The last two weeks we have looked at a biblical identity of manhood. We know that identity has been tarnished from the sinfulness of humanity that began in Genesis 3. We also know men today are searching for meaning and purpose in the false male identities Satan offers them as easy and poor substitutes for the identity God has called them to, a biblical identity that will provide true meaning and purpose to their lives. 

I Corinthians 16:13 challenges men with this statement: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”  Act like men! What does that mean? The worship of female deities in ancient Corinth was a significant aspect of the city’s religious life, which was quite different from most Greco-Roman cities. One of the prominent goddesses was Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Aphrodite was worshipped in various temples and shrines throughout Corinth, and the prominence of this female statue skewed the relationship between men and women. Like today, they tried to blur the genders, resulting in women seeking to be like men and men thinking they could be like women. As a result, men in turn shrunk to the shadows and everyone was hurting because of it. It is evident from even a casual reading of 1 Corinthians that this dynamic had penetrated the church, and Paul was writing to correct that problem. I suppose that, to address the issue, Paul could have cast a large blanket of blame on the government of the day or he could have rebuked the women, but he did not do that. Paul spoke directly to the men of the church to accept the responsibility God had given them by re-engaging the biblical male identity: “Act like men.” 

Calling men to act like men does nothing to diminish the significance and purpose of women. But what it does is challenges men to re-engage in their biblical identity, with the unique responsibility God has given to them. When men act like biblical men they will be fulfilled in their purpose, women will blossom, children will be nurtured and society will be a blessing to all the citizens of the community. Join me this Sunday as we conclude this series on The Male Identity. 

Do you have a good personal Bible?

When searching for a new Bible you will quickly realize there is a plethora of options. There are dozens of translations available, and then every translation has variations that focus on different segments of society. Not to mention the print size (the bigger the font the bigger the Bible), the binding (paperback to Goatskin) and the notes that can come with them, often written by an influential Christian leader. If this churchwide focus on the Bible has caused you to think about getting a new Bible, may I offer some suggestions.

1. Translation: While there are many good translations available, may I offer two good ones to choose from that are reliable and readable in contemporary English: the ESV – The English Standard Version and the NIV – The New International Version. Click Here for more information about translations.
2. Additional Notes: After you’ve decided on the translation you may want to consider a Bible with additional notes. These are often called Study Bibles and offer explanations of things in the Bible that are difficult to understand in our present day. They usually will have introductory pages to each book of the Bible, character studies, maps, word definitions and theological commentary. This is largely a personal preference but considering the person or group that compiled the notes is important. The Publisher of the Bible is something to consider. Crossway, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, Lifeway, and Zondervan are all good publishers. Caution: a large print Bible with notes can be very large and heavy. 
3. The Binding: This is where cost will come to play. As with all books, a paperback version will be the most cost effective, but they will wear out the quickest. If cost is a factor for you, a hard cover Bible usually will last longer than a paperback and not cost much more. A leather-bound Bible is the best all around for looks, feel, ease of use and durability. A word of caution: not all leather Bibles are equal. A bonded leather is not much better than a hard cover Bible and will wear out quickly. If you want a leather Bible, make sure it is “Genuine Leather” as that will check all the boxes of a good leather Bible.  
4. Personal Preferences: After you have decided on the three above, look for the ones that meet your preferences: color, font size, single column or two. The Bible you choose should be personal to you so take the time to choose wisely and enjoy it for years to come. In my adult life I am now on only my third Bible and every time I have gotten a new one it has been a major decision for me. 

Online Digital Bibles – You Version is the most popular one and is what we use for our Sunday service scripture reading. This app has lots of capabilities to help you study the Bible well. 

If you do find a store that sells Bibles, they may not have much to choose from. Here is a link to an online Christian bookstore where you can shop for a new Bible. They have an extensive inventory and are designed to help you find the best Bible. I am also available to offer advice if you need some extra guidance in choosing a Bible. Helping people find a good Bible is one of the things I love to do as a Pastor.

YBIC – 

Pastor Andrew Matthews