Stand Firm and Act Like Men: Becoming the Man You Were Created to Be Instead of Who the World Says You Are

by Joby Martin, Charles Martin - contributor

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.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Self Help, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

Audible Audio

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Tri · Rating 1 out of 5]

*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.

[Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kris Prince · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sam Szpor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sam Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best book on biblical masculinity I’ve ever read. The audible version was fantastic.

[Matt Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Clymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Austin Lash · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Filippini · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Adam Smakula · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rob Linker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Robert Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and life changing book that every man should read and every Christian should cherish. This book has changed my view of how a man should stand on the wall and fight the battles in a world that puts men down. This is the best book I have read on standing firm on my faith and being equipped to conquer the challenges of the day.

[Eliseo Lerma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[Cody Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[The Geeky Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Betrus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book I’d recommend to a specific type of person; it seems to have a particular audience in mind. Three stars because (1) the overly informal tone is a little off-putting, (2) a lot of the book doesn’t feel very specific to men, and (3) there isn’t much creativity here. Nonetheless, there is lots of gospel in this book, and it was an edifying read.