The Journal of Biblical Counseling: Volume 12, Number 3, Spring 1994

Top Highlights

“Poor communication is one of the most common problems identified by couples in marital counseling.” (Page 31)

“Second, I asked Don if his conscience ever convicted him of sin while he was in a conflict, prior to striking or spitting at his wife.” (Page 33)

“Dying to self and learning the love of Christ is tough. Paradoxically Christ says that when we lose our lives for His sake, we find life (Matthew 10:39). Don and Lisa needed to see how their hearts had turned in subtle ways from loving God and each other to serving themselves. Identifying these issues was the first step. Deeply repenting of them was the next. As these self-centered roots were exposed to the light of God’s Word and the grace of God’s forgiveness, the foundation was adequately prepared for biblical instruction and practice in loving communication and conflict resolution.” (Page 35)

“As difficult as it may sound, the gospel doesn’t take away all present pain. Instead, the gospel goes deeper. It heals our moral problem. It points us to realities that are more beautiful than our suffering is hard, thus offering joy even in suffering. It gives power for a new obedience that can endure under suffering. The Bible doesn’t provide a technology that removes suffering, but it teaches us how to live in the midst of it. To teach anything different would be to compromise the gospel itself.” (Page 5)

“A preacher is effective when he (1) expounds Scriptural truth accurately, (2) adapts his message to the needs and capacities of his audience, and (3) speaks out of a heart on fire with the Holy Spirit.” (Page 36)