Marriage and the Counsel of God

Marriage and the Counsel of God is the product of over twenty-two years of biblical study and pastoral counseling. The text and accompanying workbook have proven themselves an effective means of preparing couples for marriage, of supporting those already married, and of recovering marriages that are failing. The text focuses on the biblical model for marriage found in Genesis and Ephesians while following an outline of basic Christian beliefs (e.g., the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, baptism, Holy Communion, and confession/absolution). The essential elements of these beliefs are considered for their import in the Christian life in general and regarding marriage in particular. Abundant Scripture references are provided, as well as examples from real-life situations. These and other helpful resources are also given in indices for quick reference. The book and workbook are written in clear, nontechnical, and engaging language and so are aimed for students and teachers of counseling, for counseling professionals, for pastors, and for the public in general. ""Marital dissolution continues to be an increasing characteristic of our society. In large measure, this situation is due to a lack of sound preparation for marriage and--from a Christian perspective--a paucity of resources marked by theological depth and serious biblical study. Eschelbach has produced a book that embodies both of these traits. I am confident that his work will contribute to the great need for Christian marriage education."" --John F. Johnson, President, Concordia University, Chicago. ""Marriage is an institution established by God in the Garden of Eden. Thus, a husband and a wife enjoy a relationship made for intimacy, exclusivity, and love. Marriage can also be the crucible of the deepest pain and heartache. God has given us in the Scriptures guidance to nurture our marriages and Michael Eschelbach leads us masterfully through the treasures of God's word in a way that will strengthen the bond we share with our spouse."" -Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College ""Pastors who are called upon to provide pre-marriage or marriage counseling all too often find themselves in the regrettable position of feeling ill-equipped to deal with the task at hand. Complicating the situation certainly are a myriad of challenges in our world ranging from biblical illiteracy to high divorce rates to widespread cohabitation to elective parenthood. . . . By way of text and accompanying workbook, Eschelbach leads the pastor and the couple being cared for in classic scriptural catechesis through the full Counsel of God in Christ Jesus. It is Jesus and his Bride the church that are illuminated here, all the while fostering in the couple a greater desire for, understanding of, and anticipation for marriage lived out under the Cross of Christ."" --Rev. David Rufner, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Flushing, Michigan Michael A. Eschelbach is Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and Greek at Concordia University Chicago. He is the author of Has Joab Foiled David? A Literary Study of the Importance of Joab's Character in Relation to David (2006). Eschelbach is also a contributing author of Called to Be God's People: An Introduction to the Old Testament (2004).