If you’re thinking about buying the book for yourself, your partner, both of you, or perhaps for a couple you know – read this first. By the end you’ll know exactly what you’re buying, whether it’s for you (or someone you know) and the challenge you’re letting yourself in for.
10 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES:
Every chapter begins with Jim & Elizabeth retelling a marriage from the Bible worthy of study. Much like setting the scene in a novel, they lay the foundations for delving deeper into their story.
Then comes the study – no longer than 5 pages, they split up the narrative and discuss with insightful wisdom what’s going on. How do they interact with each other? What do they do well? How do they screw up? What about God? When you think about it, marriage runs through the Bible like the words on a stick of rock! These examples are invaluable – and it’s the meat and potatoes of the book.
Then comes the lessons – Elizabeth takes the ladies aside and Jim takes the men. They draw from the scriptural examples of husbands and wife’s offering 4-5 lessons, each around a page long. Inside each lesson are practical advice to put into action, refer back to and begin working on your side of the marriage.
Then comes the main message – these bits are called ‘Building a Marriage that Lasts’. No more than one page, this section rounds of the chapter with the main message that comes from the study.
PRACTICAL ELEMENTS:
After all those words, each chapter ends with something to help you as a couple pin-point where your marriage is at. Then they offer you and your partner the next steps towards a stronger relationship.
After the Adam & Eve chapter is a communication meter to measure how you and your partner communicate, called ‘Where Are You on the Countdown to Communication?’ With 5 levels, you can identify with the level you’re on and see the manageable steps to help your relationship get to a place where you can share everything.
Find the Communication Countdown for yourself at the end of the PDF sample chapter at the top of this page below the video.
30-DAY DEVOTIONAL JOURNEY:
At the very back of the book is a useful tool designed for couples to journey together through the Bible. A beautiful touch to the book, this devotional lasts for 30 days and is realistic to maintain. It’s an instrument for joint devotion, reading the Bible together, praying together and growing together.
WHO IS THE BOOK FOR?:
Admittedly, this book holds to a conservative view of marriage. The man is described as the ‘spiritual leader’ of the marriage, while the woman is asked to ‘complement, complete and fulfill’. This is because they translate the Bible literally – which was written in a gender biased culture. It’s odd to read this with 21st Century British eyes, and although I personally don’t agree with it the principles within this book are not affected.
There is still much equality to be read, seen and practiced from this book.
This book is suitable for couples, young & old, who have a desire to work on their marriage. If you place this book in the hands of an apathetic man it will never be read. But in the right hands with both couples committed to reading it – together – it is a powerful tool for mutual spiritual growth.
THE CHALLENGE:
Some books can be nibbled on, others can be devoured in days. This book is a nightly/weekly/fortnightly meal.
It’s a resource! It’s designed to be degusted, reflected upon and then put into practice – not rushed through or nibbled or taken lightly. If you’re serious about building on your marriage together this book is an incredible tool, if not it’s a waste of money.
So before purchasing this book we recommend you challenge yourself or your partner to take this seriously. And if you accept this challenge to journey after God’s own heart together you’re marriage will most certainly flourish.