When Sinners Say "I Do"
By Dave HarveyShepherd Press, 2007
183 pages
Read on airplane to/from Denver
Let me preface... Don't get any wrong ideas that both Brenda's and my first book reports are on marriage books!
I'm quite sure that I am amongst the last in our family to read "When Sinners Say 'I Do'". (So... I will do my best to keep this review shorter than the book!) I am, no doubt, the one who needed it the most. This book is really well written, and combines a great mix of humor and good theology. It is so helpful to really understand the doctrine of the depravity of man.
That's how the book starts, by laying out that doctrine in very simple language. He stresses the idea that "till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet" (quoted from Thomas Watson, p.30). He applies this truth in such practical ways. For example, he says that in any conflict (or potential conflict) we should be suspicious of ourselves. He says that "[s]inners who are humble are growing more knowledgeable about their hearts. In doing so, they are discovering what's really going on - that the ability to claim righteousness apart from Christ undermines the truth of the gospel" (pp.64-65). Wow. That truth, of course, can be applied to so much more than just marriage.
He dwells for a significant time on the beam vs. speck concept and really helped clarify that in my mind. The issue is not that removing the speck from someone else is a bad goal... but that it can't be done with a beam in my own eye. I've tended to just leave the speck (and beam) alone. The goal is to remove both.
The book had so many great and practical chapters, including chapters on forgiveness, dealing with sin, showing grace, sex, and even one on dealing with a spouse's death (I embarrassed myself on the airplane... I was bawling like a baby during that chapter).
I would very highly recommend this book. It is theologically sound, and is very much the opposite of so many "make sure your needs are met" type books on marriage. It was a blessing to me... I think I'll probably need to re-read it every couple of years :-).
Labels: Daniel's reading
posted by Daniel | 2:17 PM
9 Comments:
Enjoyed reading this, Dan. I've heard that it's a great book on any interpersonal relationships, so I think I'll have to get it. I have gotten it for a couple of friends as wedding gifts, but not read it myself.
Thanks Dan for a great reminder of some of the things God did in me while reading that book. I needed that part about claiming righteousness apart from Christ.
(And the perfect length for a review! You'll have to give me lessons.)
Most of your siblings may have read the book, Dan, but your parents haven't. Thanks so much for posting this. I have heard about the book, heard that it was good, but your review showed me that it was a must read--even after 40 years of marriage. Great review!
Oh, and Dan...welcome to the Reading Room Book Contest!!! I am still waiting for you and Brenda's book list!
ooops-- youR book list. Typing error not grammatical! Hee hee
We have never read this either, but it is on our "wish list." Thanks for the review. ~johanna
Thanks for the review, Dan. Looking forward to getting and reading the book.
I just bought another stack of those books because I give them out like candy. I gave one to U. Paul and A. Theresa last year when they were here for the womens conference and she wrote back and told me what a big blessing the book had been. Jennie and I have both read it and I use it for pre-marital counseling as required reading.
Thanks for the review.
Hi Dan, and I don't know how I over looked this review. I don't go often to the reading room. Sorry, but I appreciated your review. I may have heard of the book, but have never read it. Good review. I'd like to read it. Dad
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