The Sacred Search

Bestselling author Gary Thomas transforms the way you look at romantic relationships. His unique perspective on dating will prepare you for a satisfying, spiritually enriching marriage. In the revised edition of his hit book The Sacred Search, Gary Thomas helps single people of all ages make wise marital choices by rethinking what basis those choices should be made on. You will be encouraged to think beyond finding your “soul mate” and instead adopt a more biblical search for a “sole mate”—someone who will walk with you on your spiritual journey. Thomas asks, What if we focused on why we should get married more than on who to marry? What if being “in love” isn’t a good enough reason to get married? And most of all, what if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? The Sacred Search casts a vision for building a relationship around shared spiritual mission—and making marriage with eternity at its heart.

In Search of the Sacred Book studies the artistic incorporation of religious concepts such as prophecy, eternity, and the afterlife in the contemporary Latin American novel. It departs from sociopolitical readings by noting the continued relevance of religion in Latin American life and culture, despite modernity’s powerful secularizing influence. Analyzing Jorge Luis Borges’s secularized “narrative theology” in his essays and short stories, the book follows the development of the Latin American novel from the early twentieth century until today by examining the attempts of major novelists, from María Luisa Bombal, Alejo Carpentier, and Juan Rulfo, to Julio Cortázar, Gabriel García Márquez, and José Lezama Lima, to “sacralize” the novel by incorporating traits present in the sacred texts of many religions. It concludes with a view of the “desacralization” of the novel by more recent authors, from Elena Poniatowska and Fernando Vallejo to Roberto Bolaño.

In his new book, The Sacred Search, best-selling author Gary Thomas tackles the topic of love and dating by asking the question: What if it's not about who you marry, but why? The Sacred Search Study Resource is a DVD-driven Bible study for small groups of single, dating, or engaged people to unpack this message even further. In this dynamic companion to the book, Gary will help singles move on from the idea of finding a "soul mate" and adopt the more biblical idea of finding their "sole mate," as they seek to dedicate their future marriages to God. Eight thought-provoking video sessions featuring Gary Thomas lead groups through the study. This DVD also includes study questions designed to facilitate group discussion, interaction, and practical application.

In his popular book, 9 Essential Conversations before You Say I Do, author and pastor Gary Thomas, marriage and family therapist Dr. Steve Wilke and Rebecca Wilke, EdD help couples explore: What marriage means to each individual and whether this is a wise match How to engage in essential relational pursuits such as healthy conflict, sexual intimacy, and spiritual intimacy How to discuss in advance crucial aspects of marriage such as childrearing, finances, and marital roles Why asking hard questions now is better than asking them five years from now With thoughtful questions that encourage couples to examine themselves and their relationships, 9 Essential Conversations before You Say I Do will help couples thrive not only in the early months of their marriage but also in the years to come. Includes Guides and Questions.

A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet - then spends the rest of his life trying to atone for the violence by hand printing the best prayer flags in India. A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve herself to death. Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple delves deep into the heart of a nation torn between the relentless onslaught of modernity and the ancient traditions that endure to this day. LONGLISTED FOR THE BBC SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE

God has given us a specific, compelling reason for each of the four seasons of relationships: singleness, dating, engagement, and marriage. This book unlocks each season’s God-given purpose and shows you how to thrive within it. In a society where everyone is supposedly more connected, why do people feel so lonely? Even as marriage rates decline, recent studies find the overwhelming majority of single adults still hope to get married. But how can we navigate life and love in this disconnected culture? Has social media eroded the institutions that brought us together—and the deeper emotional intimacy they provided? Pastor and bestselling author Ben Stuart will help you navigate through the four stages of a relational life and show you how to look at the truths and intentions God has established for each. As you embark on this journey, you will discover how to: Use singleness to make an impact for the kingdom of God Pursue dating with clarity and purity Use the season of engagement wisely to prepare for marriage Maximize your life as a married couple for shared ministry Continually seek God and His will throughout each stage Discover how to embrace God's design, invest your life in what matters most, and find meaning in whatever season of life you're in.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Every marriage takes time and effort, but some marriages sap the spouses’ strength, while others generate joy and enthusiasm and intimacy. You need to ask why you want to get married before you decide who to marry. #2 The person you marry is the last person you will see before you go to sleep. Their face is the first one you will see when you wake up in the morning. Their words will encourage or discourage you, their humor will make you laugh in amusement or cry in shame, and their presence will be a healing balm or a reminder of all that could have been. #3 A home established on Matthew 6:33, which is a command as well as a promise of a rich and meaningful life, is only possible if the two people involved are committed to Christ and committed to building together. Otherwise, they will eventually become bored with each other and their marriage. #4 It is crucial to be cautious and discerning when choosing a spouse. You don’t want to miss out on the great rewards of a rich, satisfying, and soul-building marriage. Ask yourself: Ten years from now, what kind of tears do I want to be crying. Tears of joy, or tears of pain.

Bagaimana menemukan pasangan hidup yang tepat? Bagaimana kalau pacaran bukanlah tentang menemukan “belahan jiwa.” Tetapi tentang melayani orang yang paling anda kasihi? Bagaimana kalau jatuh cinta bukanlah alasan yang cukup tepat untuk menikah? JANGAN MENIKAH SEBELUM ANDA MEMBACA BUKU INI Dalam The Sacred Search, Gary Thomas menantang Anda untuk berpikir lebih dari sekadar mencari “soul mate”, namun lebih dari itu, mulailah mencari “sole mate”—seseorang yang akan berjalan bersama-sama dengan Anda dalam perjalanan rohani. Lagipula, kalau Anda tidak tahu mengapa Anda menikah, Anda tidak akan tahu siapa yang akan Anda nikahi. The Sacred Search mencetuskan visi untuk membangun hubungan di sekitar misi rohani yang sama—dan menciptakan sebuah pernikahan yang memiliki nilai kekekalan tepat di jantungnya.