Modern Disciple Magazine for Men (MDM4M), published in Canada AUGUST 2004

Cover

The Ministry of Setting Captives Free by Mike Martin

Interview: Building 429 by Ryan Richardson

Wild at Heart by Mike Martin

The Well Balanced Diet by Jeff Consiglio

Bill's Story by Phil Sweet

Review: every man, God's man by Stephen Barkley

Media Watch by David Chipp-Smith

Sleeping at Last by Justin Taylor

Review: Everywoman's Battle by Leah Behrens

Viva V by Ryan Richardson

Review: Every Man, God's Man

A Review by Stephen Barkley For the past decade, the public image of men's ministry has been presented as groups of men hugging, crying, and confessing their pornographic habits to each other. This book travels a different path. Instead of being tactical (filled with strategies and plans to avoid temptation), Arterburn and Luck have chosen to illustrate what the character of a godly man looks like from the perspective of a fellow traveler. In 19 chapters (book ended with football metaphors), Arterburn and Luck show how godly character is built. The essence of their argument is this: when you combine an undivided heart with a stubborn spine, you will be able to make wise decisions even when under pressure. When the inevitable happens and we choose to sin, courageous confession is the only way to return. God will not allow anything less than complete obedience all the time. In the final chapter, Arterburn and Luck recall the motivation for godly living: "God's man regards the unique and personal sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the single most powerful determinant of his choices-in every domain of life" (210). Every Man, God's Man is loaded with stories. The author's lives, history, and even hit movies like The Lion King and Saving Private Ryan provide fodder for teaching. This book is set apart from the masses of other devotionals by the way that each story relates precisely to the author's point. My personal favorite is when Luck humbly admits deceiving his young child out of her last Pop-Tart: the human mind can always rationalize our self-interests! Arterburn and Luck are very skilled communicators. One refreshing aspect of this book was its absolutely humble and honest perspective on sin. There is no sidestepping the unsavory issues here! Everything from sexual temptation to classic male pride is handled with an unflinching glare. Still, in the

midst of the soul-searching, there is hope: "As I speak to men I tell them point-blank: There is no such thing as an irresistible temptation" (133). The only disappointing part of this book was the author's choice of language while teaching on the Holy Spirit (chapter 14: "Your Personal Guide"). The Spirit of Christ is the third person of the Trinity: one with the Father and Son. In referring to him, Arterburn and Luck claim, "The Holy Spirit, like a good vacuum cleaner, is not effective unless, in a sense, He is plugged in" (166). I find this quite an offensive way to describe the way our God operates. Aside from their unsavory use of metaphor, however, the author's main point is clear: we must walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide in matters of godliness, and he will provide us with all the power we need to live righteous lives Every Man, God's Man is an excellent addition to the Every Man series. The material is easy to read, and never delves too deep. This book is especially suited for group discussion, with the companion workbook offering many thought provoking questions. If you are tired of feeling like you're not the person God intended you to be, and you are ready to be challenged in the area of personal holiness, this book is for you. My final concern? Let's see a Canadian edition filled with hockey metaphors instead of the ubiquitous football!

All articles in MDM4M are copyright the author. Opinions and views are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinions of MDM4M.