Kingdom Marriage: Connecting God's Purpose with Your Pleasure

by Tony Evans

What happens when a kingdom man marries a kingdom woman? Kingdom Connecting God’s Purpose with Your Pleasure helps couples grow together as a kingdom couple to fulfill God’s design and purpose for their marriage. Through practical insights and powerful stories, Dr. Tony Evans inspires and instructs so couples will discover the hope, challenge, and guidance God’s Word provides for their journey together.

“You can reflect the glory of God and the unity of the Trinity through your shared purpose, honor, and love as a true kingdom couple.” ―Tony Evans

Kingdom Marriage shows couples that the key to influencing our society and world with lasting impact is found in solidifying biblical marriage in the way God intended. It starts with both wife and husband reflecting God and His image and modeling that reflection within the roles and responsibilities of their union. This is based on a correct understanding of God’s kingdom and their responsibilities in it. Kingdom Marriage and the Kingdom Marriage devotional and video resources are part of an entire line of Kingdom products by Tony Evans, including Kingdom Man, Kingdom Woman, Raising Kingdom Kids , and the Kingdom Quest strategy guides for kids and teens.

Genres: Marriage, Christian, Relationships, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Religion

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Linda Sedillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of christian books on marriage, so far this is my favorite. Having a Kingdom marriage is a goal, something we should be growing into. Today, families disintegrate because they exist for their own satisfaction rather than for the Kingdom of God. We must be Kingdom minded, if we are to live a godly life. Their is a purpose for marriage and God created it. I love how Dr. Tony Evans uses practical things or situations to explain Jesus teachings about marriage, I honestly believe Pastor Evans is one of the best or the best teacher of our time. Marriage is difficult for that reason we are to be growing spiritually and abiding in Jesus. He is our fist love who teaches us how to love our spouses. Praying for all marriages including mine who are constantly being attacked by the enemy to cause division.

[Andrea Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biblical marriage book. No fluff, no sugarcoating, just truth. I was convicted multiple times. I’m now looking up more Tony Evans books.

[Moh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[7 Hills Group Study]

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem is that we have transposed the benefit of marriage with the goal. So that when the benefit (happiness) is not working out, we quit and move on, or resign to living a life of unhappiness.
Kingdom marriage: A covenantal union between man and woman who commit themselves to function in unison under divine authority, in order to replicate God’s image and expand His rule in the world, through both their individual and joint callings.

The flesh is human understanding. Spirit represents God’s point of view. Conflicts threaten unity, they are spirit vs. flesh. Galatians 5:16. The Spirit’s perspective has been removed which leads to division, disharmony, and chaos. Unresolved, ongoing conflict means that the Spirit of God has not been allowed to override the human fleshly differences that brought about the chaos and are now sustaining that conflict. God has been left out of the equation. We are told to preserve the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4), because if allowed to, the Spirit will overrule the human things that bring about and sustain the conflicts we experience (James 4:1-2).

Unforgiveness is a stronghold. Only spiritual weapons can bring down spiritual strongholds.

Illustration: Communication. Husband and wife stopped speaking to one another for a while because of a conflict they had. Not wanting to be late for his flight the next morning, the husband wrote a note and put it on his wife’s beside table. The note read: “Wake me up at 5am so that I can catch my flight.” When he woke up, he realized it was 7:30 and he missed his flight. Furious that his wife didn’t wake him up, he looked to her side of the bed. She was gone. In her place was a note that read. It’s 5 o’clock.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingdom Marriage: the parts that spoke to me the most and ministered to me was for once there's an author that speaks on the roles and responsibilities of the husband according to the Word of God. Most Christian related text focus on Proverbs 31 Woman, or the wives roles, responsibilities, and submission to the husband. Now don't get me wrong, since he also touches on the portion on "submit" or "submission" yet I love how he stated "submission" is a choice, and willingness of the wife. He quotes, "God calls wives to submit to their husbands. He asks them to trust in His design for marriage." (Since I am reading eBook, I believe this was in the chapter on Roles). I took so many notes to keep in mind--husbands are leaders, are spiritual thermostats of their marriages and families, set the spiritual temperature of the home (washes his wife with the Word of God, see Ephesians 5: 26-27). He needs to know her, honor her, and pray for her! Does your husband do any of this? I know he wants to know me, which does pretty good, he prays for me throughout our relationship, and seeking to honor and cherish.

*I also watched a broadcast at a church he did on the roles: Kingdom Marriage, the week of April 22, 2024.

I enjoyed the "R"s chapters in the book the most. It is many marriage related titles or books to read but I want to make sure it is covenantal, sacred bound and this book delivered. I will work on the other titles I added to my list since a year or two ago.

Adrienna Turner
Author of "Unleashing the Spirits" and "Begin with Christ"
Dream4More Reviewer
Senior Librarian, state of CA.

[Ardener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and not boring. In true Tony Evans fashion there is a satisfying sprinkling of Dad jokes and levity to break up the more serious nature of the content. Filled with plenty of practical recommendations for improving marriages that are scriptural based and backed. I hesitate to say it’s an easy read (even though it definitely is) because it is packed full of relevant and powerful truths that are instantly applicable. Seems to be more geared toward seasoned marriages than newlyweds. Highly recommended.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book BUT I have to say the narrator in this book is the WORST I have ever listened to and I have listened to a lot of books. I almost had to put this book down but I powered through because I love Dr. Tony Evans so much and I refuse to lower the stars. I wish I could rate the narrator separately because he made this so painful!!!

[Nderitu Pius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I love it. I will do this for my book review. I will reread it again this week.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author, but I am interested to read more of his books. This one is a challenge for readers to remember the true enemy in a marriage (Satan vs spouse) and to discover the true purpose of marriage. I was challenged and inspired by this book. It is one I would like to revisit.

[Diamond Emelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putting God first is Everything!

My husband and I engaged in this book with a marriage ministry class. I encourage anyone who is married or wanting to join in the Holy Union to check out this book and use the tools to strengthen your marriage. Dr. Evans does some great teaching and God is Good!

[Celestial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of my favorite marriage books.

[William "Spig" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tony Evans communication. Truth and grace. Tony is the type of guy that you’d love to sit with for a couple hours and have a cup of coffee.

[Aaron D Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an excellent mix of theological foundations and practical insights. I found it both challenging and encouraging.

[Nicole Brockwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big big fan of Tony Evans! This book seems more directed towards new marriages or rocky marriages. I didn’t get a lot of useful tips from it but it did confirm some directions in my own marriage. I did think of Tony and how this book may hit differently for him now that he’s in a new marriage after losing his wife of ~50 years.

I listened to the audiobook version and while the narrator had a great voice- it sounded nothing like Tony which I found distracting since it was written in his voice and I’m familiar with it. The narrator’s voice sounded more like Adrian Rogers to me.

Listened on Audible Plus

[Bastione · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I already looked at my marriage this way after reading a John Piper book years ago. Although there were many good reminders. I especially appreciated the section on thankfulness and the reminder that so often the children of isreal missed out on God's gifts to them because they were busy complaining and not trusting him. For marriage and for all life---an excellent challenge for me. I would probably recommend it to others who might appreciate it. But, I would say to watch out as I noticed several times where he reasoned out some wise advice, but treated it as biblical command. Or perhaps it's biblically true on some contexts, but not others and it isn't mentioned.

[Patrice Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved how the author applied the knowledge back to scripture and how Jesus sees marriage for us. The specific examples of how to handle conflict were so helpful and solidified even more what the elders in my church have shared with me even when I say “but you don’t know what they did!” Thank you Tony, I will be sharing this with many of my engaged/married friends!

[Sal Kado · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot to digest in this book, it's the kinda book that you need to have 3 copies of, one in the sitting room, one in the washroom and one in the Library, that's if you're married and want to have a good and formidable marriage.

I've not read any other book on marriage so this is now the standard and I feel if I read only this and work on what's written I won't need another... But. I'll read anyway in the name of seeking knowledge.

[Emma Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

I definitely enjoyed the beginning half of this book more than the end, when it was going through specifically what a Kingdom marriage looks like and what to aim for. The latter half of the book was more focussed on fixing and repairing a marriage for those already married which wasnt relevant to me but im sure will be good to reflect on in the years to come

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dr. Evan’s’ humble and humorous way of cutting right to the heart of things. Return to your first love, repent, tame your tongue, pray, seek the welfare of your spouse. His wisdom is straight from the Bible and also from 40 years of ministering. A very uplifting read and it will be a blessing to my marriage.

[Emily Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book on marriage I’ve ever read. There were so many things that I’ve heard but never understood that his way of explaining I actually understood for the first time. It was a great combination of straightforward teaching and story examples. I will definitely read again in the future and recommend ti any married or going to be married couple.

[Devon Conklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminders, lots of scripture with great insights.
Key takeaways for me:
1. Pray for & with my spouse.
2. Watch my tongue.
3. Remember why we got married & reflect on it often. Our thoughts lead to feelings & words & actions.
4. p133 Yada! (Yada, yada, yada) - to know. Experience it.
5. Restoration. Forgive. As I am forgiven in grace by God give it freely.

[Amanda Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative book on keeping your marriage healthy as God intended. Appreciated Tony Evans’ addressing the different aspects of marriage with helpful tips to consider. Most importantly, the author brings everything back to Christ being the center of marriage and how it effects the longevity and healthy of the relationship.

[MJCAKSONBELLSOUTH.NET · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every couple should read before and after marriage

A book every couple should read before and after marriage. I love the principles and stories that Dr Evans uses to get his point across

[Cassandra Kornegay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Sometimes no matter how long you’ve been married you just need some reminders of practical and wise advice to keep your marriage vibrant, healthy and most importantly pleasing to God and this book does all of this!

[Smoellering · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. We read it for small group at the Bridge. In a lot of chapters, it felt like things were oversimplified or overly basic, but it was still good for starting conversations about how marriage relationships work and we enjoyed the discussions we had in small group.

[Charissa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me see my marriage differently.. I appreciate my marriage much more and that this book was so good that I would re-read it again and again!!! Plus, this book would make a great gift to new married couples..

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingdom Marriage is a phenomenal book that represents the natural and God given roles for men and women in marriage. I recommend this book to every married couple, or soon to be married couple as this book is filled with knowledge that is absolutely necessary to a healthy and thriving marriage.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is necessary, the way Tony Evans wrote this book combining biblical principles and his own knowledge is terrific. There are parts of the book that after reading feel like he is speaking directly to me, there were many takeaways and points that need to be established into my marriage.

[Dawn Hotvedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Do not forget your first love!
When we do, remember what that fire used to be like, repent of those inner thoughts and sins that keep us apart, repeat the Love, Hope, Faith, Joy, Kindnesses, Peace, Patience, Gentlenesses, and Goodness you knew and exchanged earlier in your Relationshiping with Your Betrothed!

[Ericka Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this better than many other Christian marriage books. Practical and Biblical, but not toxic as *some* Christian relationship books can be. I was skeptical starting it but was pleasantly surprised and both my husband and I really benefitted from reading it together.