Held in Honor: Wisdom for Your Marriage from Voices of the Past

by Robert L. Plummer, Matthew D. Haste

Overview

Are you ever disappointed in your spouse? Do you fight? Do you disagree about money, sex, or in-laws? What if the very struggles you are facing were addressed by thoughtful Christians hundreds of years ago?

In Held in Honor, you will find 50 devotional reflections on marriage carefully selected from 2,000 years of church history. Alongside each inspiring historical quote is a brief introduction to the person quoted and an accompanying biblical reflection.

You are not alone in your marriage. The Lord has provided encouragement, correction, and hope in his Word. Held in Honor aims to strengthen you by pointing you to the promises of God's Word and by showing you how past generations have applied this life-giving message to their own marriages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781916438
Publisher:	Christian Focus Publications
Publication date:	09/20/2015
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Robert L. Plummer is professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky and serves as an elder at Sojourn Community Church.

Matthew D. Haste is Associate Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Director of Professional Doctoral Studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has served in pastoral ministry in Kentucky and South Carolina.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 11

Introduction 13

Patristic Era (c. 100-500)

Love Your Wife: Ignatius of Antioch (d.107) 18

Surviving a Bad Marriage Justin Martyr (100-165) 20

Guard Your Mind The Shepherd of Hernias (c. 150) 22

How Beautiful the Marriage of Two Christians Tertullian (160-220) 24

The Beauty of Purity The Clementine Homilies (c. 250) 26

Marriage and Virginity Athanasius (296-373) 28

Do Not Fight John Chrysostom (347-407) 30

Married to a Merciless Man Augustine of Hippo (354-430) 32

A Patristic Wedding Poem Paulinus of Nola (354-431) 34

The Choice to Marry Ambrosiaster (c. 375) 36

Bear With One Another Opus Imperfeccum (c. 400) 38

Medieval Era (c. 500-1400)

Imitate Christ in Loving Your Spouse Gregory the Great (540-604) 42

One Flesh and One Mind Hugh of St. Victor (1096-1141) 44

Neither Queen Nor Slave Peter Lombard (1100-1160) 46

Christ's Affirmation of Marriage Guibert of Tournai (c. 1200-1284) 48

A Good Wife Bartholomew of England (c. 1203-1272) 50

Commending Marriage Statutes of Salisbury (c. 1217) 52

Should a Man Love His Wife or Parents More? Thomas Aquinas (1225-1275) 54

Become the Kind of Person You Want to Marry Bernadino of Siena (1380-1444) 56

Reformation & Puritan Era (c. 1400-1700)

How to Improve Your Husband Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) 60

What the World Says About Marriage Martin Luther (1483-1546) 62

A Reformation Definition of Marriage Heinrich Bollinger (1504-1575) 64

Peace Leads to Prayer John Calvin (1509-1564) 66

Dearly Beloved The Book of Common Prayer (1559) 68

A Good Wife Is a Gift from God Thomas Gataker (1574-1654) 70

Season Your Actions with Love William Gouge (1575-1653) 72

Guarding Against the Enemy John Milton (1608-1674) 74

To My Dear and Loving Husband Anne Bradstreer (1612-1672) 76

A Puritan's Advice for Getting Along With Your Spouse Richard Baxter (1615-1691) 78

Saying a Final Farewell Sarah Goodhue (1641-1681) 80

The Householder's Psalm Matthew Henry (1662-1714) 82

Early Evangelical Era (c. 1700-1900)

I Hope You Will Lead Me to God Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) 86

Give My Kindest Love to My Dear Wife Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) 88

A Visit with the Edwards Family George Whitefield (1714-1770) 90

A Firmer Basis Henry Venn (1725-1797) 92

The Family as a Preview of Heaven Samuel Stennett (1727-1795) 94

Concern for Newlyweds Esther Edwards Burr (1732-1758) 96

Why God Created the Woman Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) 98

Can You Part With Your Daughter? Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) 100

On Marrying a Minister Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) 102

Modern Era (c. 1900-Present)

Two Stubborn Pieces of Iron G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) 106

Sexuality and Humanity Karl Barth (1886-1968) 108

Your Real Soul Mate J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) 110

We Were Made for God C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) 112

Above All Consider Christ D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) 114

Your Marriage Sustains Your Love Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) 116

Why Promiscuity Is Wrong Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984) 118

The Vocation of Marriage Thomas Merton (1915-1968) 120

After the Honeymoon Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) 122

The Beauty of Covenant-Keeping Love John Piper (1946-) 124

Conclusion 127

Appendix: Scriptures for Memorization and Meditation 131

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

... Theologically informative and instructive and yet devotional in approach, it makes a fine contribution to contemporary Christian reflection on a most important institution. ~ Carl R. Trueman (Paul Woolley Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

As a woman engaged to be married for the first time (in my mid-50s), who loves classic Christian writings and devotional literature, I have found this book to be a treasure trove. A sweet and timely source of wisdom as I seek to honor Christ in a new season and station of life. ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss (Author, Revive Our Hearts & radio host, Niles, Michigan)
•.. This is historical theology at its best. Biblical, practical, wonderfully helpful and really enjoyable. ~ Alistair Begg (Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio)
•.. a wonderful resource for Christians as they seek to live out their marriages in a way that glorifies God and exalts the Gospel. ~ R. Albert Mohler (President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)

This inspiring collection of excerpts on marriage with accompanying devotionals will make stimulating reading for engaged and married couples and even singles... Highly recommended! ~ Andreas J. Kӧstenberger (Founder of Biblical Foundations™ and co-author of God, Marriage & Family and God's Design for Man & Woman)

Editorial Reviews

I do not know of a more interesting and scholarly book to recommend for a marriage-focused devotional... Buy this book, treasure it on your nightstand, and don't forget to pass it to your sons and daughters as their marriage date approaches.

(Founder and CEO of Leadership Reality and author of ‘Leadership Mosaic’ and ‘How to be Present in an Absent World’)

Plummer and Haste's Held in Honor: Wisdom for Your Marriage from Voices of the Past is a collection of writings on marriage from Christian theologians, pastors, and authors. The work is a delight to read on many levels. Those who value church history will appreciate the profound reflections on marriage from some of the greatest Christian minds of the past. Those who seek to understand Scripture's teaching on marriage will be rewarded and those who wish to be challenged to live with greater devotion toward God and his or her spouse will find many practical insights. The authors present a realistic understanding of marriage, highlighting its joys and sorrows, as well as its triumphs and trials. I highly recommend this book.

Michael L. Bryant(Dean

Good books on marriage are hard to find, but in Held in Honor, Robert Plummer and Matt Haste have taken an expedition through church history to bring back the finest gems of biblical teaching on marriage. Accompanied by biographical sketches and the authors' own commentary, this book will challenge, encourage, convict, and inspire every wife to cherish her marriage and prize her husband.

Carolyn Mahaney(Author of Feminine Appeal

In my eight years of marriage I have found great joy in reading to Shannon Deane before we go to bed each night. I think I just found my favorite book to read to her! We are half way through reading HELD IN HONOR by Dr. Robert Plummer and Matt Haste and we have already been tremendously blessed because of it.

Each chapter is only two pages long which makes it easy reading each night, even when you are tired. You are presented with a short bio from someone in church history along with a quote they have made about marriage. The quotes themselves have been amazing and helpful to see that people have struggled with the same difficulties in marriage for 2,000 years! It actually makes you feel quite sane.

The authors then present you with a devotional follow up that brings clarity to the quote by directing your eyes to the Scriptures. There are challenging questions posed that if asked to your spouse will lead to deep conversations that bring edification and change in your marriage. This book is fun to read!

Andy Deane

Held in Honor is an easy to read devotional drawing on the wisdom of the past concerning the many issues related to marriage and how scripture speaks to them. This is an enjoyable read and proves that Christians of the past have as much to teach us about marriage as those in the present. This book will help you gain a greater appreciation for voices of the past in regards to the churches teaching on marriage.

The Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

If you're looking for something to read on marriage, whether alone as a husband or a wife, as a single person preparing for marriage, or as a couple reading together, I think that this devotion would be a great choice for you. Rather than seeking out modern wisdom on marriage, you're turning back to 2,000 years of church history and gaining wisdom and insight from two millennia of Christian thinkers.

With that historical focus, coupled with the short nature of the devotions (2 pages each), I believe that this will be a great resource to any man or woman, single or married, to gain a better understanding of what a biblical marriage looks like, and what it means for marriage to be "held in honor by all" (Heb. 13:4).

Zack Ford

This inspiring collection of excerpts on marriage with accompanying devotionals will make stimulating reading for engaged and married couples and even singles... Highly recommended!

Andreas Köstenberger(Founder of Biblical Foundations and co–author of ‘Equipping f

This inspiring collection of excerpts on marriage with accompanying devotionals will make stimulating reading for engaged and married couples and even singles... Highly recommended!

Andreas Köstenberger(Founder of Biblical Foundations and co-author of 'Equipping for Life' a

Good books on marriage are hard to find, but in Held in Honor, Robert Plummer and Matt Haste have taken an expedition through church history to bring back the finest gems of biblical teaching on marriage. Accompanied by biographical sketches and the authors' own commentary, this book will challenge, encourage, convict, and inspire every wife to cherish her marriage and prize her husband.

Carolyn Mahaney

Plummer and Haste's Held in Honor: Wisdom for Your Marriage from Voices of the Past is a collection of writings on marriage from Christian theologians, pastors, and authors. The work is a delight to read on many levels. Those who value church history will appreciate the profound reflections on marriage from some of the greatest Christian minds of the past. Those who seek to understand Scripture's teaching on marriage will be rewarded and those who wish to be challenged to live with greater devotion toward God and his or her spouse will find many practical insights. The authors present a realistic understanding of marriage, highlighting its joys and sorrows, as well as its triumphs and trials. I highly recommend this book.

Michael L. Bryant

... a wonderful resource for Christians as they seek to live out their marriages in a way that glorifies God and exalts the Gospel.

R. Albert Mohler - President

As a woman engaged to be married for the first time (in my mid-50s), who loves classic Christian writings and devotional literature, I have found this book to be a treasure trove. A sweet and timely source of wisdom as I seek to honor Christ in a new season and station of life.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth - Author

I do not know of a more interesting and scholarly book to recommend for a marriage-focused devotional... Buy this book, treasure it on your nightstand, and don't forget to pass it to your sons and daughters as their marriage date approaches.

Daniel Montgomery - Lead Pastor

... Theologically informative and instructive and yet devotional in approach, it makes a fine contribution to contemporary Christian reflection on a most important institution.

Carl R. Trueman - Paul Woolley Professor of Historical Theology and Church History

... This is historical theology at its best. Biblical, practical, wonderfully helpful and really enjoyable.

Alistair Begg - Senior Pastor

As a woman engaged to be married for the first time (in my mid-50s), who loves classic Christian writings and devotional literature, I have found this book to be a treasure trove. A sweet and timely source of wisdom as I seek to honor Christ in a new season and station of life.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

... This is historical theology at its best. Biblical, practical, wonderfully helpful and really enjoyable.

Alistair Begg

This inspiring collection of excerpts on marriage with accompanying devotionals will make stimulating reading for engaged and married couples and even singles... Highly recommended!

Andreas Köstenberger

... a wonderful resource for Christians as they seek to live out their marriages in a way that glorifies God and exalts the Gospel.

R. Albert Mohler

I do not know of a more interesting and scholarly book to recommend for a marriage-focused devotional... Buy this book, treasure it on your nightstand, and don't forget to pass it to your sons and daughters as their marriage date approaches.

Daniel Montgomery

What a delightful mix of historical wisdom, biblical truth, and real-world application. In these pages you'll hear the early church martyr Ignatius tell you, "Marriage is God's good gift." Keep reading and you'll see how good and glorious of a gift it is.

Stephen J. Nichols

... Theologically informative and instructive and yet devotional in approach, it makes a fine contribution to contemporary Christian reflection on a most important institution.

Carl R. Trueman

... Theologically informative and instructive and yet devotional in approach, it makes a fine contribution to contemporary Christian reflection on a most important institution. ~ Carl R. Trueman (Paul Woolley Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

As a woman engaged to be married for the first time (in my mid-50s), who loves classic Christian writings and devotional literature, I have found this book to be a treasure trove. A sweet and timely source of wisdom as I seek to honor Christ in a new season and station of life. ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss (Author, Revive Our Hearts & radio host, Niles, Michigan)
•.. This is historical theology at its best. Biblical, practical, wonderfully helpful and really enjoyable. ~ Alistair Begg (Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio)
•.. a wonderful resource for Christians as they seek to live out their marriages in a way that glorifies God and exalts the Gospel. ~ R. Albert Mohler (President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)

I do not know of a more interesting and scholarly book to recommend for a marriage-focused devotional... Buy this book, treasure it on your nightstand, and don't forget to pass it to your sons and daughters as their marriage date approaches. ~ Daniel Montgomery (Lead Pastor, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky )

In my eight years of marriage I have found great joy in reading to Shannon Deane before we go to bed each night. I think I just found my favorite book to read to her! We are half way through reading HELD IN HONOR by Dr. Robert Plummer and Matt Haste and we have already been tremendously blessed because of it. Each chapter is only two pages long which makes it easy reading each night, even when you are tired. You are presented with a short bio from someone in church history along with a quote they have made about marriage. The quotes themselves have been amazing and helpful to see that people have struggled with the same difficulties in marriage for 2,000 years! It actually makes you feel quite sane.The authors then present you with a devotional follow up that brings clarity to the quote by directing your eyes to the Scriptures. There are challenging questions posed that if asked to your spouse will lead to deep conversations that bring edification and change in your marriage. This book is fun to read! ~ Andy Deane, Dean, Calvary Chapel Bible College, California

Good books on marriage are hard to find, but in Held in Honor, Robert Plummer and Matt Haste have taken an expedition through church history to bring back the finest gems of biblical teaching on marriage. Accompanied by biographical sketches and the authors' own commentary, this book will challenge, encourage, convict, and inspire every wife to cherish her marriage and prize her husband. ~ Carolyn Mahaney (Author of Feminine Appeal, Blogger at )

Plummer and Haste's Held in Honor: Wisdom for Your Marriage from Voices of the Past is a collection of writings on marriage from Christian theologians, pastors, and authors. The work is a delight to read on many levels. Those who value church history will appreciate the profound reflections on marriage from some of the greatest Christian minds of the past. Those who seek to understand Scripture's teaching on marriage will be rewarded and those who wish to be challenged to live with greater devotion toward God and his or her spouse will find many practical insights. The authors present a realistic understanding of marriage, highlighting its joys and sorrows, as well as its triumphs and trials. I highly recommend this book. ~ Michael L. Bryant (Dean, School of Christian Studies, Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina)

This inspiring collection of excerpts on marriage with accompanying devotionals will make stimulating reading for engaged and married couples and even singles... Highly recommended! ~ Andreas J. Kӧstenberger (Founder of Biblical Foundations™ and co-author of God, Marriage & Family and God's Design for Man & Woman)

What a delightful mix of historical wisdom, biblical truth, and real-world application. In these pages you'll hear the early church martyr Ignatius tell you, "Marriage is God's good gift." Keep reading and you'll see how good and glorious of a gift it is. ~ Stephen J. Nichols (President, Reformation Bible College, CAO Ligonier Ministries, Sanford, Florida)

From the Publisher