Thursday, November 15, 2007

"Going All the Way" by Craig Groeschel

Dating these days is a lot like the old wild, wild west. There are few rules. Bandits run everywhere. The prairie is scattered with casualties. In this kind of ruffian environment, where can a single person turn for sound advice about dating and marriage relationships?

Pastor Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.TV in Edmund, Oklahoma knows first hand the ups and downs of wild west dating. He admits he had plenty of fun, but was eventually broken by his deceiving ways and selfish living. Turning to Jesus, Groeschel discovered a real and relevant God who transformed his character and his dating practices. Groeschel's new book, "Going All the Way," reveals the tough lessons he learned and offers good biblical counsel toward better relationships.

"Going All the Way" turns a familiar cultural phrase on its head to show how following Jesus in an all out manner reaps blessings and rewards. The key, says Groeschel, is rooted in the Great Commandment--make God your number One and make your significant other number Two. When you seek to honor God and do relationships His way, that dramatically affects how you behave and relate to your number Two.

Groeschel writes primarily for those who've been burned or broken by wild west dating. He offers good advice on how to get yourself out of bad habits and relationships. I especially appreciate chapter 6 and his call for unmarried couples to not live together. And, he shows how God is eager to forgive and rebuild you spiritually. Basically, he argues that if you value marriage (Hebrews 13:4), honor its ideals before you get married, not just afterwards.

"Going All the Way" isn't just a book on dating. It goes "all the way" to paint the big picture of a relationship's maturity into marriage. There, Groeschel devotes several chapters on what it takes to make a marriage thrive, not just survive. Again, singles will appreciate how what they do today shapes their marriage relationship tomorrow.

This book is a good primer for those seeking godly dating advice-- especially singles who are looking for a better way than the culture's anything goes attitude.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ted,

My name is Sarah McLean and I’m Craig Groeschel’s assistant. He read your review for Going All The Way and he asked me to thank you on his behalf.

Like him I’m sure your schedule is extremely busy, so it means a lot to him that you would take the time to read the book and write a review.

He truly appreciates your endorsement.

Blessings in Christ,
Sarah

Living the Biblios said...

Thanks for writing Sarah!

I've only learned about Craig and your church's ministry over the last year. You have a great leader, wise beyond his years, and a really neat church. God bless!