Bible Guidance
Essays
Celebrating Singleness: Dating is Not a Goal
1/2/13We were designed to build connections to those around us, to be in communion with others. There is nothing wrong with seeking someone with whom we can share our lives. Yet desiring to be in a relationship becomes problematic if it becomes the focus of life. Dating and even marriage is a means to an end, not the goal of life itself. So why is looking for a spouse such a poor life focus?…
What it Means to Love One Another
9/29/11
We can get so bent out of shape arguing about Biblical roles for husband and wife. If we find these teachings too confusing, how about just looking at how God said we should treat one another? The Bible uses the phrase “one another” often and…
What is the Point of Marriage?
9/27/10
What is the purpose of marriage anyway? Marriage seems so risky--does it really have value for our society? Does scripture speak on the value of marriage? Here's a few reasons God thinks marriage is a good idea: For reflecting the image of God. Genesis 1:27 “In…
Praying Together
5/30/07
In marriage, as we grow closer together as we grow closer to God. Many couples are uncomfortable with praying together because prayer creates an emotional nakedness. But this spiritual vulnerability is a powerful tool for building intimacy in marriage. Prayer connects us intimately before God. As we…
Devotions
MEMBERS OF ONE BODY
4/3/13 Read Scripture Verse: Ephesians 4:17-25
Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesus that they are no longer who they were. They are new creatures, renewed in Christ! They used to find it acceptable to be selfish and greedy, but now they are different. They used to find it acceptable to tell…
HELP TO STAND
4/2/13 Read Scripture Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Returning from a week-long cycling trip, Steven badly wrenched his ankle on our own front steps while unpacking the car. What a welcome home! In a moment he went from feeling athletic to hobbled. How quickly things change! Yet he was well cared for as…
Jonah: Attitude Check
12/18/12 Read Scripture Verse: Jonah 1-4
With whom do you connect in the story of Jonah? Maybe you feel like the sailors who don’t seem to recognize God until they are desperate for help and their troubles are looking like they might swallow them up. Maybe you feel like the people…
Resources
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Moments Together for Growing Closer to God
This devotional is an excellent place to being forming a spiritual life together. Just be sure you have a little time, since the questions often lead to great discussions!
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Beyond “I Do”: What Christians Believe About Marriage
This is one of the best books about what a marriage is. It's really a theology of marriage rather than a "how to" manual, but it's perspective provides ample context for why the How-To stuff works.
