Marriage and the Family: Biblical Essentials

Read this as part of a discipleship group and have come to the conclusion that this book will not put on a shelf and forgotten, but left on my desk as a reference. The lists of supporting scripture is very helpful

This book was a practical, easy to read book but theological, as well! Definitely recommend.

Unpacks with wisdom what the scriptures teach on marriage and the family. One of the best resources on the topic.

Marriage and the Family: Biblical Essentials by Andreas Kostenberger with David W. JonesMarriage and the Family: Biblical Essentials by Andreas Kostenberger with David W. Jones is a remarkably concise yet clear book on most pertinent issues surrounding the family today. This book, an abridgement of their larger book entitled God, Marriage, and Family focuses on the biblical material in discussion regarding issues of sex, family, reproduction, singleness, homosexuality, divorce and remarriage. What is unique about this book is its combination of excellent biblical exegesis, theological extrapolation and pastoral application in such a concise yet powerful way. Many readers will already know Andreas Kostenberger, one of the world's foremost experts on the Gospel of John, but others will also recognize David W. Jones, a profound ethicist at Southeastern Baptist Seminary.One of the remarkable things about this book is its simple and profound way of dealing with very big issues. In one section on Reproduction and Parenting, the authors write concerning the devil's work to destroy marriages by saying, "Satan will seek to disrupt marriages by sowing seeds of marital conflict through the husband's insensitivity to his wife" (100). With references from Colossians 3 and 1 Peter 3, the authors relay the devastating effect of this type of disrespect and action in the life of a marriage. I was taken aback by this not because its false but rather because it is so easy to cast aside insensitivity, rather than see how it leads to a whole host of problems. Yet, the authors remind us on the last page of the chapter that our enemy is Satan but God's grace is more than sufficient for every challenge we face (101). What a warning and a gut check for the husband who sees insensitivity as not a big deal.At the end of the discussion on homosexuality in the bible and surrounding cultural assumptions regarding the legitimacy of the practice, the authors write, "Homosexuality, then, is not the unpardonable sin, and forgiveness is available (1 Cor. 6:11). Yet forgiveness implies repentance, and repentance implies admission of wrong" (129). The authors do well to see homosexuality not as a taboo sin that cannot be reversed. They also see that the way of turning around your life is the same with every sin, which involves forgiveness, repentance and restoration. This chapter is careful to distinguish common arguments about homosexuality, including Sodom and Gomorrah while retaining the faithful biblical witness against the practice. What I thought was missing from the discussion is a bit about the sad state of action that Christians have done in trying to win homosexuals for Christ. How do we temper love with truth, mercy with righteousness? The authors point out resources that are helpful but don't offer any advice for those in ministry with homosexuals.This book is a rare gem for those wanting a biblical basis for issues concerning marriage and the family. Secondly, the authors do not make the mistake of making giant assertions on issues that the bible isn't absolutely clear on (see p. 113 on the issue of dating). I think this book will go a long way in providing believers with a go to resource for these thorny and difficult issues.Thanks to Crossway for the review copy of this book.

When I was offered Marriage and the Family: Biblical Essentials to review, I knew I wanted to read it. I'm so glad I did!Andreas Kostenberger, with David W. Jones, examines what the Bible says about much of what is being discussed these days in regard to family and marriage.The chapters are full of information, including differing views based on what the whole Bible says. In addition to the introduction and conclusion, the chapters are:Marriage in the BibleMarriage and SexFamily in the BibleReproduction and ParentingSinglenessHomosexualityDivorce and RemarriageGod, Marriage, Family, and the churchWithin the chapters abortion, contraception, infertility, adoption, homosexuality, and divorce are examined. Within each chapter, the authors examine the Old and New Testaments. I thought they addressed the topics firmly, while not causing offense.The chapter of "Reproduction and Family Planning" was especially of interest to me, likely because of where I am in life and several recent discussions with friends. I appreciated how it discussed Roman Catholics reason (Genesis 38:10) to accept the view that no contraception is acceptable. Marriage and the Family went on to explain that "Upon closer scrutiny, however, it appears that the Lord's displeasure in Genesis 38:10 ought not be to be equated with the prevention of pregnancy per se but with the particularly exploitive, abusive, and wasteful way in which Onan carried out his sexual relations with Tamar." (See Deuteronomy 25:5-10 to examine Onan's duty to his brother's wife.) The chapter goes on to discuss what is (ones that exclusively prohibit conception) and is not (a good number, according to the authors) morally permissible to a Christian, as well as methods requiring special attention. The chapter also examines the challenge of infertility-and options available for couples facing choices offered by the medical community. This chapter also addresses single parenting, physical discipline, and more.Marriage and the Family is a good resource-and not just for married folks. Whether married, single, divorced, or widowed, I think it is a valuable book to read. The book was smaller than I expected, well under 200 pages, but is not a light read. The examination of the Scriptures-many verses- seems to be thorough, which is what I appreciate the most. Though each chapter ends with "Practical Implications" I really wanted a "Practical Implications, Applications, and Summary"-especially the summary- with each chapter.For the sensitive topic of homosexuality, I appreciated that they made it clear that a gay lifestyle is not the unpardonable sin and that it can be overcome. Nor did they take this sin lightly. Though I don't agree with "forgiveness implies repentance," -because we are not called to forgive only those who repent of sin- I do believe we can accept a person living in a homosexual lifestyle, as a friend or family member, without embracing the practice or seeing it for anything but sin.I am happy to have this resource on my book shelf and do recommend it. Thank you, Crossway, for providing a review copy in exchange for this honest review.