Foundations
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:13 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
Oneness: A core Biblical concept: marriage, Christ's body, the Trinity, etc. |
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| 2. |
The destruction of oneness in marriage and other relationships |
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| 3. |
Oneness and the identity of Jesus (or, why does this matter so much?) |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Read and consider Genesis 2 & 3 in light of our discussion. |
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| 2. |
Meditate on John 17:20-23. |
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| 3. |
Read pages 5-11 and 20-21 in couple manual. Consider. Talk together about your thoughts if you feel up to it |
Danger Signs & Gender Differences (or, How relationships fail.)
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:9-10 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
Why don't men communicate? |
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| 2. |
Why do women keep bringing up issues? (I won't use the "N" word until one of you does.) |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Read and review material on pages 12-14 in couple manual. |
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| 2. |
Consider how the Danger Signs are manifested in your current life and in your family growing up. What does all this mean to you |
Communicating Well When it is Hard
Memory Verse: James 1:19 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 2. |
Filters |
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| 3. |
The Speaker/Listener Technique |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Review ideas about Filters on pages 22-23 in couple manual. |
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| 2. |
For couples working together on this material, do part one of the homework on page 15 of the couple manual: Speaker/Listener practice. I recommend practicing three or four times a week for a few weeks to get into the groove of it. |
Problem Solving Made Easy (okay, "easier," maybe not "easy")
Memory Verse: Proverbs 18:13 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
Constructive griping (yes, it's possible) |
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| 2. |
Problem solving steps that really work |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Pages 24-26 in couple manual. Focus on parts 1 & 2. |
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| 2. |
Page 37 in couple manual. This is the meat of the homework, here. |
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| 2. |
Page 37 in couple manual. This is the meat of the homework, here. |
Issues and Events (or, Why is your relationship like a mine field?)
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:18 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
How can something so small start such big fights? |
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| 2. |
How to discover and deal with the really deep issues. |
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| 3. |
Brief introduction to expectations workbook |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
|
| 1. |
We won't be dealing with the expectations workbook imbedded in this manual in any detail. However, if you are married or thinking about marrying someone in particular, I highly recommend it. It takes a lot of time to do well. The instructions are very complete. It's time very well spent, and it'll give you lots to talk about while practicing your skills. |
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| 2. |
Review the concepts of the I/E model and consider how these are reflected in your life. Pages 44-45 in couple manual. |
Ground Rules for Handling Conflict
Memory Verse: Romans 12:18 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
Protecting relationships from poorly handled conflict |
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| 2. |
Preserving and enhancing good times together |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Very important homework: Review Ground Rules on pages 42 and 43 of couple manual. Talk together about which you are willing to commit to trying out for some period of time. |
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| 2. |
Continue practicing the skills you've been working on. |
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| 3. |
Fun and Friendship: Talk about how these times can be preserved and enhanced in your life and relationships. Do something about it. |
Commitment (it's not a dirty word!)
Memory Verse: John 13:34 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
Feeling trapped |
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| 2. |
Preserving and deepening devotion |
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| 3. |
Agape Love |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Keep using and practicing the things you've agreed to use. |
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| 2. |
Review and consider the commitment material on pages 50-55 in the couple manual. This is more of a personal meditation than something a couple does together, except for pages 56-57. |
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| 3. |
If you like, complete pages 56-57. You each fill out one page, then share what you have and talk about what it means. (This is not a task for the faint of heart.) |
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| 4. |
Consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). |
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| 4. |
Consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). |
Forgiveness & Spiritual Intimacy
Memory Verse: Mark 11:25 |
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| A. |
Topics |
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| 1. |
Forgiveness and the restoration of relationship |
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| 2. |
Developing a spiritual unity |
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| B. |
Suggested Homework |
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| 1. |
Review ideas on forgiveness on pages 58-59 of the couple manual. Then, follow the instructions for part two of the homework on page 48. |
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| 2. |
Consider the advice on pages 61 and 62 of the couple manual. Live life to the full. Go after the blessing God has for you. |
For Trained PREP Leaders Only
