Marriage That Works by Chip Ingram {A Book Review}

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

When it comes to marriage these days, anything goes. No wonder you can find a book on marriage from every perspective--or no perspective. How can you experience a great marriage that lasts? What works?

This book answers that question by shining a light on the biblical design for marriage. In a world of sexual and relational confusion, isn't it time to consult the One who created marriage? Author and pastor Chip Ingram, with his characteristic compassion, transparency, and engaging storytelling, discusses

- what marriage really is
- the biblical model
- a man's unique role in marriage
- a woman's unique role in marriage
- the bigger picture of why God created marriage

A marriage that works, says Ingram, is more wonderful than you thought possible and harder than you imagined--but worth the work. Couples will learn the power of making a covenant with their spouse and fulfilling their design in an atmosphere of respect, resulting in the spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical oneness they long to have with each other.

Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.

What does it mean to have a Christian marriage? This book helps break it down for us in a way that makes sense! I love how effortlessly this book breaks many things down. First we take a look at what God's design for marriage is. I think having this idea will help us all to have the type of marriage we hope for. After understanding what God had in mind, we get a chance to see the individual roles of men and women in marriage. Yes, this book talks about submission, a word so often seen as a negative, simply because of the lack of understanding of what that really means in a healthy, Christian relationship. I love how this book really lays down what it is...and what it isn't too. I think this can be really eye-opening to many. I also found the sections talking about the evolution of modern men and women to be really interesting too. Lots of great historical and cultural information there to really make us think. There are sections for men and women, all with questions to consider at the end of each chapter. Personally, I think it's great to read ALL sections to really get the bigger picture and support your spouse in their role as well. While this book may be great for married couples, I also think it can be great for people who are engaged or single as well. It can help to lay down that foundation to start a marriage off on the best foot possible when it does come. Overall, this is a really interesting read and one that is certainly worth checking out.