(She's a much better cook than a writer actually). Posted on January 18, 2021 by Ellie Coleman. Hidden Keys of a Loving, Lasting Marriage. Book Review: Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas There is a class of authors whose works have profoundly impacted my life and been catalyst to life-long change. Among them are Oswald Chambers, Phil Yancey, Henry Blackaby, Charles Colson, Frederick Buechner and Bruce Wilkinson. If God had waited for the world to be worthy to receive him, his Son would never have come.”, “Any life situation that exercises our ability to extend forgiveness is a life situation that can mold us further into the character of Jesus Christ.”, “The beauty of marriage is that it confronts our selfishness and demands our service twenty-four hours a day.”. Devotions for a Sacred Marriage book. . Hello everyone! Read 35 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. $14.99. $14.99 Introduction Gary L. Thomas has written numerous books and articles for Christian publications on the subject of family life and Christian living, is a frequent guest on the Focus on the Family and Family Life radio broadcasts, and teaches at Western Seminary in… Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas was re-released in August of 2015. It’s not about just you anymore, it’s now about the other person. Any step back, any pause, any retreat, is an act of fraud.”, “Someone else’s action can’t dictate our response. It is, however, limited to this very narrow audience and does not find much acclaim amongst the general public. What especially drew me in was the subtitle, “What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?”. Reviews by Christian readers of the Sacred Marriage book are highly favorable. Feb 24, 2021 - Explore Mandy / Christian Blogger / Ch's board "Book Reviews", followed by 310 people on Pinterest. 299 pp. I liked his point about how we are married to another one of God’s children, so think about how you treat your spouse in light of that. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Just my space to write what’s on my mind, and share what I’m reading or doing! In The Sacred Search Mr. Thomas talks extensively about making the wise choice concerning marriage, an how contrary to popular belief it is not the who but the why. A. Marriage can be very raw and eye-opening… when you merge your life with another’s, and make yourself vulnerable, you start realizing things about yourself you maybe haven’t noticed too much, or maybe certain things about your personality seem magnified. ( Log Out / Good review. According to the author, Gary Thomas, marriage is more than just a commitment to another individual. She always looks a mess and never meets a deadline. The whole thesis of his book (and this study) is to look at marriage as something which God uses to make us more like Jesus. And perhaps it is unfair to give this manual a negative review when Sacred Marriage is specifically written for Christians. This is the marriage book I needed right now. Alissa is married, has one human, one feline, and two canine kids. It would be good for a couple who is engaged to read, and definitely newly married couples, but really couples of any stage in their relationship would benefit from it. It is still too early to see dramatic changes, but it has opened my eyes to see my selfishness. Here are some of the reasons why they recommend it: The very few criticisms that are directed at Sacred Marriage book and its author are predominantly focused on gender issues. Book Review: Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. This book has given me more of an awareness of how marriage can make me holy. more exciting love life—because this isn’t a book that seeks to tell you how to have a happier marriage. However, for the remaining couples who are trying to navigate the difficult waters of marriage, some of these concepts will be hard to swallow. Book Review – Prayer and Marriage Gary L. Thomas has written numerous books and articles for Christian publications on the subject of family life and Christian living, is a frequent guest on the Focus on the Family and Family Life radio broadcasts, and teaches at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon (back cover). I highly recommend this book for all married … If Christians would read and heed this book, there would be far fewer divorces in our churches. Train us to love God and others well; Expose sin and makes us more aware of God's presence; Foster good prayer; Cultivate a sexual relationship that feeds the spiritual life; and more; With provocative discussion questions for couples and small groups, this book will most certainly change you. https://www.ereads.com/author/agibafhuhfaohfa586126ga/, You And Me Forever Book Review – Marriage in Light of Eternity (2021), The Meaning Of Marriage Book Review (2021) – Facing The Complexities Of Commitment With The Wisdom Of God, The Power Of A Praying Wife Book Review (2021), When Sinners Say “I Do” Book Review (2021) – Discovering The Power Of The Gospel For Marriage, Love And Respect Book Review (2021) – The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs. A … Gary Thomas’ Sacred Marriage is a well-reasoned and thoughtful response to the centuries-old tradition of viewing spiritual formation as primarily taking place between an individual and God—a tradition that often celebrates being celibate while marginalizing marriage. No, this is an all-guns-blazing spiritual textbook on how to use your marriage to become more holy. We are absolute best friends, and it’s only gotten better with time! And just to let you know, we might make a dollar or two out of the Amazon affiliate links posted around the website. Thomas, Gary L. Sacred Marriage.Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 2000. This isn’t to say marriage is just one big trial and it’s no fun; I am so happy I married my sweetheart. I really enjoyed this book because it isn't a book about how to be a better wife or husband,… I am a Jersey girl married to my sweetheart, who is a Pastor! Getting to Know You Better • What is something you wear that your spouse does not like ? Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 2000. It’s a deep book, and the chapters are long, but it was very good. Sacred Marriage uncovers the mystery of God’s overarching He says, “Sin never seems quite as shocking when it is known only to us; when we see how it looks or sounds to another, it is magnified ten times over.”. If you ask around for recommendations on marriage books (in the Christian community), chances are this book will be mentioned more than once. I would highly recommend this book to any couple discerning marriage, engaged, or already married. Some readers feel that Thomas’ theories are based on antiquated and stereotypical gender definitions. As an added bonus, my husband and I are reading the devotional that accompanies this book: Devotions for a Sacred Marriage. The author openly shares his experiences and problems with humor and understanding of the stresses and difficulties that married couples are presented with. Judging by book reviews of Sacred Marriage, this book is a winner with the Christian, married couples group of readers. We are a bunch of book enthusiasts who enjoy reading books and writing about them. Don’t be fooled by how quickly I am posting yet another book review. It's been neat to have him experience the same principles in devotional form that I'm reading in the longer book. Train us to love God and others well; Expose sin and makes us more aware of God's presence; Foster good prayer; Cultivate a sexual relationship that feeds the spiritual life; and more; With provocative discussion questions for couples and small groups, this book will most certainly change you. December 24, 2012 Leave a Comment. Now, I have another name to add to the list: Gary Thomas. There was a flood of responses from people. Every couple who prizes their faith and their relationship needs to read this incredible book.” Drs. I agree with the previous reviews. Too many marriage books assume that both spouses are going to participate in reading and enacting the steps given in the book; this is all about how my relationship with God is imaged and expressed through my marriage relationship. I planned my wedding multiple times over, read through bridal magazines, and imagined the life my husband and I would one day have. Traveling is always fun, too. That’s why you can also find it on our list of the best Christian marriage books. Gary Thomas, the author of Sacred Marriage, recently wrote on his blog about how the church needs to protect women from abuse. **Scripture passages are quoted from other versions of the Bible other than KJV, which is what I use consistently, so if you’re like me, I thought you should know that. It is a simplified version that does not use complicated ideas and language. For those who don't know me, I love my cream with a touch of coffee, and I love to read, write, and play board games. I love laughing, it's my favorite. February 14, 2018. Thank You for Your support! For anyone who has traveled, experienced life, and encountered a wide range of committed couples from every conceivable background, Sacred Marriage does not provide any inspiration or relatable content. I planned my wedding multiple times over, read through bridal magazines, and imagined the life my husband and I would one day have. Sacred Marriage is a handbook full of strategies to employ in the quest to grow spiritually and become more righteous in the role of husbands and wives. 8. I look forward to sharing many of them with you. by Jennie Smith. The book does not offer a miracle “seven steps to Heaven” recipe. “When you entered this relationship of marriage, you committed to keep moving toward your spouse. Also, after we registered the Ereads.com domain, we realized that it used to belong to a certain publishing company. (side note: for Christmas we actually got Devotions for a Sacred Marriage and I got Sacred Influence so it is cool they all connect :). this is hands down the BEST couples devotional book EVER!!!!!!! It is intended to deepen your relationship with God and as such, it is merely a vehicle to that end. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out / Les and Leslie Parrot Rather than tell me how I can change my marriage, this book talks about changing my heart. See more ideas about homeschool support, marriage books, sacred marriage. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I'm Ellie, and I'm so excited to be a blogger! Christian readers appreciate the view that couples should persevere through the difficult times in a marriage rather than opting out at the first hurdle. Here are some of the reasons why they recommend it: It challenges couples to attain maturity in their relationship with each other and with God. I am a born again Christian. Sacred Marriage has been revised and updated to make it more relevant to modern marriages. Hi guys! Last week, I read Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. It is also fundamentally wrong. I never dreamed that marriage would be the biggest challenge I ever faced. Most people would agree with the title that marriage should be sacred, but not in the manner prescribed by this book. This makes it more accessible to a wider range of age groups and religious groups. The book does not offer a miracle “seven steps to Heaven” recipe. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. One lady directly confronted him for how, “I endured abuse for way too long because of your teachings.”. A good marriage doesn't just happen. For some couples, it could even make matters worse! The revised edition of Sacred Marriage takes into account the ways men's and women's roles have expanded since the book was first written. Don’t get me wrong. View All Posts. I was a teacher, but now I am focusing on my duties as Pastor’s wife. We met in Bible college, and we now live in Pennsylvania! It’s a deep book, and the chapters are long, but it was very good. . 7. I started this in September and finally finished. Sacred Marriage is an excellent book. Rather than tell me how I can change my marriage, this book talks about changing my heart. Discussion Questions 279. 299 pp. Sacred Marriage reveals how good marriages . Thomas, Gary L. Sacred Marriage. It has been streamlined to be a faster read without losing the depth that so many readers have valued. This book helped me see it in a new light – it’s God’s exercise for us, to make us more like Him. ( Log Out / Sacred Marriage doesn’t tell how to build a better marriage—it shows how your marriage can help you deepen your relationship with God. This is a book that looks at how we can use the challenges, joys, struggles, and celebrations of marriage to draw closer to God and to grow in Christian character. I agree with you this book would be excellent for an engaged couple or newly married one. Change ). Review: Sacred Marriage. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Not that I never saw my selfishness, but I realized more and more after getting married. This book offered a new perspective on marriage I have not thought about much until reading this: While marriage is a blessing, it is something God can use to make us holy. • What was your first address together? Book Review: “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas. Introduction. Sacred Marriage – For a Better Marriage Relationship And More. Secondary Principal. This approach to marriage enhances family life. Sacred Marriage: A Book Review. After all, you go from being “just you” to two. I have read many relationship books in my short life, but this one was definitely different from any that I have read so far. This review was written for Devotions for a Sacred Marriage. I am learning to daily humble myself and serve my husband, giving him respect even when I don’t think he deserves it. If you haven’t purchased your copy of Sacred Marriage, we would encourage you to do so before you get married. Sacred Marriage: A Book Review by Jennie Smith Secondary Principal. In my opinion, it would have served the great need for providing sound, reliable advice that married couples are interested in accessing and maybe even have done some good in promoting the biblical concept of marriage if it had been more inclusive. After reviewing “Sacred Marriage,” an insightful book suggesting that Christians would do well to view their marriages as a means to holiness, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a thoughtful response from the author, Gary Thomas.His remarks are published below. Sacred Marriage I’ve just completed reading Gary Thomas’ book, Sacred Marriage and I have to say, the sub-title very aptly summarizes the entire book. Not for the author and his flock of Christian followers is the rosy glow of love on the cheeks while cuddled up together in wedded bliss. There are always new adventures. ( Log Out / “Sacred Marriage is one of the best marriage books we’ve ever read–it’s a classic. For fundamentalist Christians who believe that the Bible must be believed literally and completely, it is not difficult to accept these teachings. This book enlightens the reader on the topic of sin, redemption, prayer, and sex all within the confines of the marriage relationship. Thus this little disclaimer – Ereads.com is not affiliated with E-Reads publishing or Open Road Integrated Media in any way. . The Sacred Marriage participant's guide is designed to accommodate and enhance the six teaching sessions on the DVD. Sacred Marriage (Chap 5) “Prayer is a work to which we must commit ourselves if we are to make sense of our lives in light of eternity.” –Terry Glaspey . This approach to marriage enhances family life. As you can probably tell, Sacred Marriage is excellently written. We’re after what Francis de Sales wrote about in the seven-teenth century. This is the marriage book I needed right now. From the practice of forgiveness, to the ecstasy of lovemaking, to the history you and your spouse create together, everything about your marriage is filled with the potential for discovering and revealing Christ’s character. The author claims that not only will reading this book change you as an individual, but also your marriage, and your spiritual life. . i have given away every copy that i have purchased to couples who want to enrich their marriage. The sub-title is, “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy.” It is … Not only that, but it also does not take into account the cultural difference between the New Testament society and our modern world. “Sacred Marriage doesn’t tell you how to build a better marriage; it shows how your marriage can help you deepen your relationship with God.” “This book looks at how we can use the challenges, joys, struggles, and celebrations of marriage to draw closer to God and to grow in Christian character.” B. Obviously, I think so, and this is where Sacred Marriage comes into the discussion. Read this book with your boyfriend/girlfriend or fiancé/fiancée. They found it difficult to relate to his macho ideals for husbands and the “stay-at-home” role of the wife as it was in the 1950s. When we are exposed, we can see where we need to change and where we need to let God transform us. Thank You for Your support! As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. Buy on Amazon. Reviews by Christian readers of the Sacred Marriage book are highly favorable. 5.0 out of 5 starsA heart-to-heart about marriage. It challenges couples to attain maturity in their relationship with each other and with God. Small group ice-breakers, discussion questions, Bible study and guided prayer are only a few of the many helps provided to let your marriage become a doorway to a closer walk with God. This aspect seems to be a prominent feature of many Bible-based marriage guidance books and, while Christianity is not the only religion that professes these particular beliefs, it seems that few authors bother to update their viewpoints to be more inclusive of the modern family. This book is based on Biblical teachings, examples from Christian history and literature, as well as everyday examples of its application in modern Christian marriages. God sent his Son into a world that hated him. I heard a radio interview the other day with Gary Thomas, the author of Sacred Marriage, and it really caught my attention. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. As a young girl, I dreamed of being married. Alissa is an avid reader, blogger, and wannabe writer. As a young girl, I dreamed of being married. September 20, 2018. Discuss how respecting and telling the sacred history of your marriage can foster community with other couples you know. Don’t be fooled by how quickly I am posting yet another book review. In this book, Thomas explores the various aspects of the marriage relationship, not by offering any practical “how to’s”, but by exploring how God might be using that particular area of our marriage to teach us about who He is and to draw us into a deeper relationship with Himself. Thomas brings the marriage relationship into a whole new light – as a way of sanctifying and growing us in our walk with God more than as a means to make us happy in our short time on Earth . We have also started a small group for married couples at our church that is following Sacred Marriage, a curriculum based on the book of the same name by Gary Thomas (you can visit his site by clicking here). Books Advanced Search New Releases Best Sellers & More Children's Books Textbooks Textbook Rentals Best Books of the Month 1-25 of over 2,000 results for "sacred marriage" Skip to main search results I started this in September and finally finished. should go into the sacred history of your marriage, to be told to your children, family, and friends. Gary Thomas’s book “Sacred Marriage” — a review by Avid Reader. Sacred Marriage reveals how good marriages . Book Review: “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas. It means the world to us! 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