When Sinners Say "I Do"; Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage

[mercyGurl]

I just finished this book (http://www.amazon.com/When-Sinners-Say-Do-Discovering/dp/0976758261/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-9628894-5147130?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192988523&sr=8-1) by Dave Harvey and loved it. Though I am not nearly close to being married, I loved this book. Because it isn't a step-by-step manual, but instead a book of principles for marriage, it can apply to the single person in their relationships as well. The difference is that in marriage you have a built-in "sin-bringer-outer".

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is married, and especially for those who are thinking of marriage or want to someday be married.

Get it and you won't be disappointed.

[mercyGurl]

I just wanted to bump this one up because I really did love this book and I want everyone I know to read it! I also wrote a review for our school newspaper--here it is:

“When Sinners Say I Do” is a beautiful look at marriage, love, and relationships in a fallen world. As the title suggests, this book talks a lot about sin; however the author, Pastor Dave Harvey, writes not to glorify sin, but instead to glorify the gospel. Where he talks about sin, the truth of grace immediately follows. He writes “when sin becomes bitter, marriage becomes sweet”, and so he emphasizes sin to promote God-glorifying marriage built on the foundational truth of the gospel
The book begins with the question of how marriage works. Harvey’s answer? What we believe about God determines whether or not our marriages will work. He goes on to talk about the importance of having a “spouse-theologian”, one who will live out the gospel daily in the road of marriage. From that point at the beginning of the book to the end, Harvey shows how we will learn to be better spouses as God’s love infiltrates our lives.
Harvey’s stirring stories of marriage and love and beautiful quotes are woven together with his smooth writing style and humorous approach. He writes with clarity and honesty, both of which are lacking in many marriage books today. Harvey does not give 10 simple steps to a happy marriage, but instead gives biblical principles on how live in marriage as a sinner saved by grace. His emphasis on mercy, compassion, wisdom, and “stubborn grace” are things a Christian can apply to all relationships. Because of that, this is a book worth reading even for those who are not only unmarried, but those who aren’t even in a romantic relationship. Sin doesn’t start as soon as you get married—it will affect every relationship you will ever have. Harvey’s points can be useful in any close relationship but are especially applicable in the “pressure-cooker” of marriage.
Life as Christians is lived in the tension between sin and grace, our selfishness and our sanctification. This book does a beautiful job of pointing out how that tension plays itself out in the realm of marriage, and how if we let it, God’s grace can cover our sins.

[mindyhere]

Oh goodie - a new book to read! It sounds really interesting. I'll have to pick this one up.

[mindyhere]

My book came in the mail today - looking forward to reading it! I'm glad you mentioned it here - after skimming it looks like there's some good stuff in here.

I always need work on my communication and relationship skills.

:D

[mindyhere]

I'm halfway through this book, and I like it so far. Man do I ever need to follow this teaching. It's a great reminder of how a relationship needs to be.

[middletree]

The title is odd: is it for non-Christians?

[mindyhere]

The title is odd: is it for non-Christians?

Geared for Christians. "Sinners" in the title implies everyone, as we're all sinners. I thought at first, as I am assuming as you are now, that by "sinner" it meant non-Christian marriages learning how to know and Glorify God in marriage, or a non-Christian marrying a Christian. Something along those lines. I'm enjoying it so far.

[Valpo]

Geared for Christians. "Sinners" in the title implies everyone, as we're all sinners. I thought at first, as I am assuming as you are now, that by "sinner" it meant non-Christian marriages learning how to know and Glorify God in marriage, or a non-Christian marrying a Christian. Something along those lines. I'm enjoying it so far.

Tree doesn't think we are sinners anymore, despite our everyday constant sinning. He doesn't believe in the dual nature of sinner/saint. So that's why he found the title a bit odd and took issue with it.

[mindyhere]

Ah - ok. I guess I missed that point of view somewhere along the line.

[middletree]

Ah - ok. I guess I missed that point of view somewhere along the line.

Yeah, it's a sore spot for me. Feel free to open a thread on the Word forum if you want to open up that can of worms again. Of course, I am about to be gone for a week, so I won't be able to participate.

[mindyhere]

Yeah, it's a sore spot for me. Feel free to open a thread on the Word forum if you want to open up that can of worms again. Of course, I am about to be gone for a week, so I won't be able to participate.

Eh, I'll decline. I respect your views. I'm sure I could dig up a conversation about this somewhere if I searched for it. Many of us differ in one way or another, so I'll leave it at that.

[mercyGurl]

James, whether or not you dislike the term, it is a fabulous book and I would recommend it to you...;)