Because of the Gospel...

So often the Gospel can be assumed. A colleague of mine once informed me that there are three stages of Gospel phases. 1) Faithful to the Gospel 2) Assuming the Gospel 3) Rejecting the Gospel.

It made me think about how others would say they apply the Gospel in their marriage. I know when I have thought about it for myself, I honestly could not say that I was entirely faithful to applying the Gospel in my marriage

Let me ask you: are you faithfully rehearsing the Gospel for yourself and with your wife? Do you assume the Gospel in your marriage? That would be thinking something like: 'Oh yea, I know Jesus died for my sins'. Or have you rejected the Gospel in your marriage? So you think you just need to work harder on your marriage.

In the book I recommended yesterday, I gleaned 9 reasons why the Gospel is so important for our marriages (found on pg 22 & 23).

1) Because of the gospel, Christians have become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore in our marriage, our past does not define us, confine us, or determine our future.

2) Because of the gospel, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Therefore we can live free of all guilt and condemnation for every sin, and we can trust that God, in His mercy, will be gracious to us.

3) Because of the gospel, we can forgive, just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Nothing done against us compares to our sin against God. Therefore all offenses, hostility, and bitterness between Christians can be completely forgiven and removed.

4) Because of the gospel, we are accepted by God (Romans 15:7). Therefore we are not dependent on a spouse for who we are or what we need.

5) Because of the gospel, sin's ruling power over us is broken (Romans 6:6,14). Therefore we can truly obey all that God calls us to do in our marriage, regardless of any circumstances or situation.

6) Because of the gospel, we have access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Therefore we can at any time take any need in our marriage to the One who can do all things.

7) Because of the gospel, we have hope (Romans 5:1-4). Therefore we can endure any marital difficulty, hardship, or suffering, with the assurance that God is working all to our greatest good (Romans 8:28).

8) Because of the gospel, Christ dwells in us by his Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Therefore we are confident that God is always with us and is always at work in our marriage, even when progress is imperceptible (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

9) Because of the gospel, we have power to fight and overcome remaining sin, which continues to swell and war within us (Romans 7:19-21; Galatians 5:16-17). This indwelling enemy represents the essence of what is called the doctrine of sin.

Do these 9 'because fo the gospel's' not encourage you? Boy I have been thinking about them all day! I am encouraged by these truths....

Love That Lasts, When Marriage Meets Grace

Have you heard of this book? Love That Lasts, When Marriage Meets Grace! (click on the title and you can purchase your own copy) Now I have been reading the preface of this book that I once read and am going to be rereading, because I want to refresh myself with the truths that are provided in this book!

Anyway, as I read the following statement I was freshly encouraged by this explanation for the remake of this book.

"Anyone familiar with the original book will notice the changes, beginning with the cover. Both books share the same title, but the original subtitle, "Making a Magnificent Marriage," while certainly a worthwhile goal, seemed to put the emphasis on human effort, for human ends. The new subtitle, "When Marriage Meets Grace," reminds us that it is God and his glorious power revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ that are the beginning, the means, and the goal of marriage. What infinite help and hope that can bring to any and every marriage!"

I don't know about you but I want all the help I can get to have a rich marriage. Here's the key. I believe, as husbands, it's our responsibility to be seeking the Lord to have "Love That Lasts".

If you purchase this book you will find 8 very helpful chapters with questions for discussion, evaluation and application at the end of the book. Following are the chapters you can be prepared to read about... Let me tell you - Chapter 2 alone is worth the $9.00 USD ... It is gold...

* The Journey of a Lifetime (Where it all begins)

* Leading with Love (The Role of the husband)

* Walking in Wisdom (The Role of the wife)

* Relational Intimacy (The Goal of our communication)

* Grace to Those Who Hear (The content of our communication)

* The Heart of Conflict (Restoring communication)

* It Never Has to Get Old (The soul of romance)

* Just The Two Of You (The wonder of sexual intimacy)

Anyway guys - we all want great marriages, great sex, Godly children etc... This is a helpful read to help you Parent with an eternal perspective - I promise you...