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Stand Firm and Act Like Men: Becoming the Man You Were Created to Be Instead of Who the World Says You Are
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
From a bestselling author and pastor, a straight-talk, no-nonsense guide to becoming the man God calls you to be.
We’ve all seen the headlines. Masculinity is in crisis. Men are lost. What’s the matter with men? We are confused about what masculinity is and what roles men play in our culture.
Manhood, says Joby Martin, is harder than ever because we have forgotten what true masculinity looks like. Real, Biblical manhood is not about driving big trucks, having the biggest guns, or hunting the biggest buck. (Though he’s a big fan of all of those, truth be told.) True men of God surrender themselves before the cross, serve and lead their families, put on the full armor of God, and stand guard against the lies that threaten to tear our churches and our culture apart.
In this book, Pastor Joby walks through what the Bible means when it says, ‘be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and let all that you do be done in love’ (1 Corinthians 16:13). He guides readers through what scripture says about who men are, how they should act, and what it means to be a man in today’s culture, and he asks tough questions about how God calls men to respond.
Stand Firm and Act Like Men is a call for men to rediscover Biblical manhood in their churches and cities, and to love, serve, and support their families and one another.
From a bestselling author and pastor, a straight-talk, no-nonsense guide to becoming the man God calls you to be.
We’ve all seen the headlines. Masculinity is in crisis. Men are lost. What’s the matter with men? We are confused about what masculinity is and what roles men play in our culture.
Manhood, says Joby Martin, is harder than ever because we have forgotten what true masculinity looks like. Real, Biblical manhood is not about driving big trucks, having the biggest guns, or hunting the biggest buck. (Though he’s a big fan of all of those, truth be told.) True men of God surrender themselves before the cross, serve and lead their families, put on the full armor of God, and stand guard against the lies that threaten to tear our churches and our culture apart.
In this book, Pastor Joby walks through what the Bible means when it says, ‘be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and let all that you do be done in love’ (1 Corinthians 16:13). He guides readers through what scripture says about who men are, how they should act, and what it means to be a man in today’s culture, and he asks tough questions about how God calls men to respond.
Stand Firm and Act Like Men is a call for men to rediscover Biblical manhood in their churches and cities, and to love, serve, and support their families and one another.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 9, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy*
I came in with an open mind and no expectations, but I must say, I was pretty disappointed.
The biggest issue I have with this book is its views that are mostly in bible literalism/inerrancy, whereas I and statistically most people who read the bible understand it to be God-inspired yet is influenced by the cultural, historical, and linguistic context that can have more than one interpretation. I say ‘mostly’ because the author makes clear that he’s aware that the bible is full of metaphors and that he has personal interpretations and conclusions from the text.
Unless the reader agrees that there is only one way of understanding and studying the bible, the book itself will offer little. There’s portions regarding women that come across as patronizing. Instead of focusing on how men should uplift and respect women as *people*, it focuses on reinforcing archetypes that women are ‘made’ to be; An honorable subordinate, or temptress.
When the advice to men is that they shouldn’t even be alone in a room with a woman they’re not married to, the undertone is 1. Any interaction with a woman will conclude in something sexual 2. Men are inevitable perverts unless Jesus stands in the way. As a married man, I find it not only insulting, but also impractical advice to men who are having real issues seeing women as toys instead of human beings.
A lot of Christian men have issues with infidelity, abuse, and hyper-sexualization, and it’s not because they’re praying wrong- It’s because they’re failing to humanize the women in their lives in a setting that often tells them that women, in a way, belong to them.
This is emboldened to me by the fact Matt Chandler was mentioned positively despite the ongoing allegations of employees being fired for whistleblowing on abuse. Men should be held accountable for their baggage and actually be shown the resources to unpack that instead of assuming a verse from Paul’s letter to be all the strength they need.
Mirroring this, there’s little offered to men who don’t fit into the mould of ‘married to a woman, has kids with her’. There’s a blurb in the opening addressing men who may be single/without kids/not hyper-masculine, but outside of a few exercises or bits of advice, the rest is ‘bootstraps’ pep-talk. This book is for a very specific kind of man, and even then I’d hesitate to point them to this book as opposed to other religious books for men.
There is some nuggets of truth and practical pep-talk in the book, but it’s sandwiched between scripture analysis that moves at a glacial pace and comparing trans people existing to the Rwandan genocide (yes, really).
Giving advice that might sound corny is one thing, but needing to put down others with a sense of smugness and contempt is another. I’m sure there are books for Christian men that can empower and guide, but this one isn’t it.
I came in with an open mind and no expectations, but I must say, I was pretty disappointed.
The biggest issue I have with this book is its views that are mostly in bible literalism/inerrancy, whereas I and statistically most people who read the bible understand it to be God-inspired yet is influenced by the cultural, historical, and linguistic context that can have more than one interpretation. I say ‘mostly’ because the author makes clear that he’s aware that the bible is full of metaphors and that he has personal interpretations and conclusions from the text.
Unless the reader agrees that there is only one way of understanding and studying the bible, the book itself will offer little. There’s portions regarding women that come across as patronizing. Instead of focusing on how men should uplift and respect women as *people*, it focuses on reinforcing archetypes that women are ‘made’ to be; An honorable subordinate, or temptress.
When the advice to men is that they shouldn’t even be alone in a room with a woman they’re not married to, the undertone is 1. Any interaction with a woman will conclude in something sexual 2. Men are inevitable perverts unless Jesus stands in the way. As a married man, I find it not only insulting, but also impractical advice to men who are having real issues seeing women as toys instead of human beings.
A lot of Christian men have issues with infidelity, abuse, and hyper-sexualization, and it’s not because they’re praying wrong- It’s because they’re failing to humanize the women in their lives in a setting that often tells them that women, in a way, belong to them.
This is emboldened to me by the fact Matt Chandler was mentioned positively despite the ongoing allegations of employees being fired for whistleblowing on abuse. Men should be held accountable for their baggage and actually be shown the resources to unpack that instead of assuming a verse from Paul’s letter to be all the strength they need.
Mirroring this, there’s little offered to men who don’t fit into the mould of ‘married to a woman, has kids with her’. There’s a blurb in the opening addressing men who may be single/without kids/not hyper-masculine, but outside of a few exercises or bits of advice, the rest is ‘bootstraps’ pep-talk. This book is for a very specific kind of man, and even then I’d hesitate to point them to this book as opposed to other religious books for men.
There is some nuggets of truth and practical pep-talk in the book, but it’s sandwiched between scripture analysis that moves at a glacial pace and comparing trans people existing to the Rwandan genocide (yes, really).
Giving advice that might sound corny is one thing, but needing to put down others with a sense of smugness and contempt is another. I’m sure there are books for Christian men that can empower and guide, but this one isn’t it.
October 14, 2025
This is not just a book for men. It’s also for if you’re married to a man, hoping to raise a boy into a biblical man, or a single woman wanting to know what she needs to look for in a man to biblically read her. This book is much needed in a world where the church can sometimes pander around the truth to their congregation. Laid out in a casual way you’ll feel like you’re just having a conversation with the pastor himself.
The final notes had me tears falling down my face laughing more than any book ever has.
A genuine must read.
The final notes had me tears falling down my face laughing more than any book ever has.
A genuine must read.
December 13, 2025
This book is… terrible. I forced myself to finish it but it’s such a toxic approach to being a Christian man.
According to this Greg Locke wannabe pastor, if you aren’t physically strong, acting like a real American man, and “humble” in a braggadocios way, you aren’t a real man. He’s the type of pastor that calls men wimps and demeans women, acting like it’s his style of humor.
And his view of scripture and the way he shares it, is just dead wrong. He twists scripture every chapter and his view of the trinity is laughable.
Do not read this book.
According to this Greg Locke wannabe pastor, if you aren’t physically strong, acting like a real American man, and “humble” in a braggadocios way, you aren’t a real man. He’s the type of pastor that calls men wimps and demeans women, acting like it’s his style of humor.
And his view of scripture and the way he shares it, is just dead wrong. He twists scripture every chapter and his view of the trinity is laughable.
Do not read this book.
September 18, 2025
Book Review:
Stand Firm and Act Like a Man by Joby Martin
Just finished reading Joby Martin’s powerful book, and I’ve got to say, it’s a must-read for any man serious about living out biblical masculinity in a world that desperately needs it.
Martin doesn’t pull punches. He calls men to stand firm in the faith, lead with courage, and love with conviction. As a Marine veteran, I found his message both convicting and refreshing. It’s not about chest-thumping, it’s about being anchored in Christ, leading with humility, and fighting the good fight for our families, churches, and communities.
Whether you're a young man trying to find your footing or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your edge, this book will challenge you to rise up and live like the man God designed you to be.
Favorite quote: “Biblical manhood isn’t about being macho, it’s about being meek, submitted, and strong in the Lord.”
Highly recommend this for your next men’s group study or personal devotional time. Let’s raise up a generation of men who stand firm and act like men for the glory of God.
Stand Firm and Act Like a Man by Joby Martin
Just finished reading Joby Martin’s powerful book, and I’ve got to say, it’s a must-read for any man serious about living out biblical masculinity in a world that desperately needs it.
Martin doesn’t pull punches. He calls men to stand firm in the faith, lead with courage, and love with conviction. As a Marine veteran, I found his message both convicting and refreshing. It’s not about chest-thumping, it’s about being anchored in Christ, leading with humility, and fighting the good fight for our families, churches, and communities.
Whether you're a young man trying to find your footing or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your edge, this book will challenge you to rise up and live like the man God designed you to be.
Favorite quote: “Biblical manhood isn’t about being macho, it’s about being meek, submitted, and strong in the Lord.”
Highly recommend this for your next men’s group study or personal devotional time. Let’s raise up a generation of men who stand firm and act like men for the glory of God.
October 20, 2025
In an age with the hyper feminization of men and on the other extreme you have toxic masculinity, Joby breaks down how he see's scripture break down manhood and why its essentially for a heathy society. He calls out the unhealthy and sinful mindsets that men fall into that ultimately hurt themselves and the women around us.
Honest, convicting, and a clear scriptural analysis gives this a great breakdown on one of the most lost truths of this generation - what does it mean to be a man.
If we can get back what we have lost here, society will heal.
Honest, convicting, and a clear scriptural analysis gives this a great breakdown on one of the most lost truths of this generation - what does it mean to be a man.
If we can get back what we have lost here, society will heal.
October 10, 2025
Easily the best book on biblical masculinity I’ve ever read. The audible version was fantastic.
October 23, 2025
This book has A LOT of really good Gospel Truth and principles. That part of the book I really liked. However, it felt like the delivery and packaging of these Truths and principles was very poor. What the author claimed to be “boldness” and “directness” bordered on abrasiveness at times. And this is coming from someone (me) who is also very direct! It seems as though the author had very little grace for those who struggle to believe Truth in their hearts and apply the principles he was teaching. His language was often harsh and extreme. It felt like everything that was against what the author was saying was “stupid” or “dumb” or (my personal favorite) “a lie from the pit of Hell.” Now I agree with most, if not all, of what the author wrote, but I felt like he missed Colossians 4:6 - “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” I like Pastor Joby. I’ve listened to his podcast, and I think he is a very good teacher of the Word. This isn’t a bad book. I believe its teachings biblical manhood are great and much needed! I just think it can be discouraging rather than empowering for some who read it
October 12, 2025
Wow what a great book! I have heard of Joby Martin, but was unfamiliar with who he really was before this book. I was very attracted to the title of the book as a Christian man and wanted to see what he said. After reading books before with the same topic that were kind of surfacy with no real substance besides a few scriptures and some ideas, I thought this would be not different. I was wrong. Joby does a fantastic job of balancing out God's word with stories, examples, and many suggestions laying out how to live these truths in today's context. He is very honest and transparent with his life challenging the reader with hard truths but in a very gracious way..
The one point I really enjoyed was that "true men of God surrender themselves before the cross, serve and lead their families..." rather than turning manhood into some macho stereotype. That tension - strength rooted in humility, leadership rooted in service- is definitely one of the strongest threads throughout this book.
Nothing major I didn't like about this book. Some of the chapters seemed to run a little long and were repetitive. Also in the book, the author does address women in a few things he says but really doesn't offer anything with the female side of the conversation. This is really minor though and this book is one I will be purchasing and giving out to men I know to encourage them as I was. I also will now go back and read his other books.
Thank you to NetGallery and FaithWords for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
The one point I really enjoyed was that "true men of God surrender themselves before the cross, serve and lead their families..." rather than turning manhood into some macho stereotype. That tension - strength rooted in humility, leadership rooted in service- is definitely one of the strongest threads throughout this book.
Nothing major I didn't like about this book. Some of the chapters seemed to run a little long and were repetitive. Also in the book, the author does address women in a few things he says but really doesn't offer anything with the female side of the conversation. This is really minor though and this book is one I will be purchasing and giving out to men I know to encourage them as I was. I also will now go back and read his other books.
Thank you to NetGallery and FaithWords for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
December 17, 2025
A good book on manhood. It is heavy on personal story and so is longer than it needs to be, but applies scripture well to manhood and has good challenges and actions for you to do at the end of each chapter.
December 7, 2025
This is a book on manhood that every Christian man needs to read. It feels in some gaps that you didn’t know you had. Stand up, act like men, let all you do be done and love. If you heard Joby sermon series on this, you know much of the content of the book, but I would still get the book because you can digest it better than listening to a message.
January 1, 2026
Given the increased public awareness of transgenderism and homosexuality, I believe the church in America is wrestling with a question that not many have felt the need to ask before: "What does it mean to be a man?" This is not an objective fact: just a personal observation. Another observation is that people tend to land in one of two extremes: either deny the difference between men and women, or double down on the worst answer you could imagine. While Joby at one point claims to take a middle position, I believe he lands firmly in the latter camp, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mark Driscoll (not a compliment).
Take, for example, the following line from the introduction to the book: "How in the world did we go from the apostle Paul and William Wallace and John Wayne to what we have now?" (6). I won't quote the following line; you'll have to guess which gaggle of non-believers he picks on. The idolization of John Wayne by Christians is an idea explored in Kristen Kobes Du Mez's Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, but my personal realization while reading this book is that John Wayne isn't real. The characters he portrayed (and, by extension, the ideals with which he is most strongly associated) are fabrications from Hollywood. The real John Wayne married three times, divorced twice, separated once, a partook in numerous high-profile affairs during these marriage relationships. That's not at all what Joby wants for his readership, but that's the man he puts up on a pedestal. As for William Wallace, Joby brags about having a replica of his sword in his office, so I have reason to believe that Joby's familiarity with the figure begins and ends with the movie Braveheart (1995). After a quick Google search, I've been convinced that this movie is not very accurate. The sword in the movie isn't even accurate. I bring all this up because I think the sword replica is a striking image that perfectly captures what I believe to be Joby's idea of masculinity: a poor fabrication crafted by Hollywood. And the book is at its absolute worst when it embodies this fabrication: it's inconsistent, sexist, arrogant, and overly simplistic.
Inconsistent: Joby hammers home that the absolute inerrancy of the Bible is a non-negotiable, yet he has no problems with lies. The William Wallace and John Wayne that he knows are not real. Church attendance is not 10:1 female-to-male (no clue where he got this statistic). Divorce rates are not at an all-time high (they've been declining since the 80s). The author of the gospel of St. John is not Jesus' brother (not traditionally, that is). I don't think Joby is intentionally or nefariously trying to mislead his audience. I just think he sloppy and lazy in his writing. I also found his stances inconsistent. On one page he’s insulting people who don’t believe in Satan (blaming them), and on another he’s saying they are ensnared (victimizing them). He repeatedly says you don’t need to do “manly” things to be a man while also repeatedly bragging about some of his “manly” attributes. With all due respect, please make up your mind!
Sexist: Joby treats complementarianism as a non-negotiable, and that means gender roles from history are prescriptions for today (and you also shouldn't bother to ask if Leave It to Beaver is a Hollywood facsimile). Joby's call for men to step up and protect women relies on a repeated portrayal of women as helpless and in need saving (sort of like a damsel in distress). Men are defined by their relationship to God, and women are defined by their relationship to men. The cherry on top is on pg. 43, when Joby writes, "And ladies, track with me here. You were created to help. It's just in your nature to help. And believe me, your man needs lots of help." Fun fact: if you take this quote and replace the word "man" with "White people" and "ladies" with "Black people," you get an incredibly racist statement. It also wouldn't be far off from views that were held in earnest in 19th century America (you know, when slavery was ongoing). But I'm sure this disgusting imbalance of power is nowhere to be seen in the original statement on men and women. Instead, Joby assures the readers that designating the role of helper to women (and limiting women to that role) is not at all denigrating. I wish I had more to say, but I really do believe that, aside from the universal charge to be Christian, Joby's only other charge to men is to be protectors and leaders, which comes at the cost of female subordination.
[Side note: for those wondering about the Bible verses calling for female submission, I would like to remind you of the Bible verse that commands slaves to obey their masters (Eph. 6:5). No one I know takes this verse literally. The usual interpretation of this verse includes a highlighting of the differences between slavery in antiquity and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This is good, I agree with this, but why is this not extended to verses about female submission? Why is there no questioning of how women in antiquity were treated, and what cultural expectations were placed on them? It wasn't until I got to college that I learned that the Israelites were somewhat progressive for not reducing women to property and offering them some protections under Mosaic law. Given this, there might even be a biblical precedent to treat each other with more love and respect that those around us: to be more feminist and more anti-racist that the current culture. Alas! Joby and his ilk leave most verses to literal interpretation.]
Arrogant: Joby admits coming to this realization about himself in the 5th chapter (the book is nearly done at this point), but because he is a sloppy writer, he didn't go back to edit the preceding chapters. He left the two times he brags about having good grades in college, so good that he could go to medical school. He brags about his past as a body builder and his former physique. He brags about having a replica of William Wallace's sword from Braveheart on the wall of his office. At several points he calls people dumb, once for not believing the devil exists (the greatest trick he ever pulled...) and another time for not taking his discipleship advice. He also brags about his "gift" for confrontation, so maybe he doesn't see any of this as a negative.
Overly simplistic: I don't think Joby knows that transgenderism isn't a new concept or phenomenon. I don't think Joby has wrestled with how Klinefelter Syndrome or Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome affect our understanding of manhood. I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all definition for men. We live in time and at certain places, and the communities we find ourselves in have needs that are constantly changing. The world shifts a lot, and we Christians shift with it. With a rooted identity in Christ, I believe we are able to weather the storm and be lights to the lost and the sinking. I suspect, however, that Joby is part of a group of men in the world who struggle to be confident in their identity in Christ and choose to root their identity elsewhere. When rooting identity in manhood, they devise rigid definitions of masculinity, delineating a clear in-group and a clearer out-group, and reveling in their membership to the in-group. In his own podcast, while commenting on the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, Joby cautioned his listeners about trusting the interviewees who are not (or are no longer) Christians. For the author of a book about man's responsibility to step up, protect, and serve, it strikes me as odd that these protections are not extended to the victims of Mark Driscoll's sin (Joby goes on to praise Mark in the podcast). I leave it to you, reader, to guess who here is in the in-group, and who is left out.
To avoid being overly simplistic myself, I have to step away from my criticism and offer compliments. While uncommon, Joby would say things I agreed with or found powerful. I particularly agreed with his charge to men to swallow their pride and apologize for things they didn't do. As a marriage and family therapist, I think I can safely say that trying to correct your partner's perception of events does not foster emotional intimacy (read: makes things worse). I wrote the word "Moron" in the margins a few times across the book, but never once did that occur during a passage where he was essentially preaching the gospel. In fact, there's quite a few times when Joby strays from the "man" schtick and preaches a more general message. Those were more palatable and encouraging, but they also strayed from the focus of the book, which I would call sloppy if these sections weren't the only salvageable parts of the book. And that's where I want to end. Joby is clearly a competent preacher, and there is certainly good in this book that can be salvaged. There are principles here that can change your life. The problem is that these are not novel concepts. They are said elsewhere, in places you can find them without sloughing through a mire of sexism and arrogance.
Take, for example, the following line from the introduction to the book: "How in the world did we go from the apostle Paul and William Wallace and John Wayne to what we have now?" (6). I won't quote the following line; you'll have to guess which gaggle of non-believers he picks on. The idolization of John Wayne by Christians is an idea explored in Kristen Kobes Du Mez's Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, but my personal realization while reading this book is that John Wayne isn't real. The characters he portrayed (and, by extension, the ideals with which he is most strongly associated) are fabrications from Hollywood. The real John Wayne married three times, divorced twice, separated once, a partook in numerous high-profile affairs during these marriage relationships. That's not at all what Joby wants for his readership, but that's the man he puts up on a pedestal. As for William Wallace, Joby brags about having a replica of his sword in his office, so I have reason to believe that Joby's familiarity with the figure begins and ends with the movie Braveheart (1995). After a quick Google search, I've been convinced that this movie is not very accurate. The sword in the movie isn't even accurate. I bring all this up because I think the sword replica is a striking image that perfectly captures what I believe to be Joby's idea of masculinity: a poor fabrication crafted by Hollywood. And the book is at its absolute worst when it embodies this fabrication: it's inconsistent, sexist, arrogant, and overly simplistic.
Inconsistent: Joby hammers home that the absolute inerrancy of the Bible is a non-negotiable, yet he has no problems with lies. The William Wallace and John Wayne that he knows are not real. Church attendance is not 10:1 female-to-male (no clue where he got this statistic). Divorce rates are not at an all-time high (they've been declining since the 80s). The author of the gospel of St. John is not Jesus' brother (not traditionally, that is). I don't think Joby is intentionally or nefariously trying to mislead his audience. I just think he sloppy and lazy in his writing. I also found his stances inconsistent. On one page he’s insulting people who don’t believe in Satan (blaming them), and on another he’s saying they are ensnared (victimizing them). He repeatedly says you don’t need to do “manly” things to be a man while also repeatedly bragging about some of his “manly” attributes. With all due respect, please make up your mind!
Sexist: Joby treats complementarianism as a non-negotiable, and that means gender roles from history are prescriptions for today (and you also shouldn't bother to ask if Leave It to Beaver is a Hollywood facsimile). Joby's call for men to step up and protect women relies on a repeated portrayal of women as helpless and in need saving (sort of like a damsel in distress). Men are defined by their relationship to God, and women are defined by their relationship to men. The cherry on top is on pg. 43, when Joby writes, "And ladies, track with me here. You were created to help. It's just in your nature to help. And believe me, your man needs lots of help." Fun fact: if you take this quote and replace the word "man" with "White people" and "ladies" with "Black people," you get an incredibly racist statement. It also wouldn't be far off from views that were held in earnest in 19th century America (you know, when slavery was ongoing). But I'm sure this disgusting imbalance of power is nowhere to be seen in the original statement on men and women. Instead, Joby assures the readers that designating the role of helper to women (and limiting women to that role) is not at all denigrating. I wish I had more to say, but I really do believe that, aside from the universal charge to be Christian, Joby's only other charge to men is to be protectors and leaders, which comes at the cost of female subordination.
[Side note: for those wondering about the Bible verses calling for female submission, I would like to remind you of the Bible verse that commands slaves to obey their masters (Eph. 6:5). No one I know takes this verse literally. The usual interpretation of this verse includes a highlighting of the differences between slavery in antiquity and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This is good, I agree with this, but why is this not extended to verses about female submission? Why is there no questioning of how women in antiquity were treated, and what cultural expectations were placed on them? It wasn't until I got to college that I learned that the Israelites were somewhat progressive for not reducing women to property and offering them some protections under Mosaic law. Given this, there might even be a biblical precedent to treat each other with more love and respect that those around us: to be more feminist and more anti-racist that the current culture. Alas! Joby and his ilk leave most verses to literal interpretation.]
Arrogant: Joby admits coming to this realization about himself in the 5th chapter (the book is nearly done at this point), but because he is a sloppy writer, he didn't go back to edit the preceding chapters. He left the two times he brags about having good grades in college, so good that he could go to medical school. He brags about his past as a body builder and his former physique. He brags about having a replica of William Wallace's sword from Braveheart on the wall of his office. At several points he calls people dumb, once for not believing the devil exists (the greatest trick he ever pulled...) and another time for not taking his discipleship advice. He also brags about his "gift" for confrontation, so maybe he doesn't see any of this as a negative.
Overly simplistic: I don't think Joby knows that transgenderism isn't a new concept or phenomenon. I don't think Joby has wrestled with how Klinefelter Syndrome or Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome affect our understanding of manhood. I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all definition for men. We live in time and at certain places, and the communities we find ourselves in have needs that are constantly changing. The world shifts a lot, and we Christians shift with it. With a rooted identity in Christ, I believe we are able to weather the storm and be lights to the lost and the sinking. I suspect, however, that Joby is part of a group of men in the world who struggle to be confident in their identity in Christ and choose to root their identity elsewhere. When rooting identity in manhood, they devise rigid definitions of masculinity, delineating a clear in-group and a clearer out-group, and reveling in their membership to the in-group. In his own podcast, while commenting on the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, Joby cautioned his listeners about trusting the interviewees who are not (or are no longer) Christians. For the author of a book about man's responsibility to step up, protect, and serve, it strikes me as odd that these protections are not extended to the victims of Mark Driscoll's sin (Joby goes on to praise Mark in the podcast). I leave it to you, reader, to guess who here is in the in-group, and who is left out.
To avoid being overly simplistic myself, I have to step away from my criticism and offer compliments. While uncommon, Joby would say things I agreed with or found powerful. I particularly agreed with his charge to men to swallow their pride and apologize for things they didn't do. As a marriage and family therapist, I think I can safely say that trying to correct your partner's perception of events does not foster emotional intimacy (read: makes things worse). I wrote the word "Moron" in the margins a few times across the book, but never once did that occur during a passage where he was essentially preaching the gospel. In fact, there's quite a few times when Joby strays from the "man" schtick and preaches a more general message. Those were more palatable and encouraging, but they also strayed from the focus of the book, which I would call sloppy if these sections weren't the only salvageable parts of the book. And that's where I want to end. Joby is clearly a competent preacher, and there is certainly good in this book that can be salvaged. There are principles here that can change your life. The problem is that these are not novel concepts. They are said elsewhere, in places you can find them without sloughing through a mire of sexism and arrogance.
November 13, 2025
Decent book about Biblical manhood, albeit from a very basic popular perspective. Joby is good at explaining technical theological and Biblical concepts in very laymen terms, I can see this book being very effective for new converts or men who aren't avid readers, but a lot of this material is covered better in other books, such as Holiness by J.C Ryle, or Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, the latter of which Joby even admits he pulled from. Eldredge's book is often considered the quintessential biblical manhood book, and I agree, at least as a starting point. A main difference between John Eldredge and Joby's writing is that Eldredge is able to write to the common man without having to resort to pop culture references constantly and use modern slang to help make his points, which is by far the biggest problem of Joby's writing.
I probably won't read this again, but I'm glad I read it. I'm a fan of Joby Martin, even if I think he's a better podcast host/guest than a writer.
I probably won't read this again, but I'm glad I read it. I'm a fan of Joby Martin, even if I think he's a better podcast host/guest than a writer.
December 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, it is perhaps one of numerous books that I would recommend that every man read. Certainly, there are elements that one might disagree with (at least I did) but the overall challenge of the book for men is excellent. Using I Corinthians 16:13-14 as the foundation, Martin unpacks the command in a very straightforward, practical way. So straightforward that some might find it hard to handle. In a world where manhood has been under attack for decades, where much confusion exists about manhood, the author offers a very clear delineation of a challenge for all men who want to be God's kind of man. He begins with the question: "Where have all the good men gone?" It's a legitimate question for sure. Martin is simply setting the stage by showing that our society has a fundamental problem and the problem has now entered the church. He then moves into defining what is a man, followed by chapters that address being watchful, standing firm, being strong, and being loving. He ends with a challenge to men to stand firm and act like a man. His closing thoughts triggered a literal lol from me (sorry coffee shop patrons as you heard me laugh out loud). I didn't laugh because I thought his point was ridiculous but because his story was hilarious as he came to a concluding thought. There were so many strengths in the book. I appreciated his own confession of how he often comes up short in regards to the many points that he exhorts us men to put into place.
One of the weaknesses is early on and I found it most unfortunate that he had to bring into this excellent book, his enjoyment for alcohol (No, I don't think it is wrong for every believer to enjoy a social drink). When I read it, I thought, "Dude, you don't have to list that to sell this book. We counsel people/believers all the time whose lives are wrecked by alcohol. Enjoy it if you so choose. I'm just not sure it is helpful for you as a pastor to bring that out." Others might find the weakness in his straightforwardness but it is reasonable to me that in a world of confusion about manhood and in a church that is often feminized, a blunt treatment of Biblical manhood is just what the doctor ordered.
I highly recommend this book to you.
One of the weaknesses is early on and I found it most unfortunate that he had to bring into this excellent book, his enjoyment for alcohol (No, I don't think it is wrong for every believer to enjoy a social drink). When I read it, I thought, "Dude, you don't have to list that to sell this book. We counsel people/believers all the time whose lives are wrecked by alcohol. Enjoy it if you so choose. I'm just not sure it is helpful for you as a pastor to bring that out." Others might find the weakness in his straightforwardness but it is reasonable to me that in a world of confusion about manhood and in a church that is often feminized, a blunt treatment of Biblical manhood is just what the doctor ordered.
I highly recommend this book to you.
September 15, 2025
When I saw the title of this audiobook (also available in print), I thought, “Well, this ought to be interesting.” My initial judgement was that it was going to be another “Go hiking. Drink beer with your buddies. Drive a lifted-up truck. Go hunting. And, oh, by the way, say a prayer so this book honors Jesus.” kind of book.
Then the audiobook started. The author, Pastor Joby Martin, starts telling a story about he and a buddy going canoeing. By his initial description of himself, I thought, “Oh. I forgot to add, “Get a religious tattoo to make sure everybody knows you’re a Christian. Aaaannnddd get drink another beer.”
By the end of the opening story, I was laughing at the author’s self-deprecating humor. By the end of the “Introduction” and before Chapter One started, I was hooked. Or should I say, hook, line, and sinker.
After chapter one was over, I stopped the audiobook to look this guy up. I’m now following him on Instagram and downloaded his podcast.
Every man needs to read this book. Not “religious” or a follower of Christ? That’s okay. Get it anyway. Actually, I highly recommend this audiobook. You will feel like you have met a good friend and are just sitting around talking. This friend knows you well enough to admit his struggles and you feel comfortable acknowledging yours. That kind of friend.
Backed with plenty of scripture and a lot of laughs, “Stand Firm & Act Like Men” is a challenge to be a better man, husband, father, friend, and most importantly, follower of Christ. And if you are worried that you won’t be able to identify with him, please, give it a chance. It’s not a “Put women in their place” and “Be more macho” kind of book. It is filled with sound, solid, applicable advice. And a bonus is at the end of each chapter; there is a challenge. DO THE CHALLENGES. You won’t be sorry.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Then the audiobook started. The author, Pastor Joby Martin, starts telling a story about he and a buddy going canoeing. By his initial description of himself, I thought, “Oh. I forgot to add, “Get a religious tattoo to make sure everybody knows you’re a Christian. Aaaannnddd get drink another beer.”
By the end of the opening story, I was laughing at the author’s self-deprecating humor. By the end of the “Introduction” and before Chapter One started, I was hooked. Or should I say, hook, line, and sinker.
After chapter one was over, I stopped the audiobook to look this guy up. I’m now following him on Instagram and downloaded his podcast.
Every man needs to read this book. Not “religious” or a follower of Christ? That’s okay. Get it anyway. Actually, I highly recommend this audiobook. You will feel like you have met a good friend and are just sitting around talking. This friend knows you well enough to admit his struggles and you feel comfortable acknowledging yours. That kind of friend.
Backed with plenty of scripture and a lot of laughs, “Stand Firm & Act Like Men” is a challenge to be a better man, husband, father, friend, and most importantly, follower of Christ. And if you are worried that you won’t be able to identify with him, please, give it a chance. It’s not a “Put women in their place” and “Be more macho” kind of book. It is filled with sound, solid, applicable advice. And a bonus is at the end of each chapter; there is a challenge. DO THE CHALLENGES. You won’t be sorry.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
December 25, 2025
Okay I am torn on this one:
1. The introduction alone made the audio credit worth it
2. The introduction was the best part of the book
3. This book was not, I repeat, WAS NOT written to explicate deeply complex theological issues, it is more of a call to action based on a lot of self evident “basic” christian truths that men and women just lack the self discipline to live up to.
4. That being said, do not read this if you want to stay comfortable in your own ideas of biblical manhood, this author forces you into action. Like the book is ACTUALLY going to be wasted on you without the life changing disciplines actually being done.
5. A bit cliche and kitschy especially toward the end, lots of personal stories
6. Overall though, a good message for young men who are trying to figure out what biblical manhood actually looks like versus the misconceptions church and we ourselves impose on it
7. His emphasis on the physical action bits is great as long as you go into it with the understanding that there is a certain reciprocal relationship between works and the heart. Sometimes we do things because it’s a discipline and our heart is changed, other times it’s the other way around. The author leans into the first dynamic, the reader has to get over how that makes them feel.
1. The introduction alone made the audio credit worth it
2. The introduction was the best part of the book
3. This book was not, I repeat, WAS NOT written to explicate deeply complex theological issues, it is more of a call to action based on a lot of self evident “basic” christian truths that men and women just lack the self discipline to live up to.
4. That being said, do not read this if you want to stay comfortable in your own ideas of biblical manhood, this author forces you into action. Like the book is ACTUALLY going to be wasted on you without the life changing disciplines actually being done.
5. A bit cliche and kitschy especially toward the end, lots of personal stories
6. Overall though, a good message for young men who are trying to figure out what biblical manhood actually looks like versus the misconceptions church and we ourselves impose on it
7. His emphasis on the physical action bits is great as long as you go into it with the understanding that there is a certain reciprocal relationship between works and the heart. Sometimes we do things because it’s a discipline and our heart is changed, other times it’s the other way around. The author leans into the first dynamic, the reader has to get over how that makes them feel.
June 9, 2025
Stand Firm and Act Like Men is the first book I’ve read written by Pastor and author, Joby Martin, and it definitely won’t be the last. This is a great book outlining the biblical definition and responsibilities of manhood. Whether you’re a new Christian or one that’s well seasoned, this book provides great insights into what it means to be a man in today’s world.
I enjoyed reading this book and loved how Joby interweaves his own humor, stories and experiences throughout the book as illustrations. He closes each chapter with a prayer and offers readers practical applications to help live out biblical manhood. He covers a variety of topics pertaining to masculinity such as standing firm, being watchful, being strong, and what love is.
I thankfully received a free electronic advance reader copy of this book FaithWords via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I enjoyed reading this book and loved how Joby interweaves his own humor, stories and experiences throughout the book as illustrations. He closes each chapter with a prayer and offers readers practical applications to help live out biblical manhood. He covers a variety of topics pertaining to masculinity such as standing firm, being watchful, being strong, and what love is.
I thankfully received a free electronic advance reader copy of this book FaithWords via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
November 30, 2025
For my first skydive I was at 10K feet about 5 mins from jump. The instructor looked at me and said you getting ready. I said to him "yes, I have Jesus Christ." It gave him a slightly cringe look like relax dude you're going to make it! So, I can relate to the author's Bungee Jumping experience when it comes to "shut up and jump".
Our author Joby Martin is the Grand Pastor of the Eleven22 chain of churches in east Florida with it's flagship in Jacksonville. A friend of mine's brother in law goes there so he mailed me this book to read. I lived in Florida for one year in 2023. It's everything California should be! I appreciate his support of the second amendment to the U.S constitution. I love bourbon but one must be careful not to drink too much.
To be frank and this is why I gave him 4 stars out of 5. I feel his agenda wasn't to direct to what he wanted to relate. It was stories from his past in regards how to be a good father and a good husband and the importance of the love of god (which is immeasurable). Here is the one thing that stuck with me in his book. When we have celebrities such as Eliot Page, Ace Dubrow, and Jazz Jennings that go out of their way to transition or even your average folk who clearly do not make the effort and are really not fooling anyone at the local Louis Vuitton or FedEx. I say to them what's wrong with being the person you were born as who god or nature (if you are offended by religion/spirituality). That's why I'm not to keen on the transition movement because I feel it's tampering with said nature. I'm sure good reads will allow this review to be up because Amazon surely would not have or even Barnes and Noble.
He also address compensation (without using that word) so don't be a F-22 Pilot because you feel you need to be good enough do it because you love flight and you knew your destined for the sky. Don't buy a Suppressed AR-15 chambered in .300 Blackout and kill a whole brood of pigs in Texas cause you need to feel power over defenseless livestock, do it because you like pork and you want to save the crops.
This book was a perfect amount of time for a sermon and didn't drag on too much but it could have referenced more I feel and a good review at the end to what makes a good man would have been helpful and pushed the cause of this book more directly. I think sometime soon I will have to go the Eleven22 church. Thanks Joby!
Our author Joby Martin is the Grand Pastor of the Eleven22 chain of churches in east Florida with it's flagship in Jacksonville. A friend of mine's brother in law goes there so he mailed me this book to read. I lived in Florida for one year in 2023. It's everything California should be! I appreciate his support of the second amendment to the U.S constitution. I love bourbon but one must be careful not to drink too much.
To be frank and this is why I gave him 4 stars out of 5. I feel his agenda wasn't to direct to what he wanted to relate. It was stories from his past in regards how to be a good father and a good husband and the importance of the love of god (which is immeasurable). Here is the one thing that stuck with me in his book. When we have celebrities such as Eliot Page, Ace Dubrow, and Jazz Jennings that go out of their way to transition or even your average folk who clearly do not make the effort and are really not fooling anyone at the local Louis Vuitton or FedEx. I say to them what's wrong with being the person you were born as who god or nature (if you are offended by religion/spirituality). That's why I'm not to keen on the transition movement because I feel it's tampering with said nature. I'm sure good reads will allow this review to be up because Amazon surely would not have or even Barnes and Noble.
He also address compensation (without using that word) so don't be a F-22 Pilot because you feel you need to be good enough do it because you love flight and you knew your destined for the sky. Don't buy a Suppressed AR-15 chambered in .300 Blackout and kill a whole brood of pigs in Texas cause you need to feel power over defenseless livestock, do it because you like pork and you want to save the crops.
This book was a perfect amount of time for a sermon and didn't drag on too much but it could have referenced more I feel and a good review at the end to what makes a good man would have been helpful and pushed the cause of this book more directly. I think sometime soon I will have to go the Eleven22 church. Thanks Joby!
October 8, 2025
So much of today’s cultural conversation about men misses the real issue — it’s not a lack of “manhood,” but a lack of biblical manhood. In Stand Firm and Act Like Men, Pastor Joby Martin points us back to what Scripture says a man is meant to be.
This isn’t just a book for men trying to figure life out; it’s a timely resource for women, too, who want to better understand and encourage the kind of godly masculinity our homes, churches, and communities need. Joby writes with clarity, conviction, and practical wisdom — challenging but also deeply encouraging.
If you’re tired of the confusion about what it means to be a man today, this is a must-read. It’s straightforward, biblical, and full of hope… with some funny Joby stories along the way.
This isn’t just a book for men trying to figure life out; it’s a timely resource for women, too, who want to better understand and encourage the kind of godly masculinity our homes, churches, and communities need. Joby writes with clarity, conviction, and practical wisdom — challenging but also deeply encouraging.
If you’re tired of the confusion about what it means to be a man today, this is a must-read. It’s straightforward, biblical, and full of hope… with some funny Joby stories along the way.
November 8, 2025
A great book. A moving book. An encouragement. Even though I’m not a man, I would still recommend this book. Joby has a lot of wisdom to share. He focuses on scripture and what it means to be a Godly man. Some things he shared about certain scripture really hit me. For example talking about the sin of Adam in the garden being passivity. And how at Jesus’ baptism, the Lord says, “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Is before Jesus has even started his ministry or performed any miracles. Really encouraged by the Godly masculinity that is described in this book.
I also appreciated Joby’s starting the book recognizing two problems of some Christian views of women - one being that women and men are the same thing and the other that women are inferior to men.
I also appreciated Joby’s starting the book recognizing two problems of some Christian views of women - one being that women and men are the same thing and the other that women are inferior to men.
November 18, 2025
4.5. I think that the idea that men really need to step up their game and look at themselves critically is very important. I’ve always tried to hold the Biblical aspects of what love really is dear, and I like that the book doesn’t sugarcoat how we’re called to act with gentleness, patience, kindness, etc. I think, when compared to the sermons, it does get a little heavy-handed and goes on a bit longer but I also know that sometimes that’s necessary to drive a message home! Joby does a good job at mixing the important messages with fun stories and examples that show that he’s also in the walk with us. Just because he’s a pastor and author, it doesn’t mean he’s a shining example and it gives realistic room for growth.
September 19, 2025
I was excited for this book when it was first announced. And just like Joby Martin’s previous books this one does not disappoint. And the timing couldn’t be better. As it feels like this world is just becoming out of control. Joby uses scripture as well as personal reflections from his own life to show that it’s time for men, (myself included) as the title says to stand firm and act like men.
Even though this is geared towards men, it’s also a good read for my Christian sisters as well, as you can use some of the things that were talked about in the book to encourage the men that are in your lives, whether that be your spouse, father, sons, and any other men in your life.
Even though this is geared towards men, it’s also a good read for my Christian sisters as well, as you can use some of the things that were talked about in the book to encourage the men that are in your lives, whether that be your spouse, father, sons, and any other men in your life.
November 1, 2025
Listening to this book by Pastor Joby Martin out of Church of Eleven 22 alongside sermons and podcast episodes was great. He does read the audio much like he preaches, so sometimes that got to be intense. This is a great resource for any man but also for wives, girlfriends, mothers, singles hoping to get married one day...basically anyone wanting to be a biblical man, raise one, already married to one, wanting to support a man on his journey or marry a biblical man in the future. Joby doesn't hold back, and he supports his teachings with the Word.
September 18, 2025
Pastor Joby Martin does it again. With the help of Charles Martin (no relation) Joby’s fourth publication comes at a pivotal time in American society were not only our men under attack, but we are told to bow down and sit down and shut up. Based in scripture of first Corinthians 16:13-14 stand for and act like men and let everything you do be done love this book speaks to the heart of men to not only be strong, but also be loving at the same time. I must read for any man, especially Christian men
September 19, 2025
Wow - this book makes you really look yourself in the mirror and challenges you in the best way possible to be the man God called you to be. Joby does an amazing job mixing in stories while walking through the scripture to showcase what it really means to stand firm and act like a man- and not what a man is on TV, but what God calls us to be. Why a being a man is such a high calling. I will continue reading this book and sharing it with other men. You should do the same.
August 21, 2025
I had a wonderful opportunity to get a chance to read this book by Pastor Joby Martin. The message gets to the heart of the matter that men face in their everyday lives. No nonsense truth that allowed me to view “all” circumstances differently. The message challenged me to move! A huge thank you for sharing this book and imparting truth into the way I will be living going forward!
September 19, 2025
“Firm and Act Like a Man” by Joby Martin
Joby Martin’s book is a compelling call for men to embrace biblical masculinity with courage, humility, and faith. It challenges men to lead, love, and fight for their families and communities while staying rooted in Christ. Perfect for men seeking purpose or growth, it’s a convicting, refreshing read.
Highly recommend for personal study or men’s groups.
September 29, 2025
“This book should have been titled Stand Firm William and Act like a Man… I needed this since my 20’s or at least 5 years ago when I started Following Jesus… I felt Pastor Joby words come to me as if we were sitting eye to eye, sinner to sinner… Thank you Holy Spirit for the words in this book…”
- William Marenco, Brother in Christ.
- William Marenco, Brother in Christ.
October 6, 2025
This is an awesome book and resource for any man! Pastor Joby calls us up and into the Biblical outline of masculinity. My favorite part of every chapter is “Doing the stuff” at the end. It’s a very tangible way to put the content into action. As a small group Bible study leader at my home church I will definitely be using this book as a resource and week by week study guide.
October 14, 2025
Very good book and the biblical attributes of manhood. Pastor Joby does an excellent job of using stories and passages from the bible to explain what it is to be a man in today's world. I highly recommend this book to any man or woman. Get it for your brother, husband, dad any man in your life, this will be an encouragement to them.
November 9, 2025
Another fantastic book by Pastor Joby Martin, with Charles Martin. This one addresses the masulinity crisis currently plaguing the western world from a Biblical standpoint. Joby is a gifted Pastor and speaker, and he's also a gifted writer. None of the information here is earth shattering, but it is laced with common sense and Biblical truths. A great read or listen.
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