Overview God's prescription for a healthy marriage and family The family is under threat. Contemporary culture and changes in legislation are seeking to redefine its structure, parents are increasingly giving over to the state the responsibility of disciplining their children, and homes are constantly bombarded by immoral images of the ?family? through TV. The great need today is to return to biblical principles for family life. The Bible is God?s manual for the people he created in his image, and therefore it has much to say on this crucial issue. Here, Andy Oliver guides us helpfully through the biblical teaching on marriage and family life, and emphasizes the need to follow God?s Word if we are to build solid foundations for a healthy family. Author Andy Oliver comes from Northern Ireland, where he ran his own small business before entering full-time Christian ministry. He studied theology at the Irish Baptist College (then situated in Belfast), and has a BD and MTh from Queens University Belfast and a PGCE from Cambridge University. Since 1999 Andy has been engaged in missionary service and pastoral ministry in Albania, and he is a frequent speaker at university student meetings on behalf of BSKSH (IFES Albania). He and his wife, Ela, have two daughters, Rakela and Emma, and a son, Jack. Endorsements Across Europe, and, indeed, the Western world, the crisis in marriage and family life is impacting Christian and non-Christian alike, and Andy Oliver?s book provides a timely reminder of God?s good purposes for us. His approach is thought-provoking and uncompromising and, while you might not agree with every application, you will benefit greatly from this refreshingly direct and practical introduction to what the Bible teaches. Jonathan Lamb, Author, Director of Langham Preaching (Langham Partnership International) and former Associate General Secretary of IFES Readership suitability General Christian readership Ministers and Christian workers People who are preparing for marriage, or who want to refresh their marriages Additional notes A strongly applicatory book which looks practically and biblically at marriage and the family Considers matters such as headship, submission and the preparation of the family for eternity Includes detailed study and discussion questions Format Paperback, 160pages Product reference GP0958 ISBN 9781846250958 Key words Christian marriage, bringing up children to fear the Lord, cultivating relationships in the home, headship, submission, courtship, communication in the home, being prepared for eternity, Andrew Oliver Chapter contents Preface Ch1 God is the Architect of the family Ch2 Foundations for the family in Genesis Ch3 Finding the right partner Ch4 Aids to proper behaviour during courtship Ch5 Reciprocal Responsibilities of husbands and wives Ch6 A special duty for wives Ch7 A special duty for husbands Ch8 Responsibilities of children to parents Ch9 Responsibilities of parents to children Ch10 Good communication in the home Ch11 Preparing your family for eternity