Growing a Marriage

1 Corinthians 10:13

Interactive Examination

  • Ten true/false questions on marriage
  • Debunking common myths about marriage

Exploding Marriage Myths

  • Myth 1: Good marriages do not have problems
  • Myth 2: Conflict is destructive to a good marriage
  • Myth 3: Good marriages grow better with time and experience

Understanding Marriage as a Process

  • Marriage as a series of stages: The Dream, Disillusionment, Discovery, and Depth
  • Insights from David Augsburger's book "Sustaining Love"

Stages of a Growing Marriage

  • The Dream: Idealized expectations of marriage
  • Disillusionment: Realization of differences and need for change
  • Discovery: Acceptance and appreciation of differences
  • Depth: Mature, secure, and deep love

Principles for Growing a Marriage

  • Principle 1: Understand and anticipate changes
  • Principle 2: Evaluate your families of origin
  • Principle 3: Surface and express your inner feelings
  • Principle 4: Find parental and marital mentors
  • Principle 5: Form an accountability group

Personal Reflections and Examples

  • Personal anecdotes and experiences
  • The importance of role models and mentors in marriage

Final Thoughts

  • Emphasis on accountability and support within the Christian community
  • The importance of speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

Prayer and Conclusion

  • A prayer for guidance and strength in marriages
  • Encouragement to seek God's help and wisdom in making marriages work

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.

About the Contributors

Howard G. Hendricks

Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.

His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”