When Sinners Say "i Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage

Great book for both married or singles who are planning on getting married. The book had good material and good stories to read about of real life people/situations.

Practical real life examples and good application instructions. Would recommend the study guide as well for more in-depth questions for individuals and group discussion.

This book has been a blessing for my husband and I. We always thought that this book was fro premarital counseling or newly weds, but.....it's better for those who have been married a while. We do some marital counseling and bought this book to help our counselee's. The book has turned into a complete blessing to us as well!! That's how the Lord works, isn't it? You begin helping others and in turn He helps and encourages you too!! Praise God for this book. Author Dave Harvey really knows how to communicate his heart to the reader!! He is so insightful and full of practical examples. His knowledge of God's Word and his handling of the scriptures is very good. Excellent Resource!!!!

Point: The Gospel tells us that we are sinners and therefore will have marriage conflict. The Gospel also tells us that Jesus paid for that sin and we can have growth.Path: Harvey leads the reader through the bad news and the good news of the Gospel and our marriages. He sets a firm foundation in reality when he explains that we are our own worst enemy because of sin. He then shows how that looks in our everyday conflicts at home. The transforming power of the Gospel then is explained as he practically works out what a believer in Christ can choose to do, and is commanded to do, in the marriage relationship.The pattern of sin - grace - application is how the author moves through the whole book. He walks through arguments, forgiveness, confrontation, sex, and dying.Sources: The author references teachers such as C. J. Mahaney, John Piper, J. I. Packer, as well as Puritans such as Watson, Owen, and Henry.Agreement: I appreciated that this book took the time to explain the real problem - sin, rather than merely the symptoms - conflict. The author doesn’t promise “A New Husband by Friday” or that you will know “His needs and her needs.” Rather, he points the reader to Jesus Christ.His practical illustrations were helpful.The book is easy to read.Disagreement: One way I think he could have made the book stronger is to include questions for discussion at the end of each chapter.Personal App: Am I willing to deal with the biggest problem in my marriage, me?Favorite Quote: “When sin becomes bitter, marriage becomes sweet” (Kindle Locations 106-107).It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

Great premise but the book gets very repetitive. It’s very important to understand that the person you’re marrying/married to is not perfect, and they sin just like you… but do you really need an entire book to convey that?

We usually see a lot of problems with our spouses, but indeed 95% are caused by us/ourselves.As many books this should be read before you need it!

This book has helped me realize several things that I, as a husband, should be more proficient at: grace, forgiveness, preference, selflessness, more giving-less taking and many more. I "proof read" this book to see where the author would take his reader. I quickly found out: Scripture, and the effectual love and grace of our Savior and how that is the example and picture of a godly marriage. Harvey reminds the reader, whether a husband or a wife, marriage is the picture of Christ and the Church. Inasmuch, we are both sinners with a profound problem: sin.This book is profoundly practical and Harvey has a very practical way of counseling the reader, helping him/her discover that practicality. I've studied a lot of theology, but have been a failure in many areas of marriage. The author explains from the get-go that marriage is theology and each spouse better put their thinking caps on and discover what God's Word says in this regard. "Study to show yourself approved."I openly admit that I've not thought highly of marriage books, even Christian ones. However, this book is overwhelmingly delightful to read. It's thorough enough on most of the subject that grieve our spouse, at least it was for me. All in all, we spouses must recognize that if we desire change it begins NOT in the opposite spouse. It depends on YOU. I've pointed the finger of blame far too frequently at my wife. This book pointed it right back at me.Thank you for a wonderful read Dave Harvey.

I loved this kindle edition was so affordable. I would buy many more kindle books for that price!In contrast to the price the content of the book has limitless value because it tells the truth about who I'm married to and more importantly who I am.Have you ever stollen something, ever? Me too. Gum when I was 4-5. Probably since then too.Have you ever lied? Who hasn't? I know I have. There are 8 more commandments and I have broken all of them in my heart if not out right.That makes me a sinner and the bible says a sinner cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. If it is not heaven there is no other option but hell. Jesus Christ never sinned but he died so that he might take that guilt and penalty. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV) For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)When I stand before God as my judge it will be as if someone stepped in the courtroom and paid my fine and the judge lets me go free.Once we understand this and confess that we have sinned and ask Jesus to save us not only does it change our eternal destiny it changes everything on this planet and the way we approach it. Christ died and suffered for me and my spouse. But we are still sinners and this book will help to deal with sin and make our marriage more like the relationship we have with God as a sinner redeemed.

I am so glad this was part of my pre marital counselling reading list. It is backed up by scripture and incredibly eye opening. Dave brings to light how God intended marriage to be, what expectations we often have for our spouses without realizing and how to love our spouses as God loves us. Speaking as someone who grew up with divorced parents, I am incredibly grateful for this new perspective and hope for a Christian marriage. Dave points out that we are all the worst sinners and recognizing that instead of believing that of our spouse is life-changing truth.

Very useful for any couple (however the book is catered more towards people of Christian faith) who is preparing to walk down the aisle and say “I do”.

Very good book

If you are a christ follower, married or thinking of getting married then you and your partner should read this book. It will change your thinking about marriage for the better and help make it stronger.

Realistic, practical and Scriptural.