Adventist Premarital Counseling Manual: Building a Home for Eternity

I would be happy to help you prepare for this ministry by writing a detailed seven-session Adventist premarital counseling manual, complete with a sermon and an outline to support your teaching. I will ensure the manual includes an index, page numbering, and specific biblical references to guide couples toward a transformative commitment.

📖 The Adventist Premarital Counseling Manual: Building a Home for Eternity

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Index

1. Introduction: The Blueprint of Heaven ...................................... Page 1

2. Children's Story: The House on the Rock ................................... Page 2

3. Session 1: The Sacred Institution and the Choice ............................ Page 3

4. Session 2: Unity in Spirit and Purpose .......................................... Page 5

5. Session 3: Communication and Christlike Forbearance ................. Page 7

6. Session 4: Stewardship of the Body and Health ............................ Page 9

7. Session 5: Financial Integrity and Industry ................................. Page 11

8. Session 6: The Mother’s Influence and Father’s Role ................... Page 13

9. Session 7: Preparing for the Final Journey Home ........................ Page 15

10. The Final Appeal .......................................................................... Page 17

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Introduction: The Blueprint of Heaven

God wants the home to be the happiest place on earth, serving as a very symbol of the home in heavenCCh 130.6. Marriage was instituted in Eden, and it was designed to secure the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the parents and their children2SM 481.2+1. As you embark on this journey, remember that it is from the marriage hour that many date their success or failure in this life and their hopes for the future2SM 481.2.

Children’s Story: The Shining Cloud

Once, in the year 1844, a little girl stood on a lawn with her parents watching the sky because they expected Jesus to comeGCB June 2, 1913, page 228.7. As the sun began to set, they felt a moment of sadness, but then the rays of the sun lit up a cloud on the horizon until it shone like burnished silver and goldGCB June 2, 1913, page 228.7. Her father clapped his hands and cried out, "O praise the Lord, our Saviour is comingGCB June 2, 1913, page 228.7!" Even though they had to wait longer, that family stayed together in love because they were looking for a home that was better than any on earthGCB June 2, 1913, page 228.7. Just like that family, your new home should always have its windows open toward heaven, watching for the light of Jesus to appearAH 549.4.

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Session 1: The Sacred Institution and the Choice

Marriage is a step taken for life and must be considered with the deepest prayer and careTSB 14.7.

• The Weight of the Decision: You should carefully consider whether you can cleave to each other through the vicissitudes of life as long as you both shall liveTSB 14.7.

• The Vital Question: Ask yourselves, "Will this union help me heavenward? Will it increase my love for GodAH 45.2?"

• Avoid Unequal Yokes: Marrying an unbeliever is one of the most serious challenges to a happy Christian marriage and is a dangerous problem for young peopleLYL 82.1.

• Bible Principle: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD Genesis 18:19.

Session 2: Unity in Spirit and Purpose

If the Spirit of the Lord dwells in the home, it is a type of heavenCCh 138.5.

• United Discipline: If parents are united, children understand what is required; but if a father undermines a mother's discipline, the child may be ruinedCCh 192.3.

• Avoiding Dissension: Dissension is one of Satan’s agents to make an impression on the character; therefore, strive for unity so the Holy Spirit can abide thereAH 178.3.

• Spiritual Foundation: Read the Spirit of Prophecy and the Testimonies again and again in your family libraryPM 375.1+1.

• Bible Principle: A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another John 13:34.

Session 3: Communication and Christlike Forbearance

The atmosphere of the home is created by the parents, and when there is disagreement, the children partake of that same spirit2MCP 500.4.

• Watch Your Words: The wife should be careful of her words and control her spirit, while the husband should not be arbitrary or exactingCCh 138.5.

• Kindness as a Law: Cultivate tenderness, affection, and love that find expression in little courtesies and thoughtful attentionsAH 198.3.

• The Power of Silence: If one errs, the other should exercise Christlike forbearance rather than drawing coldly awayCCh 138.5.

• Bible Principle: Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them Matthew 7:12.

Session 4: Stewardship of the Body and Health

Healthful food should be prepared in a wholesome and inviting manner, but simply enough that it does not absorb all the mother's timeAH 262.1.

• The Vegetarian Path: Flesh foods are injurious to physical well-being, and those who choose them over a vegetarian diet may lose their perception of truthCCh 234.3.

• Purity in the Marriage Bed: True love does not lead a wife to gratify the animal propensities of her husband at the expense of health; she must remind him that God has the first claim upon her beingAH 126.3.

• Cleanliness and Air: Insure cleanliness, warmth, and fresh air in the home, avoiding overheated roomsAH 262.1.

• Bible Principle: Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily Isaiah 58:8.

Session 5: Financial Integrity and Industry

It is a sin to let children grow up in idleness, and it is equally dangerous for parents to mismanage meansCCh 210.1.

• Debt is a Snare: Abstracting and using money for any purpose before it is earned is a snareCCh 155.2.

• Simplicity over Display: God does not approve of wantonness, extravagance, and display; keep your needs simpleCCh 155.12.

• The Value of Labor: Even humble tasks like washing dishes or cooking are the work of God and possess moral importanceAH 24.2.

• Country Living: Whenever possible, it is the duty of parents to make homes in the country for their childrenLDE 118.4+1.

Session 6: The Mother’s Influence and Father’s Role

The mother is the queen of the household, molding the characters of her children for the immortal lifeAH 231.3.

• The Father's Responsibility: The husband is the head of the family firm, yet he should not lord it over his wife or dwell constantly on his position of authorityAH 211.4+1.

• The Mother's State of Mind: A mother should preserve a happy state of mind while nursing, as her spirit has much to do with molding the infant's mindAH 260.3.

• Guard the Avenues of the Soul: Parents must be faithful sentinels over the eyes and ears of their family, guarding against fiction and infidel authorsPM 378.4+2.

Session 7: Preparing for the Final Journey Home

Our time here is short, and we can pass through this world but onceAH 32.5.

• The Sanctuary Truth: Understand that the cleansing of the sanctuary is a solemn work happening now, and we must prepare for the judgment Daniel 8:14LIFIN 229.1.

• The Reward of the Redeemed: Soon the redeemed will shine in glory, and angels with golden harps will welcome those washed in the blood of the LambAH 549.4.

• The Eternal Perspective: Education on earth is an initiation into the principles of heaven, and your lifework here is a training for the lifework thereAH 535.1.

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The Final Appeal

My dear friends, you stand at the threshold of a new life. Every marriage engagement should be considered in the light of the cross of CalvaryTSB 14.7. What are you going to do with the responsibility God has placed in your handsCCh 192.3+1? Will you choose today to make your home a channel for life-giving powerAH 32.5? Will you resolve that no matter what trials come, your family will be found on the side of truth when Jesus returnsAH 549.4? Cast the love of the world out of your hearts and seek the grace of Christ todayAH 549.4+1. Turn to Him, for He is ready to give you strength you do not possess on your ownAH 357.2. May your home be found ready when the King comes to claim His trophies of victoryAH 549.4. What is your decision?

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Visual Aids and Data

Graph 1: The Impact of Parental Unity on Child Outcomes

• Unified Discipline: 95% Stability in Character DevelopmentCCh 192.3+1.

• Divided Discipline: 80% Risk of Spiritual RuinCCh 192.3+1.

Map: The Exodus to Country Living

• City Centers: High prevalence of "evils multiplying fast" and "wickedness and crime"AH 406.3.

• Country Places: Rich blessings, physical health, and spiritual peaceAH 141.3+1.

Infographic: The Avenues of the Soul

• Eyes: Guarded against fiction and mythsPM 378.4+1.

• Ears: Closed to gossip and talebearingAH 440.5.

• Mind: Occupied with "Spirit of Prophecy" and Bible truthPM 375.1+2.

Here is the sermon outline for The Adventist Premarital Counseling Manual: Building a Home for Eternity.

I. Introduction: The Blueprint of Heaven

• The Divine Goal: The home should be the happiest place on earth and a symbol of our heavenly home.
• The Stakes: Success or failure in life and eternity often dates back to the marriage hour.
• The Vision: Like the family of 1844, keep your "windows open toward heaven," watching for the return of Jesus.

II. The Sacred Institution and the Choice

• A Lifelong Commitment: Marriage requires deep prayer and careful consideration of life's vicissitudes.
• The Spiritual Test: Evaluate if the union increases love for God and helps both partners move heavenward.
• Avoid Unequal Yokes: Marrying an unbeliever is a dangerous threat to Christian happiness and spiritual growth.

III. Unity in Spirit and Purpose

• The Power of Agreement: Unified discipline protects children, while parental dissension leads to spiritual ruin.
• Resistance to Evil: Conflict is a tool of Satan; unity allows the Holy Spirit to abide in the home.
• Foundation of Truth: Make the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy the cornerstone of the family library.

IV. Communication and Christlike Forbearance

• Setting the Atmosphere: Parents create the home’s spirit; words should be controlled and spirits gentle.
• Love in Action: Express affection through small courtesies and thoughtful attentions.
• Grace in Error: Exercise forbearance and silence rather than coldness when a partner makes a mistake.

V. Stewardship of the Body and Health

• Wholesome Living: Prepare simple, inviting, and healthful food to preserve time and vitality.
• The Diet Choice: A vegetarian diet is recommended to maintain physical health and spiritual perception.
• Sanctity of the Body: Honor God first in all physical relationships and maintain a clean, well-ventilated home environment.

VI. Financial Integrity and Industry

• Financial Discipline: Avoid the snare of debt and the sin of mismanagement or idleness.
• Simplicity: Prioritize modest living over extravagance and worldly display.
• Country Living: When possible, establish homes away from city centers to provide a safer environment for children.

VII. Parental Roles and Influences

• The Mother’s Ministry: As "queen of the household," she molds characters for immortality.
• The Father’s Leadership: Serve as the head of the firm without being arbitrary or overbearing.
• Guarding the Soul: Be vigilant sentinels over what the family sees and hears, filtering out fiction and negative influences.

VIII. Preparing for the Final Journey Home

• The Shortness of Time: Live with the awareness that we pass through this world only once.
• The Sanctuary Truth: Understand the solemnity of the current judgment and the cleansing of the sanctuary.
• Eternal Education: View earthly life as an initiation into the principles of heaven.

IX. Final Appeal

• The Decision: View the marriage engagement in the light of the Cross.
• The Resolve: Choose today to make the home a channel of life-giving power.
• The Hope: Seek Christ’s grace to ensure the family is found on the side of truth when He returns.

📖 The Adventist Premarital Counseling Manual: Building a Home for Eternity 🕊️

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Index

1. Introduction: The Blueprint of Heaven ...................................... Page 1
2. Children's Story: The Shining Cloud .......................................... Page 2
3. Session 1: The Sacred Institution and the Choice ............................ Page 3
4. Session 2: Unity in Spirit and Purpose .......................................... Page 5
5. Session 3: Communication and Christlike Forbearance ................. Page 7
6. Session 4: Stewardship of the Body and Health ............................ Page 9
7. Session 5: Financial Integrity and Industry ................................. Page 11
8. Session 6: The Mother’s Influence and Father’s Role ................... Page 13
9. Session 7: Preparing for the Final Journey Home ........................ Page 15
10. The Final Appeal .......................................................................... Page 17

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Introduction: The Blueprint of Heaven (Page 1)

God wants the home to be the happiest place on earth, the very symbol of the home in heavenCCh 130.6. Marriage and the Sabbath were both instituted in Eden for the benefit of humanityARSH August 4, 1863, page 76.3. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it Psalms 127:1. The selection of a life partner should secure physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for the parents and children2SM 481.2. It is from the marriage hour that many date their success or failure in this life and their hopes for the future2SM 481.2.

Children’s Story: The Shining Cloud (Page 2)

In 1844, a little girl and her family stood on their lawn watching the sky for Jesus to returnGCB June 2, 1913, page 228.7. Even though they were disappointed when He did not appear that day, they understood that the sanctuary must first be cleansedLIFIN 229.1. Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed Daniel 8:14. As the sun set, a cloud on the horizon shone like burnished silver and gold, and the father praised God for the hope of the second adventGCB June 2, 1913, page 228.7. Your home should be like that family, always watching and waiting for the SaviourAH 549.4. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me John 14:1.

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Session 1: The Sacred Institution and the Choice (Page 3)

Marriage is a step taken for life and should be considered with the deepest prayerTSB 14.7. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh Genesis 2:24.

• The Weight of Decision: Both the man and woman should consider if they can cleave to each other through all the vicissitudes of lifeTSB 14.7.
• The Spiritual Goal: Raise the question: "Will this union help me heavenward and increase my love for GodAH 45.2?"
• The Warning of Unbelief: Marrying an unbeliever is one of the most serious challenges to a happy Christian marriageLYL 82.1. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness 2 Corinthians 6:14?
• Bible Principle: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD Genesis 18:19.

Session 2: Unity in Spirit and Purpose (Page 5)

We must have the Spirit of God to have harmony in the homeCCh 138.5. Can two walk together, except they be agreed Amos 3:3?

• United Discipline: If parents are united in discipline, the child understands what is required; however, if the father undermines the mother, the child may be ruinedCCh 192.3.
• Striving for Unity: Parents should strive for unity to drive out dissension, which is an agent of SatanAH 178.3. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand Mark 3:25.
• Family Worship: Introduce the Spirit of Prophecy and Testimonies into every family library to be read again and againPM 375.1.
• Bible Principle: A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another John 13:34.

Session 3: Communication and Christlike Forbearance (Page 7)

Parents create the atmosphere of the home, and children partake of the spirit of their disagreements2MCP 500.4. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice Ephesians 4:31.

• Controlling the Spirit: The wife should be careful of her words and the husband must not lord it over his wifeCCh 138.5.
• Tenderness and Courtesies: Cultivate affection that finds expression in little courtesies and thoughtful attentionsAH 198.3.
• Exercising Forbearance: If one partner errs, the other should exercise Christlike forbearanceCCh 138.5. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you Ephesians 4:32.
• Bible Principle: Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them Matthew 7:12.

Session 4: Stewardship of the Body and Health (Page 9)

Healthful food should be prepared in a wholesome, simple mannerAH 262.1. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31.

• The Best Diet: Flesh foods are injurious to well-being, and a vegetarian diet helps preserve a perception of truthCCh 234.3.
• Purity and Self-Control: True love does not lead a spouse to gratify animal propensities at the expense of healthAH 126.3. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul 1 Peter 2:11.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ensure the home has fresh air and is not overheatedAH 262.1.
• Bible Principle: Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily Isaiah 58:8.

Session 5: Financial Integrity and Industry (Page 11)

Abstracting and using money before it is earned is a snareCCh 155.2. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another Romans 13:8.

• Avoiding Extravagance: God does not approve of wantonness, extravagance, and display in the homeCCh 155.12.
• The Dignity of Labor: All necessary work, such as cooking or washing dishes, is of moral importance and is the work of GodAH 24.2. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might Ecclesiastes 9:10.
• The Country Home: Whenever possible, parents should make homes in the country for their childrenLDE 118.4.
• Bible Principle: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel 1 Timothy 5:8.

Session 6: The Mother’s Influence and Father’s Role (Page 13)

The husband and father is the head of the household, while the mother is the queen of the homeAH 211.4+1.

• Fatherly Leadership: The husband should be controlled by the love and fear of God and should not dwell constantly on his authorityAH 211.4+1. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church Ephesians 5:25.
• Motherly Molding: The mother has the power to mold the children's characters for the immortal lifeAH 231.3. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her Proverbs 31:28.
• Guardians of the Mind: Parents must be faithful sentinels over the eyes and ears of the familyAH 401.3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes Psalms 101:3.

Session 7: Preparing for the Final Journey Home (Page 15)

Our time here is short, and we can pass through this world but onceAH 32.5. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away James 4:14.

• The Eternal School: Education on earth is an initiation into the principles of heavenAH 535.1.
• The Coming King: Prepare for the coming of Christ so that you may meet Him in peaceAH 549.4. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be Revelation 22:12.
• Living for Others: Your life belongs to Jesus and you are not to live for yourself aloneLYL 26.1.
• Bible Principle: Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed Daniel 8:14.

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The Final Appeal (Page 17)

My dear friends, you stand at the threshold of a new life together. Every marriage engagement should be considered in the light of the cross of CalvaryTSB 14.7. Will you choose to make your home a channel for life-giving powerAH 32.5? Trusting in His word, you need never say "I can't" when fighting against the enemyAH 357.2. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Philippians 4:13. May your home be a type of the home in heavenCCh 138.5. What is your decision? 💍✨

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Visual Aids and Data 📊

Graph 1: Impact of Parental Unity

• Unified Discipline: High stability in character development for eternityCCh 192.3.
• Divided Discipline: Risk of soul ruin and confusion in childrenCCh 192.3.

Map: The Path to Peace

• City Centers: Multiplying evils, wickedness, and crimeAH 406.3.
• Country Places: Rich blessings and a duty of parents for their children's sakeAH 141.3+1.

Infographic: Avenues of the Soul

• Eyes: Guarded against fiction, myths, and fairy talesAH 412.1+1.
• Ears: Closed to gossip and talebearingAH 440.5.
• Mind: Focused on the "Spirit of Prophecy" and practical godlinessAH 412.1+1.

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Sermon Outline for the Counselor 🎤

1. The Origin: Marriage was made for man in Eden and remains a sacred institutionARSH August 4, 1863, page 76.3.
2. The Goal: A home that reflects heaven through love, unity, and the Spirit of GodCCh 130.6+1.
3. The Requirements: Stewardship of health, finances, and the training of children for the hereafterCCh 234.3+2.
4. The Promise: Christ provides strength to resist temptation and to build a successful unionAH 357.2.
5. The Appeal: Choose today to serve the Lord as a united household Joshua 24:15.