Marriage and the Counsel of God is the product of over twenty-two years
of biblical study and pastoral counseling. The text and accompanying
workbook have proven themselves an effective means of preparing couples
for marriage, of supporting those already married, and of recovering
marriages that are failing. The text focuses on the biblical model for
marriage found in Genesis and Ephesians while following an outline of
basic Christian beliefs (e.g., the Ten Commandments, the Apostles'
Creed, the Lord's Prayer, baptism, Holy Communion, and
confession/absolution). The essential elements of these beliefs are
considered for their import in the Christian life in general and
regarding marriage in particular. Abundant Scripture references are
provided, as well as examples from real-life situations. These and other
helpful resources are also given in indices for quick reference. The
book and workbook are written in clear, nontechnical, and engaging
language and so are aimed for students and teachers of counseling, for
counseling professionals, for pastors, and for the public in general.
""Marital dissolution continues to be an increasing characteristic of
our society. In large measure, this situation is due to a lack of sound
preparation for marriage and--from a Christian perspective--a paucity of
resources marked by theological depth and serious biblical study.
Eschelbach has produced a book that embodies both of these traits. I am
confident that his work will contribute to the great need for Christian
marriage education."" --John F. Johnson, President, Concordia
University, Chicago ""Marriage is an institution established by God in
the Garden of Eden. Thus, a husband and a wife enjoy a relationship made
for intimacy, exclusivity, and love. Marriage can also be the crucible
of the deepest pain and heartache. God has given us in the Scriptures
guidance to nurture our marriages and Michael Eschelbach leads us
masterfully through the treasures of God's word in a way that will
strengthen the bond we share with our spouse."" --Tremper Longman III,
Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
""Pastors who are called upon to provide pre-marriage or marriage
counseling all too often find themselves in the regrettable position of
feeling ill-equipped to deal with the task at hand. Complicating the
situation certainly are a myriad of challenges in our world ranging from
biblical illiteracy to high divorce rates to widespread cohabitation to
elective parenthood. . . . By way of text and accompanying workbook,
Eschelbach leads the pastor and the couple being cared for in classic
scriptural catechesis through the full Counsel of God in Christ Jesus.
It is Jesus and his Bride the church that are illuminated here, all the
while fostering in the couple a greater desire for, understanding of,
and anticipation for marriage lived out under the Cross of Christ.""
--Rev. David Rufner, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Flushing, Michigan
Michael A. Eschelbach is Associate Professor of New Testament Studies
and Greek at Concordia University Chicago. He is the author of Has Joab
Foiled David? A Literary Study of the Importance of Joab's Character in
Relation to David (Peter Lang, 2006). Eschelbach is also a contributing
author of Called to Be God's People: An Introduction to the Old
Testament (Abingdon, 2004).
