As Followers of Christ, we believe that the core truth of Easter - what Christ-followers call “The Gospel” - can and should be impacting our marriages every single day. We will talk about why we believe that is essential for your marriage and some practical ways to live it out! Feedback/Contact Us: If you would like to share feedback on our podcast or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email at [email protected] Thanks in advance for doing that for us!! Episode/Show Notes: The Gospel page on our website is www.abidingmarriage.org/thegospel Link to DG Post - 9 ways Gospel transforms marriage Link to Abiding Marriage Blog Post #1 on Gospel Truths  POST #1 Link to Abiding Marriage Blog Post #2 on Gospel Truths  POST #2 Link to Abiding Marriage Blog Post #3 on Gospel Truths  POST #3 Desiring God Post: Satan’s Schemes against Christ-followers: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/satans-ten-strategies-against-you The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent. Purchase a copy at this link:  https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Primer-Christians-Learning-Glories/dp/1885904673 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC: 9 Marks Online Post: https://www.9marks.org/article/why-do-christians-need-to-hear-the-gospel-every-day/ Ligonier Online Post: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/continually-washed-gospel The Gospel Coalition Online Post: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/the-gospel-as-an-operating-system-with-law-as-the-updates/ Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

Before God established His “set apart people” in the Old Testament, and before He used Pentecost to birth His church, He created and designed marriage. Marriage was established by God in Genesis Ch 2, the very first book of the Bible. And we are excited to share about God’s divine design for marriage on today’s episode of Abiding Marriage. Feedback/Contact Us: If you would like to share feedback on our podcast or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email at [email protected] Thanks in advance for doing that for us!! Episode/Show Notes: Quote from Hans Molegraaf of Marriage Revolution: The problem with Adam’s aloneness was not that he lacked something he could only get from Eve, but rather his aloneness prevented him from doing something that is at the core of God’s very image: Sacrificially loving someone. It wasn’t good for Adam to be alone because without Eve he didn’t have anyone to sacrificially love! We don’t love our spouse because they are empty and need love, but because love is the way in which we imitate Christ and bring Glory to God. And we love because God first loved us. Got Quesitons Article on Gay Marriage: https://www.gotquestions.org/gay-marriage.html Desiring God article used for quote at the end of this episode: The Story of Marriage in Seven Verses - quote from 7th verse shared: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-story-of-marriage-in-seven-verses To view the takeaways/applications, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ni4VubXfCOWHoABu4btNT0mZQwVLHUS100yyoe8zM2c/edit?usp=sharing FOR FURTHER STUDY: Southern Seminary article on One Man and One Woman Marriage: https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/journals/journal-of-discipleship-and-family-ministry/jdfm-51-spring/one-man-one-woman-created-order-problem-sex-marriage/ Focus on the Family Series of Articles: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/gods-design-for-marriage/ Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

Questions Addressed on this Q&A Episode: Q1: What are some spiritual disciplines that you recommend couples do together? Q2: How to fight well and be kind? AND What are some practical ways to show respect to your spouse when “arguing”? Q3: How do you find trusted friends to discuss spousal/marital issues? Q4: As a husband, how can I learn to be more gentle and understanding with my wife when she is feeling emotional or in a time of struggle? Recommended Marriage Books: Love and Respect by Emmerson Eggerichs -- we believe this is a "must read" for every couple.  Click here for Love and Respect Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas -- one of our two all-time most helpful books.  Click here for Sacred Marriage I Still Do by Dave Harvey – Great book for any couple married 4-5 years or longer.  Click here for I Still Do The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller – another “must read” for any Christian couple.  Click here for The Meaning of Marriage What Did You Expect by Paul David Tripp -- a book that will challenge you to a deeper level in your marriage.   Click here for What Did You Expect Resources to Help Your Begin Praying Together as a Couple: Growing Your Spiritual Connection by Glen and Shawn Solberg -- a book that is designed to help any married couple begin and continue the practice of praying together. Click here for Growing Your Spiritual Connection Preview Day 5 of Growing Your Spiritual Connection: Use this link Online Posts to Help Couples with Conflict: Focus on the Family article: Humility Makes a Difference in Marriage Conflict Bible.org post/study: Conflict Resolution in Marriage Join our Abiding Marriage Ministry Partner Team: Link: www.abidingmarriage.org/partner Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

The Number One Killer of Marriages: Episode #13: How does a couple get from pledging their love and commitment to each other to saying “I want a divorce”?  Or How do two people who were so “head over heels” in love...end up living like strangers at the same address? On today’s episode, we want to talk about what we believe is the #1 KILLER of marriage relationships.  And it is something you and your spouse need to be aware of and actively working to combat!   Feedback/Contact Us: If you would like to share feedback on our podcast or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email at [email protected]    Thanks in advance for doing that for us!! Episode/Show Notes: The Marriage Foundation: https://themarriagefoundation.org/3-killers-of-marriage    Focus on the Family - Dr. James Dobson: https://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/12-marriage-killers    Abiding Marriage Post on this topic: https://www.abidingmarriage.org/post/number-one-marriage-killer     For additional study check out:   The Gottman Institute: Contempt - One of Four Horsemen   https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-contempt/      The Gottman Institute - The Four Horsemen   https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/     Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

Episode Info: We are always looking for ways to make this podcast RELEVANT and HELPFUL for married couples. And so a while back, we asked several couples we know to send us some questions related to marriage that they would like us to answer on a podcast.  We received over 25 great questions sent in on different topics! In this episode we will answer questions related to : 1) roles in marriage as husband and wife, 2) continuing the mindset of pursuing your spouse after marriage, 3) fun and affordable date ideas - especially for couples with young children, and 4) and questions related to physical intimacy.    Feedback/Contact Us:   If you would like to share feedback on our podcast or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email at [email protected]    Thanks in advance for doing that for us!! Episode/Show Notes:  Tony Evans Sharing on the Fear of the Lord: https://tonyevans.org/blog/fearing-god Link to Focus on the Family Greg Smalley Article on Pursuing Your Spouse: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/how-to-pursue-your-spouse-in-the-long-run/ Cheap Date Night Ideas from Glen and Shawn - link on Google Drive for our Podcast Listeners: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12bBJivbbfcMtWrQ3EJDuW0YS0k4EUi75MhkVQtiib2E/edit?usp=sharing Free Resources on Physical Intimacy: Intimacy in Marriage Article from Bible.org - link on Google Drive for our Podcast Listeners:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6CzXK-poolbUk9NgAHzIwJfEXe5B7Xq/view?usp=sharing ToLoveHonorandVacuum Online Post: https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2021/02/is-sex-a-need-or-a-drive/ All Pro Dad Online Post: https://www.allprodad.com/is-sex-in-marriage-a-need-or-desire/ Resources for Purchase on Physical Intimacy in Marriage: Sex and the Supremacy of Christ - by Piper and Taylor: Link to this book on Amazon’s website What is the Meaning of Sex? by Denny Burk: Link to Burk’s book on Amazon Intended for Pleasure by Ed Wheat: Link to this Intended for Pleasure on Amazon Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

Episode/Show Notes: As my wife and I have gotten further along in our walk of following Jesus, we are becoming more and more aware of the importance of GRATITUDE. Truly being able to give thanks to God in the hard times as well as the good times. And this GRATITUDE, or at times LACK of real gratitude, really affects our horizontal relationships - especially our marriage!  We have found that when we can keep an attitude of gratitude in our vertical relationship with God, it has positive effects on the people we are around that day.  So please stay with us to hear MORE. And, as always, THANK YOU for joining us today on this journey of marriage!! FEEDBACK/CONTACT US: If you would like to share feedback on our podcast or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email at [email protected]    Thanks in advance for doing that or us!! Link to Gary Thomas on Billy Graham Site: https://billygraham.org/story/how-to-appreciate-an-imperfect-spouse/ Link to Post by Les and Leslie Parrot - Practicing Gratitude in Marriage: https://www.symbis.com/blog/practicing-gratitude-in-marriage/ Link to Psychology Today Article: Does Gratitude Matter in Marriage: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/resolution-not-conflict/201207/does-gratitude-matter-in-marriage Scriptures on Gratitude: Psalm 9:1-2: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High. Psalm 105:1-2: Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Colossians 2:6-7: And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Write It Down Challenge:  Write a note to your spouse - maybe every day for a week or once a week for the next month.  Share something SPECIFIC that you can tell them you truly appreciate about them.  Pray for them to truly feel your gratitude for them as your spouse! Link to Google Drive Podcast Listener Folder - She’s Not Perfect but She’s Perfect for Me (This article is relevant for both husband and wives) Link on our Abiding Marriage Blog: How Do You See Your Spouse? https://www.abidingmarriage.org/post/seeing-your-spouse Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

Episode/Show Notes:  In all of life, but particularly in marriage, we often run into DIFFICULTIES with our communication with others. Whether it is listening well or thinking through what you are going to say before you say it, ALL couples face this challenge. I know for my wife and I, at least a few times a month, there is miscommunication about something! On previous podcasts, we talked about some key principles to helping us communicate better as husband and wife. And on today’s episode, we want to share a few more things that will help you and your spouse to continue GROWING in this important area. Please listen in to hear more, and as always, THANK YOU for joining us today on this journey of marriage!!   Our first two podcasts (Episode 1 and 2), were focused on helping you and your spouse's communication to grow. So if you missed them, or have forgotten what we shared, please go and listen to them. They should be easy to access from this podcast host!   KEY VERSES: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  Ephesians 4:1-6      Link on BibleGateway LESSON FOR YOU AS A COUPLE: As we had shared in this episode, we are highly recommending that you and your spouse work through a three-page lesson entitled "Christian Communication in Marriage". This lesson is based on the passage from Ephesians 4 and the Jeffrey Forrey article we talk about in this episode. We encourage you to work through it individually and ask your spouse to do the same. Then come together and do the 3 discussion questions at the end.   Link to Christian Communication in Marriage Lesson on Our Google Drive Folder for Podcast Listeners FEEDBACK/CONTACT US: If you would like to share feedback on our podcast or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email at [email protected]    Thanks in advance for doing that or us!! Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

Episode/Show Notes:  God designed us to be dependent on Him and interdependent on others. Our Creator designed us this way so that we truly thrive as He intended. That means we need to be in close connection with other Christ-followers. And while we think about this mostly in terms of being part of a local church, to really thrive as God intended, our relationships have to go DEEPER with people. We cannot fully grow in our marriage as God has designed it unless we have other Christ-followers who love us, to come alongside us and help us live out God’s design for our lives and for our marriages.  So please stay with us for the few minutes as we discuss the importance of being CONNECTED to others in Christ-centered Community! Thank you for joining us today on this journey of marriage! Scripture(s):  Genesis 2:18: Link on Genesis passage Hebrews 10:24-25: Link to Hebrews 10 passage Hebrews 3:13: Link to Hebrews 3 passage 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: Link to 1 Corinthians passage 1 Thessalonians 5:11: Link to 1 Thessalonians passage Luke 5:17-26: Link to Luke Passage      Assignment from Glen and Shawn for Every Husband and Wife:  Take some time alone and unhurried to pray and connect with God.  During this time: 1) Ask God to help you see the ways He has designed your spouse to help make you more like Christ. 2) Write down those things. 3) Try to be as specific as you can be about the things you see in your spouse. After you have written this out, end your time giving thanks to God for the gift of your spouse and the things that God is using in them to mold and shape you to be more like Jesus.  Next, take time to share what you wrote down with your spouse and your spouse will do the same thing with you. 1) Plan a specific time to do this. Don’t try to do this on the fly or while you are busy with other things. 2) This is a powerful way to encourage your spouse while connecting with them emotionally and spiritually.  Finally, we would suggest ending this time together praying together as husband and wife.      Resource Mentioned in Podcast:  Paul Tripp Resource Link - Your Walk with God Is a Community Project: https://www.paultripp.com/your-walk-with-god-is-a-community-project Articles for Going Deeper The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hurt-healed-community/ Desiring God:  https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/community-covers-a-thousand-threats The Gospel Coalition 2nd Post: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/not-you-and-jesus/ Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio 

SHOW NOTES - Abiding Marriage Episode #8 One of our great desires at Abiding Marriage is to help you, as a married couple, set a solid foundation for your marriage. And one sometimes “sticky issue” that couples face is what the Bible calls LEAVING and CLEAVING and BECOMING ONE. So what does the Bible mean by LEAVING, CLEAVING, and BECOMING ONE? Whether you are newly married or have been married for years, this is SO VITAL to understand. Listen to this episode to hear more. And,  as always, THANK YOU for joining us today on this journey of marriage!! PRIMARY BIBLE VERSES: Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.  The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:18-24 Seven Articles on Leaving/Cleaving/Becoming One Flesh: Focus on the Family Post Link: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/marriage-means-leaving-home-and-cleaving-to-each-other/   Crosswalk Article Link: https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/how-do-you-leave-and-cleave-677998.html       Marriage Missions Link1: https://marriagemissions.com/cleaving-not-leaving-marriage-mm-168/        Marriage Missions Link2: https://marriagemissions.com/cleaving-leaving-mm-167/      FamilyLife Article Link: https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/getting-married/newlyweds/respectfully-leaving-your-parents/     Got Questions Article Link: https://www.gotquestions.org/leave-cleave-honor.html     Got Questions Second Article Link: https://www.gotquestions.org/the-two-shall-become-one-flesh.html      Abiding Marriage Post - Clinging: God’s Picture for Marriage: https://www.abidingmarriage.org/post/clinging-in-marriage     Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio

This Episode:   A few weeks back on Episode 4, we talked about forgiveness in marriage. We discussed WHAT forgiveness IS from a biblical perspective, as well as WHY it is SO IMPORTANT to seek and grant forgiveness for the hurts we experience in relationships. But we wanted to take some EXTRA TIME to continue talking about forgiveness on today’s episode….and particularly to see how Jesus spoke to and related to people on forgiveness in the New Testament. We are also going to talk about some “lies” about forgiveness that even Christ-followers may be believing. So stay with us to hear MORE. And, as always, THANK YOU for joining us today on this journey of marriage! Episode/Show Notes: Links to Bible Passages on Bible Gateway: Luke 7 Passage Link Here John 8 Passage Link Here Matthew 18 Passage Link Here 10 Truths about Forgiveness: Link to Marriage Revolution Post on Forgiveness: How to Forgive After an Affair Abiding Marriage Podcast #4 on Forgiveness in Marriage Link on Apple Podcasts  Link on Spotify Link on our website Link to Resources on Luke 15 and the Prodigal Son Got Questions Link to Luke 15: Parable to Prodigal Son Desiring God article/sermon on Luke 15 and the Prodigal Son Podcast Music: Moving to Places New by Big Score Audio