The two biggest questions any human being can ask are, What is the meaning of life? and How do I please God? The world tries to answer the first and comes up empty. The church tries to answer the second and too often comes up short. As it turns out, the answer to both is the same. In a straightforward, conversational style, Douglas Goodin proclaims that which is so simple yet so profound. He wants you to grasp and grapple with the implications of the glory of Jesus. He has written in hope that he might motivate you to live intentionally Christ-obsessed in all things.

Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place

Religion & Spirituality

Goodin, Douglas

Christian Books & Bibles

Cross to Crown Ministries

NOTE: This is the premarital edition. There is also a married edition by the same title. Christ-centered pre-marital counseling in a book! God invented sex and romance. He formed covenant and companionship. He established headship and submission. He created marriage in all of its Christ-depicting, intimacy-building, joy-inducing, pleasure-producing glory. But people don't just stumble upon a wonderful marriage, it takes lots of hard work and know-how. While a book cannot do the work for you, it can prepare your mind and heart for what's coming. If you are engaged, or counseling two people who are, this book will help you build a biblical, Christ-honoring foundation for marriage. Pastor Douglas Goodin has been learning and practicing the contents of this book with his wife Krista since 1992. He loves being married, teaching about marriage, and preparing men and women who are about to marry. This book is the culmination of many hours spent studying, praying, and counseling. You will not find here a sermon on paper. It teaches, but it also gets the prospective bride and groom talking to each other about the crucial matters of marriage. Endorsements: “God’s Design For Marriage is the perfect book for preparing couples for marriage. It provides excellent content throughout, with stimulating discussion questions. If you are serious about wanting an incredible Christ-centered marriage then this is a must read.” –Ben, happily married husband "This book helped me discover my expectations and my fiancé's expectations for marriage, then taught us what was realistic and biblical through discussions of God's purposes for marriage and what husbands and wives want/need from their spouse. I could not have been more prepared for marriage and even now, three years later, can't think of anything that this book missed. I am so thankful for this material!” –Nicole, happily married wife "If you are preparing for marriage or are someone who helps people prepare for marriage, I know of no better resource than this book. I have used it numerous times for pre-marital counseling." –Todd, happily married pastor and counselor "My wife and I have had the privilege of walking through God’s Design for Marriage with engaged couples, and have found that this is not simply a stellar pre-marital counseling handbook, but also a wonderful post-marital resource." –Ben and Rosa, happily married couple and counselors

God's Design for Marriage: What You Need to Know Before You Say 'I Do!'

Bitter Truth is the story of how one woman escaped from the slough of bitterness which had held her for many years. Her life is now filled with love, joy, and peace. It has been a hard road of repentance and humility, but it's worth it. If you struggle with bitterness, or know someone who does, this is a must read. “At the core of most of people’s problems is resentment and lack of forgiveness. Linda clearly spells out the personal devastation of carrying such bitterness. The richness of the book is in her practical and clear explanations of what bitterness is and what God says about it. Linda encourages the reader on how to respond when living life and loving people are hard. You, like Linda, will be transformed if you put into practice the things you learn in this book.” Shelly Cook Volkhardt, missionary, author, international conference speaker "I love a good redemption story! Linda draws us in with her transparency and then offers solid Biblical instruction and practical insights gleaned from her own journey to freedom. I was taught, encouraged, and inspired by God’s transforming power.” Kelly Hall, author, conference speaker

Bitter Truth: My Story of Bitterness, Grace, and Repentance

Graf, Linda R

Woman of Grace is a mentoring program designed to bring groups of older women alongside younger women to teach marriage, mothering, and keeping the home. Many women today did not grow up in Christian homes and never had a good role model to follow as they transitioned from single life to marriage. Young wives need help both spiritually and practically for their roles in life. This complete curriculum is ideal for women's ministry, small groups, or Bible studies. Woman of Grace is a ready-made plan to help you begin. It includes seven biblical lessons about womanhood, questions and answers for weekly homework, over 30 recipes for the group gatherings, and a bonus Called to Mentor manual to train your mentors.

Woman of Grace: A Titus 2 Mentoring Program

Brown, Anne

"Everyone loves the book of Philippians. Rightly so. It is short, sweet, and full of gospel truth and rich application,” says author Blake White. Think of all the verses most Christians know by heart:
<ul>
<li>He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion in Christ Jesus.</li> <li>To live is Christ and to die is gain.</li> <li>At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.</li> <li>Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.</li> <li>I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.</li> <li>Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!</li> <li>I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.</li>
</ul>
 It’s good to know Bible verses, it’s better to know how they fit into the larger flow and context of the book. With his characteristic pastoral care, Blake White shows how Philippians calls us to love like Jesus. When we do, we find joy, unity, and increasing passion for the gospel.

Joyful Unity in the Gospel (The Call of Philippians)

White, A. Blake

What do you think, are the Jews still God’s chosen people? Is your answer based more on theological tradition or the clear teaching of Scripture? In other words, how would you make your case from the Bible?In God’s Chosen People, theologian and pastor A. Blake White makes his biblical case that "Jesus Christ and His people are the fulfillment of all OT prophecy,” even the prophecies about the Jews. Now that Christ has come, it’s about your faith, not your family tree. Actually, that was God’s plan all along.

God's Chosen People: Promised to Israel, Fulfilled in the Church

NOTE: There is a premarital edition of this book by the same title. Be sure to pick the correct one. Your marriage can be amazing! Many couples are resigned to the following equation: marriage = dull + boring + lifeless But is that really what God designed marriage to be? Absolutely not! When He talks about marriage, He describes it as joyful and exciting: As a young man rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isa. 62:5) Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine. (Song 1:2) Remember, Jesus is married, too. Is He dragging His bride on a journey of dull, boring, and lifeless blah? Maybe you’re thinking, “We don’t know how to make our marriage great.” You can learn! This book will lead you through it.

God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition): Your Marriage Can Be Amazing!

From the author: "I wrote this as a companion to my book Bitter Truth. This study builds upon material in the book to give more practical instruction on recognizing and fighting bitterness, and more tools to utilize in the journey. I hope that you'll be enlightened, encouraged, and more fully devoted to Jesus after working through this. To Him belongs all the praise!" This "workbook" is ideal for personal growth and small group study."

Bitter Truth Study Guide: 10 Lessons to Fight Bitterness

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