Men's Bible - Good News Translation

American Bible Society and National Coalition of Ministries to Men (NCMM) have joined forces to create and distribute The Men’s Bible. The first Bible from both organizations with features tailored to meet the unique needs of men, The Men’s Bible contains 72 devotions written by experts in men’s ministry, and is the only Bible focusing on the three most common areas in which men struggle: marriage, pornography, and friendship. 

Using the Good News Translation, The Men’s Bible is divided into three sections: The Tool Kit, The Battle, and The Challenge. The Tool Kit serves as a concordance, providing Scripture references for topical study. The Battle contains 60 devotionals, written by NCMM men’s ministry experts, focusing on Christian purpose, priorities, and living. The Challenge provides additional devotional content focusing on marriage, pornography, and friendship—the three areas of life that NCMM has observed to frequently present stumbling blocks. (publisher's description) 

My Review: I had been searching for a Bible to recommend for a man who was seeking God and wanted to learn more about Christianity. He had some knowledge from his childhood, but had never read the Bible as an adult. So, I jumped at the chance to review The Men's Bible when it was offered to me. I have read through it and looked at the devotions. The Battle, The Tool Kit, and The Challenge were excellent additions that clearly answered questions and brought focus on things a man needs to know as he grows in his faith. However, I also wanted input from the person who was asking me questions. He has not read it all yet, but did go through enough to let me know that it is easy to read and understand, and that he really appreciated finding discussions on some of his own questions.

The Good News Translation is not my favorite, but it is easy to read. What I disliked about this Bible is that there was no room for jotting down notes and that it is hard to read some of the words due to lack of margin in the center. On the other hand, this is a soft cover Bible that is easy to hold in one hand (and I have small hands) as you use the other to turn pages (And hold flat so I can read the middle). I get frustrated when I am trying to hold a Bible to read and it is either too big or the hard cover does not give me the flexibility I need. Overall, I really like this Bible. It is a good tool for men's ministries to have available for guys who do not have a Bible and are just starting on their faith walk. The additions are also easy to find to answer questions when speaking to others about your faith and the devotions from men's ministry leaders are excellent. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Men's Bible from Icon Media Group in exchange for an honest review.

Men of A.I.M.

Men of A.I.M. is a ministry seeking to support and encourage churches and men's ministry leaders in Central Illinois, but also reaches out to men in other areas. The acronym A.I.M. is a reminder to men of the importance of balancing Action (James 2:17), Integrity (Proverbs 10:9), and Maturity (Hebrews 6:1) in our lives. Their focus scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:26 ~ Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly...

Of course, I am NOT a member, but I have been fascinated by the work that Rich Gerberding does, especially through Heart of Illinois Movie Central. Rich says on the page, "Film has the potential to impact many lives, and – frankly – the quality of Christian films has increased greatly over the years. The HOI page will be used to provide information about current or upcoming Christian movies in the Central Illinois area, or of films in the works that may be coming our way.As a growing number of Christians support films, the word will get out and Christian filmmakers will want to see if they’re films will 'Play in Peoria'."

I have noticed Rich and his organization over the past couple of years as they have been extremely supportive of several films that have caught my attention. I thought he was very effective in getting out the word (actually, I am a bit jealous of his success! lol) in movies such as Hardflip, October Baby, Christmas With A Capital C and others. I noticed that this group will be promote  The Lost Medallion (another impressive looking film!), but I am really excited that HOI also will be endorsing Beyond The Farthest Star!!!!

Rich kindly included me when he emailed others on his newsletter list, and this is part of what was said: "Is there a trailer.... no, not yet.

But there is a book, and I read it last weekend.  Yes, last weekend.  I had gotten a few pages into The Hobbit, on an impulse downloaded "Beyond the Farthest Star" - and didn't read another word of The Hobbit until I'd finished this book.

Everything I'd hoped to see from the various clips of the movie was there, and I am now even more excited about the film coming out than I was before.

The film hits a lot of topics -

• Separation of Church & State
• Teen angst & Self Abuse / cutting
• Abortion / Sanctity of Life
• Priorities of Life - Leaving a Legacy
• The Importance of Marriage Vows

Amazingly, these topics are pulled together through the struggles of a Pastor's family in a Texas small town in a way that they do not feel forced, but rather the culmination of issues left unchecked and finally blowing up."

I have said many times that I truly believe that a good film can be a conversation opener and I would like to see more groups have a media ministry that not only presents films that can minister to the churched, but also appeal to the unchurched. Too many have their own narrow view of what a Christian or faith-based film is but, as with any other type film, there is room for all genres and audiences. If you are looking for a good model on how to organize this type of outreach, I heartily recommend you take a look at the Men of A.I.M. site. I am sure Rich has many pointers on the best way to get started.

Men of A.I.M. website  

Men of A.I.M. Facebook page

Heart Of Illinois Christian Movie Central 

"Like" Beyond The Farthest Star 
(remember to sign up to Bring It!)