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God’s Purpose for Marriage 1 Reflecting His Image 3 Completing One Another 6 Multiplying and a Godly Legacy 7 2 Challenges to God’s Purpose for Marriage 10 3 Before You Say “I Do” 18 Be Not Unequally Yoked 19 Compatibility is Important 21 Families Must Be Like-Minded 22 Prospects in Life Must Be Attuned 24 Pre-Marital Counselling Should Be a High Priority 26 4 Communication - First Level: Understanding 30 Time 31 Trust 32 Transparency 34 Listening: Seeking to Understand 35 5 Communication - Second Level: Resolving Conflict 41 One Stone at a Time Can Build a Dividing Wall 46 Resolving Conflict Requires Humility and Forgiveness 49 6 Communication - Third Level: Sexual Intimacy 53 All of Us Have Different Ideas, Expectations and Fantasies About Sex 53 Creating Friendship 58 Lasting Commitment 59 Deepening Passion 60 Exploring Sexual Intimacy 61 Sexual Union 62 The Beginning of a Sexual Relationship Requires Wisdom and Sensitivity 64 |
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God’s Plan for Harmony 68 God Met Adam’s Needs by Creating Eve 70 “Leaving and Cleaving” is the Responsibility of Both Parties 72 God Uses Our Natural Differences to Build Harmony 74 8 The Husband’s Role in Facilitating Harmony in Marriage 76 Love as Christ Did 79 Lead Like a Servant 80 Husband’s Leadership and Responsibility in the Home 82 Leadership in Marriage Should Be Sensitive, Caring and Gentle 82 9 The Wife’s Role in Facilitating Harmony in Marriage 85 Loving Your Husband 87 Encouraging Your Husband 89 Respecting Your Husband 92 10 Blended Families 94 Discipline 98 Time Spent Together 99 11 Money Management and Budgeting 102 12 Leaving a Godly Legacy 112 Conclusion 120 |