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Gary Thomas
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The Sacred Search: What if It's Not about Who You Marry, but Why? Kindle Edition

by Gary Thomas (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 839 ratings
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.
 
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  1. Print length
    226 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    David C Cook
  4. Publication date
    April 1, 2021
  5. File size
    2.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Sacred Search Updated & Revised
Quotes from Sacred Search Updated and Revised
Endorsements for Sacred Search Updated & Revised
A Lifelong Love
Nine Essential Conversations before You Say I Do
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars 125
4.6 out of 5 stars 172
Price $11.83 $14.99

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gary Thomas looks at the heart of a subject that many consider him an expert on—successful marriage. Anyone who is dating, engaged, or hopes to be one day needs to read this book!" -- Ed Young, senior pastor of Fellowship Church

"Why should I get married? could be the most important questions Milennials are asking. Gary Thomas helps this generation navigate the why in a Christ-honoring way." -- Esther Fleece

"The Sacred Search will help those who desire marriage to pursue it in a manner that deepens their faith, honors God, and blesses their future spouse." -- Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family

"Gary Thomas debunks the mythical search for a soul mate to help you choose a 'sole-mate'—someone who will lay down their life in faithful love. This biblically based book is for anyone who wants to be wise in their pursuit of a spouse." -- Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

"Filled with questions to make you think and teaching that will bring 'aha' moments, this book is a must read for everyone considering marriage. I highly recommend it to you—I wish I'd had it when I was single!" -- Linda Dillow, bestselling author

"Our culture is obsessed with compatibility and chemistry. However, in relationship formation character always trumps chemistry. The Sacred Search is a gut check for anyone considering, delaying, or even pursuing marriage." -- Ted Cunningham, author

"Singles, pay attention. Gary knows marriage, and is eager to help those of us desiring marriage get there with confidence and grace." -- Lisa Anderson, Focus on the Family director of young adults and host

"Gary Thomas dismantles contemporary philosophies on love, sexuality, and marital union by offering strong arguments for why they have not been successful. His appeal to a kingdom-first perspective gives both hope and healing for a generation in desperate need of a fresh and Christ-centered understanding of God's plan for marriage. This book is a must-read before anyone says 'I do.'" -- Dr. Michelle Anthony, family ministries pastor at New Life Church and author

"Marriages are falling apart all around us and I believe Gary Thomas has just gone straight to the root. Gary just built a map to help you see through the emotion and infatuation to God's heart for dating and marriage." -- Jennie Allen

"Gary creates a compelling argument that shifts the believer's view of relationships, dating, and marriage to focus on something greater. I'm thankful Gary has created this resource." -- Joy Eggerichs

About the Author

Gary Thomas is writer-in-residence at Second Baptist Church in Houston, a frequent guest on Focus on the Family and FamilyLife Today radio, and a popular speaker around the world. His award-winning books have been translated into fifteen languages and have sold two million copies. Thomas and his wife have three children.
 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08HW789MR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ David C Cook; Revised edition (April 1, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 839 ratings

About the author

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Gary Thomas

Gary Thomas

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships. Gary's unique message will help you:

* Embrace the unique way that you interact with God.

* Partner in the spiritual growth and character formation of your spouse.

* Build a closer, grace-based family.

* Enjoy God with a new sense of freedom and delight.

Find out more at: www.garythomas.com

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
839 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book readable and thought-provoking, with one review noting how it breaks down common situations honestly. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its biblical content, with customers appreciating how the author ties in Biblical truth in his analysis. Additionally, customers like the discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

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37 customers mention "Readability"34 positive3 negative

Customers find the book readable and well-written, with one customer highlighting its honest approach to common situations.

"Great book. The author has a knack for ripping off the rose colored glasses that couples wear...." Read more

"...The editor also deserves commendation for how readable and broadly applicable the content is while still seeming current...." Read more

"I really liked this book! I loved that it has questions at the end of each chapter to make you reflect on the topic being discussed in that chapter...." Read more

"A little repetitive but a good book nonetheless." Read more

34 customers mention "Insight"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and enlightening, with one customer noting how it helps couples talk through difficult topics early in their relationship.

"...The editor also deserves commendation for how readable and broadly applicable the content is while still seeming current...." Read more

"...Can also be wonderful for dating couples to walk through and learn how to grow in their relationship with God and each other." Read more

"This book helped us talk through difficult topics early, and it also was good at giving us a God led foundation across diverse themes that were..." Read more

"...It is an easy-to-read book that puts relationships in a healthy perspective and I believe it can help you understand how to get the most out of your..." Read more

15 customers mention "Biblical content"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's biblical content, noting how the author ties in Biblical truth in his analysis, making it a must-have for Christian singles.

"...The author does a good job offering biblical support for his positions and most people from mainline protestant and Roman Catholic traditions will..." Read more

"Sacred Search is an excellent and Biblical source for singles to find guidance in their search for a mate...." Read more

"...I believe that the book is consistent with God’s word which I appreciate...." Read more

"This book presents a biblical and purpose driven view of marriage that highlights and emphasises the wisdom required to make the right and often..." Read more

6 customers mention "Discussion questions"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, with one customer noting they are thought-provoking.

"I really liked this book! I loved that it has questions at the end of each chapter to make you reflect on the topic being discussed in that chapter...." Read more

"...Short chapters - Practical examples - Discussion questions that are both approachable & make you think -..." Read more

"...I like this book a lot. Comes with questions at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend!" Read more

"...I enjoyed the questions at the end of each chapter, too! Thanks for a great read!" Read more

Poor publishing
1 out of 5 stars
Poor publishing
The book may be fine, but the copy I got has pages stuck in the binding/uncut/etc.... its rather disappointing.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Vincent Romero
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sobering perspectives full of wisdom
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great book. The author has a knack for ripping off the rose colored glasses that couples wear. It’s easy to see that this author has dealt with a tremendous amount of broken marriages and he’s not shy about asking the right questions e.g. do you want your kids to have to live with this person?
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  • Zenas M. Savage
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a book!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If you are looking for a hard hitting book to unfold your feelings on Christian dating and marriage...this is definitely the book for you. This book will really expose any weak points in past, present or future relationships. At times this book is humorous and lighthearted but always has a point. As a 29 male I was surprised how well this author intuitively cut through the different patterns and pitfalls in modern American dating. I also give him points for a non judgemental point of view with many tactics to solving potential problems with a would be spouse or search for a spouse. The editor also deserves commendation for how readable and broadly applicable the content is while still seeming current. I see this as particularly useful book for people considering engagement. I think it has most use with serious dater, post-college age group and up, but perhaps deserves consideration by those younger considering serious relationships. The author does a good job offering biblical support for his positions and most people from mainline protestant and Roman Catholic traditions will find familiar interpretations. I cant wait to put to use the concepts I learned with the next person I meet. Hang on tight....this writing is more mature than you are.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Rebecca Houghton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I really liked this book! I loved that it has questions at the end of each chapter to make you reflect on the topic being discussed in that chapter. Great book for people who are single and think about why they want to date and to be mindful in their search for a date. Can also be wonderful for dating couples to walk through and learn how to grow in their relationship with God and each other.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Hugh Henry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helped us talk
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book helped us talk through difficult topics early, and it also was good at giving us a God led foundation across diverse themes that were important to agree on as we explored values that mattered in a Christ centered marriage. As a couple we benefited from having those conversations early so that we could craft a vision of what our unified vision of life could look like, it’s a huge blessing and a challenge and I would encourage anyone seeking for direction and guidance in courtship or dating to pick up. It’s excellent resource.
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  • Rachel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A little repetitive but a good book nonetheless.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Laura
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wise words and direction
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Sacred Search is an excellent and Biblical source for singles to find guidance in their search for a mate. I wish I had read it before my troubled 47 year marriage, but now I have an opportunity to follow this wisdom the second time around.
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  • Lori J. Tromble
    5.0 out of 5 stars MUST READ!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read the previous version before I met and married my husband. I have bought this new version 3 times and will continue to gift it and recommend it to anyone who is dating or wants to date. It is an easy-to-read book that puts relationships in a healthy perspective and I believe it can help you understand how to get the most out of your self and out of your relationship. Also, I believe it has been beneficial to prevent potential regrets or misunderstandings and doing things for the wrong reasons.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such solid advice!!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I cannot speak highly enough of this book! I would recommend it to every person I know who is single, in a relationship, or engaged because it has such great advice to set people up for a successful marriage! I believe that the book is consistent with God’s word which I appreciate. The questions at the end of each chapter are engaging and helped me to see some of the problems with my logic. I finished this book in 3 days because I was so invested! 10/10.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • becky
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in Canada on January 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Touched my heart in many different unexplainable ways!
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  • Paige Z.
    5.0 out of 5 stars I’d read it again and again until…
    Reviewed in Japan on June 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    God brings me the one with whom I can do His Kingdom work together and grow together.
    Super great book to read BEFORE starting dating. Highly recommend!
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  • Georgina Cox
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A book to read over and over again and continuously question your head space! At any level of spiritual maturity and relationship. Something for anyone and everyone to take away who is pursuing a life with Christ at the centre.
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  • Ally
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book, fantastic read. Highly recommend this author.
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