Friend with Benefits

content

Friend with Benefits

By Mark Driscoll

In our teaching and counseling, we have seen people respond well to a simple

explanation of three kinds of marriages-back-to-back, shoulder-to-shoulder,
and face-to-face.

A back-to-back marriage is one in which the couple has turned their
backs on each other. As a result, they live separately and do not work together
(shoulder to shoulder) or draw each other out in friendship (face to face). In
such marriages the partners range from strangers to enemies, but are not
friends.

A shoulder-to-shoulder marriage is one in which the couple works together

on tasks and projects, such as keeping the home, raising the kids, growing the business, and serving the church.

A face-to-face marriage is one in which, in addition to the shoulder-toshoulder
work, the couple gets a lot of face-to-face time for conversation,
friendship, and intimacy.

As a general rule, women have more friendships than men. And their
friendships tend to be more face-to-face. This is because men commonly
have shoulder-to-shoulder friendships around shared activity. If they take
the time to reflect on whom they have considered friends in different seasons
of their life, most men recall boys they played with on a sports team
and guys they worked with on a job. But they often know very little about
these guys they called friends, because their tasks consumed their time and
conversation, as they talked about the task in front of them rather than the
emotion between them.

Conversely, women's friendships tend to be face-to-face and built around
intimate conversation. This explains why women do the sorts of things with
other women that men do not do with other men, such as going out to lunch
or coffee just to talk, sharing deep intimate feelings while looking each other
in the face without a task bringing them together.

Wives, to be a good friend, learn to spend some time with your husband
in shared activity. If he's watching a sporting event, sit down and share it
with him. If he's working on a project, hang out nearby to help or at least
ask questions and be a companion if nothing else. If he's going fishing, ask
if you can come sit in the boat with him just to be in his world. For a wife
to build a friendship with her husband requires shoulder-to-shoulder time
alongside him.

Husbands, to be a good friend to your wife, learn to have deeper and more
intimate conversations. Open up, telling your wife how you're doing and asking
her how she is doing. Listen without being distracted by technology or a
task (put your cell phone away), but instead focus on her, looking her in the
eye for extended periods of time. Draw her out emotionally, and allow her to
draw you out emotionally. Keep your advice to a minimum and learn to listen,
empathize, comfort, encourage, and in so doing resist the constant male urge
to find a problem and try to fix it. No wife likes feeling like a problem to be
fixed rather than a person who wants to be intimate. For her, intimacy means
"into-me-see," which means she wants to know her husband and be known by
him. For a husband to build a friendship with his wife requires him growing
in face-to-face skills.

Intimacy is ultimately about conversing. As an old proverb says, "The road
to the heart is the ear." One book on friendship insightfully notes that there
are really three levels of conversation-facts, opinions, and feelings. Most of
the conversations we have are about facts-the weather is hot or cold, we are
tired, our sports team won, or gas has gotten expensive. As a relationship with
someone becomes more intimate, conversations shift from facts to personal
opinions. In this transition we are opening up a bit, allowing someone to get to
know us more intimately. We talk about our opinions of such things as theology,
politics, and other people. When a relationship becomes most intimate,
we begin to share our feelings. We become vulnerable with someone, telling
him or her not just what we do (facts) and what we believe (opinions), but who
we are (feelings). As C. S. Lewis said, "Eros will have naked bodies; Friendship
naked personalities."

For me (Grace), friendship with Mark means his willingness to work
through tough trials together and not give up or treat me like a project. It
means patient correction; providing for and protecting the kids and me; praying
with me; having patient intimacy and sex; holding me if I'm crying; having
"understanding" or teaching conversations; spending time together (like having
date nights, snuggling after the kids are in bed, and listening well); holding
hands and taking walks; being generous with compliments or encouragement;
and building memories together.

For me (Mark), like many men, I know a lot of guys and get along well
with a wide variety of people. I have a lot of fans as well as foes, but until
recent years few godly, safe, real male friends. There were not many people I
would open up to, trust, and could not conceive of a life without. Some years
ago, I sat Grace down and told her that I really needed her to be my intimate
friend and "functional pastor." I think this surprised her on two levels. One,
like most men, I project a sense of complete self-sufficiency, needing nothing,
which is untrue because I hate feeling lonely and really need the intimate connection,
conversation, and comfort of Grace. Two, while we do not believe
a woman should be a pastor according to the Bible, I asked Grace to be my
functional pastor. As a pastor myself, I've never had a pastor since I left college.
So I invited Grace to be the one who checked in on my heart, prayed for
me, gave me wise counsel, and knew the most intimate parts of my past and
present as well as my longings and fears about the future. And although Grace
does not wish to hold any formal office in our church, she does hold the unofficial
office in my life as my intimate friend who pastors my heart, something
that has changed my life and our marriage.

Excerpted by permission from Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll (Copyright 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc.) Please visit PastorMark.TV/RealMarriage for more information on the book and how you and your church can start a campaign. Included are full campaign details including branding, design, and marketing plans that you can edit for your local church, DVD Sermon Downloads & Small Group Curriculums.

"The best book I've read all year. You just need to get it."
- Andy Stanley, senior pastor, North Point Community Church

WE ARE GIVING AWAY FIVE BOOKS- LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN.

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393 Comments »

Thank you so much for taking a stand for marriage! Me and my future wife have based our love from the fact that we were great friends first. One thing that I never want to lose is her friendship, which explains the desire for intimacy. I want to know her deeper and deeper daily, and this book looks like it expounds on that. Thank you, Mark & Grace, for sharing your wisdom with the world.

Comment by Jacob Marlowe - Oct 18, 2011 @ 05:35 PM
Great insight on the 3 kinds of marriages. The difficulty comes in reaching out to your spouse in a way that is not natural or intuitive. Requires intentionality and humility as well as lots of grace, forgiveness, and second chances to do it right.

Comment by Tim - Oct 18, 2011 @ 05:36 PM
Looks like a great book. Excited to read it after this post and hearing Mark speak at Catalyst.

Comment by Joe Lalonde - Oct 18, 2011 @ 05:38 PM
Saw Mark Driscoll at Catalyst two weeks ago. Fear not, God is with you. Can’t wait to read this book.

Comment by Matt Quade - Oct 18, 2011 @ 07:47 PM
Really liked these thoughts. I’m a single person and probably nowhere close to being married soon, but I hope to learn a lot today to create a strong marriage relationship later in life! Thank you for sharing!

Comment by Wesley Blackburn - Oct 18, 2011 @ 08:33 PM
Great thoughts & insight. Always excited to learn about how to make my marriage better.

Comment by Julian Clark - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:31 AM
Really enjoyed the article. I will be sharing this with several of my friends.

Comment by Reid - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:05 AM
I’m glad someone is standing for marriage.

Comment by Hardie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:38 AM
My wife and I go to marriage class at our church. At first I thought this was for failing marriages, which weren’t. We quickly realized it was for being proactive with our marriage. Too many times it has been shoulder-to-shoulder and not face-to-face. I would love to get a copy of this that I could read with my spouse and then pass to our marriage ministry couple to maybe do in a series later.

Comment by Colin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:43 AM
From Mark’s perspective the “face to face” rather than the “shoulder to shoulder” relationship is crucial both inside and outside of marriage. As a guy, I tend to be more “face to face”. I like to know that the honest feelings are being put forth to where both I and the other person are able to embrace them.

I would really like to receive a copy of this book. I would like to learn more and better prepare myself for marriage. Of course, Mark doesn’t have all the answers, but I am sure his insight is fruitful.

Comment by Shelton Brown - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:43 AM
This book looks like will be a great read!

Comment by Crystal - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:44 AM
Man I cannot wait to read this book!

Comment by Derek - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:46 AM
Great insight to the different types of marriage. We can so easily get caught in the shoulder to shoudler style with out realizing it. Can’t wait to read more!!

Comment by Layne - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:49 AM
Surprised at the title of the article, but I’m encouraged by what Mark wrote. Looking forward to reading the actual book

Comment by Frank Tan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:53 AM
Spot on. I was excited to learn this book was coming out while at NLC in September - even moreso now. Thanks for the preview!

Comment by Joseph - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:53 AM
Marriage was God’s start to so many things, thanks for giving us an opportunity to look deeper.

Comment by Mike - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:53 AM
Great Stuff. I am recently married and will be looking forward to sharing this book with my wife! Thanks!

Comment by Andrew McPeak - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:53 AM
I’m a single twenty-year-old and even I can tell this book will provide impacting insight for my future as a wife, mother, and mentor.

Comment by Kathleen Dunnam - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:55 AM
Loved this post and can’t wait for this book! Love their honesty and openess.

Still thinking about the functional pastor role of the wife though. Definately sharing these intimate parts of your life with your closest confidant is important, but wonder if another male “pastor”/close friend should also help carry that burden? Thoughts anyone?

Comment by Brenton - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:59 AM
I am taken aback by the humility and openness with which Mark and Grace have shared their journey…and this is just from reading the excerpt. Looking forward to reading the rest of the book. Wise counsel indeed!

Comment by Rathiha Quin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:00 AM
Looks like a great book!

Comment by Scott Wallace - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:04 AM
My fiance and I can’t wait for this to come out. She will be stoked if I win an advanced copy!

Comment by Josh - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:05 AM
Too few in number when it comes to the amount of couples seeking to live out what marriage is supposed to represent. May we rise as a generation that leads by example. But we need to learn constantly to grow, look forward to the opportunity with this book!

Comment by Eddie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:05 AM
I am single and would love to read the insights from Pastor Mark in order to prepare for a healthy marriage

Comment by Justin Newport - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:05 AM
Looks like a valuable resource! Looking forward to reading it!

Comment by susan morris - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:07 AM
Dead on illustration about men being shoulder to shoulder in how they relate, and women being face to face in relationships. I have known this concept for awhile but not heard it communicated this way. Looking forward to reading the rest of the book.

Comment by Ben Kilgore - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:11 AM
I cannot wait for this book! I’m a 19 year old sophomore in college, and after much prayer and counsel, I’m about to give a promise ring to my girlfriend and we’re excited for our future and are preparing for marriage. I can tell this book will provide great wisdom and insight into building a God-centered future, Pastor Mark never holds back any punches and is full of wisdom, I can’t wait to learn from his book.

Comment by Kevin Duarte - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:13 AM
I want to do a book study class at our church for couples in the spring. I really want to use this book as the subject and core material for reference. It would be great to read another one of Pastor Mark’s books.

Comment by Steve white - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:17 AM
Seems like an awesome book! Great simple examples of the different types of relationships. Never heard it put that way!

Comment by Jenny Gann - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:22 AM
Really look forward to this book coming out.

Comment by Ryan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:35 AM
thanks for the preview, I can’t wait for the book to come out!

Comment by abby - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:36 AM
I would love to win a copy of this book. My wife and I are currently studying to become marriage counselors and we would love to add this to our resources of helping families come back to image of God that He has for them. I know it is going to be great book!!

Comment by william hancock - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:46 AM
A needed approach at investing on marriages. Looking forward to getting a copy and reading it with my wife.

Comment by Thad huff - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:51 AM
My wife and I are working on 6 years of marriage and are expecting our first child in January. We have recognized over the years that our marriage/relationship needs to be “tuned up” and prioritized frequently because of all the busyness that can sneak in and take over without notice. We are constantly looking for resources that can strengthen our relationship and keep our eyes on Godly attitudes and practices within our marriage. I look forward to reading through this book with my wife in the near future and furthering our journey together by the grace of God!

Comment by Patrick B - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:56 AM
Sounds great!

Comment by Hoyt Williamson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:12 AM
“Husbands, to be a good friend to your wife, learn to have deeper and more
intimate conversations.”

There is great wisdom in this call to men. In general, women communicate at a deeper level, more relationally. In order to love them, to experience true intimacy, friendship, men must find a way to consistently communicate with an authenticity and vulnerability that often eludes us.

As a single guy, I can’t wait to read the book. It’s one more resource to help prepare my heart, mind, and life to be an amazing husband and father in the future.

Comment by Robby Larson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:39 AM
Great! Look forward to reading the whole book.

Comment by Ben - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:44 AM
Been hearing some great things about this book, excited for the full release and a chance to study through it with my wife.

Comment by Larry - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:17 AM
Sounds like a great book!

Comment by Ryan Rotman - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:20 AM
Loved Pastor Mark at #cat11. Can’t wait for the book!

Comment by Otis - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:46 AM
I am so excited about Pastor and Mrs. Driscoll’s new book! Every sermon he has delivered on marriage has been inspiring, encouraging and insightful. I’m sure the book will be nothing short.

Comment by Adam Stephens - Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:27 AM
This is a great illustration for marital counseling! Look forward to the book!

Comment by Brandon Bradley - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:21 AM
Marriages MATTER! Fight the good fight!

Comment by Paul - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:21 AM
I hope I win a book!

Comment by Michael - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:21 AM
Always looking for teaching that can challenge my heart to grow. When my wife and I can do this together - it is an amazing experience.

Comment by Jon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:24 AM
Soooo true! Most of my fiance’s friendships are shoulder to shoulder and whenever I do something with him, like an activity around the house he’s always telling me how happy he is but I feel guilty because I’m still missing him a bit even after spending all that time together. Reading this little excerpt made me realize that what I’m missing in him is face to face time! I just realized that when he invests in me this way I feel so loved and connected and then I’m the one saying how happy I am! I just thought I was needy! But God just wired me differently!

Thanks for this insight!

Comment by Kara - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:30 AM
I want to read this book! Marriage is the bedrock of society and the central, public commitment that allows two individuals to become one!

Comment by Megan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:30 AM
Solid instruction! Having been married 34 years, I have learned some things and look forward to learning much more! My husband and I are registered for your marriage conference in the spring!

Comment by Sheila Crawford - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:31 AM
The “back to back”, “shoulder to shoulder”, “face to face illustration is excellent and very useful! It creates a simple and clear picture. I can use this in my premarital counseling sessions. Thank you, Mark & Grace!

Comment by Greg - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:31 AM
What a great preview of your book, Mark! Never thought of marriage like those examples you shared. Would love to win this book to deepen our marriage.

Comment by Rachel H. - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:39 AM
This book sounds AMAZING!! Thanks for the wonderful insight Mark & Grace! Can’t wait to read this with my hubby!! :)

Comment by Amber Andrews - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:54 AM
Thank you for sharing your insight. My boyfriend and I are hoping to marry soon, and this article was a good reminder of our differences and how to work together to build a intimate and deep relationship.

Comment by Deanne - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:00 PM
Can’t wait to read the rest of the book! I like the description of the “functional pastor”. If the man is OK with this (I know many that are not) and the wife functions in grace, it can be a beautiful thing.

Comment by Ruth - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:04 PM
Great insight! Very much looking forward to this read!

Comment by Sarah - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:13 PM
I’d love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!

Comment by Drew Peterson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:16 PM
Good stuff!

Comment by Marsha - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:16 PM
Our church needs this!

Comment by Jason Fletcher - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
I copied this article and sent it to my wife. I plan to have an “intimate” conversation with her tonight on it! Thanks!

Comment by Elliot - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
Really looking forward to this book!

Comment by Don Sartain - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
Looks to be a great read. Thanks for posting it.

Comment by Sean - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
Thanks for the opportunity. I would love to win this book!

Comment by Willie Harris - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
My wife and I are really looking forward to reading through the book together, and then leading our church through the Campaign.

Comment by Chris Carlile - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:19 PM
I think this book would be a great Christmas presents to a relative of mine that I know can greatly benefit from reading this!

Can’t wait to see what God has in store for all of us!

Comment by Bethany - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:20 PM
Mark Driscoll is one of my favorite Bible teachers and authors. When I heard he was writing a book on marriage, I know that it will be something that every married man as well as those who are not yet married would need to read. I am glad there is a contest for this book. I would love to win a copy, read it, and apply it to my own marriage.

Comment by Chris Land - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:21 PM
My first Mark D. sermon was “Marriage and Men” and I’ve been challenged by the sermon podcasts from Mars Hill Church ever since.

I just finished listening to the “Peasant Princess” series and got married 4 months ago. I’m really looking forward to having a great, Christ-centered marriage.

Mark has been talking about writing this book for awhile and I’m really excited to read it. No one shouts truths that I love at me better than Mark D. Thanks for treating us guys like thermoses!

Comment by Steven Dean - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:25 PM
I am pumped about this book!!! Can’t wait!!!

Comment by James Washburn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:26 PM
I’d love to read a copy! This sounds like an awesome book.

Comment by Rachel - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:32 PM
Thank you Mark and Grace for being a great example of a flourishing marriage and not one that slowly dies off as you get older. This book will be one that I read to prepare myself for marriage and one that helps out millions of other people all over the world.

Comment by Joshua Ehlers - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:33 PM
My fiance and I are looking forward to reading this book. Though we don’t attend Mars Hill Church, we have been following their church for quite some time and are blessed by our brothers and sisters there… especially Pastor Mark. Whether a free copy is won or not, we will be getting this book and reading it together as we prepare for the first day and the last day.

Comment by Bryan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:35 PM
This is good stuff - the parts that hit me the hardest (so far) were when they addressed Wives saying, “be part of his world for a while” and when they addressed Husbands saying, “put the phone down.’ And the phrase ‘patient correction’ is lends to an amazing concept!

Comment by Michael Lacey - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:35 PM
I’ve read a lot of books and articles on marriage before but never come across the three images used here in this one! That’s such an easy picture to grasp and run with when describing marriage.
I love the way Pastor Mark is showing some humility in his most recent years of ministry. I even hear his arc bending at bit with regards to women in leadership. To give his wife pastoral responsibility without a title or recognition as pastor is confusing to me, but years ago I don’t think we would have head him even acknowledge this.
Looking forward to reading this and discussing with our congregation.
Rich

Comment by richard - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:36 PM
Excellent, one more great resource to the church.

Comment by Filipe Niel - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:37 PM
Just the preview above is enough to say, Thanks, Mark! The transparency you & Grace have in your writing and ministry encourages me. Thanks again.

Comment by Terry Barnes - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:37 PM
Look forward to this book!! I need it!! My church needs it!!!

Comment by Brian Richmond - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:40 PM
Very excited to go through this book with my wife!

Comment by Jon Slater - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:41 PM
Really incredible insight into a different kind of marriage - one that has the heart, mind and reflection of God. Can’t wait to get my hands on the book!

Comment by Timothy - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:47 PM
I’ve been looking forward to this book being released since I first heard of it - looks like a great read! :)

Comment by Ang - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:47 PM
I’d love a copy!

Comment by Doug Barnwell - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:53 PM
We need this book “bad”.

Comment by Christi - Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:58 PM
Can’t wait to read it! :)

Comment by Omar - Oct 19, 2011 @ 01:11 PM
Mark Driscol’s teachings on Biblical manhood and marriage have deeply impacted my life. As a man who struggles in the areas of lust, being a true man of God, and next year becoming a husband, I look forward to this new work because I believe will once again help me as I come into the covenant of marriage. Thank you Pastor Mark for your love for men like me, and for your desire to see Christian men leading Christian wives in a sweet, passionate, godly way.

Comment by Juan Gualan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 01:34 PM
Great analogy with the 3 postures.

Comment by RickT - Oct 19, 2011 @ 01:42 PM
Great article, thanks.

Comment by Jeff - Oct 19, 2011 @ 02:00 PM
I was married for 9 years and have been divorced for about 4. My 12 year old daughter has been through so much. I failed as the spiritual leader and so the marriage failed. God has brought me through a fire these 4years. I am now praying that God will reconcile/restore our broken relationship. Whether I get the book or not, I ask everyone who reads this to pray for us. Thank you!

Jacobb

Comment by Jacobb Smith - Oct 19, 2011 @ 02:04 PM
Thanks Pastor Mark for all you do!

Comment by Zak - Oct 19, 2011 @ 02:17 PM
Thanks for the article and I’m looking forward to the book!

Comment by I Fan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:13 PM
Thank you for giving the book away (even if I don’t win).

Comment by Allen Jerkins - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:16 PM
Please pick me! We need the help!

Comment by Kassie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:17 PM
Thank you for guiding us in His Word. Can’t wait till the Real Marriage Tour hits near Sarasota, FL!

Comment by Cece Colon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:18 PM
Winning comment!

Comment by Kyle - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:18 PM
looking forward to reading the book!

Comment by Susan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:20 PM
Thank you for what seems like an awesome Christ centered book on marriage! I am really looking forward to reading it.

Comment by kblack - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:20 PM
I look forward to reading the book. The sermons about marriage, men, and women that I have heard from the Driscoll’s have been wonderful and helpful for me and my wife.

Comment by Seth Evans - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:21 PM
Thanks so much!! Trying to get to a city next year to hear him speak on his book.

Comment by Eva Scott - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:21 PM
Nice book.Thank you for giving the book away (even if I don’t win), too.

Comment by leonardo pereira - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:21 PM
Thanks for sharing this section, and I hope I win the book!

Comment by Brian - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:21 PM
Great article! Would absolutely love getting a free copy and striving to have our marriage reflect Christ and the Church!

Comment by Mike - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:21 PM
I attended the Song of Solomon conference in Chicago last April and was treated to a sneak peak into the book. Hopefully now I can win one.

Comment by Kevin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:22 PM
Can’t wait to read this!

Comment by Hugo Campos - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:23 PM
Fantastic article!

Comment by Scott Johnson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
I can’t wait to read the book with my husband!

Comment by Katie Barton - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
I´m waiting on God for my family restoration, need all the help available!

Comment by Miriam - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
I totally respect Pastor Mark & his wife Grace. I love listening to him on the Mars Hill website and have been looking forward to hearing what he & Grace have to say in this book on marriage!

Comment by Allison - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
Wow, the three illustrations of back-to-back, shoulder-to-shoulder, and face-to-face pack a lot of great meaning into simple images! Thanks for sharing.

Comment by Daniel - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
This seems like a great book. I look forward to being married one day. This seems like a great resource for anyone looking into marriage or currently married.

Comment by Dom - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
Sounds awesome!!!

Comment by jacquelyn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
Great book. Can’t wait to read it.

Comment by Jon Crisan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
Great thoughts Pastor Mark, excited to read this book am finishing up Doctrine now. Thanks for your passionate service to His kingdom. It is appreciated! God Bless

Comment by Jordan Vaughn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:24 PM
Can’t wait to read this book!!

Comment by Josh - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:25 PM
Looking forward to reading this to see an evangelical take on marriage! Mark Driscoll having written it basically seals the deal for me.

Comment by Marche Riley - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:25 PM
So excited for this book! Look forward to reading it. :)

Comment by Katie Campbell - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:26 PM
I’m very excited to read this book. If it is anything like the others Mark has written it should be very useful.

Comment by Doug Pennington - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:26 PM
This sounds like an interesting book. Its nice to hear the women’s (the wife, the “pastor’s” wife ) perspective on marriage. From reading the review, it seems I will find some good counsel and advice by reading the book!

Comment by Brenda - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:26 PM
Watched the Song of Solomon series with my wife! Thanks for sharing and the book looks great!

Comment by Craig S Hensel - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:26 PM
This will be a powerful book!!

Comment by Joe Thompson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:27 PM
This looks like a “must-read” book. Looking forward to reading it!

Comment by Sarah - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:27 PM
We are very excited to be able to gleam from the study of this book. One way or another we will have this pass through our small group.

Comment by Misty - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
It was great to see you at Catalyst and your Real Marriage conference in Athens, GA. Great GREAT information.

Comment by Emanuel Iacob - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
Look forward to reading this book!

Comment by Mark - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
Love Mark and always working on our marriage (Oh…that sounded a bit odd…)
Love Mark.
My husband and I are always working on our marriage :)

Comment by Sue - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
Really looking forward to this book. My wife and I have been married for 10 years and lead a couples’ small group in Las Vegas, NV (Grace City). Our whole small group is trying to plan on going to the book tour stop/seminar in San Diego in February 2012!

Comment by Dave Kessler - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
Thanks for this post. We received the campaign info also from Mars Hill and we’ve been using heaps of the one liner give aways on Facebook and Twitter to promote our upcoming series on marriage. It’s helping start the conversation and getting people thinking about their relationships. So helpful. thanks for the generosity of these ministries greatly helps the small guys.

Comment by Kyllum - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
I’m entering to win! Whoop. Look forward to reading the book.!

@TanyaKinney

Comment by Tanya Kinney - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
Excited to read some thoughts of Pastor Mark!

Comment by Josh Melder - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:28 PM
Looking forward to the other gems you have to offer here!

Comment by Brian Metzer - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:29 PM
Love this! I am excited to read more’

Comment by Kim s - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:29 PM
Looking forward to reading this book with my hubby!

Comment by Lynette Hirsch - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:29 PM
I knew I had to read this book from the first moment it was announced to be written by both Grace and Mark Driscoll. I enjoyed a lot of Mars Hill’s sermons, especially the peasant princess series, which helped me a lot during my walk with Christ to get a new understanding of relationship.
The book’s gonna be a blessing for everyone to grow, whether single or married.

Comment by Susanne - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:29 PM
Looking forward to reading it.

Comment by John Cab - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:29 PM
I can not wait for this book. Pastor Mark will down here in California in Feb. My Husband and I decide this would be are Valintine gift to each other. We have know each other since six grade and started dating when we were Juniors in high school. We been together for 19 years and married for 16. We both can’t wait for this book.

Comment by RHIANNA - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:30 PM
Can’t wait to read! Another great book I’m sure! :)

Comment by Jeff Slobotski - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:30 PM
Very excited to read the whole book.

Comment by Lee - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:30 PM
LOVE the description of 3 different type of marriage…looking forward to reading the Driscoll’s book!

Comment by Lynn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:31 PM
Looking forward to the book. I thought it was great to hear how Driscoll will be focusing on the importance of friendship in marriage.

Comment by Kurt Calloway - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:31 PM
Comment!

Comment by michael smith - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:31 PM
Christian writings on relationships are very helpful.

Comment by James Ellercamp - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:32 PM
I am greatly looking forward to this book. As someone that has researched Biblical gender roles I cannot wait to read this. I am also engaged to get married on the 21st of January, so this will be a great way to start off a marriage centered around Christ.

Comment by Philip Richardson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:33 PM
Really excited for this book to come out, and the wisdom and biblical insight it has to offer.

Comment by Shawn Dean - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:33 PM
Would love to win a copy! Thanks!

Comment by Jennifer Jaeger - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:33 PM
This article is a real eye opener. It demonstrates a clear insight into marriage and its purpose and how God works in them. I just want to thank God for allowing me to discover this article. Once again, it is a real eye opener and I can really feel Gods presence in the material. Thank you guys for posting this and may God continue to bless you.

Comment by Carlos Rivera - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:33 PM
Thank you for the excerpt Pastor Mark. Amidst all the bickering and arguing about what marriage is and what it is not I think that this book will be really helpful. The Christian concept of marriage is incredibly lofty and I thank the Driscoll’s for taking on the daunting task. I’m excited to see what the pages unfold and how marriages will be transformed for the glory of Jesus!

Comment by David Dovgopolyy - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:33 PM
Didn’t ways look at marriage with these perspectives and we struggled for years. Still learning how to practically live these principles out on a daily basis. Grateful to have things expressed so clearly..looking forward to reading this book.

Comment by Scott - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:34 PM
Hey! My wife, Erin, and I are newlyweds and we could really use some more wisdom and insight!

We thoroughly enjoyed Paul David Tripp’s “What Did You Expect” and another would be great.

Comment by Jake - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:34 PM
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! glory to God!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Jeff hand - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:34 PM
We all need this so much. Investing in your marriage is next in line from investing in your faith in Jesus-good stuff!

Comment by Shari - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:34 PM
i’m really looking forward to reading this. We’re going through the Peasant Princess series now. Good stuff.

Comment by Lindsay - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
Love Mark Driscoll’s wisdom.

Comment by Micayla - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
Thank you for your hard work on this book Pastor Mark…I look forward to reading it.

Comment by Justin McCain - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
Good word! So excited to read this book!

Comment by sarahinckle - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
thats a lot of posts. Hope i win

Comment by Joshua Brandt - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
I am really looking forward to this book coming out!

Comment by Joel Frank - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
Seems pretty cool, looks like it’d be an awesome resource

Comment by Tony - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:35 PM
Pastor Mark I’m getting married in June and I can’t wait until this book comes out so my fiancé and I can read through it together and get a wonderful biblical picture of what marriage is and what it looks like so thank you for bringing it with the Word and calling boys out who need to be Men like myself

Comment by Jake - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:36 PM
My husband and I are celebrating our 20th year of marriage today!! All praise and glory be to God!! We are excited to read, learn, grow, and share what we discover through reading this book by Mark and Grace!!

Comment by Margie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:36 PM
I’m a pastor in Australia I will do and reAd what ever it takes to always keep me fighting for my marriage! Nothing else I do matters if my marriage fails!

Comment by Scott Wellard - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:36 PM
Our church is planning to take a group to the Corona Event! We are so excited:)

Comment by ReAnnon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:36 PM
shameless comment entry to win a free book!

Comment by Matthew - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:36 PM
Another awesome looking book, cannot wait to read it! Love how Driscoll lays out the truth. Going to be exciting how God continues to use resources like this.

Comment by Jeremy - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:37 PM
Great insights into friendship in marriage. My fiancé and I will be reading this book together when it comes out in January.

Comment by Billy Starkey - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:38 PM
Great stuff Driscoll!

Comment by Ben Owens - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:38 PM
I can almost not wait until January for this book and sermon series!

Comment by LeAnne Howard - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:38 PM
This sounds like a good book for my husband and I to read together.

Comment by Teri C - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:38 PM
I recently read in my Psychology textbook that the average length of the modern American marriage is 9 years. Wow! That’s so sad. I’m thankful for spiritual leaders like Mark Driscoll that are teaching us what a godly marriage looks like. Looking forward to reading this book!

Comment by Amanda O - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:39 PM
Since I have only been married for a little over two months, I am really excited to read this book! I really enjoy Mark’s writing and would like to avoid the things that could make my marriage hard by gleaning from his wisdom.

Comment by Britiney Warren - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:39 PM
Loved the excerpt, looking forward to reading the rest, hoping to win a copy!

Comment by Jennifer - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:39 PM
May this book bless many marriages, and God be glorified!

Comment by lydia - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:40 PM
Thank you for writing this book Mark, I look forward to learning from your failures and successes in marriage!

Comment by Jonathan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:40 PM
Even if I don’t win a copy, my husband & I had already planned on buying them to give to many friends of ours - and as wedding presents. We’ve been blessed by the example of the Driscolls in their marriage because unlike any other pastor & wife we’ve heard, they speak honestly about the stuff most people lock away. It has been so refreshing & we praise God & His goodness because of the work done in their lives. It gives me hope for mine.

Comment by Naomi Green - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:41 PM
I would love to have this book

Comment by Mark McCrary - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:41 PM
Would love to read this book! Been married almost 9 years, have 3 amazing kids and am a church planter. Would love to learn how to be a better father, and church planter through being a better husband.

Comment by Josh Cousineau - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:41 PM
Cannot wait to read this book! Looks to be a great one!

Comment by Andy Porter - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:42 PM
Wow,
that excerpt is really open and honest. As a man considering engagement, this book could not be more timely!

Comment by Martyn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:42 PM
I am looking forward to 1) being married someday & 2) applying biblical principles and lessons learned from people like Mark & some Godly people in my life to my relationship to my wife. Hey, partner, where are you?! ;)

Comment by Rick Brumfield - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:44 PM
Great article thanks!

Comment by Tanya Carlin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:44 PM
I’m so appreciative of what Driscoll is doing with this book! And, it’s so important and beneficial to have both a female’s and male’s insight in the same place and not to have to get two separate books in-order to get a dual perspective….looking forward to reading this one!

Comment by De'Angelo J Bennett - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:45 PM
I am very excited to read this book and learn more about maintaining a Godly marriage before being married myself. Thank you for writing this book together!

Comment by Kaylee Anderson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:45 PM
My wife and I are excited about getting and reading this book together.

Comment by Steve Zietlow - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:46 PM
Looking forward to this book. Looks like a good read

Comment by Josh Sheffield - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:46 PM
I am getting married soon, and can’t wait to read this book.

Comment by Charles DG - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:46 PM
Can’t wait to read what Mark & Grace have to say about marriage.

Comment by Anthony - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:48 PM
This is great information and advice for me and my wife. We are newlyweds (July 9th) and would love to have a copy of the book, it would be a perfect tool to the start of our marriage.

Comment by Erik - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:48 PM
Super excited to read this book! We’ve been married for less than 2 years and are always looking for more and new solid books/videos to help us in the pursuit of following Jesus and not letting our Marriage fizzle out like most seem to these days!

Comment by Jennifer - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:49 PM
Cannot wait to read this book! You guys are doing great, keep it up!

Comment by Jay Irwin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:50 PM
My husband and I are super excited to start reading this book:)

Comment by Lisa Davidson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:50 PM
I cannot wait to read this!

Comment by Rachel - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:50 PM
Eagerly awaiting the book! I know it will be chocked full of great stuff!

Comment by Jenn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:50 PM
Great quick run down of what to expect! My wife and I recently married (9.10.11) are looking forward to the release of this book to go through together!

Comment by Tim Whitman - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:51 PM
My wife and I need this book, I know there are many awaiting the release of this book and I know there are many who are as despret as we are about getting a free copy but I must say We really really need Real Marriage. Thank you.

Comment by Hector - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:51 PM
I am so stoked for this book to hit the shelves. As a newlywed I am intrigued by the incite.

Comment by Moe - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:52 PM
Reading Doctrine by Driscoll now. We need more teachings on biblical marriage. Looks like a great book. Can’t wait to read it

Comment by Curt - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:53 PM
totally stoked about the book. me and my wife cant wait to read it together and be challenged by it.

Comment by gabe wirth - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:54 PM
Love this this guy! Finally a modern voice for a historic message. Hoping to catch his conference with my wife when/if it comes near.

Comment by Chad Davis - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:54 PM
This sounds great can’t wait to read it

Comment by Brandon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:54 PM
Sounds great. Can’t wait.

Comment by Hal - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:54 PM
Thank you for taking time to pour into a culture where marriage means very little. I look forward to reading this book.

Comment by Anique Herbst - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:54 PM
Would love to win a copy of this book!

Comment by Mark Tucker - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:55 PM
This is excellent! Thank you for sharing. I really hope to be able to read this book. Thanks for being real with us. I look forward to learning more about what you think true marriage is! Cheers.

Comment by Cameron - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:57 PM
Love what I have read so far!! Truth about marriage is powerful!!

Comment by Heather f - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:57 PM
yes!!

Comment by Michal - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:58 PM
We are a 1 year old fast growing church plant reaching ton of young families, many of whom have major marriage and family issues. We made the decision this week to launch the Real Marriage campaign in January when it rolls out. We were just saying how much we wish we could get our hands in the book now. Hope this is our chance.

Comment by Carl - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:58 PM
Good perspectives - they ought to be excellently applicable in teaching. Thank you.

Comment by Zachary - Oct 19, 2011 @ 04:59 PM
excited to read this book.

Comment by Aaron - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:00 PM
I’m really looking forward to reading this book.

Comment by Jon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:00 PM
Would love to win this so much!

Comment by Mrs. O - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:00 PM
I was so excited to hear some of the content of the Real Marriage book in Athens. I am even more excited to see what will happen when churches and Christians are properly prepared and are joining in the battle to not only save marriages but also build amazing marriages. Can’t wait to see what Jesus is going to do!!!

Comment by DeeAnn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:01 PM
I love that you guys told the story of the 40 y-o virgin who changed the history of the church there in the free chapter you kindly distribute. Thank God, Pr. Mark & Grace and the publisher.

Comment by clarissa alster - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:01 PM
Great excerpt. I really want to read this book. I’m hoping to get married next summer Lord willing, and I want to love my wife as God does and lead her to love God with her whole heart. I’d love a free book!

Comment by Rob - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:01 PM
Mark is so talented and I love his podcasts on iTunes! I would love his book! I just know it!

Comment by Melanie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:02 PM
Cannot wait to read this book!!! So thankful for the Driscolls’ life and ministry!

Comment by Heidi - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:04 PM
Cannot wait to read this!!

Comment by Amanda - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:05 PM
Great stuff! Can’t wait to read this with my wife!

Comment by mike o - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:05 PM
There is a lot of wisdom in these comments. No doubt Mark Driscoll and his wife have much insight into our culture. Bless you guys!

Comment by Rodrigo Bender - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:05 PM
Pick me! Pick me! :)

Comment by Daniel Spencer - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:06 PM
Looking forward to reading this book- a much needed practical application to being single in our current culture. As a single person, I am looking forward to seeing many of the topics I struggle with addressed in this book.

Comment by Klara Bowman - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:07 PM
Love Driscoll! Pick me for the book!

Comment by Nathan Cokeley - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:08 PM
I have learned so much about the word of God not just from the Word of God but also by studying through your sermons! I have a hunger for spreading the word even if others don’t like it. It is so awesome to see someone take a stand for what God says marriage is and what sacredness he put between a husband and a wife. I didn’t get a chance to do it right and pretty much did everything backwards from Gods word. I am still in the process of learning but have put His word into my heart and plan to continue to teach it to my children. Can’t wait to read this book! The Sermon Series The Pheasant Princess opened my eyes to how much I actually truly value Gods’ word on marriage and can’t wait to read this book that delves into marriage also.

Comment by Jacqueline Shultz - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:08 PM
single girl patiently waiting for marriage AND this book! :)

Comment by Amy Mo - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:08 PM
Wife is out of town. One sick kid. Lots of dishes. Even more laundry. I will manage it all to the glory of God and the love of my wife. I would love to give her the gift of us reading this book together as well. :)

Comment by Hunter French - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:09 PM
Would love to get my hands on this book!

Comment by Brad Martin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:09 PM
This ought to be good…

Comment by Ty Kane - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:10 PM
If I don’t win this, I will be buying it - valuable words from an anointed Pastor! Thanks for the giveaway :)

Comment by Carly Schultz - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:12 PM
Sounds awesome! I’d love a copy of this book.

Comment by Justin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:13 PM
Looking forward to reading this book!

Comment by kathy bunton - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:13 PM
Really excited for this book. Friendship makes such a difference. I got a graphic display of the importance of that watching my in-laws fail at friendship

Comment by Chad Krahn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:14 PM
My husband loves to listen to Pastor Mark…. and so do I! I enjoy listening to others as well, my husband…. Not so much. My prayer is that we will learn and grow individually and together to better serve our amazing and gracious Father. I know we have a lot to offer but growth is needed first. This book would be AWESOME to have! Anything to strengthen our lives for Christ! Pastor Mark comes to Chicago next year around this time… Would LOVE to have the book now to read through and prepare! :]

Comment by Lindsy - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:15 PM
Looking forward to this book! A much needed message in today’s culture. Thank you Mark for making this available to us soon.

Comment by Chris - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:15 PM
So good, can’t wait to read this book! Getting a free copy would be great too!

Comment by Jay Grimes - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:16 PM
Can’t wait to read his new book!

Comment by Rebekkah Smith - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:16 PM
My hubby and I lead a couple’s marriage class using the Love and Respect curriculum - your new book looks great. The shoulder to shoulder and face to face concepts are so important! Can’t wait to read your book!

Comment by Rebecca Anderson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:16 PM
My wife and I can’t wait to read this book. We are also looking forward to attending the Real Marriage Conference in February.

Comment by Joe Church - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:19 PM
The above comments by Mark and Grace are extremely wise counsel from a younger, but wise couple. We have been married 28 years and their wisdom parallels that of a very mature, older couple. This book would be a blessing to married and single alike.

Comment by Mary Reber - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:19 PM
college student who loves to read!! would love to win it, but know there are plenty of others who probably would too!

Comment by Jen - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:19 PM
I’d love a copy of this book!

Comment by Aaron - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:21 PM
Thanks Pastor Mark for coming to Catalyst, I enjoyed your sermon!

Comment by Brian Hoots - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:22 PM
Praise God that they’ve been called to write a book like this, it’s gonna help a lot of singles prepare for relationships as well as help married couples to grow. God willing it will even save some very troubled marriages.

Comment by elise g - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:22 PM
As a newly wed, I know how selective you need to be when finding good books to read about marriage, I have been waiting so long for this book to come out and can’t wait to read it with my husband as we start married life!! exciting!

Comment by Libbie Kutuzov - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:22 PM
I had the opportunity to hear Pastor Mark speak about this at the Newspring Leadership Conference in September. His session was so powerful, and my wife and I are going back to Newspring in March to the Real Marriage Conference! I am in ministry, and my wife, Peggy, and I are always seeking to find resources to strengthen our marriage and do continual “check-ups” to stay healthy in our relationship. We are excited about reading the book and taking part in the teaching. Thanks Pastor Mark and Gracie for putting yourself out there to help others in such an amazing way!

Comment by Chris Bishop - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:25 PM
I have been excited about this book for months! Can’t wait to read it.

Comment by Randi - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:26 PM
Can’t wait to read all of this!!

Comment by annie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:26 PM
Excited to read this!

Comment by Faith - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:27 PM
Baby on the way, first time home owners and I just turned away from sin to be an example to our son. This book would really help. Jason

Comment by Jason - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:27 PM
read this excerpt from the book. it is amazing just from this little bit. Great job Pastor Mark and Grace. Like to read the whole book see what I can learn and apply in my marriage

Comment by Tim - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:28 PM
This one chapter gave my husband and I so much insight. We can’t wait to be able to read the entire thing!

Comment by Brandi - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:30 PM
I’ve read several of Mark Driscoll’s other books, and I’m certainly looking forward to this one!

Comment by Anne - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:31 PM
Sounds like an amazing book and the chapter alone is very insightful!

Comment by Christalina John - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:32 PM
Looking forward to the book.

Comment by KeriAnn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:34 PM
This book looks awesome, I can’t wait to get married!!!

Comment by Kyle Schaeffler - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:34 PM
As someone who is getting married in March, I can’t wait to check this book out during the “homestretch!”

Comment by Aaron Crawford - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:35 PM
Saw Pastor Mark give an amazing talk on the so called “great men of faith” and how some weren’t so great! Keep it up PM!

Comment by Mitchell Hines - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:35 PM
Ahhh! I’ve been so excited about this book! Thanks so much for posting an exerpt - really insightful stuff. I’m looking forward to its official release! My husband and I plan to read it together. :)

Comment by Alexa - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:35 PM
Some great insight!

Comment by Ben - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:36 PM
Thank you! SO needed! And very timely!

Comment by Allison - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:36 PM
I can’t wait to go through this book with my fiancee!

Comment by Roger Winters - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:36 PM
Looking forward to reading this book. I think it’s really neat that Mark and Grace both coauthored this one.

Comment by Ben - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:36 PM
Pastor Mark, I pray for you. Thank you for loving Jesus and sharing that with me. It’s meant more than you know. I’m glad we’re in the same trenches warring against Satan together. I’m looking forward to learning how to strengthen my marriage and serve and lead my wife better.

Comment by Burton - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:37 PM
Very interested to have a read!

Comment by Jen - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:38 PM
Thank you for posting this! What great insight! This book could not come at a more perfect time! Can’t wait for my
Husband and I ti read it!!

Comment by Kayli - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:43 PM
Looking forward to reading Mark and Graces continued Godly wisdom.

Comment by Merissa - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:44 PM
My husband & I are so excited about this book becoming available to the local church here in Australia. It is so hard to find up to date Christian Marriage information/seminars to be facilitated to help our young adults as they pursue relationships with the opposite sex. We have all the Campaign details ready to go! Praying for our young adult faith community as we wait to read & implement the principles from the book. Just a bit excited!

Comment by Susan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:45 PM
I love the thoughts on the 3 kinds of marriage and would love to win this. I’m currently single but am doing research ahead of time so that I can hopefully have a strong marriage right from the start!

Comment by Heather W - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:47 PM
Such good stuff! Cant wait to get some face-to-face time with my husband to apply what we learn through this book! thank you Mark & Grace for being an incredible model of a Christ-centered husband & wife, thank you for sharing your wisdom, as well as your need & love for Jesus first. Be encouraged! :) you are prayed for in IN

Comment by Ashley - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:48 PM
Sounds like an awesome read! =D

Comment by Natalie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:51 PM
love mark driscoll’s teaching - can’t wait to read this book!

Comment by KATIE WYNN - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:53 PM
Saw Driscoll in Durban, South Africa last year for his seminar called “Mandate” and learned so much about what it means to be the godly man that the Lord has called me to be. Looking forward to reading this!

Comment by Barrett - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:56 PM
Just recently married. This kind of advice is gold early on

Comment by Lyndal - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:56 PM
My wife and I are at dire straighten. I am a bi-vocational youth pastor with five kids under 13 years of age. Giving so much time up to our children and then to ministry and my job has left little for my wife and i. I know and am convicted to adjust, but is very difficult to provide for seven people. Peasent Princess the study in song of song has helped me to grow more in the direction i need to be going. This book looks like it will bring more practical application. Excited for it, can’t wait.

Comment by Ken Brown - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:56 PM
can’t wait to read the rest!

Comment by josh - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:57 PM
Heard Mark share recently on this topic, shortly after I heard Andy rave about the book. Planning a related series at our one year-old church plant in January, so I’d love to read the book right away…hopefully I can. :)

Comment by Mark Einersen - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:57 PM
I don’t want to win, but my mother is very excited to buy. Her status today was sharing the book -“I have been waiting so long for this, I am only sorry that it isn’t coming out before our 25th wedding anniversary on Nov. 14. It would be a great gift for both of us to grow closer. I really admire Mark and Grace and see a true marriage. God bless!”

Comment by Erinn - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:58 PM
I am so excited to read and learn more about what you teach about marriage. I am currently hosting a Peasant Princess bible study at my home here in Corpus Christi TX , we have about 11 couples who are attending. Relationship are being transformed and I thank the LORD for you and your ministry. Whether I win a book or not I will purchase one and encourage others to read it as well.

Comment by Valerie Tovar - Oct 19, 2011 @ 05:59 PM
My husband and I have been awaiting this book! It looks awesome, I would love to be entered into the contest!

Comment by chelsy bowe - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:00 PM
Good luck and God bless to all the other contestants!

Comment by Luke Ochsenreither - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:01 PM
Can’t wait to read this book! I am still a newly wed of about 1 1/2 years and thank God every day for my wife. She supports me all the hours I’m away for work and then come home and still am away for church work. It is a must to take some time for each other as well though…

Comment by Stephen Belk - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:01 PM
Love Pastor Mark’s teaching and gift from God.

Comment by BHornback - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:03 PM
Looking forward to reading this book by Pastor Mark. Hopefully I’ll win an extra copy to give away!

Comment by Chris Elliott - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:04 PM
can’t wait to read it (:
love mark’s teaching, especially on marriage.

Comment by Chelsea - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:07 PM
Really cannot wait to read this book by the Driscoll’s. Hope that I’ll get the chance to win it, but will likely buy several copies later for my friends and hand it out. :-) So excited to hear what they say on this subject as a single woman preparing for a God-honoring marriage.

Comment by Apryl - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:07 PM
I am a pastor’s wife at a 1 year old church plant and my husband and I are excited about the Real Marriage at our church beginning in January. Would love to get a head start on reading now.

Comment by Julie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:07 PM
Looks awesome. I want to win !

Comment by kris erling - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:08 PM
thanks for all you do for Jesus

Comment by Rebecca Corcoran - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:08 PM
I loved Peasant Princess and loved the wisdom that was shared by both Grace and Mark. I cannot wait to read this book. I will be sure to use the insight, and spread it to those my husband and I serve.

Comment by Deb Mailhot - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:10 PM
I am a pastor’s wife at a 1 year old church plant and my husband and I are excited about the Real Marriage campaign at our church beginning in January. Would love to get a head start on reading now.

Comment by Julie - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:11 PM
I just got Married on May 21st - this book would be a great present for my wife for our 6 month anniversary coming up here soon - one that I would be able to benefit from as well ;-) (by reading the book of course. lol)

Winning or not - I’m buying this book, Mark!

Comment by Marcus Zeal - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:11 PM
So excited to read this book, as i became a christian attending one Mark’s song of solomon conferences.
my wife and i have been married three months now, and we have started plans to host our own little “Real Marriage” ministry here on my college campus, so a free copy of the book would be a HUGE blessing

Comment by Zach Korthals - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:12 PM
Read the released chapter and loved it. Would love to win a copy and read the rest with my husband!

Comment by Shannon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:14 PM
Would love to be the one chosen to receive your new book. I have been married for short period of time and need all the guidance possible. Thank you for providing free books to help 5 couples. May God bless your work…

Comment by Joanna Thompson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:14 PM
My wife and I would like this book to help our marriage become stronger. We’d like to beat the odds.

Comment by Karl - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:15 PM
Seems like an awesome book. I’m always looking for ways to get closer to my wife. Hope I win a book.

Comment by nick k - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:15 PM
Excited to dig in and read what the Lord has laid on Pastor Mark’s heart to share with respect to a God-honoring and Gospel centered marriage.

Comment by Jason Lamb - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:16 PM
Can’t wait to read this book! And I can’t wait to see Pastor Mark on the Real Marriage tour in April.

Comment by Katie Husby - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:19 PM
Looking forward to reading the entire book. Hoping to grow closer to my wife in the process.

Comment by Matt - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:20 PM
Very excited to get and read this book when it comes out, as a youth pastor, fulltime bible college student and engaged man soon to be married, I am always looking for conversations with married couples and helpful resources so that I can be the husband God wants me to be and I have always found Mark’s work to be very challenging and helpful to me in many ways

Comment by Andrew Pilkey - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:22 PM
Been waiting for this one! Been listening to Mark for a while now and love everything he has to say about what the Bible says about marriage. This is definitely going on my reading list!

Comment by Thomas Lee - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:22 PM
Sweet! My husband and I have been looking forward to this book for some time now. Can’t wait to read it and pass it on.

Comment by Bethany - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:24 PM
Wow, can’t wait to read the whole book.w

Comment by telly hall - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:26 PM
Looking forward to it!

Comment by Krista Regan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:28 PM
Marriage is suffering in this culture, 70% divorce rate is it??? Good followup to The Peasent Princess, more Pastors need to unpack this topic! Thank You to Pastor Mark, my wife and I are looking forward to this Book and Sermon series. Be Blessed all!

Comment by Paul W - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:29 PM
I am a pastor’s wife at a one year old church plant. Heard Mark talk about this book a few weeks ago and would love to get a copy.

Comment by Melissa - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:30 PM
My husband and I have been together for 10 years and we are very excited to see how we will continue to grow together. This is a great way for us to connect and work on together. Very excited about the book!

Comment by Laura - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:31 PM
Very excited to read this book! As a young man who is about to get engaged, I want so badly to learn to be a godly husband and lead my wife when we get married. Having listened to many of Pastor Mark’s sermons online, there is no other author I trust more. Thank you for your openness, your honesty, and your vulnerability both in your writing and in your preaching that never ceases to point me toward the Gospel!

Comment by David - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:33 PM
Would love to get a copy of this book!

Comment by Paul - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:35 PM
Great insights! Thank you Pastor Mark for sharing. Your insight on marriage and gender roles is my favorite topic to hear you speak on. Can’t wait to read the book!

Comment by Justin Goodson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:38 PM
Just wanted a free book. Plus Mark is awesome.

Comment by alan - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:41 PM
Thanks for the share. I dont have a wife nor a girlfriend but it really cleared things out for my girl issues.

Comment by Adrian - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:42 PM
Cannot WAIT to read the book!

Comment by gina - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:42 PM
Been waiting for this book for awhile now!

Comment by tdoe - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:44 PM
Can’t wait to read this book. Enjoyed Pastor Mark’s sermon series on marriage. I can only imagine how helpful the book will be.

Comment by Jill Blunk - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:47 PM
Go Jesus, Go Marriage

Comment by Justin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:48 PM
Excited about this book.

Comment by Gabe - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:50 PM
There is so much confusion within hearts about dating, relationships, and marriage. Nobody knows what to do with each other, guys don’t know how to treat ladies, husbands don’t know how to treat wives, women don’t know how to understand men. If I don’t win this book I will buy it because I cannot wait to hear what Mark and Grace teach the current generations about loving heterosexual relationships. I think we need this book. Thank you Pastor Mark and Grace. You two are a blessing to me.

Comment by Simon Villeneuve - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:50 PM
Pastor Mark is a boss. Really looking forward to reading his new book. Go Mars Hill!

Comment by Jon - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:55 PM
I had never heard of marriage broken down like that. Very insightful. I look forward to being able read this book with my wife. We have been married for 9 years and are blessed to be expecting our fourth child in the spring. We have definitely had our ups and downs. If it wasn’t for God’s grace we would not be together. I’m excited to see what other life lessons about marriage that we will learn from Pastor Marc and Grace through this book. Thank you!!!

Comment by John M. Hickey - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:58 PM
good stuff.. come on and give me the book, so I can read more!!! :)

Comment by kristal Burton - Oct 19, 2011 @ 06:59 PM
We would really like to win a copy of this book. Lord knows we could use His counsel. Thank you for the time it took to write it, and for the time it took to learn & live it.

Comment by Malia Welch - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:00 PM
This look like a great book with a insightful perspective. I look forward to reading it and I hope to win a copy.

Comment by Cindy - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:01 PM
i want

Comment by Denny - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:01 PM
I Love my wife Melisssa, but not as much as Jesus loves her. I need to grow more in Christ everyday. Please send copy. Grace and Peace!

Comment by Johani Gonzalez - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:03 PM
Fantastic excerpt, can’t wait to read the entire book! Have a feeling this book will give me some great insight on my future marriage.

Comment by Taylor - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:05 PM
Looks like a great book. I would love to read it!

Comment by Jeff - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:08 PM
Great truth as always!,

Comment by Scott Casto - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:09 PM
Very curious to read the theological analysis which manifests into actual, real life problems.

Comment by MS - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:10 PM
I’m hoping to use this as a resource in pre-marital and marital counseling.

Comment by Kyle - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:13 PM
I totally dig everything you teach about marriage. Excited to read and learn more in order to prepare for the crazy gift of marriage.

Comment by Jake Carlson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:18 PM
will be an important book counseling newly and nearly words and.maybe. us oldies too

Comment by Kim - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:35 PM
Heard some of this at True Love at Harvest in Chicago last year. Really looking forward to reading this book soon! Wonderful godly counsel!

Comment by Isaac - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:36 PM
Amen.

Comment by James Gibson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:40 PM
Lot’s of interesting points that can definitely be of tremendous help to married couples. The book is worth checking-out.

Comment by Joel Balbin - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:41 PM
Absolute truth in print. This will be another amazing tool for husbands and wives to enhance their marriages. Cant wait to read it and see him when he comes to Ft. Lauderdale on the Real Marriage tour.

Comment by Donald Palmer - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:43 PM
I am looking forward to hearing from marks wife. It will be great to hear how to support your husband in ministry.

Comment by Gabrielle wheeler - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:44 PM
I have been waiting to read this book ever since I heard Mark announce he was writting it. I’m looking forward to how God will use Real Marriage in my life and family. Thanks Mark for your relentless devotion to the Gospel.

Comment by Tim mccreight - Oct 19, 2011 @ 07:55 PM
I can’t WAIT to read this!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Courtney

Comment by Courtney (WomenLivingWell.org) - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:00 PM
Stoked for this book im a 23 yr old college student studying to be a pastor… Mark and Grace have served me greatly and their ministry has allowed Jesus to be revealed to me in a crazy way!

Comment by Shannon slutts - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:00 PM
Amazing thoughts! Really can’t put it much clearer than that. I’m glad for this book because while it seems like there are a few good books out there on marrige this one seems to bring them all together! Can’t wait to read it!

Comment by Ryan Berzins - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:01 PM
I am so looking forward to this book.

Comment by Kurtis Birtell - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:01 PM
I’d love to get the book, so yea^^

Comment by Daniel Stippinger - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:07 PM
I can’t wait to read the full book! It is so important for us as Christians to bece students of God’s word, especially in the area of marriage! These points are great as to how men and women differ in how we connect. I’m interested to see how I can apply Pastor Mark’s teaching in my marriage, which has it’s own unique set of challenges since my husband is in the military.

Comment by Catherine - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:14 PM
Thanks so much for writing this. As a newlywed, I am trying to learn much about what it looks like to be a godly wife, just as my husband is learning how to be a godly husband. It is so helpful to have resources such as this one which we can go to for biblical guidance in the practical arena. Thank you.

Comment by Amanda - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:16 PM
brilliant!! cant wait for it to be released i New Zealand ....would love a copy if if you wanna choose me :-)

Comment by Rocky Stocks - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:16 PM
Hey, I’m recently engaged and a production director at a 1 year old church plant. I have heard great things about Real Marriage. I can not wait to read all of marks great insight and thoughts. Our church is planning a series in January based on this book. I would love to get my hands on a copy now!

Comment by Clint - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:17 PM
ROCK ON

Comment by ROBERT THOMAS - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:20 PM
getting married soon and would love to read this to help!

Comment by nate hickox - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:21 PM
I’d love to read it!

Comment by Kimberly S. - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:27 PM
Whatever it is, if it’s important to your spouse, it had better be important to you!

Comment by Brad - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:34 PM
Sounds like a great book! Can’t wait to read it!

Comment by Alyssa - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:36 PM
Can’t wait to read more!

Comment by Mari Embertson - Oct 19, 2011 @ 08:53 PM
I never had a real desire to be a wife or mother until I heard grace share her heart on these two jobs while helping with the peasant princess series. I’m single now but I know one day I will be a wife and want to do it right. I have been very convicted in watching how I treat my brothers in Christ and my pastoral authority. I see the importance of being a good sister and friend. because the way I treat the men in my life now will not fly in my marriage. Thank you for preaching the truth bluntly it has caused me to look deeper at my self which has lead to repentance and awesome growth in my walk with Jesus and better relationships with the people he has placed in my life :) I’m gunna buy the book any way, but it would be super rad to win it!

Comment by Jamie McDonald - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:01 PM
Im always thankful for the insight mark brings. He is always down to earth yet honest when he needs to be.

Comment by Ken - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:06 PM
Can’t wait to win it.

Comment by Dan Byrd - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:06 PM
having been married for nearly 15 years and belonging to a church I can’t imagine being more supportive with the best teaching/preaching I can imagine (bethlehem baptist with John Pipet). . . I still often find myself at a loss on how to be a better wife ~ to be able to become more of what my husband needs in order for him to see Jesus in me and desire more of HIM. after much counsel and help, I’ve learned to ” thrive despite a difficult marriage”. . . however, I desire more ~ I believe God intended for it to be SOO much more! I’ve learned that God will be my husband in my most loneliest hours. . . and nothing replaces that ~ those times/moments are precious! I want to strive fior more. I desire fior that deep connection/friendship that you are referring to. while understanding God is the only one who can ultimately change the heart, I’m fearfully aware of the changes I can choose to make within myself. . . .I’m hopeful your book can only provide helpful insights, that ultimately will lead to change, growth, and most importantly, serve to bring the ultimate glory to God Himself!

thank you, for your dedication in serving Him and choosing to be a vessel to spread His word solely for the sake of the kingdom!

may God richly bless you for your obedience and speak through your written words to change marriages around the works

Comment by kelly loken - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:13 PM
Great stuff! Saw it in Athens, can’t wait for the book!

Comment by Thorn Winkler - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:18 PM
Just plain thank you.

Comment by Amanda Koster - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:23 PM
I can’t wait to get a copy of this book!!!

Comment by Michelle - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:26 PM
Over the past couple of years Mark Driscoll’s teaching has had a massive impact on who I am as a man, husband and father. I look forward to this book continuing to help the transformation.

Comment by Ben Thorp - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:27 PM
I can’t wait for this book to come out. Men and marriage converted into a chapter for The book sounds crazy interesting.

Comment by Travis Hilley - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:28 PM
Sounds like another great book can’t wait to read it.

Comment by Ethan Willis - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:32 PM
My wife and I are newly married this year and currently (and have been for a few months) half a world from each other…. needless to say we have already had are first “trial” - will be done in March 2012 - Thank you Jesus! I can’t wait to read this book to help be prepared.

Comment by Marcus C. - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:48 PM
Can’t wait for this book, been married one year and I feel like I still have so much to learn.

Comment by Yuriy Manchik - Oct 19, 2011 @ 09:58 PM
Great article, practical and true…

Comment by Andy - Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:24 PM
I loved reading the excerpt. As a wife of 9 years I Iook forward to reading
this book with my husband, my friend with benefits. Praying for the Driscoll
Family. What a ministry & legacy they have started!

Comment by Stephanie C. - Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:48 PM
Hope they will publish it in German also!

Comment by Florian - Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:52 PM
i am just newly married, and found even just the excerpt Helpful! Thank you for all your hard work which will help so many people and affect generations!

Comment by Cat newell - Oct 19, 2011 @ 11:17 PM
Hey I’m overseas, can I get this on kindle? I don’t want it free I really support what your doing. I need to read more on relationships. I feel the face to face has been emphasied a lot in marriage in the US, and people forgot that in Eden Eve was a partner and helper. Marriage isn’t just to satisfy my or her relational needs but to seek glory for Christ. This book sounds great. I hope men learn that, even with other men, side to side relationships accomplish more when there is face to face time, and that women see shoulder to shoulder, working together, enriches face time in a way simply sharing cannot.

Comment by Luke Pride - Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:23 AM
I am really looking forward to reading this book. As someone who is involved in helping people prepare for marriage I am always looking at new material. What I’m most excited about is hearing from Grace! ;) Loving her new blog entries…

Comment by Claire Musters - Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:24 AM
Hey!
For me this sounds like great stuff to put in our work with marriage! Me and my wife Linnéa have been married for 8 years. We are working as churchplanters in Sweden/Europe.
God bless You in your work in the Kingdom! - Andreas.

Comment by Andreas Holm - Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:25 AM
We loved taking our small group through song of solomon series and cant wait for the new book to come out to complement it. Your commentary on marriage is so fresh and so biblically based it is just amazing.

Comment by Samer Qsar - Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:34 AM
Great comment - we’ve worked this out over the years! Ditch the TV and have dinner at the table every night - just basic quality time…

Comment by James - Oct 20, 2011 @ 01:30 AM
Looking forward to reading this book & using it to help other couples!

Comment by jason - Oct 20, 2011 @ 02:04 AM
This book so so wonderfully timed. My husband and I live in New Zealand and we are avid online listeners to Mars Hill content esp anything concerning how to help our marriage grow.
Thankyou Pastor Mark & Grace so much writing this book for everyone. I look forward to reading it.

Comment by Melody Giesbrecht - Oct 20, 2011 @ 02:18 AM
My husband and I just celebrated our 6 year anniversary and can’t wait to read this book for our devotional time.

Comment by Sara Hallas - Oct 20, 2011 @ 04:20 AM
I think my wife and I are really in need of a book like this to open up our hearts to each other. We’ve struggled with our bible time together because we often work back-to-back, and I’m extremely guilty of treating her like a “project.” thanks mark and grace for sharing your marriage and your walk with Christ with us.

Comment by Michael - Oct 20, 2011 @ 04:34 AM
My husband and I have been married for 3 years this past July. It’s interesting how the premartial classes and counseling we received helped us to be able to walk over communication road blocks. Sometimes I wonder if we need a mediator to translate what we are saying for each other! :)

I’ve watched the Song of Songs sermons and would love to read more about Pastor Mark & Grace’s biblical guidance for marriage. As a woman, my marriage being healthy and successful and long-lasting is very important to me. But above all else, I want to feel closer to my husband, to FEEL like we are one.

Thank you for your strength and leadership in this area. You are a wonderful example for us “youngins” who really have no idea what we’re doing when it comes to marriage! We’re trying to be good to each other, and couples who’ve made it over the 7 year divorce hump are such a blessing to us!

Would love a copy of your book.

Comment by Jes Brookes - Oct 20, 2011 @ 04:35 AM
Would like to win a copy of the book!!

Comment by Heather O - Oct 20, 2011 @ 05:10 AM
Looking forward to reading the whole thing. Thanks!

Comment by Doug Hess - Oct 20, 2011 @ 05:36 AM
I’m really hoping to win a copy of this book because my husband & I began our marriage on a very cracked foundation, and we are looking for resources to help us heal and mature in God’s plan for marriage.

Comment by Josiah - Oct 20, 2011 @ 06:08 AM
Ok I know that I might be too late but I just saw the post about this book so I figured it was worth a shot.

I think it seems like a great resource from the things I have heard and read about it. The main reason I want the book is because, my wife and I have been married for 10 years. We were not Christians when we got married but by God’s grace we stayed together. We now are living for Christ and are even helping plant a church in Austin Texas. All that to say this, even though we have a great marriage, my wife and I are still trying to correct habits from our Pre-Jesus life. I hope I am not too late because I think this book could help us grow closer together and strengthen our relationship.

Comment by Brandn Moore - Oct 20, 2011 @ 06:22 AM
The hard part for me will be to read it and change things about myself without setting expectations for my Hubby. Can’t wait to read it

Comment by Maribel - Oct 20, 2011 @ 06:34 AM
I am excited to read this book and see how it will bless my marriage.

Comment by Cara Moody - Oct 20, 2011 @ 06:47 AM
I’m super excited for the release of this book. Being a campus minister at a secular university, this is certainly a topic that is important to address.

Comment by Patrick - Oct 20, 2011 @ 08:47 AM
seems everything has already been said

Waiting patiently for it’s release :)

Comment by Nancy - Oct 20, 2011 @ 09:26 AM
GreAt thoughts & thanks for inspiring us to all have great marriages!

Comment by Chris paulk - Oct 20, 2011 @ 10:25 AM
We are really looking forward to reading this book and going through it with our home group up here in British Columbia. There have been a few really tough marriage issues that we as a group have walked through (and are walking through) together. Godly counsel is always appreciated.

Comment by Tama - Oct 20, 2011 @ 10:40 AM
Thanks for this new book which I anticipate buying and reading soon. My own daughter is getting married in just 2 days and I have found some great quotes. Thought-provoking, I will share these in Toronto, Canada this Saturday. Blessings!

Comment by Keith Edwards - Oct 20, 2011 @ 11:18 AM
Looking forward to the book, wanted to go to the Athens seminar but was unable.
God Bless, David

Comment by David Hutchins - Oct 20, 2011 @ 01:37 PM
LOVE THIS. can’t wait for the book to come out. I am a newlywed and I’m excited to ead and learn with my husband :)

Comment by shannon - Oct 20, 2011 @ 02:01 PM
This looks like a fabulous book! I shared this article with a friend who’s marriage is struggling.

Comment by Sandy Sandmeyer - Oct 20, 2011 @ 02:51 PM
My husband and I are newlyweds. This book would be great to read together!

Comment by Leanna easterday - Oct 20, 2011 @ 05:53 PM
We would love this book around here. We tend to pass these things around. So many would benefit from its ministry. Please and thank you.

Comment by Randy Wager - Oct 20, 2011 @ 06:13 PM
Thank you for the opportunity!

Comment by James - Oct 20, 2011 @ 07:01 PM
Can’t wait to read this.

Comment by S Litton - Oct 21, 2011 @ 05:05 AM
really excited to read this!!

Comment by John Williams - Oct 21, 2011 @ 05:33 AM
Hope to win!

Comment by Blake G - Oct 21, 2011 @ 05:36 AM
Awesome! This should be taught in congregations across the globe…an excellent resource for the Body of Christ!!!

Comment by Loretta Mitchell - Oct 21, 2011 @ 06:56 AM
This was a great excerpt. Thank you!

Comment by Dam Mallya - Oct 21, 2011 @ 08:52 AM

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Catalyst

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