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Enter the Ring: Fighting Together for a Gospel-Saturated Marriage
Enter the Ring takes a fresh, powerful, vulnerable approach to marriage by framing it as the fight that it is. The world uses different assaults and tactics to distract us, tempting us to walk away, in order to destroy our marriages. But there is The constant forgiveness, grace, and intervention of God can preserve and protect us from not only the world but also ourselves.D. A. and Elicia Horton explore the tension of two people becoming one and how spouses often fight over which “one of us” they become. They unpack topics such asSeasons of sufferingCommunicationSexual and physical intimacyThe spiritual life of the homeMoneyThis book approaches the traditional topics of a marriage book with the brutal and life-giving honesty of two millennials who have fought together for their marriage. All topics are addressed through the vulnerable lens of the authors’ own struggles and mistakes.This is a no-holds-barred, real-world . . . marriage book.
- GenresMarriageNonfiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
15 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Horton
12 books39 followersD.A. Horton, PhD serves as an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Intercultural Studies program at California Baptist University.
He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Theology with a North American Missions emphasis at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation was titled, The Quantitative and Qualitative Measuring of Spiritual Capital Among Latinas/os in Higher Education. He earned his Masters Degree in Christian Studies and B.S. in Biblical Studies from Calvary University.
He has authored nine books, taught Bible studies virtually through Family Life, Lifeway, and RightNow Media, and is frequently invited to speak at various conferences.
He and his wife Elicia have been married for 22 years, and they have two daughters and one son.
He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Theology with a North American Missions emphasis at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation was titled, The Quantitative and Qualitative Measuring of Spiritual Capital Among Latinas/os in Higher Education. He earned his Masters Degree in Christian Studies and B.S. in Biblical Studies from Calvary University.
He has authored nine books, taught Bible studies virtually through Family Life, Lifeway, and RightNow Media, and is frequently invited to speak at various conferences.
He and his wife Elicia have been married for 22 years, and they have two daughters and one son.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 21, 2018
Imagine being a fly on the wall of a Christian couple as they battle to have what they call a gospel saturated marriage. Imagine walking with them through their fights, their times of suffering, their struggles with sin, and their victories. That is what you get in D.A. and Elicia Horton’s newest work entitled Enter the Ring: fighting together for a gospel-saturated marriage.
D. A. Horton serves as Pastor of Reach Fellowship, a church plant in North Long Beach, CA and as Chief Evangelist for the Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI). He is the author of three previous books before taking on this project with his wife. This is Elicia Horton’s first book, and apart from being married to D.A. and raising 3 children, she travels the country teaching and encouraging others through rap and poetry. Both bring a wealth of experience and Biblical training to the writing of this book.
In this book the Hortons definitely do not come out of their ivory tower to teach us about marriage. They truly take you on a journey through some of their ugliest and most painful parts of their marriage to show the reader the sufficiency of Christ in the life of a believer and his/her marriage. They call for a gospel-saturated marriage and life in this book, a life that the gospel’s content and implications affect every part of the life and marriage.
The Hortons take us down different roads with each chapter. In the first two chapters you see what Christian oneness looks like in a marriage and get solid advice on the importance of communication in the marriage and how to get to what they call Level 1 communication. I must tell you that some of the sections on communication are hilarious as they give us a look into their own struggles.
Their chapter on going the distance gives practical advice on leading your marriage through times of suffering and pain. Just as you found yourself laughing with the Hortons in chapter 3, you will find yourself feeling their pain in chapter 4.
The Hortons turn more to the Scriptures in their fifth chapter as they go in-depth into the role of husbands, wives, and parents according to the Scriptures.
In the next chapter they take up the subject of purity before and during the marriage. You get to see the Hortons in very vulnerable spots in this chapter. The story of the day when D.A. accidently posted an admission to looking at porn publicly when he meant to do it privately made for some interesting reading.
They finish the book off by taking an honest look at the pressures of finance. We get to learn from their mistakes and also learn from their journey to freedom. I absolutely loved what they learned while at Summit Church with J.D. Greear. They even give a sample budget to start a couple off on their journey to financial freedom.
Their final chapter is a Scriptural discussion on what a Gospel saturated life looks like.
A section that I almost didn’t read was the Epilogue, but I’m certainly glad I did because there they address those who are unmarried. It certainly made me think how I view them and how I’ve misused them in the past in our ministry. That may be my favorite part of the book.
All in all I enjoyed the book. I appreciated how the two authors bounced back and forth with their sections. You get to see their teaching from both points of view. I believe this will be a great read for a couple getting married or recently married.
I was presented a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review.
D. A. Horton serves as Pastor of Reach Fellowship, a church plant in North Long Beach, CA and as Chief Evangelist for the Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI). He is the author of three previous books before taking on this project with his wife. This is Elicia Horton’s first book, and apart from being married to D.A. and raising 3 children, she travels the country teaching and encouraging others through rap and poetry. Both bring a wealth of experience and Biblical training to the writing of this book.
In this book the Hortons definitely do not come out of their ivory tower to teach us about marriage. They truly take you on a journey through some of their ugliest and most painful parts of their marriage to show the reader the sufficiency of Christ in the life of a believer and his/her marriage. They call for a gospel-saturated marriage and life in this book, a life that the gospel’s content and implications affect every part of the life and marriage.
The Hortons take us down different roads with each chapter. In the first two chapters you see what Christian oneness looks like in a marriage and get solid advice on the importance of communication in the marriage and how to get to what they call Level 1 communication. I must tell you that some of the sections on communication are hilarious as they give us a look into their own struggles.
Their chapter on going the distance gives practical advice on leading your marriage through times of suffering and pain. Just as you found yourself laughing with the Hortons in chapter 3, you will find yourself feeling their pain in chapter 4.
The Hortons turn more to the Scriptures in their fifth chapter as they go in-depth into the role of husbands, wives, and parents according to the Scriptures.
In the next chapter they take up the subject of purity before and during the marriage. You get to see the Hortons in very vulnerable spots in this chapter. The story of the day when D.A. accidently posted an admission to looking at porn publicly when he meant to do it privately made for some interesting reading.
They finish the book off by taking an honest look at the pressures of finance. We get to learn from their mistakes and also learn from their journey to freedom. I absolutely loved what they learned while at Summit Church with J.D. Greear. They even give a sample budget to start a couple off on their journey to financial freedom.
Their final chapter is a Scriptural discussion on what a Gospel saturated life looks like.
A section that I almost didn’t read was the Epilogue, but I’m certainly glad I did because there they address those who are unmarried. It certainly made me think how I view them and how I’ve misused them in the past in our ministry. That may be my favorite part of the book.
All in all I enjoyed the book. I appreciated how the two authors bounced back and forth with their sections. You get to see their teaching from both points of view. I believe this will be a great read for a couple getting married or recently married.
I was presented a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review.
April 30, 2018
As a married man, pastor and student of biblical counseling, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Honestly, the illustrations in this book are useful case studies to help leaders and counselors work through difficulty scenarios in marriage. Though D.A. and Elicia don’t represent every marriage or every issue in marriage, they do provide readers with some very vivid and practical information to think through. I felt as if I had a glimpse into a marriage that certainly would have fallen apart had it not been for God’s grace. Through biblical wisdom, community, accountability, and pastoral leadership their marriage went from being another statistic about divorce in Christianity to an remarkable example of God’s great grace!
I was extremely encouraged at how gospely this book was. There are many gospel-centered marriage books, and there need to be many more. I long for the day that there is an over-saturation of gospel-centered marriage books in our bookstores! On nearly every page there was some mention of scripture, Christ, or the gospel. Even in the midst of their greatest maritals woes wasn’t secular psychology or manmade methods of how to improve marriage. Instead, there was page after page of biblical and pastoral wisdom for struggling marriages.
In light of the theological depth, D.A. and Elicia’s writing style made this book an easy read. It was hard to put the book down! With the strong exposition of scripture, poignant life situations, and practical advice, I was caught up in this book! As plowed through the pages, I had thoughts like, “Wow! I never would’ve imagined that other marriages had the issues ours does!” or “I can’t believe they struggle with that! I can use this as a way to encourage _________ in their marriage!” I even purchased this book for a friend of mine because I thought it would be a help for his marriage.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was extremely encouraged at how gospely this book was. There are many gospel-centered marriage books, and there need to be many more. I long for the day that there is an over-saturation of gospel-centered marriage books in our bookstores! On nearly every page there was some mention of scripture, Christ, or the gospel. Even in the midst of their greatest maritals woes wasn’t secular psychology or manmade methods of how to improve marriage. Instead, there was page after page of biblical and pastoral wisdom for struggling marriages.
In light of the theological depth, D.A. and Elicia’s writing style made this book an easy read. It was hard to put the book down! With the strong exposition of scripture, poignant life situations, and practical advice, I was caught up in this book! As plowed through the pages, I had thoughts like, “Wow! I never would’ve imagined that other marriages had the issues ours does!” or “I can’t believe they struggle with that! I can use this as a way to encourage _________ in their marriage!” I even purchased this book for a friend of mine because I thought it would be a help for his marriage.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2018
I was really excited to receive this book and dive in. As a pastor’s wife, my husband and I do a good bit of pre-marital counseling as well as marriage counseling on a regular basis. I am always on the look out for new marriage resources to recommend to other couples, however, I am very picky when it comes to marriage books. Most of them tend to be very stereotypical. Within the first couple of chapters, I can tell whether or not I like the book just based off of the author’s description of the roles a man and woman should uphold within a marriage. And unfortunately, the authors of Enter the Ring, lost me after the first chapter. I of course, finished the book, but there were several things that I didn’t see eye-to-eye with them on, especially some deep theological truths.
I appreciated and respected their vulnerability and honesty about their different struggles as it pertains to marriage, however, I personally felt as if maybe they weren’t quite ready to share these things just yet. I felt as though they need a little more time between some of the things they have been through as a couple and are still learning from before sharing it in a book.
But here is the beauty about books, I can read it and get nothing from it, and then someone else can come along and this be just the book they needed at just the right time. I applaud the Hortons for their raw honesty and believe we need more people in leadership roles that are able to share their stories with the type of vulnerability as the Hortons displayed in their book, Enter the Ring.
*This book was given to me by the kind people over at NavPress, a division of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for my honest opinion and review.*
I appreciated and respected their vulnerability and honesty about their different struggles as it pertains to marriage, however, I personally felt as if maybe they weren’t quite ready to share these things just yet. I felt as though they need a little more time between some of the things they have been through as a couple and are still learning from before sharing it in a book.
But here is the beauty about books, I can read it and get nothing from it, and then someone else can come along and this be just the book they needed at just the right time. I applaud the Hortons for their raw honesty and believe we need more people in leadership roles that are able to share their stories with the type of vulnerability as the Hortons displayed in their book, Enter the Ring.
*This book was given to me by the kind people over at NavPress, a division of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for my honest opinion and review.*
January 13, 2018
Enter The Ring is a game changer. This book will cover practical and spiritual issues that are currently occurring in your marriage. The wisdom of seasoned believers who are in a marriage that did not always look as healthy or God centered as it currently does in invaluable. D.A. and Elicia are getting in deep and sharing stories that not many people would be open to sharing. They encourage and advice with God centered truth about all real life issues in marriage that are just hard to get through on your own.
We need to hear that we are not alone in the fight. That those who have gone before us have gotten through and over time, found healthy ways and fruitful paths to take in communication, intimacy, decision making, and so much more. I know I benefit immensely from hearing what other couples who don't have all the answers but have the vulnerability to share the one thing they do have: their stories. Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
We need to hear that we are not alone in the fight. That those who have gone before us have gotten through and over time, found healthy ways and fruitful paths to take in communication, intimacy, decision making, and so much more. I know I benefit immensely from hearing what other couples who don't have all the answers but have the vulnerability to share the one thing they do have: their stories. Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
January 28, 2018
I have heard D.A. Horton speak at many different conferences, and he is always wonderful. I knew that a book written by him would also be amazing, and I was not wrong. Enter the Ring “rings” with Horton’s style of no-holds-barred way of speaking the truth, and he’s not afraid to get a little messy in the process.
If you’re married, you and your spouse are in the middle of a fight. The world is using different tactics to distract you, trip you up, and tempt you to throw in the towel and leave the ring defeated. The world wants to destroy your marriage. But God is with you in the fight- and through forgiveness and grace He is ready to lead you, to protect you not only from the world but also from yourselves.
Many times throughout reading this book, I thought to myself “I wish this would have came out 11 years ago!” However, no matter where you are in your marriage, the truths that Horton sheds light on still ring true.
You can get your copy here.
I know I will be getting a copy for all the new couples tying the knot that I know!
If you’re married, you and your spouse are in the middle of a fight. The world is using different tactics to distract you, trip you up, and tempt you to throw in the towel and leave the ring defeated. The world wants to destroy your marriage. But God is with you in the fight- and through forgiveness and grace He is ready to lead you, to protect you not only from the world but also from yourselves.
Many times throughout reading this book, I thought to myself “I wish this would have came out 11 years ago!” However, no matter where you are in your marriage, the truths that Horton sheds light on still ring true.
You can get your copy here.
I know I will be getting a copy for all the new couples tying the knot that I know!
February 14, 2018
If you think this book is just like any other marriage book out there then you are wrong. This book is so down to earth and gritty, not throwing any punches and is exactly what you would expect from reading the back. I loved how honest and forthright the authors were about their own marriage and the struggles they have gone through and they ways they were able to overcome. I love how they point out if God could save their marriage He can save anyone's, they do not try to act like they are superior and never struggled but instead show a lot of humility and truthfulness that is refreshing and you can totally relate to.
Covering topics like finances, money, intimacy and communication this is a great book that encourages and inspires one to get back in the rink and keep fighting for what is important.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Covering topics like finances, money, intimacy and communication this is a great book that encourages and inspires one to get back in the rink and keep fighting for what is important.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 16, 2018
There's something to be said for learning from the wisdom of our elders, and this book strives to do just that. When we look at a healthy, thriving marriage, it's easy to forget that the couple has faced their share of struggles and lived to tell about them. This book covers various phases of marriage, including some of the most hotly-fought-over topics in most marriages, and breaks them down. There are personal narratives, scripture, and advice from those who have gone before us. The authors are easy to relate to, and their advice is solid and Christian-based. I think that every couple, regardless of their 'marriage friendliness status,' should continue working on said marriage. We're all only one crisis away from actively being in the ring ourselves, and it never hurts to have a game plan!
January 21, 2018
This will be a new go-to book for me with engaged and newly married couples looking for real, biblical, practical marriage wisdom. Lots of good, foundational guidance is delivered alongside candid (and often embarrassing) real-life stories from the marriage of the co-authors. Their stated aim is a gospel-saturated marriage, and they clearly describe this...while also noting that such a marriage is an aspirational, daily, God-powered pursuit.
I'll particularly remember their wisdom on couples' communication and approach to deal with conflict (primarily recognizing that conflict itself isn't a problem to be avoided).
(full disclosure: the agency I work for represented D.A. and Elicia on this book)
I'll particularly remember their wisdom on couples' communication and approach to deal with conflict (primarily recognizing that conflict itself isn't a problem to be avoided).
(full disclosure: the agency I work for represented D.A. and Elicia on this book)
June 23, 2018
Enter the Ring is a different book on marriage than some that I read in the past. This book approaches marriage as a fight in two ways: one in which the fight to be right commences and one in which couples should fight for their marriage. Being a married man I found this book a nice read to see that couples will have disagreements but to work out the differences because the marriage is worth it.
This book should be a recommended read for those who are about to marry or have been married recently. The information is real and raw and it will prove valuable to those who have the idea that marriage is 100% bliss and struggling is for those who are not “in love.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This book should be a recommended read for those who are about to marry or have been married recently. The information is real and raw and it will prove valuable to those who have the idea that marriage is 100% bliss and struggling is for those who are not “in love.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2018
My wife and I loved this book! The honesty, the laughter, and the reality that grace really does triumph when you humble yourself and trust the Lord to work. The Horton's were messed up emotionally, spiritually, financially, relationally, etc. I felt like I found a couple who really understand the brokenness that can exist in our souls and honestly fleshed out what it looks like to get healthy as a couple. We need more Christian marriage books that talk honestly about the consequences of sin and what repentance and faith in Christ look like for the Christian. I recommend this book highly!
February 21, 2018
3 to 4 stars maybe? The husband and wife co-authors are very candid and open about the difficulties they have put each other through and have endured together. Hard lessons learned so they have much advice to offer and experience to share with readers. Smart gift for new couples, newly weds and those couples beyond the honeymoon.
Recently written and published, so even more relevant for today.
Recently written and published, so even more relevant for today.
January 15, 2026
Easy read and simple to follow. As a Christian who recently got married, I found it really helpful and relatable.
There are a lot of biblical references throughout the book, and the principles shared are solid and practical. It gave me some good insight into marriage and helped me think more intentionally about my role and responsibilities.
Overall, a good read and one I’d recommend, especially for newly married couples or those preparing for marriage.
There are a lot of biblical references throughout the book, and the principles shared are solid and practical. It gave me some good insight into marriage and helped me think more intentionally about my role and responsibilities.
Overall, a good read and one I’d recommend, especially for newly married couples or those preparing for marriage.
February 15, 2018
If you a Christian married couple who desires your marriage to serve as a witness before a watching world, you will want to read and discuss together Enter the Ring. May your marriage be a billboard for the gospel message!
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/02...
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/02...
May 29, 2018
I thought this book is powerful and very biblical based for any couple in a relationship. Whether marriage or engaged. They share their life struggles as well as helping you through and seeing the outcome through God's eyes.
March 7, 2020
A brutally honest book
This book was written by a couple who have experienced many storms and hardships in their marriage and have found hope and healing, though, not perfection through an understanding and application of the gospel
This book was written by a couple who have experienced many storms and hardships in their marriage and have found hope and healing, though, not perfection through an understanding and application of the gospel
October 19, 2023
3.5 Good Christian and practical insights for those preparing for marriage. I like how bible references were used both spiritually and practically in the book. This was worth the read, especially for a Booksale find.
May 7, 2018
Enjoyable book! Quality content, and I appreciated the level of candor and personal storytelling within. Sparked many great conversations between my wife and I!
January 30, 2020
Marriage is more than a wedding grown
D.A. & Elicia Horton give us a real thought provoking reality on what’s it like to be in a convent marriage, your going to lock cuffs and fight clean, you must be all in !! Staying in the ring will bring about truth and understanding of the Biblical meaning of Marriage , you Fight To Win!! Bravo D.A. & Elicia
D.A. & Elicia Horton give us a real thought provoking reality on what’s it like to be in a convent marriage, your going to lock cuffs and fight clean, you must be all in !! Staying in the ring will bring about truth and understanding of the Biblical meaning of Marriage , you Fight To Win!! Bravo D.A. & Elicia
January 17, 2018
I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale to review. I think its always good to learn from others and know that all of us fight in our relationships from time to time. As I started to read the first few paragraphs, I wasn't prepared for how much the author's fought before and after they were married. Intense. I think having that at the front of their book almost caused me to doubt whether I wanted advice from their marriage. Definitely an intense opener. But I stuck with it.
I loved the quote about fighting back at what societies defining of marriage has become and living the truth of the gospel with our spouses. I think that is a perfect definition to life by. I am so glad the author stuck his ground on this. We have nothing if we don't have God's Word. I really loved that scripture was placed throughout and used to back up lots of thoughts.
The author's used personal experiences and stories to show how they have learned and grown in marriage, which I found helpful because everyone's story can be different but can apply advice and thoughts into lots of ways.
I loved the quote about fighting back at what societies defining of marriage has become and living the truth of the gospel with our spouses. I think that is a perfect definition to life by. I am so glad the author stuck his ground on this. We have nothing if we don't have God's Word. I really loved that scripture was placed throughout and used to back up lots of thoughts.
The author's used personal experiences and stories to show how they have learned and grown in marriage, which I found helpful because everyone's story can be different but can apply advice and thoughts into lots of ways.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews