There is no doubt that the marriage institution has been disrupted in many ways. Infidelity, divorce, domestic violence, and same-sex marriage are some of the visible signs. However, the human and economic tolls arising from this disruption go far beyond what we can readily see. You have probably read or heard all the things the Bible says about marriage; you still remember all the things your parents or your pastor told you about marriage, and maybe, you have also tried out some of the recipes for a happy and successful marriage. Most of what has been written and said about marriage come from good husbands and good wives who are happily married and are too careful to rock the boat. They keep to the beaten track even when it is obvious that things are not working according to the general prescriptions and assumptions. Now, what about those things you have never heard? I mean those things that could contradict some of your cherished doctrines and beliefs? Yes, you believe in marriage vows, you believe in one manone wife marriages; perhaps, you were also given a set of rules on love, submission in marriage, or the formula for a successful marriage. You were probably told the type of people you should marry and those you should notbased on their backgrounds. Maybe you know nothing at all about all these. Never mind! Nothing will shield you from the vicissitudes of marriage; there is no absolute guarantee against failure. But you can reduce your odds of failure by acting consciously and proactively, and by taking your time to find out and understand who you are, your purpose and vision in life, before making the strategic decision of who to marry. What is the goal of marriage? And how do the requirements for running a successful business differ from those of having a successful marriage? This book is an attempt to develop a general framework for marriage based on proven business principles and guided by scriptural precepts. The central theme in this book is that marriage should be approached as a strategy for achieving a larger goala means to an end and not an end in itself. And since the success of any strategy depends on two key factorsplanning and executionthe materials in this book can be classified into two broad categories, namely, planning and execution of marriage as a strategy. However, the book comes with some curious icing on the cake: Every love is driven by need, and love that is devoid of attraction is nothing but kindness. Love, though necessary, is not a sufficient condition for marriage. Infidelity is a liberal ground for divorce when compared to some of the evils plaguing marriages in our society today. Adultery is not extramarital affair. Wedding vows make a deity of marriage and invalidates Gods divine grace on marriage. There is nothing sinful about polygamy, and there is no virtue or holiness in celibacy. If you are tired of reading marriage cookbooks written by good husbands and good wives and their hunky-dory marriages, then you will find this book a welcome break. However, the book could set husbands against their wives and wives against husbands, but it has a higher potential to unite sincere husbands and wives around a common vision that can bring lasting happiness and fulfillment to their marriages.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over a million copies sold! “An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent—and long-lasting—marriage.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages. John Gottman’s unprecedented study of couples over a period of years has allowed him to observe the habits that can make—and break—a marriage. Here is the culmination of that work: the seven principles that guide couples on a path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else. Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.

Revelation is probably the most read, but least understood book of the Bible. History is replete with examples of how not to interpret it, and books featuring end-of-world prophecy claims based on Revelation consistently top the bestseller lists. But how can the message of such an enigmatic book be applied to our lives today? In Discipleship on the Edge, Darrell W. Johnson drives home the challenging and practical message of Revelation in thirty carefully crafted sermons. Paying careful attention to the original context of Revelation and the circumstances surrounding its composition, Johnson shows that the book is not a "crystal ball" but rather a "discipleship manual." Thoroughly researched and yet accessible, this collection of sermons is a helpful resource for pastors and small group leaders who are looking for models to help them preach and teach the message of Revelation in a time when there is much confusion about the end times. Darrell W. Johnson serves as Scholar-in-Residence at The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A popular conference and retreat speaker, he has also served as the preaching pastor for a number of congregations in North America and the Philippines, as well as serving as Adjunct Professor of Preaching for the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. His other books include Experiencing the Trinity and Fifty-Seven Words That Change The World.

About the Book Here are proven strategies embedded in the Scriptures with which to unlock the joy and lock out the disappointment and disillusionment that lead to a hurtful, and eventually fractured, marriage relationship. By setting time aside each week, you will better understand and apply biblical solutions to issues in your relationship and direct your energies toward defeating the problem, not each other. Since God's plan of creation and redemption features marriage—Adam and Eve at the beginning, and Christ with the Church at the end—a stable and joyful marriage not only brings God glory, it provides an example for future generations to build on and copy. Use this book as a marriage enrichment tool as a couple, a group study book to work through with other couples, or as a resource to use with a counselor. In doing so you will stimulate the growth and development of your relationship with God and each other, experience greater joy in your marriage, and ultimately bring Him glory. Throughout you will find: - Key Scriptures applied to marriage - Nuggets of wisdom from a biblical counselor who is himself long-married - Questions to consider and answer - Practical homework to help you put what you've read into action - Dedicated space to write notes, prayers, or important ideas you want to remember About the Author Howard has been married to Pamela for sixty years. They have two grown children, eight grandchildren, four additional by marriage, and four great-grandchildren. Howard has filled various roles including seminary professor and president, pastor, and church planter. He retired as the Director of Counseling Ministries at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. He continues a very active counseling, teaching, and conference ministry. Howard's affiliations include: ACBC—Fellow and Member of the Academy IABC-—Board member emeritus and Training Center Director The Owen Center—Counselor-at-Large Director of DMin Biblical Counseling Birmingham Theological Seminary Council of the Biblical Counseling Coalition Interim Director of Counseling at Briarwood Presbyterian Church The Addiction Connection—Certified Biblical Addiction Counselor Editorial Review After a hard and sobering look at the statistics dealing with marriage and divorce, including couples who proclaim to be practicing evangelical Christians, Dr. Eyrich takes us on trip down "Biblical Memory Lane" where we read verses that many of us have heard and or read before, yet somehow, we missed the fact that these life principles are also talking to me about my marriage and family. This, my friend, is where rubber meets this biblical 'Route 37' and a way of loving and cherishing one another as God intended from the outset of His creation. The "One Another's" of Scripture will take on a whole different meaning as we travel along this route: 37 ways to apply God's principles for love and marriage into a holy and happy relationship which will declare the glory and love of God and His wisdom to a world who has gotten lost with a GPS that's no longer pointing us to the right road. Walter Stuart, D.Min Pastoral Counseling Westminster Theological Seminary; Crossworld Missions.

Ethical interpretations meet real life. Case studies and readings explore divergent views on morals in action.

Edited by founder and chairman of the National Fatherhood Initiative Don Eberly, The Faith Factor in Fatherhood addresses the key role that religious institutions can play in reviving what Eberly calls the 'sacred vocation of fatherhood.' In response to the wider debate regarding the increased expectations that are being placed by policy makers on faith-based institutions to serve important public purposes, contributors to this volume guide denominations, places of worship, and religious social agencies to recover the role they once played in reaching and supporting young men with a message of responsible fatherhood. Ecumenical in scope, the book addresses what each faith community can do to recover its particular heritage of engaged, involved fathering, through methods including instruction, rites of passage programs, stories, ceremonies, mentoring, and community outreach.

"At its core, the freedom-to-marry movement is about the same thing every civil rights struggle has been about: taking seriously our country's promise to be a nation its citizens can make better, its promise to be a place where people don't have to give up their differences or hide them in order to be treated equally." Why Marriage Matters offers a compelling, intelligently reasoned discussion of a question that still remains in the national consciousness. It is the work of one of the most influential attorneys in America, who has dedicated his life to the protection of individuals' rights and our Constitution's commitment to equal justice under the law. Above all, it is a clear, straightforward book that brings into sharp focus the very human significance of the right to marry in America—not just for some couples, but for all. Why is the word marriage so important? Will marriage for same-sex couples hurt the "sanctity" of the institution? How can people of different faiths reconcile their beliefs with the idea of marriage for same-sex couples? How will allowing gay couples to marry affect children? In this quietly powerful volume, the most authoritative and fairly articulated book on the subject, Wolfson demonstrates why the right to marry is important—indeed necessary—for all couples and for America's promise of equality.

Studies show that roughly one out of two marriages end in divorce. One of the reasons for this is couples today are not prepared for all—the good and bad—that may happen in marriage. Are you prepared? Author and blogger Jackie Bledsoe outlines the seven stages, or seven rings of marriages, that will equip couples for all stages in marriage. He challenges couples to keep moving through each stage for a lasting and fulfilling marriage. Through The Seven Rings of Marriage, readers gain a deeper appreciation of what marriage is, and get a clear picture of what may lie ahead in their marriage. Diligently go about making your marriage everything you and your spouse hoped for, and more! The seven rings are: Ring #1—Engagement RING Ring #2—Wedding RING Ring #3—DiscoveRING Ring #4—PerseveRING Ring #5—RestoRING Ring #6—ProspeRING Ring #7—MentoRING Visit http://jackiebledsoe.com/7rings/ to learn more about The Seven Rings of Marriage, and get additional resources.

All couples need clear communication, especially in the face of obstacles. Rob Flood teaches practical, biblical wisdom for couples interested in growing in their marriages together toward Christ. Learn to better understand your partner and remain as God made you, all while honoring Christ with your words.

Providing a fresh perspective on strategy from an organizational perspective through a discursive approach featuring key theoretic tenets, this text is also pragmatic and emphasizes the practices of strategy to encourage the reader to be open to a wider set of ideas, with a little more relevance, and with a cooler attitude towards the affordances of the digital world and the possibilities for strategy’s futures. The key areas of Strategy take a critical stance in the new edition, and also include areas less evident in conventional strategy texts such as not-for-profit organizations, process theories, globalization, organizational politics and decision-making as well as the futures of strategy.