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If the Tomb Is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything Is Possible
A beloved pastor and a New York Times bestselling author examine scripture and share inspiring personal stories to help reveal the important role that Jesus’ resurrection plays in our everyday lives. The Son of God was crucified, died and buried, and He lay in the tomb for three days—until He walked out shining like the sun. In a culture in which history is erased or rewritten at will, the existence of an empty tomb matters. Why? Because if the tomb is empty—then anything is possible. In his first book, Joby Martin, Lead Pastor of The Church of Eleven22, dives deep into scripture and traces the story of salvation by highlighting the seven mountains throughout scripture where God manifests himself. As he describes each encounter with God, Martin shows us how the interaction on each mountain laid the groundwork for the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, and shows what God revealed about Himself in the process. He illuminates seven familiar passages, unveiling how God's plan for Christ's sacrifice is threaded throughout scripture, and shows why Christ's resurrection—impossible, unbelievable—means that nothing is too hard for our God. Ultimately, he asks readers, Do you live every day of your life as if the tomb is empty—or as though Jesus is still hanging on that cross? Written with New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, If the Tomb is Empty is an insightful and spiritually rich examination of what the miracle of Christ's resurrection means for all of us.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 8, 2022
169 people are currently reading
1724 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 26, 2022
While I’m reading this it reminds me of every single time I’ve heard Pastor Joby preach fire and he starts to go down a rabbit hole to deep dive and stops and says “ oh I can’t we’ll be here for days “ and all of us are sitting there thinking no it’s ok we want more keep going! Right?
That. That is this book. All the times you knew he had more but church is only an hour, well here it is.
Deep diving into the Gospel, into the heart of the Father through the incredibly gifted man many of us call Pastor. It’s holiness penned and published. It’s deepening to new depths. Look what God has done!
Yea, order the book. 📚 #IfTheTombIsEmpty
That. That is this book. All the times you knew he had more but church is only an hour, well here it is.
Deep diving into the Gospel, into the heart of the Father through the incredibly gifted man many of us call Pastor. It’s holiness penned and published. It’s deepening to new depths. Look what God has done!
Yea, order the book. 📚 #IfTheTombIsEmpty
February 13, 2022
This is Nonfiction Religion. This one was up and down for me. I absolutely loved some parts. Those just touched me in a powerful way. But then there were other parts that had me rolling my eyes. It was like being on an old fashioned see saw with an unreliable partner. I'll settle for a rating right in the middle....so 3 stars.
December 31, 2024
Thank you God.
March 2, 2022
Are you looking for a new book with a fresh look at the resurrection of Jesus? If The Tomb is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything Is Possible by Joby Martin with Charles Martin recently released. This book is easy to read and understand and yet it is full of thoughtful wisdom and Biblical guidance.
If The Tomb Is Empty starts with a forward written by Tim Tebow where he shares why he feels this is such an important book. Then the book begins with a prologue. In the prologue, he shares more about what the book will be about and asks several questions for the reader to reflect on. I think the most thought-provoking for me is, "Do you live every day of your life as if the tomb is empty. . .or as though Jesus is still hanging on that cross?" Joby says that if you believe the tomb is empty at Calvary, it shoud change how you answer that question along with the others he asks.
Each chapter after the prologue in If the Tomb is Empty focuses on a Mountain: Moriah, Sinai, Carmel, Beatitudes, Temptation, Transfiguration, and Calvary. A question goes with each chapter. What I especially like about this book is how well personal experiences are written alongside Scripture which cause the reader to realize this is a book for our day and age with a history in the Bible. The book is easy to understand and easy to read and yet the reader learns a lot and reflects on their own life and living for Christ. I would recommend it to both new believers and those who want to reflect on their faith after many years.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
If The Tomb Is Empty starts with a forward written by Tim Tebow where he shares why he feels this is such an important book. Then the book begins with a prologue. In the prologue, he shares more about what the book will be about and asks several questions for the reader to reflect on. I think the most thought-provoking for me is, "Do you live every day of your life as if the tomb is empty. . .or as though Jesus is still hanging on that cross?" Joby says that if you believe the tomb is empty at Calvary, it shoud change how you answer that question along with the others he asks.
Each chapter after the prologue in If the Tomb is Empty focuses on a Mountain: Moriah, Sinai, Carmel, Beatitudes, Temptation, Transfiguration, and Calvary. A question goes with each chapter. What I especially like about this book is how well personal experiences are written alongside Scripture which cause the reader to realize this is a book for our day and age with a history in the Bible. The book is easy to understand and easy to read and yet the reader learns a lot and reflects on their own life and living for Christ. I would recommend it to both new believers and those who want to reflect on their faith after many years.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
February 7, 2022
Any book that can make me laugh out loud and shed tears is an A in my grade book.
I love the structure of this book - each chapter centered around the events of a different mountain. Real events that took place at real locations.
Joby writes with such raw openness and vulnerability, yet the stories from his life easily echo those in mine. He makes it so easy to step foot into the locations he writes about, and to feel Jesus’s love for me in each of those places.
I love that Joby preaches the gospel. Not theology, or what Man has added or removed, but the simple gospel. This book is about what Jesus did and how that changes my life, plain and simple.
I have studied the Bible, and learned from many Bible teachers- somehow, in the simplicity of Joby’s message, I learned many new things- so many “aha’s” in this book for me.
A note on Charles Martin, the co-author: I have read much of his stuff, and love his voice/writing. You will not find him here. This book is all Joby Martin- his voice, his humor, his in your face, this is the truth, take it or leave it way of teaching. These brothers from another mother worked together to create a beautiful offering to God, and shared it with us.
I love the structure of this book - each chapter centered around the events of a different mountain. Real events that took place at real locations.
Joby writes with such raw openness and vulnerability, yet the stories from his life easily echo those in mine. He makes it so easy to step foot into the locations he writes about, and to feel Jesus’s love for me in each of those places.
I love that Joby preaches the gospel. Not theology, or what Man has added or removed, but the simple gospel. This book is about what Jesus did and how that changes my life, plain and simple.
I have studied the Bible, and learned from many Bible teachers- somehow, in the simplicity of Joby’s message, I learned many new things- so many “aha’s” in this book for me.
A note on Charles Martin, the co-author: I have read much of his stuff, and love his voice/writing. You will not find him here. This book is all Joby Martin- his voice, his humor, his in your face, this is the truth, take it or leave it way of teaching. These brothers from another mother worked together to create a beautiful offering to God, and shared it with us.
February 2, 2022
Why the Resurrection Means Anything is Possible. Written with Charles Martin (a favorite of mine) this book focuses on seven mountains in the Bible.
Can you save yourself? Mount Moriah.
Who gives you your identity? Mount Sinai.
What's that idol in your hand? Mount Carmel?
What do I chase, the blessing or the One who blesses? Mount of Beatitudes.
How do I fight the enemy of my soul? Mount of Temptation.
Will you cast down the Tormenter? Mount of Transfiguration.
Exactly WHAT is finished? Mount Calvary.
Recommended for the digger - the Bible student who reads with a chisel and pen in their hand -digging the truth nuggets from the pages of God's Word.
Can you save yourself? Mount Moriah.
Who gives you your identity? Mount Sinai.
What's that idol in your hand? Mount Carmel?
What do I chase, the blessing or the One who blesses? Mount of Beatitudes.
How do I fight the enemy of my soul? Mount of Temptation.
Will you cast down the Tormenter? Mount of Transfiguration.
Exactly WHAT is finished? Mount Calvary.
Recommended for the digger - the Bible student who reads with a chisel and pen in their hand -digging the truth nuggets from the pages of God's Word.
January 26, 2022
This book is a compelling exploration of God’s word and how it applies to all of us. The author not only helps the readers make sense of the Bible in terms they can relate to, but also makes us evaluate our mindsets and plants seeds of change in our hearts.
I was shaken by reading this book right from the first chapter. The description of Abraham’s willingness to offer his own son as a sacrifice while trusting God that he would be returned to him, really hit home to me in an area I struggle with daily. As a parent of a son who is just embarking on adulthood that I am releasing into the world and worry about incessantly (maybe about the same age Isaac was at the time), I visualized myself in his situation. Would I be willing to give over the one thing I hold most dear to God and trust him with it?
It was so powerful how the author explains that the difference between “believing that” and “believing in” involves putting the weight of your life into the arms of your Heavenly Father.
Joby Martin weaves his own life story throughout the book letting us know he is just a normal sinner in need of a Savior just like the rest of us. I enjoyed the development of his character from a rough young southern boy to a loving husband and father, to a passionate leader of a church.
This book is chock full of scripture and spiritual guidance, but it is broken down in a way that anyone can understand and apply to their lives. Example: sin management is like trying to hold a beach ball under the ocean.
Each chapter ends with a heartfelt prayer. These are great references for how to pray in a way that even if we don’t believe it yet if we claim God's promises and quote God’s word, eventually our feelings will fall in line. We also learn to pray like Elijah by adding this phrase to our prayers expecting the glory to go to God through what he does in our lives, “Answer me, O Lord, that all may know you.”
It is obvious that this book was intensely researched for Biblical truth and even the landmarks in the countries where Jesus, his followers, and ancestors stood, were described in realistic detail because the author had actually visited them. There are correlations between the New Testament and the Old Testament that completely blew my mind. I never knew that the things that happened during the crucifixion can be traced back to a Psalm 22 written by David thousands of years before!
This book taught me many things, helped me grow in my knowledge and love for God’s word, and even made me LOL a couple of times. I will definitely recommend it to everyone (not just people who consider themselves Christians.) It is for ALL people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I was shaken by reading this book right from the first chapter. The description of Abraham’s willingness to offer his own son as a sacrifice while trusting God that he would be returned to him, really hit home to me in an area I struggle with daily. As a parent of a son who is just embarking on adulthood that I am releasing into the world and worry about incessantly (maybe about the same age Isaac was at the time), I visualized myself in his situation. Would I be willing to give over the one thing I hold most dear to God and trust him with it?
It was so powerful how the author explains that the difference between “believing that” and “believing in” involves putting the weight of your life into the arms of your Heavenly Father.
Joby Martin weaves his own life story throughout the book letting us know he is just a normal sinner in need of a Savior just like the rest of us. I enjoyed the development of his character from a rough young southern boy to a loving husband and father, to a passionate leader of a church.
This book is chock full of scripture and spiritual guidance, but it is broken down in a way that anyone can understand and apply to their lives. Example: sin management is like trying to hold a beach ball under the ocean.
Each chapter ends with a heartfelt prayer. These are great references for how to pray in a way that even if we don’t believe it yet if we claim God's promises and quote God’s word, eventually our feelings will fall in line. We also learn to pray like Elijah by adding this phrase to our prayers expecting the glory to go to God through what he does in our lives, “Answer me, O Lord, that all may know you.”
It is obvious that this book was intensely researched for Biblical truth and even the landmarks in the countries where Jesus, his followers, and ancestors stood, were described in realistic detail because the author had actually visited them. There are correlations between the New Testament and the Old Testament that completely blew my mind. I never knew that the things that happened during the crucifixion can be traced back to a Psalm 22 written by David thousands of years before!
This book taught me many things, helped me grow in my knowledge and love for God’s word, and even made me LOL a couple of times. I will definitely recommend it to everyone (not just people who consider themselves Christians.) It is for ALL people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ.
January 2, 2023
I first heard of this book through the Undaunted Life podcast. The speaker said this was one of his favorite or most meaningful books of 2022. And I can say it was the same for me! Not sure how I missed this book when it came out. It is written by Joby Martin also someone I had never heard of, but now he is on my radar. This book takes seven mountains of the Bible and turns them into questions to point us to the Gospel. This book was Gospel saturated and made me want to be a better teacher of the Gospel. Not only that Martin’s spreading of the Gospel makes me want to tell more people! So good.
I liked all of the portions of this book. It was so good. I do wonder how I missed it when it came out, I think it is the title. It sounds more like an apologetic book (which is not a bad thing at all). When in fact this is a Gospel book using the mountains of God to teach us the Gospel….and even now I don’t know what would be a good title. Maybe that’s why the title is so humdrum. Anyway don’t let it fool you, this book is all Gospel, and a much needed recalibration to get our focus back on the Gospel! Highly recommended
I liked all of the portions of this book. It was so good. I do wonder how I missed it when it came out, I think it is the title. It sounds more like an apologetic book (which is not a bad thing at all). When in fact this is a Gospel book using the mountains of God to teach us the Gospel….and even now I don’t know what would be a good title. Maybe that’s why the title is so humdrum. Anyway don’t let it fool you, this book is all Gospel, and a much needed recalibration to get our focus back on the Gospel! Highly recommended
January 17, 2022
Pastor Joby is so gifted with the ability to tie multiple passages of the Bible together to show how cohesive the Bible is at pointing to Jesus!. Yes, preachers/speakers should have this ability, but Pastor Joby seems to have an extra helping, being able to bring to life things I've read over numerous times before without making the connections he points out. His descriptions relating to Israel in the book were so vivid I felt I was back there with him, in the garden, looking at the hills of the city, etc (visited Israel in 2018). The tomb is empty, Jesus wins, and His victory counts for me!
February 11, 2022
Martin reminds us that the apostle Paul said he wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) If Christ has not been raised, then our Christian faith means nothing. The resurrection matters. But what does that empty tomb really mean for us? Martin says it changes everything.
To help us understand the importance of the resurrection, Martin looks at the mountains in Scripture where God manifested Himself. He says we cannot rightly and fully know Jesus unless we rightly and fully know the Old Testament so begins with mountains experiences there. We read of Abraham and his experience on Mt. Moriah. Next is Moses on Mt. Sinai and the ten commandments. Then there is Elijah on Mt. Carmel. Moving into the New Testament, we read of Jesus and the Mt. of the Beatitudes, then the Mount of Temptation, Mount of Transfiguration, and Mount Calvary.
Martin has included some good teaching, such as exploring our looking to stuff to satisfy us and thinking God is like a buffet where we can take what we want and leave what we don't like. A teaching I was particularly interested in dealt with receiving a new heart at salvation but still having the same mind, therefore needing renewing. I was disappointed that Christ's resurrection and the power associated with it was not brought in to the teaching on this important topic.
There is quite a bit of retelling of the biblical stories, something that would appeal more to new Christians rather than seasoned Christians who know the stories well. Martin's humor would also appeal more to younger readers.
Martin's ultimate encouraging word is found after the transfiguration. If we put our itty-bitty faith in “the infinitely powerful resurrected Jesus,” that will be more powerful than putting our trust in anything in this world. (loc 2858/3523) There is much good teaching in this book. I wish more of it had centered on knowing the power of Christ's resurrection and how it changes everything.
I received a complimentary egalleyt of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
To help us understand the importance of the resurrection, Martin looks at the mountains in Scripture where God manifested Himself. He says we cannot rightly and fully know Jesus unless we rightly and fully know the Old Testament so begins with mountains experiences there. We read of Abraham and his experience on Mt. Moriah. Next is Moses on Mt. Sinai and the ten commandments. Then there is Elijah on Mt. Carmel. Moving into the New Testament, we read of Jesus and the Mt. of the Beatitudes, then the Mount of Temptation, Mount of Transfiguration, and Mount Calvary.
Martin has included some good teaching, such as exploring our looking to stuff to satisfy us and thinking God is like a buffet where we can take what we want and leave what we don't like. A teaching I was particularly interested in dealt with receiving a new heart at salvation but still having the same mind, therefore needing renewing. I was disappointed that Christ's resurrection and the power associated with it was not brought in to the teaching on this important topic.
There is quite a bit of retelling of the biblical stories, something that would appeal more to new Christians rather than seasoned Christians who know the stories well. Martin's humor would also appeal more to younger readers.
Martin's ultimate encouraging word is found after the transfiguration. If we put our itty-bitty faith in “the infinitely powerful resurrected Jesus,” that will be more powerful than putting our trust in anything in this world. (loc 2858/3523) There is much good teaching in this book. I wish more of it had centered on knowing the power of Christ's resurrection and how it changes everything.
I received a complimentary egalleyt of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 16, 2025
I think I needed to read this book more than I wanted to read it. It's basically seven lengthy sermons, and I'm not generally disposed to reading sermons or wanting to be preached at when I pick up a book. But Joby Martin is, without a doubt, a very engaging communicator, and avoids being fluffy in his preacher-like-writing-style by sharing amazing insights from obvious research that's shared in a very accessible way. That's why I ended up believing that I needed to read this book. Though I didn't find all of it equally helpful, and found the preachy style somewhat tiresome, I kept getting gently hammered by his insights. He kept addressing my habitual and futile thought patterns with a laserlike focus based on clear Bible-based teaching, and he kept surprising me with clear and practical explanations of extremely nuanced Bible passages. It's a book written from the heart more than the head, but still feels like well-studied material offering plenty of meat to chew on. Joby was unflinching in his own honesty as he called me higher in areas where I struggle, and he encouraged me with truth that left me hopeful of the change that's possible when my focus is on the risen Jesus.
February 27, 2022
Joby Martin’s book, If the Tomb is Empty, is an easy read. It reaffirmed the things I had come to believe after years of reading, studying and teaching the Bible. It took years to move from “knowing” God to living daily in the spiritual world “with” God. Like most people, my faith grew through the difficult things of life. The minute of belief (with the help of the Holy Spirit) that the tomb is empty and God is who He says He is, flips the switch; darkness is turned into light and the impossible becomes the possible. If you are looking to affirm your faith, read this book. If you are struggling with doubt about God, read this book. It will help you to “… “choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)
January 25, 2022
I like the conversational tone of If the Tomb is Empty. Pastor Joby Martin is candid about his upbringing and the hardships in his life, which made him easy to connect to. It’s important to connect with a main character in any book, but maybe even more so in non-fiction. If an author comes across as sanctimonious or the writing is tedious and dictatorial, I find it difficult to relate and usually close the book quickly.
With that said, this author emits a warm quality, as if having a chat with a friend. I love how he journeys through the Bible, illustrating Salvation by revealing mountainous encounters with God. Each chapter closes with a prayer.
I love how the book shares the story of Jesus, his sacrifice and resurrection, and the saving grace He offers us all.
“Because…if the tomb is empty, anything is possible.”
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
#IfTheTombIsEmpty
#FaithWords
With that said, this author emits a warm quality, as if having a chat with a friend. I love how he journeys through the Bible, illustrating Salvation by revealing mountainous encounters with God. Each chapter closes with a prayer.
I love how the book shares the story of Jesus, his sacrifice and resurrection, and the saving grace He offers us all.
“Because…if the tomb is empty, anything is possible.”
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
#IfTheTombIsEmpty
#FaithWords
May 19, 2022
You never get over the gospel. Enjoyed this audiobook. Most material pulled from his sermons (which I listen to weekly).
July 14, 2023
I liked how he structured this book a lot and the author seems like a really admirable guy. We read this book for my internship and it was super insightful and beneficial !
January 8, 2024
5/5
I may be a little bias because I love joby so much but this work was awesome. This book felt like the refresher that my soul needed! I would recommend this book to anyone!
I may be a little bias because I love joby so much but this work was awesome. This book felt like the refresher that my soul needed! I would recommend this book to anyone!
January 25, 2024
He reminds me of Charles Martin, which makes sense. Joby loves the LORD and it shows. He made some good points.
March 17, 2024
What a beautiful focus on the gospel and the effect of the gospel.
February 2, 2022
In If the Tomb is Empty, Pastor Joby has used his God-given ability to take Scripture and explain it in a way that anyone can understand! He uses humor, personal stories, and the Word of God to tie in different parts of the Bible to make connections I had never put together. This book does a wonderful job of going through some major moments in the Bible that lead to the resurrection and then discussing what our lives as Christians should look like when we are living out the belief that if the tomb is empty, anything is possible!
January 25, 2023
A friend gave me this book after it being one of her top books of last year. I really enjoyed it too. I liked the structure of the book, going from mountain to mountain, and I love the highlights that were made of each place and the significance.
I especially enjoyed the chapter on the beatitudes. I need to read that chapter over several times. I hear that there is a study guide along with the book if one is looking for a study. I have not done it but it is out there.
My one complaint with the book is that the chapters are too long. The book wasn't too long, or too much content, I just wish the chapters would have been shorter.
I especially enjoyed the chapter on the beatitudes. I need to read that chapter over several times. I hear that there is a study guide along with the book if one is looking for a study. I have not done it but it is out there.
My one complaint with the book is that the chapters are too long. The book wasn't too long, or too much content, I just wish the chapters would have been shorter.
February 1, 2022
Not your typical biblical read. Pastor Joby Martin uses humor, personal accounts and simple explanations to help unfold and understand what Jesus’s death and resurrection means for each of us. The explanations and examples are relatable and applicable to people in all walks of life. From the convict in his jail cell to the businessman in his office. Pastor Martin shows how Jesus is for ALL people. AND THIS MEANS YOU TOO!
February 1, 2022
Joby explains God’s love for God’s self in a way that connects with my heart. He shares the Gospel in a straight forward manor, using the Bible to explain the Bible, not getting bogged down in the quagmire of “religious phraseology.” I find myself laughing out loud on one page and in tears on the next. I’m reminded time & again that Jesus came on a rescue mission to pay my debt and “If The Tomb Is Empty” anything is possible.
January 27, 2022
If you believe that when Jesus died on the cross it counted for you, you will be saved. If you don’t believe it, reading this book might very well change your mind. Joby Martin brings the gospel to his readers with the same plain- spoken, simple truth he delivers to us, his church family, week after week. You’ll hear scripture in a fresh way, seeing the men and women of The Bible, even Jesus, as living breathing people very much like we are today. With Biblical integrity, he presents God’s plan for mankind, prophecy, and history. Best of all he shares God’s promise to us and the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus Christ. All of this is done in the voice of a self-proclaimed Redneck from South Carolina, delivered with the well-honed skill of a truly gifted Southern storyteller.
February 3, 2022
This book is TRUTH! I love how Pastor Joby really puts the Word into perspective and holds nothing back. It is what the world needs right now and could not have come at a more perfect time.
February 21, 2022
"If the Tomb is Empty" is a great book. Pastor Joby has a way of taking theological concepts from the Bible and communicating them in a way that anyone and everyone can understand. He makes us understand that the stories of the Bible involve real people that really existed in history and helps us to see what they may have been feeling and thinking at the time.
In this book Pastor Joby goes through 7 mountains that were in the Bible and discusses what they represent and how they point to Christ. Throughout the book, Joby tells stories from his personal life which gives us an insight of who he is, but more importantly, it helps us to understand those theological concepts he is discussing.
I would recommend this book for skeptics, saints, and anyone who is struggling to find their identity and/or purpose in this world.
In this book Pastor Joby goes through 7 mountains that were in the Bible and discusses what they represent and how they point to Christ. Throughout the book, Joby tells stories from his personal life which gives us an insight of who he is, but more importantly, it helps us to understand those theological concepts he is discussing.
I would recommend this book for skeptics, saints, and anyone who is struggling to find their identity and/or purpose in this world.
July 2, 2023
3.5 stars. I gave this an extra half star because of the final chapter which stood out as the best of the book. Joby’s connection of Jesus saying, “Why has God forsaken me?” on the cross to Psalm 22 was the best part of the book.
Unfortunately, the book was too much of a mixed bag of good and bad for me. The worst part was when Joby bragged on his church saying, “It’s not a competition, but if it was, we’d be winning.” This smacks of the pride in size that so many large American churches have taken up. But, far worse, are the echoes of works-righteousness that Joby spent considerable time at the beginning of the book rightfully dispelling.
It might be fine for Joby to brag on his church to his church as a way of encouraging his flock. But I grew quickly tired of this, especially given the loathsome “look at us, this is what success looks like” attitude of many of America’s large churches.
This book is a California gold rush. If you pan long enough, you’ll find some gold, but you have to be patient and work the pan pretty hard.
Unfortunately, the book was too much of a mixed bag of good and bad for me. The worst part was when Joby bragged on his church saying, “It’s not a competition, but if it was, we’d be winning.” This smacks of the pride in size that so many large American churches have taken up. But, far worse, are the echoes of works-righteousness that Joby spent considerable time at the beginning of the book rightfully dispelling.
It might be fine for Joby to brag on his church to his church as a way of encouraging his flock. But I grew quickly tired of this, especially given the loathsome “look at us, this is what success looks like” attitude of many of America’s large churches.
This book is a California gold rush. If you pan long enough, you’ll find some gold, but you have to be patient and work the pan pretty hard.
April 3, 2022
If The Tomb is Empty, Joby Martin explored the topic of how the empty was discovered empty. He explained how anything is possible. He divided each chapter into mountains that we are standing on such as, mount of beatitudes, mount of temptations, mount of transfiguration, and ends with Jesus’ death on mount calvary. These included stories on mountains featuring Elijah, Jesus, Abraham, Moses, just to name a few.
One of the chapters discussed Elijah and how he was a prophet. Elijah explained how the Israelites were very open to worshipping their idols. They would often times forget about God and how he provided for them. He shared the whole story between Elijah and the 850 prophets of Baal. Many of our idols are money, medication, drinking, social media, watching and streaming shows, turning to other people arms for comfort, and anything else we put above God. Joby explained how the importance of the empty tomb and how anything is possible. He reminded readers that since God create us that He can in fact can still heal us. He also shared how critical it is to pray big prayers and to have faith as big as a mustard seed.
I also liked how he shared how they started his church Eleven22 and where the name come from. It’s a very interesting story and how it was all from the start time of his first preaching service. He has since gone on to build churches and two which are located in prison. One of my favorite stories, he shared was how when he was twenty-two years old and he met Sunshine. He was in seminary and working three jobs with one being ministry. Across from one of his other jobs, there was a stripper club. He would practice over his sermon and he eventually got Sunshine to attend church with her child. Of course, we all know how the church judged Sunshine and one of the deacons asked what kind of example that was sending to the children. I loved how this led to when he started his own church, they even have a monthly program to reach out to local strip club. He explained his church mission which is to lead a movement for all people to deepen a relationship with Christ.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is seeking encouragement and they are needing to remember that everything is possible with Christ. I immensely loved how he covered the different mountains found in the Bible and how there is a message we can learn from each Bible character. I loved how he stated how if we truly believed that the tomb is empty, then we would live a different life. This is a wonderful book about Christ’s resurrection and the power found in that act. This is a great book to read to get prepare for the Easter season!
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
One of the chapters discussed Elijah and how he was a prophet. Elijah explained how the Israelites were very open to worshipping their idols. They would often times forget about God and how he provided for them. He shared the whole story between Elijah and the 850 prophets of Baal. Many of our idols are money, medication, drinking, social media, watching and streaming shows, turning to other people arms for comfort, and anything else we put above God. Joby explained how the importance of the empty tomb and how anything is possible. He reminded readers that since God create us that He can in fact can still heal us. He also shared how critical it is to pray big prayers and to have faith as big as a mustard seed.
I also liked how he shared how they started his church Eleven22 and where the name come from. It’s a very interesting story and how it was all from the start time of his first preaching service. He has since gone on to build churches and two which are located in prison. One of my favorite stories, he shared was how when he was twenty-two years old and he met Sunshine. He was in seminary and working three jobs with one being ministry. Across from one of his other jobs, there was a stripper club. He would practice over his sermon and he eventually got Sunshine to attend church with her child. Of course, we all know how the church judged Sunshine and one of the deacons asked what kind of example that was sending to the children. I loved how this led to when he started his own church, they even have a monthly program to reach out to local strip club. He explained his church mission which is to lead a movement for all people to deepen a relationship with Christ.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is seeking encouragement and they are needing to remember that everything is possible with Christ. I immensely loved how he covered the different mountains found in the Bible and how there is a message we can learn from each Bible character. I loved how he stated how if we truly believed that the tomb is empty, then we would live a different life. This is a wonderful book about Christ’s resurrection and the power found in that act. This is a great book to read to get prepare for the Easter season!
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
February 28, 2022
Pastor Joby’s writing is a relatable and earnest testament to God’s given grace. This book embodies Ephesians 3:8-9, “to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery." He uses his testimony of growing up in a home with wounded adult relational patterns to normalize disillusionment after first accepting the Lordship of Jesus Christ only to learn that one’s circumstances aren’t overhauled in doing so. He humbly examines a historical attempt at bringing his “one more” early on in his career, “as a naïve pastor” to a judgemental church community that shunned his attempted convert. Pastor Joby uses this misstep as “an invitation to walk through the doors and bring it to Jesus.”
This book was gifted to my friends with accompanying Easter cards (in February!) because the message is to live out your life every day knowing that “it is finished” and the cross on Calvary allows us a vertical relationship with God that foundationally informs an “on earth as it tis in heaven” relationship with all people whom Jesus died for in the here and now. In this book, you will journey to; Mount Moriah, Mount Sinai, Mount Carmel, Mount of Beatitudes, Mount of Temptation, Mount of Transfiguration and Mount Calvary. This intentional mapping of the message is accompanied by prayers following every glorifying ascent and sanctifying descent respectively addressing; hearts for salvation, right relationships with and in Christ, acts for the Glory of God, continuing as conduits for and of The Gospel, the Holy Spirit to align out hearts and minds to live out God’s Promises and in doing so, walk out of the bondage in and from strongholds with the hope of the Empty Tomb... lives turned over to the Sovereign Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Buy this book for yourself and (at least) one more person your heart desires to lead to Christ. Praise God, "If" became a "Because", anything is possible!
This book was gifted to my friends with accompanying Easter cards (in February!) because the message is to live out your life every day knowing that “it is finished” and the cross on Calvary allows us a vertical relationship with God that foundationally informs an “on earth as it tis in heaven” relationship with all people whom Jesus died for in the here and now. In this book, you will journey to; Mount Moriah, Mount Sinai, Mount Carmel, Mount of Beatitudes, Mount of Temptation, Mount of Transfiguration and Mount Calvary. This intentional mapping of the message is accompanied by prayers following every glorifying ascent and sanctifying descent respectively addressing; hearts for salvation, right relationships with and in Christ, acts for the Glory of God, continuing as conduits for and of The Gospel, the Holy Spirit to align out hearts and minds to live out God’s Promises and in doing so, walk out of the bondage in and from strongholds with the hope of the Empty Tomb... lives turned over to the Sovereign Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Buy this book for yourself and (at least) one more person your heart desires to lead to Christ. Praise God, "If" became a "Because", anything is possible!
January 28, 2022
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a follower of Jesus? Jesus asked this question of his disciples. “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s response was, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
If Jesus were to ask this question of you, what would you say? Some say Jesus was the greatest teacher that ever lived. Some say He was a prophet. Few believed that He was truly the Son of God; the promised Messiah.
Pastor Joby Martin has captured the essence of this question in his new book, “If the Tomb is Empty.” He believes that “If the tomb is empty, anything is possible.” If Jesus truly is the Son of God and He was sent to this earth on a rescue mission to “seek and save the lost,” (Luke 19:10) it counted for him, it counted for you, and it counted for me.
In this book, Joby Martin and Charles Martin (“The Water Keeper,” “The Letter Keeper,” and soon to be released, “The Record Keeper”) take us on a journey through the Old and New Testaments; seven biblically significant mountains, seven biblically significant events, seven opportunities for you to consider what it means to follow Jesus. You will discover that there is a common thread that runs from Mount Moriah to Mount Calvary.
Joby Martin is a great storyteller. He is funny and he has the uncanny ability to explain deep spiritual truths in a way that anyone can understand. Each of us must answer this question for ourselves. Who do you say that He is? He is either a liar, a lunatic, or He is Lord.
If Jesus were to ask this question of you, what would you say? Some say Jesus was the greatest teacher that ever lived. Some say He was a prophet. Few believed that He was truly the Son of God; the promised Messiah.
Pastor Joby Martin has captured the essence of this question in his new book, “If the Tomb is Empty.” He believes that “If the tomb is empty, anything is possible.” If Jesus truly is the Son of God and He was sent to this earth on a rescue mission to “seek and save the lost,” (Luke 19:10) it counted for him, it counted for you, and it counted for me.
In this book, Joby Martin and Charles Martin (“The Water Keeper,” “The Letter Keeper,” and soon to be released, “The Record Keeper”) take us on a journey through the Old and New Testaments; seven biblically significant mountains, seven biblically significant events, seven opportunities for you to consider what it means to follow Jesus. You will discover that there is a common thread that runs from Mount Moriah to Mount Calvary.
Joby Martin is a great storyteller. He is funny and he has the uncanny ability to explain deep spiritual truths in a way that anyone can understand. Each of us must answer this question for ourselves. Who do you say that He is? He is either a liar, a lunatic, or He is Lord.
May 16, 2022
Pastor Martin talks about living the scriptures, and that’s something we all need to do. Stay in your Bible. Live His words. Period.
Two more parts that stood out so much that I typed them up as soon as I heard them:
1. Your mistakes don’t define you. Jesus does.
2. If the tomb is empty, anything is possible.
Pastor Martin has a way of engaging readers. He’s funny and entertaining. His relatable struggles are used in stories throughout the book.
I did give the book 4 stars, and there are a few reasons.
1. We are called to help children. “It’s not a competition, but if it were, we’d be winning.” Quoted twice. It sounds prideful and just rubbed me the wrong way, though I’m so happy that they reach so many.
2. The hand motions that go with the explanation of the commandments sounds great for younger believers, but it didn’t really fit for those of us who have been around a bit. I imagined learning it in Sunday school as a child and wondered if there was a video I could show my kids so they could learn them. This isn’t a point I’d actually deduct a star rating, but it’s kind of a side note.
3. I love this author’s humor except when he made a joke about kicking cats. Violence against animals isn’t funny to me.
I found myself nodding along to what Pastor Martin was saying quite often, and he taught me a lot. I had no idea people in New Testament times folded their napkins when they left the dinner table and planned to return. I love little tidbits like that. The word studies also add a lot of context to the Bible. Great book.
Two more parts that stood out so much that I typed them up as soon as I heard them:
1. Your mistakes don’t define you. Jesus does.
2. If the tomb is empty, anything is possible.
Pastor Martin has a way of engaging readers. He’s funny and entertaining. His relatable struggles are used in stories throughout the book.
I did give the book 4 stars, and there are a few reasons.
1. We are called to help children. “It’s not a competition, but if it were, we’d be winning.” Quoted twice. It sounds prideful and just rubbed me the wrong way, though I’m so happy that they reach so many.
2. The hand motions that go with the explanation of the commandments sounds great for younger believers, but it didn’t really fit for those of us who have been around a bit. I imagined learning it in Sunday school as a child and wondered if there was a video I could show my kids so they could learn them. This isn’t a point I’d actually deduct a star rating, but it’s kind of a side note.
3. I love this author’s humor except when he made a joke about kicking cats. Violence against animals isn’t funny to me.
I found myself nodding along to what Pastor Martin was saying quite often, and he taught me a lot. I had no idea people in New Testament times folded their napkins when they left the dinner table and planned to return. I love little tidbits like that. The word studies also add a lot of context to the Bible. Great book.
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