Focus on the Family - The Covenant Marriage

2014 Focus on the Family

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ebook edition created 2014

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-6784-9

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version . NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patents and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Other version used is:

KJV King James Version . Authorized King James Version.

Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. They provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect Gods design and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.

PRAISE FOR

THE MARRIAGE SERIES

We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive . Thats what Focus on the Familys Marriage Series is all about. Whether youre in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better.

Jim Daly

President, Focus on the Family

A strong marriage is the cornerstone of a strong home, and a strong home is the cornerstone of strong churches and communities, as well as our nation. These Bible studies cover the pertinent areas of making marriages thrive, and I highly recommend them whether you are newly married or seasoned.

Dr. Tony Evans

Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Author, Kingdom Man and Kingdom Woman

Marriage is an amazing adventurefilled with excitement, joy and challenges. Focus on the Familys Marriage Series examines Gods gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources.

Dr. Greg Smalley

Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

In a day and age where the covenant of marriage is so quickly tossed aside in the name of incompatibility and irreconcilable differences, a marriage Bible study that is both inspirational and practical is desperately needed. The Focus on the Family Marriage Series is what couples are seeking. I give my highest recommendation to this Bible study series that has the potential to dramatically impact and improve marriages today. Marriage is not so much about finding the right partner as it is about being the right partner. These studies give wonderful biblical teaching for helping those who want to learn the beautiful art of being and becoming all that God intends in their marriage.

Lysa TerKeurst

President, Proverbs 31 Ministries Author, Capture Her Heart; Capture His Heart, and the New York Times Bestsellers Made to Crave and Unglued

The Focus on the Family Marriage Series is just what the doctor ordered: Its timely and timelesschock-full of grounded information and tools every couple can put into practice immediately. You wont want to miss out on this incredible resource.

Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott

Authors, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

In my 31 years as a pastor, Ive officiated at hundreds of weddings. Unfortunately, many of those unions failed. I only wish the Focus on the Family Marriage Series had been available to me during those years. What a marvelous tool you as pastors and Christian leaders have at your disposal. I encourage you to use it to assist those you serve in building successful, healthy marriages.

H.B. London, Jr.

Pastor to Pastors Emeritus, Focus on the Family

This marriage study series is pure Focus on the Familyreliable, biblically sound and dedicated to reestablishing family values in todays society. This series will no doubt help a multitude of couples strengthen their relationship, not only with each other, but also with God, the creator of marriage itself.

Bruce Wilkinson

Author, Secrets of the Vine , A Life God Rewards , Dream Giver and the New York Times Bestseller The Prayer of Jabez

Looking for a prescription for a better marriage? Youll enjoy this timely and practical series!

Dr. Kevin Leman

Bestselling Author, Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage

Table of Contents

God is a faithful and compassionate husband to His people.

In ancient times the betrothal was a binding commitment.

What is the true meaning of a wedding ceremony?

Gods covenant with Abram is the model for the marriage commitment.

Foreword

Focus on the Familys The Family Project is the largest single initiative in the ministrys history. It is designed to address the question of whether the institutions of marriage and family, as God created them and explains them in Scripture, are still best for human health and happiness. In a day and age when these institutions seem to undergo constant redefinitionand when divorce and the complexities of daily life are taking a devastating toll on marriage and familywe need to ask what God had in mind when He made them in the first place.

The Focus on the Family Marriage Series is a key resource in that initiative. Based on the book Your Marriage Masterpiece , this series looks behind the curtain of history. Other parts of the program make the case that marriage and family reflect the nature of God Himself; this series looks in greater detail at the many aspects that make up the divine masterwork that is the marriage relationship.

Focus on the Family is well known and respected worldwide for its steadfast dedication to preserving the sanctity of marriage and family life. This series is well written, biblically sound and right on target for guiding couples to explore the foundation God has laid for marriage and to see Him as the role model for the perfect spouse. Through this series, seeds will be planted that will germinate in your heart and mind for many years to come.

In our practical, bottom-line culture, we often want to jump over the why and get straight to the what . We think that by doing the six steps or learning the five ways, we will reach the goal. But deep-rooted growth is slower and more purposeful and begins with a well-grounded understanding of Gods divine design. Knowing why marriage exists is crucial to making the how-tos more effective. Marriage is a gift from God, a unique and distinct covenant relationship through which His glory and goodness can resonate, and only through knowing the architect and His plan will marriages be built on the surest foundation.