Rev. David A. Shadday joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book, Reclaiming the Heart of Marriage.

Get Shadday’s book on the CPH website today.

Show Notes

Why did God give us marriage? Companionship or procreation might be answers that come to mind, but marriage also serves as something even bigger—it is a reflection of Christ and His bride, the church. Listen to the episode to hear author David A. Shadday discuss his book that includes an eight-week journey “to understand the love God has for you, your response to His love, and the meaning that love brings to your life and your home” (p. 7). David also talks about why God gives us the gift of marriage, common misconceptions about marriage, how single or engaged Christians can prepare for marriage, and advice he’d give to those starting the book with their spouse. 

Questions

• What inspired you to write this Bible study?
• Why did God give us marriage?
• How would you respond to someone who thinks that the applications you share in the study are idealistic or theoretical?
• What are some common misconceptions about marriage?
• How does understanding marriage as a covenant deepen our appreciation of marriage and salvation?
• Explain what you mean by describing Song of Solomon as the Ephesians 5 of the Old Testament.
• What does this mean? How should love be defined? How should authority be defined?
• Talk about the biblical images used to describe God’s relationship with His people and how they relate to marriage.
• How can single/engaged Christians prepare for a biblical understanding of marriage?
• What advice do you have for couples/groups who are beginning this study?

About the Guest

 David A. Shadday is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. He has devoted much of his 40 years as a pastor to the subject of marriage and family. He has been married to his wife Sherry (Heierman) for 44 years, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Pastor Shadday’s main hobby is writing songs.