Laying a Solid Foundation

Book 1 of Marriage by the Book

Interactive, Bible-based Christian marriage help. Advice for individuals, couples, small groups, cell groups and adult Sunday school classes

Order this book

Many people are disappointed in their marriage. Why is that? After all, most marriages start out with two people who are certain they can craft a wonderful union. After all, they are in love, aren't they? Yet as the years go by, many never experience the passionate, joyful life they expected.

After helping thousands of families as a counselor, seminar speaker and Bible teacher, Doug Britton says a key reason is that most people do not know the Bible’s instructions about how to create a great Christian marriage—or they don't know how to apply the instructions.

Thousands of years ago, one of God’s prophets said, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). That statement is true of marriages today. That's why Doug Britton wrote this book. It is packed full with practical Christian marriage help.

Are all marriages in trouble? Of course not, but they all are works in progress. You may be looking for a little help---a minor tune-up—wanting a good marriage to get better. On the other hand, you may need a major overhaul. Whatever your situation, you will find practical information in this book that will help.

In these pages, you will learn:

     •  What it means to be "one flesh"

     •  Common reasons Christians have marriage problems

     •  Why self-confrontation is key to creating a great marriage

     •  The most important thing to focus on to create a great marriage

     •  The most important thing not to focus on for a great marriage

     •  Compelling reasons for commitment to your marriage

     •  Why divorce is almost always a bad idea

     •  How to apologize without making things worse

     •  The inside workings of forgiveness

     •  The importance of enthusiasm

As you study, you will read the stories of many couples. Even if it’s hard to imagine going through trials like theirs, their stories will help you in your day-to-day life, and they will prepare you for possible troubles you may face down the road.

This book is designed for individual or group study. It is studied by individuals, couples, small groups and marriage classes.

It is perfect for a six-week study. "Laying a Solid Foundation" can be studied alone, or as part of an ongoing study using all eight books in the Marriage by the Book series.

A small group leaders' guide is included at the end of the book. It includes instructions on how to lead a group, as well as week-by-week discussion questions, so you don't need a buy a leaders' guide. (However, for those desiring more detailed suggestions for starting a small group ministry or leading small groups, a separate Group Leaders' Guide is available.)

Each chapter is interactive, with personal application questions scattered throughout to help you put its biblical advice into practice. You don't need to buy a separate workbook. The book is comprehensive and detailed, yet easy to use and practical.

This book strengthens hurting marriages as well as enriching strong ones. If you are in the midst of great difficulties, "Laying a Solid Foundatrion" offers encouragement and practical Christian marriage help. Regardless of your situation, there is hope—the sure hope that comes from God and the truth of his Word, the Bible.

May God bless you as you read. And may he help you build a marriage that is rich and rewarding, comfortable and exhilarating, tenderhearted and enduring.

Testimonials

"We have had Doug Britton to Bayside many times to teach this material. He is biblical, practical, and his books are easy to use for couples wanting to build a healthy, thriving marriage. I definitely recommend his ‘Marriage by the Book’ series."

— Ray W. Johnston, Senior Pastor
    Bayside Church, Granite Bay, California

"I really appreciate the approach in ‘Laying a Solid Foundation.’ It deals with foundational issues that help people behave like Christians! (So many books jump into big marriage issues without first laying the groundwork.) We've used this book in a small group Bible study and in counseling. ‘Marriage by the Book’ is the best marriage resource I've encountered."

— David Dickinson, Senior Pastor
    Hope Evangelical Free Church, Kearney, Nebraska

"When our Life Group studied ‘Laying a Solid Foundation,’ the couples really appreciated its practical application questions and the way it prompted open sharing in the group. Everyone was sad when the study came to an end. Even though we were the leaders and already had a strong marriage, this book helped us a lot too!"

— Jef and Shannon Klein, Life Group Leaders
    Coastal Life Christian Church, Coronado, California

"Marriage by the Book has allowed us to empower and impact hundreds of marriages from a biblical perspective. Couples who were on the path to divorce are happily married today because of studying these books."

— Samuel Gordon, Associate Pastor
    Capital Christian Center, Sacramento, California

Click here to read more testimonials.

(By Doug Britton, MFT. LifeTree Books. Paperback: 5½ x 8½. Wire "spiral" binding. 175 pages. $12.99)

Order this book  |   Return to bookstore  |   Author's biography



"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain" (Psalm 127:1)