgiveness, anger, making amends, and so many other things. Each chapter hit a spot in my soul that needed to be hit, even those spots that I didn't realize I needed to work on. I am still a work in progress, and thankfully there is more grace in Jesus than sin in me.

When this book becomes available in mid-September 2024, pick up a copy! You will be glad you did!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genres: Nonfiction/Religion

I liked this one more than another one that I read by this same author. He seems to be very singular in focus which is something I appreciate especially when it comes to short books.

Now with that said, I got the feeling the author was singing his way is the only way and other churches were deeply disconnected. That just widens the great divide and the US is currently steeped in so much of that.

This was probably in the 3 star range for me but I loved the personal stories in this one and I loved the way he talked about Jesus and His role in our lives. I always love to hear a sincere POV. So 4 stars.

[Anne Cook calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joby Martin and Charles Martin did it again. They present the truth of the gospel chapter after chapter in ways that are relatable, clear, and through tears and laughter I ended up on my knees in awe that Jesus saved me. Their use of constant bible references allows the reader to constantly be reminded that this is not just a good story, it’s the truth of the Bible.
I have known Jesus my whole life and I grew up in church and youth group. I was taught that my good behavior made God happy, and my sin made God mad. I grew up feeling that God’s mood was determined by my behavior. This book reminds me that “Jesus plus nothing equals salvation”. My behavior is in response to God’s love end approval of me, not the other way around.
I highly recommend this book!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joby Martin does a fantastic job of not only explaining what grace is… what it means … but also how we receive it. He takes scripture and applies it with his own experience to bring it to todays world examples and promote understanding how scripture applies to us, how it is living and true. He writes in a way that is approachable and conversational. I felt like I was sitting across from him in a loving room hearing him speak. Definitely makes the massive concept of grace more understandable and applicable. Something to receive- not to be earned.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

““Um… Joby, this is the 1,122nd time you’ve fallen. My patience is at an end. You have run beyond my Grace.” NOPE. He won’t ever say that. Why? Well, to quote my friend Charles, “There is more Grace in Jesus than sin in us.” You should write that down. It’s true. And it matters. A lot.” NOW GO GRAB THIS BOOK!!

Pastor Job does a great job of explaining how Grace impacts us all, why it is given to us, and the importance for us all to realize it is a gift often gratefully given and yet hard to receive. In his book, Run Over by the Grace Train, Pastor Job puts in very clear language why Grace had to happen from the Cross of Jesus.

I used to sit around group tables and very harshly criticize myself and my life in generally. I would often claim that I probably had a specific spot reserved for me in a place that no one wants to ever be in. After reading Run Over by the Grace Train I can hear Pastor Joby saying to me, “You know why you think that? Because you make a terrible god.” Those words have resonated so deeply into me that I no longer live in fear, and I know I have been save by a holy and righteous God through his son, Jesus, and I have Pastor Joby to thank for unpacking these emotions for me through his very approachable unpacking of the Gospel.

Pastor Joby meets us where we are in this book. He is relatable, and not proud. In fact, in many chapters, he uses his testimony to unpack why he too needs Grace. He does not point the finger at the reader without pointing to himself also, or even first for that matter. His message is not about YOU. The message is about him, us, and a holy and merciful God who can carry all of our burdens. One of my favorite lines from chapter two is, “The problem is not that you or I tell lies. It’s that we are liars. The heart of the problem is that we have a heart problem… sin in our life… our minds… our motives…” Pastor Joby relentlessly walks through this journey with us side-by-side with constant reminders that regardless of who we are, where we have been, and what we have done Jesus paid it all and none of us are so far lost that our Father is not coming after us, but in fact our Father is running full speed ahead on a rescue mission to let us know the battle is over and the victory has been won.

I used to feel like I could never be good enough for Heaven. There were days that I thought I had to try harder, and keep trying harder, and when I tried harder there was still something or someplace on the other side that I still had to accomplish to earn my way into Heaven. I felt like there was no way that Jesus was enough, right? As Pastor Joby reminds us, here was the only perfect person to ever live, to ever walk the Earth, to ever avoid life’s temptations… and we killed him. We hung him to a cross, but he had to. That was his purpose. There was no other way. The cup could not pass. That is incredibly heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. That nothing I could ever do could equal the amount of love poured out on the cross, and I HAD to quit keeping score because Jesus already won the game for us.

Ephesians 2:8 says. “For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of work, so that no one may boast.” When we feel like we don’t deserve it, or even when there are times we feel like we can earn, Pastor Joby uses Run Over by the Grace Train to remind us all, and him too, that Jesus paid it all for us.

[Utah Kershner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Joby Martin does an incredible job laying out the reality of the grace that God has lavished upon us. Joby is not only a gifted speaker and teacher of God’s word, but his writing is equally as captivating. I listened to this book on audio because Joby was reading it. He’s a gifted communicator, a brilliant explainer, and also just really funny. He knows how to help people understand scripture and theology in such a bite sized way while not compromising the fullness of the concepts he’s explaining, Joby helps us understand how God’s grace changes everything about everything about everything. He walks through how we receive God’s grace, what it means for us, and why God has lavished it upon us. He does this all in his witty, southern way. I couldn’t recommend this book more.

[Nate Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grace Train is a great book for those that struggle with their past/present self and wondering how God could love them, and even more difficult, forgive them, without any works of theirs to justify the grace. Early in the book it is a great reminder and foundation for me that the grace of Jesus, (forgiveness, paid-debt) with no strings attached, counted for me out of His love for his image bearers and children. Furthermore, once I accepted the grace offered by God, it counted for me and cannot be lost. I can't lose my faith because Jesus can't lose me. The most impactful chapters for me were in the second half of the book, Chapters 7 and 8; "Grace Forgives" and "Grace is Slow to Anger" respectively.
My takeaway from these chapters is that as Jesus forgave us, we must forgive others as well. If we weren't forgiven by Jesus, then we would all be in serious trouble, so why would we not forgive others?

[Tj Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and recommend for anyone in any stage of life. Joby simplistically explains the incredible Grace of God

[Kay Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all that I knew it would be. Pastor Joby has a way of taking things I’ve heard my whole life and unpackaging something new and with a much deeper meaning that I had before! Grace is a favorite subject; it’s what we all crave, need, and have through the Father. You wanna dig deeper on the subject, read this book. Plus….he writes just like he talks deep, witty, funny….he keeps you turning the pages.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought about the title of this book a lot and tried to visualize literally being run over by a train. Stick with me for a minute here, as we take just a second to conjure that kind of image in our minds. Surely, we would know the train was coming, right? How could we not, considering how loud, mighty and massive it is, as it barrels towards us, horn blaring and lights flashing while the earth quakes and clacks beneath us? But the reality is, we don’t necessarily see or hear it coming. In fact, we are reminded in Joby’s wonderfully personal style of writing (like he’s talking directly to you), that we should be praying for it to find us and run over us daily.

When the train-hitting imagery came in, it created an overwhelming and crushing feeling and - ultimately for me personally - a sense of fear. Why would I want this to happen to me? Do I really desire to be slammed into and swept away by a prevailing power beyond my comprehension? (Spoiler alert, the answer is “ABSOLUTELY YES”). We actually do want this to happen to us; in fact, we should pray for it every day if it hasn’t happened yet. In this latest book, Joby calls the Grace of Jesus the “most undeniable powerful force I’ve ever encountered”, and that, my friends, sounds a whole lot like a train…slamming into someone, right?

In the prologue, my favorite Christian writer, C.S. Lewis is mentioned in a famous story told about students pontificating at Oxford. When Lewis is asked by them, what sets Christianity apart from all other religions, he writes one word on a chalkboard, “Grace”. So, if we’re literally runover by the “Grace Train”, as described in the beginning of the book by a little mosquito getting swept up on an enormous train, what does that Grace look like for us, and how does it change everything about everything in our lives?

As I continued to read, my heart leapt at the title for Chapter 2, “Grace Can’t Be Lost. And Neither Can You.” The idea that the unearned Grace God has given me through Jesus’ death and resurrection, can’t be lost and that I can’t be lost because Jesus always has me, hit me in profound ways. It was a “wow” moment for my heart! And, if I truly believe this, down deep in the scary, anxiety riddled places of my soul, the greatest fears in my life begin to be tested and even conquered, as I bring them to Jesus.

The book reminds us that we absolutely can’t earn God’s Grace. We’re wayyyy to broken for that. God’s Grace is a gift that sanctifies us and grounds us, while also offering us freedom over our fears, our brokenness and the daily livings of life that consistently submerge us. The joy of being overwhelmed enough by Grace to be engulfed by something you didn’t earn, and you can’t lose, brought me comfort… and then it brough me the excitement to keep reading. I found myself mouthing the words “Amen” and “thank you” so many times during my reading.

I also particularly appreciated Joby asking me to pray with him at the end of every chapter. I prayed these prayers repeatedly each night as I wound down a chapter.

Finally, the mantra I now use each morning as I pray, is boldly proclaimed in the title of Chapter 3, “There is more Grace in Jesus than sin in all of mankind for all time”. Thank God! Amen! After reading “Run Over by the Grace Train”, my only question is…where’s the best place to stand for maximum impact? Bless you, Joby and Charles!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed full of scripture but presented in such a way that all people can relate to it. The analogy of the impact of Christ on our lives being compared to encountering a locomotive is a powerful visualization (take if from someone who worked for the railroad industry for 10 years).

“Many of you feel shame and condemnation and you need to stand on the tracks and let the train run over you on its way to glory. You need to receive the Grace of Jesus.”
After you are run over by the Grace Train the old you is dead and you are no longer defined by the scars of your past, but by the love of Jesus who gave up his life, so that you could live.

Each chapter ends with an earnest, heartfelt prayer that gives the reader a glimpse into an intimate and personal conversation with God.

It also contains many examples taken directly from the Bible of people like Peter and David who were not perfect people and made many mistakes in their lives but came to realize of the magnitude of God’s forgiveness. Chapter 5 quotes David’s prayer “Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10) Which Joby explains as “God, I need to be different. I need you to change my wants and change my desires and do something for me in here that I can’t do for myself. You see, it’s not enough for me to be sorry. I need to be different.”

That is what we need. Not just forgiveness, but transformation, so we don’t continue to go on being controlled by our sinful nature and repeating the same mistakes.

Read this book and reach a fuller understanding of what it means to truly accept God’s grace.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Biblical setting applied to modern day living
Genre: Spiritual Growth; Christian Nonfiction; Theology; Christian Living

Run Over by the Grace Train by Joby Martin is a powerful, eye-opening exploration of one of Christianity’s most central—but often misunderstood—truths: God’s grace. With clarity, humility, and his signature straight-talk style, Martin tackles the deep questions we all wrestle with: What is grace? How do we receive it? And how does it truly change us?

Through nine insightful lessons, Martin masterfully unpacks the profound reality that we are saved by grace alone—no strings, no earning, no exceptions. His explanation that grace can’t be lost and doesn’t condemn is both reassuring and challenging, inviting readers to rest in God’s unchanging love while also confronting the areas where we misunderstand or misapply His mercy.

What I appreciated most was how Martin holds nothing back, reminding us that grace is not just for the “sinner out there” but equally essential for the saint sitting in the pew. This book is rich with scriptural depth but presented in an approachable, often witty tone that keeps you engaged and reflective from start to finish.

Run Over by the Grace Train is not just a book to read—it’s a truth to live by. Whether you’re new to faith or a seasoned believer, this is a must-read that will deepen your understanding of grace and leave you both comforted and challenged in all the best ways. Highly recommended! #runoverbythegracetrain #booked_this_weekend

[Joy Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace that doesn’t CHANGE you doesn’t SAVE you.

"The enemy tries to slap condemned on you like you're going to wear this around for the rest of your life, because he wants you to be defined by your scars. Well, Jesus came and died on a cross, and He's got his own scars, and He wants you to be defined by His."

"There is more Grace in Jesus than sin in you. You can't out-sin His Grace."

Joby Martin has such a heart for sharing the good news of the gospel with any and everyone who will listen; you can see that play out on each page of this incredible book. Every chapter is filled with heart warming and hilarious anecdotes that help readers wrap their hearts and minds around the unbelievable, unimaginable gift of grace. This book is an open invitation for non-believers and a welcome reminder to those of us who may have developed a bit of gospel amnesia. How quickly our hearts forget what was done for us up on Golgotha. The truth of the scriptures that Joby unpacks in this book are as relevant today as they were 2,000+ years ago when they were written, and it was so refreshing to hear those truths declared proudly. I cannot wait to share this resource with all of my friends and family.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on the grace of Jesus was a powerful and refreshing reminder for me. Growing up, I didn’t often hear about the love and grace of Jesus, and this book brought those beautiful truths to life in a way that felt both personal and profound. The author captured the heart of grace—the unmerited favor we receive from Jesus—not because of what we do, but because of His love for us.

One of the things I appreciated most was how relatable and easy to understand the writing is. The author’s style is warm and conversational, making deep theological truths accessible to anyone, whether you’re new to the concept of grace or have walked with Jesus for years. Sprinkled throughout the book are moments of humor that keep the tone light and engaging, without ever detracting from the depth of the message.

This book was not only a great reminder but also an invitation to rest in the freedom that comes with God’s grace. It showed me again that grace isn’t just a distant theological concept, but a daily gift from Jesus that transforms our lives. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to reconnect with or better understand the boundless love and grace of Christ.

[April Spaniol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joby Martin, along with Charles Martin (not related), has done it again with this, his third book! This one is about the amazing grace of our Lord and Savior. There’s nothing we can do to earn it. It’s a gift given to us by the good Lord. Don't make light of it, though. Gods love is big and mighty and His grace is, too. And when you receive it, it really is like being swept up in the might of a speeding train!! Joby loves the Lord and His Word and you can always see that in his writing. His stories of Gods grace in his own life, along with the stories he told of witnessing to others about Gods love and grace in public places, simply draws the reader in and gives clearer understanding of what grace really is. We love because He first loved us. He had me laughing, and even crying, when I found myself recalling times of Gods grace in my own life. Buy the book, you will love it! And don’t forget to buy extra ones to share because you won’t want to part with your copy.

[Grace Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook, and Joby’s voice makes it even better — funny, down-to-earth, and the prayers after each chapter I really enjoyed. The epilogue was incredibly moving.

The sections on forgiveness and anger stood out for me, showing how grace works in these parts of our lives. And the story of Peter: he literally keeps messing up, yet none of his failures exceed God’s calling on his life. A perfect example of how grace restores and empowers, rather than condemns.

“I promise you, there's more grace in Jesus than sin in you, and He wants you, and He's not disappointed to choose you.”

Highly recommend for anyone seeking to truly understand what grace means, reflect on how it shapes our lives, and meditate on the transformative power of the gospel and how it really all points back to grace.

[Jeanne Damrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joby Martin unpacks scripture in a way that will make you have a much deeper understanding of God's great love for his people. Some of the stories made me laugh like crazy, others made me grab a box of tissues but his style of writing relates to everyone. The book helped me look at people differently, through God's eyes not my own. It also helps me to fully understand my own sin and because of God's Grace He sent His own son as a propitiation to reconcile us to Him. Many of the things I have struggled to understand in my Christian walk were explained so beautifully. The Gospel is the centerpiece of this great book and I pray it will be as life changing to everyone who reads it as it was for me.

[Ethan D Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in a series of excellent books that are easy to follow as they paint the picture of God's grace and the salvation we receive through Christ.

Every time I read a book by Joby Martin, I can't help but want to give this book to an unbeliever and say "read this, you'll understand Christianity really well if you read this, you may even convert."

Run Over By The Grace Train does a great job of describing our brokenness, our hopelessness, our sin. BUT alongside that reality, it shows how completely and utterly FORGIVEN we are when accept the free gift of salvation that was made available to us through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Where sin abounds, God's grace abounds evermore." -Romans 5:20

[Lisa Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joby Martin is the pastor of my church and he does an amazing job explaining the Bible to those of us who struggle with the meaning of some verses. He uses his own experiences or relatable things to give examples of what Jesus means and by using these references we are able to think back on them when we encounter a situation in which we need to hear God’s word. Joby explains what the Gospel means and how God’s grace covers all our sin. Being raised Catholic, I never really understood the Bible and I’ve read all Joby’s books and have gotten so much from them. He has helped me deepen my relationship with God and get through the loss of my father.

[Wendy Grobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Run Over by the Grace Train* by Joby Martin is a powerful and uplifting book that explores the transformative nature of God's grace. Martin uses engaging storytelling, humor, and biblical truth to illustrate how grace isn't just a theological concept but a life-changing force. He challenges readers to embrace the radical love of God and experience freedom from guilt and shame. Martin's down-to-earth writing style makes the book accessible and relatable, offering a refreshing perspective on grace that leaves readers feeling encouraged and deeply inspired. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's unconditional love. Love this book!!

[Roberta Banta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to know more about the Grace of God? Read this book!!!!! It's one of the best books I've ever read!!! Pastor Joby explains it so that anyone can understand it. And he has messages on his church's website that goes along with the book. There is something for everyone in this book. If you think you are too far gone for God's grace, read this book. One statement he repeats throughout the book is "There is more grace in God, than sin in you". Hallelujah!! This will be one that I read again, I'm sure.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like his other two books, Pastor Joby Martin has again made the sometimes difficult to understand Bible so much clearer. His use of everyday examples, comparisons and stories helps the reader understand God's word, His Grace and His great love for us. And most importantly, for the non-believer it will answer so many questions about inadequacy, sin, and just being "Good enough" for God's Grace. Well done Pastor Joby!

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book, Run Over By The Grace Train.
Joby Martin has an amazing way of expressing the gospel in way you can understand and relate too. Joby Martin and Charles Martin wrote it in a way you that helps you understand the Gospel, and the grace of Jesus Christ is for everyone no matter what you have done. Helps the reader to see that are never too far gone to be run over by the grace of Jesus.

It is well worth a read for all.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! On Audible, it seemed like the author’s messages rather than him reading, and it was full of glory and truth. He expounded on several parables and stories of Jesus as He talked with people in the gospels. He brought the Bible to life, especially as it touched God’s grace, which is greater, and so so important! I will certainly read/listen to more of this author’s books!

[Suzanne Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the most profound writings about the grace of God with examples that leave you with permanent visions in your head. The stories Pastor Joby conveys to illustrate his points and move you to Jesus are life changing. I recommend this to any person struggling with shame, guilt, and a self-professed tarnished past... which is all of us. Read and watch how you are transformed by the Grace of God.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you would like an opportunity to hear what the Grace of God means in a real world application from someone who owns his human-ness, This is it. Also, if you’re a believer, I recommend reading it with an open heart and a reflectiveness in your own life to see where you need to accept more of God’s grace.

There were so many “ugh, ok. I hear you,” moments.It’s not a read it once type of book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book thoroughly explained Grace with bits of humor sprinkled in and lots of scripture to support the concept.

Chapter 7 “Grace Forgives” had a big impact on me. I have been to therapist and taken medication, but reading that Chapter gave me peace and the ability to really put the past behind me.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace upon grace for the 3rd book from Pastor Joby Martin. Reading this book was like having all of Pastor Joby’s sermons in one place. His message is full of faith and passion for our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I pray anyone looking for more in this life has the courage to pick this one up and see what a good, good Father you have pursuing you.

[Cody Speh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome and easy-to-read deep dive into what it means to have your life changed by the grace of God. It's helpful for Christans of all ages, and I think it would be especially helpful for someone new to the faith or seriously considering. Four stars because it can be a little repetitive, but the grace of God is worth hitting again and again.