"This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." — Ephesians 5:32 Marriage reveals something of eternal significance. From the beginning, God designed marriage to convey a greater reality—the passionate, unfailing, redeeming love of God for sinners, the eternal romance between Christ and his bride. In this volume, Ray Ortlund traces marriage throughout Scripture—from the first marriage in the garden of Eden to the ultimate marriage in the book of Revelation—laying out a transcendent vision of marriage that dignifies our own imperfect unions as a display of the gospel. This book offers insight and hope to every married person today. Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.
“There is much joy as two people in love commit themselves to each other, and there is the joyful anticipation of how the marriage can become a blessing to the couple and to others. But there is also a degree of apprehension as even the best of marriages need hard work to succeed and too many marriages don’t work out even among followers of Jesus. “Couples need help as they embark on their life together, which is why we welcome this book on marriage preparation by Rev Dr Dev Menon. He brings all the right qualifications to the job. He is a pastor who has done marriage preparation for many couples, he has studied theology, and perhaps most important of all, he is married with three children. “Readers will find Dev’s writing conversational and accessible. He combines a strong theological framework with a lot of practical help for couples as they begin their marriage. While those preparing for marriage need counsellors, mentors, and models — companions who will walk with them — they also need to base their marriage on God and His truth. The Pattern provides this biblical foundation and does it admirably.” —From the Foreword by Rev Dr Tan Soo-Inn Director, Graceworks
"MARRIAGE BY DESIGN" is the 2015 FIRST PLACE, GOLD MEDAL WINNER (Christian-Living Category) in the Readers' Favorite International Literary Awards Contest! “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You have written a wonderful guide by which couples, should they choose to apply the principles…offered through this book, will dramatically increase their ability to experience ‘a little bit of heaven on earth’ in their marriage.” —Pastor Fred R. Rodriguez, Lead Pastor Executive Presbyter SoCal/Ag... “I found myself reading the situations discussed in this book, and having the words jump out at me remembering couples and families I have counseled through these very issues. How I wish I had this guide at that time. This book is a tremendous resource that should be present on every counselor, pastor, and ministry leader’s shelves.” —Sheila L. Harper, SaveOne Founder and President... Marriage by Design serves as a healing salve to wounded marriages—as well as a warning to those beginning their matrimonial journey, and couples anywhere in the spectrum—offering hope and encouragement to those who want to revitalize, refine, or completely restore their relationships. Marriage by Design is loaded with practical tools and exercises designed to shed light on unhealthy modes of behavior and their motivations; it also challenges some of the beliefs we carry from childhood that can impact our current relationships. Marriage by Design begins by establishing God’s foundation in marriage and moving through a systematic building process, enabling couples to apply scriptural-based techniques and concepts to their own marriages. If you’re looking to change a relationship based on inconsistent emotions and experience the freedom produced by intentional living—to move your marriage from stuck to stupendous—Marriage by Design is the tool you’ve been missing!~~ IDEAL GIFT FOR NEWLYWEDS...A WONDERFUL ENHANCEMENT FOR SEASONED COUPLES...A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GIFT...A GREAT WAY TO SHOW FRIENDS AND COUPLES THAT YOU LOVE THEM!
Build a Love that Lasts At a time when more people are delaying marriage or writing it off altogether, those ready to walk the aisle will appreciate a frank and trusted resource to help them start marriage on the right foot. This practical guide will help you explore your relationship in depth and will provide new insight into your partner and how the two of you relate to one another establish your wants and needs as individuals and a couple before your marriage begins lay the groundwork for open and honest conversation for a stronger, healthier marriage reveal how life events and family background can influence decision making in finances, family, education, faith, and career engage you in activities that lead to thought-provoking discussion addressing your past experiences and current expectations Engaging and easy-to-use, Before You Say "I Do" is full of tried and true wisdom to help you plan for your future and build a lasting relationship with the one you love.
Apply God’s Wisdom to Your Marriage God designed the unique covenant between a man and a woman to be a lifelong partnership that brings joy, support, and stability to both their lives. You can experience this fulfillment for yourself when you follow His plan as the foundation for the relationship between you and your loved one. This companion to Your Marriage God’s Way invites you to work together with your spouse to take a closer look at the biblical principles for this precious contract and make them an active part of your own marriage. You will build a stronger relationship and deeper faith as you understand the unique roles God has given each of you identify ways you can better help, encourage, and support each other make serving God the focal point of your marriage No matter how long you’ve been married, there is always room to grow in your relationship by placing Christ at its center. With the help of the Your Marriage God’s Way Workbook, bring your hearts closer together and experience the fullness God has in store for both of you.
Do you want to be a hottie in the bedroom without sacrificing holiness? How can you make the most of God's gift of sexual intimacy in marriage? Wrongful thinking and behaviors regarding sex permeate our culture. Christians need to reclaim sexuality and enjoy it in the way God intended. God does not shy away from the subject of sex. The Bible shows a better way in every area-including the marital bedroom. In Hot, Holy, and Humorous, author J. Parker gives candid advice for wives from a foundation of faith with a splash of humor. This book can boost your sex savvy and improve your marital intimacy. And guess what? With God's perfect design, you and your spouse can enjoy the most amazing sex!
This is the moving story of Matt Chandler's battle with a potentially fatal brain tumor. But it's also the stories of those in his church family who taught him, and teach him, how to walk with joy in sorrow. Readers will find encouragement and strength to get through tough times, or to support others to do so.
Same-sex marriage is here, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. How do those who follow Christ faithfully answer the standard talking points for same-sex marriage? And how can they best articulate the case for one-man, one-woman marriage in everyday conversation? Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet believe a thoughtful approach to God's design for marriage is the answer to both questions. The key is not a contentious attitude towards those who believe in same-sex marriage, but a winsome perspective that is faithful to Christ, committed to truth, and shaped by a love for God and others. Christians need to know that because Christ has risen, there is no such thing as "all hope is lost." They are still called to engage culture even if they are viewed as wrong, illegal and intolerant.
Equipping a New Generation to Live Out God’s Design This thorough study of the Bible’s teaching on men and women aims to help a new generation of Christians live for Christ in today’s world. Moving beyond other treatments that primarily focus on select passages, this winsome volume traces Scripture’s overarching pattern related to male-female relationships in both the Old and New Testaments. Those interested in careful discussion rather than caustic debate will discover that God’s design is not confining or discriminatory but beautiful, wise, liberating, and good.
