Books

Stand Firm & Act Like Men: Becoming the man you were created to be instead of who the world says you are

What Does It Mean to Be a Man?

Masculinity is in crisis—men are confused, culture is loud, and true Biblical manhood feels harder than ever to find. In Stand Firm and Act Like Men, Pastor Joby Martin reminds us that real manhood isn’t about driving the biggest truck or having the biggest gun collection (though he won’t say no to either).

True men of God stand their ground where it counts: they surrender before the cross, lead and protect their families, put on the full armor of God, and guard against the lies that threaten to tear our homes, churches, and culture apart.

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love,” this book is a clear, straightforward guide to what Scripture says about who men are and how they are called to live.

In his trademark straight-talk style, Joby calls men back to Biblical masculinity, not a stereotype, but a life of courage, sacrifice, and strength anchored in love. He tackles the tough questions, points men to Jesus, and invites them to stand firm in their faith, act like men, and step into the role God designed for them.

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Additional Resources

YouVersion Reading Plan

In this plan, you will be challenged to rediscover biblical manhood as you explore what Scripture says about men surrendering their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

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Book Launch Celebration

Watch a previously recorded live conversation between Pastor Joby Martin and Charles Martin as they share the heart behind their new book.

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Roundtable Discussion

Join Joby Martin, Tim Tebow, Jeff Foxworthy, Drew Parker, and friends as they challenge and encourage men to stand firm in their faith and act like men in every area of life.

Available in December
Discover Groups

Godly Men Discover Groups are designed for men only. Meet with your campus pastor, learn how to get plugged into a disciple group, build community with other men, and take your next step in deepening your walk with Jesus.

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Stand Firm with Gretchen Martin

Join us for a 7-week daily devotional written by Gretchen Martin, beginning October 20. Designed for women, this devotional will guide you through Scripture, prayer, and reflection.

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Stand Firm & Act Like Men Study Guide

Discover what it means to Stand Firm and Act Like A Man in a whole new way by using our digital study guide to help you dig even deeper in scripture and facilitate discussion with friends.

Available in January
Stand Firm and Act Like Men Sermon Series

A seven-week series focused on the important role that God has designed men to play in all areas of society. When men stand up and live and love as God intended, everyone flourishes.

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Deepen: Season 24 - Stand Firm & Act Like Men

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.

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"It’s obvious that God is doing something in the hearts of men today. There is a stirring and a returning to Jesus and the church across our nation. But with so much change in the church, what will they return to? In Stand Firm and Act Like Men, Joby paints a clear, passionate, and compelling vision to become the kinds of men we need in this hour. Both biblical and practical, this will equip men to follow Jesus well today."

Jon Tyson, Pastor of Church of the City New York, Founder of Forming Men
"Where men embody the kind of masculinity Joby has mined from the scriptures here, humanity flourishes. Humanity descends into chaos, where males take cues from the world or softer, less biblical ideals. Joby has done an excellent job laying the groundwork for what it means to "act like men." He isn't shaming or disparaging. He simply calls men to embrace and step into what God has given them, their unique strength for."

Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor of The Village Church
"If you’re a guy like me, trying to figure out how to follow Jesus, lead your family well, and not get lost in what the world says a man’s supposed to be, this book is exactly what you need. Joby Martin has been one of the biggest influences in my life when it comes to understanding what real, godly manhood looks like. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He shoots it straight, backs it with the Bible, and points everything back to Jesus. That’s what you’ll get in Stand Firm and Act Like Men, a solid, no-fluff guide to stepping up as the man God’s called you to be."

Drew Parker, Country Music Singer and Songwriter
"In a world quick to declare masculinity in crisis, Pastor Joby Martin offers a powerful, biblically grounded antidote. Stand Firm and Act Like Men cuts through the confusion, revealing that true manhood isn't about cultural stereotypes, but about surrendering to God, leading with love, and standing firm in faith... This book is an essential guide for any man seeking to understand and embody the strength, purpose, and calling God intends."

Léonce B. Crump Jr, Author of Renovate and The Resilience Factor, Founder of United Church
"I grew up in church. I have been married for over 25 years. I am the proud dad of 4 kids. It’s tempting to act like I have things figured out, but thankfully this book cuts right through that and reminds me what it truly means to be a man. Joby is funny, practical and biblical."

Brian Mosley, President of RightNow Media
Joby challenges men to lead with courage, humility, and faith. This book doesn’t just call you out — it calls you up: for your family, your team, and the world. For that, I’m truly grateful.

Tim Tebow, Author, Speaker, Founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation
"Every preacher needs a preacher, and I decided Pastor Joby Martin would be “my preacher” years ago, not just because he is one of the best Bible teachers alive, but because he is a good man. And you are about to read what I believe might be his life message. Reality is undefeated: where men fulfill their callings everything flourishes, and where men do not everything burns. This is the best possible outlay of God’s calling for men to STAND FIRM, AND ACT LIKE MEN."

Josh Howerton, Senior Pastor of Lakepointe Church
"In an age when ‘manhood’ is one of the most confusing terms in our lexicon, Joby lays out a clear and compelling vision. They say men don’t read nearly as many books as women. I’m betting this one will be the exception. I predict you’ll read it and then give it to your sons and all your friends."

J.D. Greear, Pastor of The Summit Church, Author
"Joby is a real man—a man of integrity, tenacity, and humility. He is a man of honor. I can think of no one more qualified to write this much-needed book. The fabric of civilization is families; as the fathers go, so goes the family. While society sees men as a problem, God sees men as the solution. We need a revival of biblical masculinity in America. This book has the power to spark that revival in men, and it's one that every man should read."

Phil Hopper, Author and Lead Pastor of Abundant Life Church
"Once again, Joby Martin has hit the mark. In a world where genuine biblical manhood has been obscured by goofy narcissistic definitions by some and canceled as toxic by others, Joby clears out the fog and points to reality that for too long has been hidden in plain sight."

Larry Osborne, Author and Pastor of North Coast Church
"I am so thankful for Joby Martin’s new book Stand Firm and Act Like Men! With his characteristic loving directness, engaging humor, personal illustrations, and theological precision – Joby calls us up to biblical manhood. This is a book you will not only want to read and re-read, but one you will want to get into the hands of the men around you. I know I will!"

Dr. Bruce Frank, Lead Pastor of Biltmore Church and Speaker On Radio Program, The Vertical Life.
""Dazed and confused" was the name of a 1993 coming-of-age comedic film, but it also describes too many believers today regarding biblical manhood. God's Word is the answer when confusion reigns, and my friend Joby Martin offers sage biblical wisdom for men (and women) in this book. Grounded in Scripture and aware of the extremes of our day (like overly passive/overly aggressive), Joby roots the strength of manhood in the gospel and the pursuit of being increasingly like Jesus. The clarity needed in a confused world can be found here."

Ed Stetzer, Dean of Talbot School of Theology