What Really Matters in Marriage, When Sin Becomes Bitter, Marriage Becomes Sweet
Contact: Audra Jennings, 800-927-0517 x104, www.shepherdpress.com
DALLAS, July 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Marriage is an adventure, but early in every couple's story, hearts become exposed and the turf war begins. Problems emerge, tempers erupt, communication declines and conflict moves into the house. Identifying the real reason why these difficulties exist is the beginning of hope and change. In When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage (Shepherd Press), Dave Harvey looks squarely into the reality of marriage--it is two sinners uniting and the result is a clash of desires.
Many marriage books address the symptoms of marital trouble while neglecting the real problem. "It's the sin in our hearts--entirely, totally, exclusively, without exception," Harvey says. "This is taught clearly and consistently in Scripture, from the first sin to the final judgment." When Sinners Say "I Do," does not bemoan the problem but clearly exults in the solution--the gospel that is greater than our sin--and applying it inspires hope and begins the exciting process of change.
Harvey believes that a right understanding of our own sin is the necessary first step to happiness in marriage. Avoiding the common psychological discussions, he instead encourages readers to understand how the cross can transform our conflicts, our weakness, yes, even our sex lives. "God wants Christians to delight in marriage. But we can't truly understand the gospel, or even the basic problems of every marriage, until we come to terms with the undeniable reality of sin. Men and women find real hope and help when we realize that God uses marriage to reveal the heart and change the soul. This discovery process is an adventure that lasts until death do us part."
According to Harvey, God's grace can revolutionize Christian marriages and readers discover that grace is sufficient to train and transform us. "Grace excavates all the way down to our core desires and re-directs them to God," he writes. "What we want in life actually changes. Grace renovates us and never quits." When Sinners Say "I Do" highlights the stubborn grace available for couples to bring help and change.
Harvey's treatment of this complicated topic leads to a hopeful conclusion. "Until we understand the problem, we will not be able to delight in the solution. When the sin we bring to marriage becomes real to us, then the gospel becomes vital and marriage becomes sweet."
