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A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage
Build a Marriage of Lasting Love Finally a practical, easy-to-read book that deals with real marital issues from a Christian perspective! Soundly based on both biblical principles and marital research, A Lasting Promise is a must read for any couple who wants to upgrade their marriage and make it a promise for life! --David and Claudia Arp, authors of The Second Half of Marriage This essential resource offers Christian couples, a well-researched and proven method for dealing with conflicts and resolving problems in their marriage. A Lasting Promise (Older Edition) offers solutions to common problems--facing conflicts, problem solving, improving communication, and dealing with core issues--within a religious framework. With the ultimate purpose of upholding the sanctity of marriage, the book is filled with stories that reflect the sacred teachings of the scripture. The strategies outlined can help Christian couples to improve communication, understand commitment, bring more fun into their relationship, and even enhance their sex life. This book will serve as an invaluable resource for all couples who want to honor and preserve the holy sacrament of their union.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 1998
108 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 19, 2019
One of the best marriage books I've ever encountered. Immensely practical and easy to digest. Not big on heady theology, just great in the trenches observations.
May 23, 2018
A must read for anyone who is married
Great book, highly recommended for any relationship or marriage. Marriage and any real relationship can be difficult, this book discusses why and provides practical ideas and steps to make marriage and relationships stronger and work better.
Great book, highly recommended for any relationship or marriage. Marriage and any real relationship can be difficult, this book discusses why and provides practical ideas and steps to make marriage and relationships stronger and work better.
May 3, 2020
(Note: I actually read the second edition which may appear different than the cover shown here)
This is a great Christian book on marriage, which focuses on the practical realities of married life: things like teamwork, honesty, communication, and creating a safe environment. I can tell it’s written from a perspective of authors who do marriage counseling on a regular basis and can therefore identify common pitfalls. They also regularly refer to peer-reviewed scientific literature to back up their recommendations. I think this will be a good book to re-read as time goes on, as a reminder to continue trying to put good habits into practice.
I think having four authors is an an advantage for a book like this. If I were writing a book on marriage I feel like it would be very idiosyncratic to my own experiences, which may not hold for everyone, because every marriage is different! I think having multiple authors helps make the book balanced and more broadly applicable.
Bonus entertainment value comes from the increasingly unrealistic names used for couples in the example dialogues. My favorite was “Tonya and Wellington.” This has no effect on the content but my wife and I got a good laugh out of it.
This is a great Christian book on marriage, which focuses on the practical realities of married life: things like teamwork, honesty, communication, and creating a safe environment. I can tell it’s written from a perspective of authors who do marriage counseling on a regular basis and can therefore identify common pitfalls. They also regularly refer to peer-reviewed scientific literature to back up their recommendations. I think this will be a good book to re-read as time goes on, as a reminder to continue trying to put good habits into practice.
I think having four authors is an an advantage for a book like this. If I were writing a book on marriage I feel like it would be very idiosyncratic to my own experiences, which may not hold for everyone, because every marriage is different! I think having multiple authors helps make the book balanced and more broadly applicable.
Bonus entertainment value comes from the increasingly unrealistic names used for couples in the example dialogues. My favorite was “Tonya and Wellington.” This has no effect on the content but my wife and I got a good laugh out of it.
September 12, 2022
This is such a great series. I get so excited when they each come out. Arabella is a lover of animals and has a kind heart. Her next door neighbor (Peregrine) just happens to have an unruly dog. Chaos ensues when Arabella finds any animal in need of saving. Peregrine is often found helping her fix the chaos. Love follows the chaos.
September 21, 2022
While I applaud the author for having the heroine as a sex worker á la Pretty Woman, I could not get into the story. I did enjoy Catherine’s character. The biggest drawback for me was Micah. To me, he came across as petulant, entitled and immature. Quite honestly, I couldn’t see the attraction other than surface looks! I got to about half way before losing interest.
July 17, 2023
Marriage according to the Bible isn't just the right way; it's the best way. The authors have studied marriages of all kinds and have seen firsthand the importance of biblical principles within the marriage relationship. This book provides a helpful biblical framework for marriage while also giving practical tips that every couple can apply today. The wide variety of topics makes this a resource worth revisiting in the highs and lows of relationship.
February 5, 2025
Read this as a part of our foundation group- great book for both new and seasoned marriages! Gives such good insight & research that is reinforced by scripture. While cheesy at times, provides lots of really helpful action items to help strengthen your marriage. Would recommend any married couple to read this!
July 12, 2025
Read this 15 years ago as a newlywed, and love love loved it. Was my favorite marriage book, by far! Just reread it with some other newlyweds and while the majority of it still holds true, the dated references and examples made it a little cringy at times. It has a new cover now, but could use a little bit of updating to feel relevant to this newer generation.
October 28, 2019
Read this as part of our marriage curriculum. Very practical and applicable. Loved the scripture throughout and research based passages, although some may need updating. Generally a good study on communication, oneness, and commitment from a Biblical perspective.
October 30, 2020
This book is a valuable resource for any Christian who is married or considering marriage. It's sections on communication, especially, are of immeasurable value. As a married man, pastor and counselor, I give it a strong recommendation.
September 10, 2022
A funny and entertaining read. The hero is amusing and endearing while on the road to self discovery and the heroine is patient and loving to the expletive she loves. Heartwarming tale all around.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
October 16, 2023
An great book for couples to go through together. Like the Bible, It is a great book to keep around and open at times in need to strengthen your marriage.
Highly recommended for engaged couples or newlyweds.
Highly recommended for engaged couples or newlyweds.
August 21, 2024
This is a really great book if you're exploring how to strengthen your marriage. A lot of the points in this book are directly taken from Scripture, which I really enjoyed. There are also practical, real-world examples for you to use in your own marriage or relationship.
February 12, 2025
Practical marriage book from a Godly perspective. It was a perfect book to go through during premarital counseling that stirred important, meaningful, and Christ-centered conversations. Definitely recommend for before or during marriage.
October 14, 2021
very practical and encouraging read
December 6, 2022
Read for school
October 1, 2023
Foundation Group reads lol +1 for the annual read goal
November 23, 2023
read this for our foundation group. very practical guide to have healthy conflict and healthy communication in marriage! this was very helpful to us even though it is cheesy at times :)
February 5, 2024
I read this for a small group and we skipped a couple chapters so I didnt 100% finish it, but it was really helpful/practical.
Read
July 7, 2025Read it for foundation group.
October 29, 2008
This book is based on the premise that negative communication erodes trust in marriage and often leads to divorce.
The claim is made that one's chances of longterm marriage can be assessed, up to 90% accuracy, based on HOW A COUPLE RESOLVES CONFLICT.
I give this the highest rating because my wife and I have applied these communication principles for the last 7 years and it has revived our marriage.
We now have an agreed-upon plan to communicate. This has been one of the best things that has happened in our 32 year marriage.
The concepts:
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Prov 12:18
Negative ways of communicating:
- Withdrawal
- Negative interpretation
- Invalidation
- Escalation
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.." James 1:19
Positive ways of communicating"
- use the Speaker-Listen Technique
- take turns, asking clarifying questions
This book has great Biblical references. It is designed for each person to read a chapter, then do the exercises at the end of the chapter. Then, the couple is to meet together and discuss their answers. The chapters build from generalities to specifics.
The best book on marriage and on communicating we have ever read and applied. We have guided 30 couples or so thorough this book. It is only helpful if folks do the homework and apply it to their own communicating skills.
I have also used these communication tools with co-workers and church folks.
The claim is made that one's chances of longterm marriage can be assessed, up to 90% accuracy, based on HOW A COUPLE RESOLVES CONFLICT.
I give this the highest rating because my wife and I have applied these communication principles for the last 7 years and it has revived our marriage.
We now have an agreed-upon plan to communicate. This has been one of the best things that has happened in our 32 year marriage.
The concepts:
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Prov 12:18
Negative ways of communicating:
- Withdrawal
- Negative interpretation
- Invalidation
- Escalation
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.." James 1:19
Positive ways of communicating"
- use the Speaker-Listen Technique
- take turns, asking clarifying questions
This book has great Biblical references. It is designed for each person to read a chapter, then do the exercises at the end of the chapter. Then, the couple is to meet together and discuss their answers. The chapters build from generalities to specifics.
The best book on marriage and on communicating we have ever read and applied. We have guided 30 couples or so thorough this book. It is only helpful if folks do the homework and apply it to their own communicating skills.
I have also used these communication tools with co-workers and church folks.
September 9, 2013
Don't be fooled by this somewhat cheesy photo and outdated cover-- this book is fantastic. Although it is written from a Christian perspective it can be used an applied by anyone. It has sound scientific studies which support its methods. This is an in-depth workbook that offers powerful tools and clear descriptions on how to communicate and improve your marriage. We were blessed enough to work through it with another mentor couple and found their insights and personal examples of it helping them all the more powerful. A MUST READ for anyone who wants to make a bad marriage good or a good marriage great.
February 20, 2020
By far the best book on marriage that I’ve read. Very practical, offering examples of conversations in each chapter and next steps at the end of each chapter, making the strategies suggested easily attainable.
October 12, 2016
Down to earth with a connection to heaven
The book is easy to read with scripture references to establish Christian credibility. Pastors could recommend this to couples who ask for marriage help or use it as a counseling tool or a practical anniversary gift along with tickets to a un event or some fresh flowers.
The book is easy to read with scripture references to establish Christian credibility. Pastors could recommend this to couples who ask for marriage help or use it as a counseling tool or a practical anniversary gift along with tickets to a un event or some fresh flowers.
September 7, 2011
I believe this book to be one of the best "how to" books on communications I have ever read. The reading is easy and yet the principles discussed are incredibly deep. I have recommend it to all my friends and to everybody I know.
January 26, 2014
I can't recommend this highly enough for married or engaged couples. There is a lot of emphasis on preventing problems as well as working through them and specific, step-by-step instructions for improving discussions. Excellent.
May 15, 2010
A great follow-up to Fighting for Your Marriage. Good review. I like how it ties in Christian concepts but remains research based.
Read
March 10, 2009for class.
March 11, 2009
Some really great principles hidden in some really cheesy writing. But worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews