Marriage Matters is written by Dr. Winston Smith, a counselor and faculty member at CCEF (Christian Counseling Education Foundation). Having read widely on the topic of marriage, I can honestly say Marriage Matters is one of the best marriage books I have ever read right along with Dr. Paul Tripp’s book, What did you expect?
Marriage Matters is a book that can be used in seminary classrooms, Sunday school class or read for devotions. I recommend this book not only for married couples but also for singles to learn what a God-honoring marriage is.
Typically most marriage books will focus on a few problems with marriages and then seek to offer solutions to those problems by appealing mostly to secular models. Marriage Matters, however, is different from vast majority of marriage books I have read in that it does not load you down with self-help but instead explains what the Bible teaches on topics related to marriage. Along the way, Mr. Smith offers personal stories and examples from his own marriage, which helpfully illustrate the point he is making.
It is not often that I read a book that is not only very well written as this is, but is also written from a biblical-theological framework that brings honor to Christ and accomplishes its intended purpose. Marriage Matters not only accomplishes its goal but in the view of this reviewer exceeds it. Marriage Matters put is one of the best books I have read on marriage ever, as well as one of the best books I have read all year.
Beware of reading Marriage Matters! It will confront the issues of your heart with the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a book I will be recommending to all my married and single friends. Whether you are newly married or you’ve been married a long time, I recommend you read this book for the sake of your sanctification individually and the sanctification of your marriage.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
