Marriage is one of life's greatest treasures, yet only 6% of American marriages reach 50 years. The difference between thriving and surviving relationships lies in biblical love that combines agape (selfless concern), eros (romantic love), and philia (friendship). We naturally drift away from intimacy, turning covenant love into contractual arrangements. However, marriages can move from intense conflict to intimate connection through intentional and inviting communication. Five practical steps can transform relationships: give genuine weekly compliments, never resurrect forgiven offenses, dedicate two hours weekly to God, practice daily 15-5 connection time, and throw away the escape hatch mentality. The key is becoming a mercy pass-alonger, drawing from Jesus to fill others' lives with undeserved grace.

Resources:

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Becoming-One_-Week-3_-Intentional-and-Inviting-Communication-Discussion-Guide.pdf

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Becoming-One_-Week-3_-Intentional-and-Inviting-Communication-5-Day-Devotional.pdf

In a world demanding our allegiance, we face constant pressure to compromise our faith for acceptance and comfort. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reveals that faithfulness isn't about doing something loud—it's about refusing to move when everyone else bows. Their devotion was settled long before the crisis arrived. Most compromise happens in small moments, not during major crises. True faith says 'even if' God doesn't meet our expectations, we'll still worship Him. God doesn't always remove the fire, but He joins us in it, transforming our circumstances through His presence.

Resources:

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Becoming-One_-Week-2_-Discussion-Guide.pdf

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Becoming-One_-Week-2_-5-Day-Devotional-.pdf

We all long for deep connection where we can be known without performing and loved without fear. Biblical submission, as described in Ephesians 5:21, means voluntarily ordering ourselves out of reverence for Christ, not fear of people. The difference between contracts and covenants is crucial - contracts say 'I'll give as long as you give,' while covenants say 'I give because I have already been given to.' Grace must come before commands because God's empowering presence enables us to fulfill His instructions. Love is learned through walking in Christ's example, not something we fall into. This cruciform love applies to all relationships - marriage, singleness, friendships, and community - where we practice self-giving love because we are already loved by God.

Resources:

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Becoming-One_-Week-1_-Covenant-Love-in-a-Contract-World-Discussion-Guide.pdf

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Becoming-One_-Week-1_-Covenant-Love-in-a-Contract-World.pdf

Fear often disguises itself as wisdom, convincing us we're being realistic when we're actually holding back from God's calling. Through the parable of the minas, we see how fear creates a distorted view of God as harsh and demanding, leading us to bury our gifts instead of multiplying them. The fearful servant preserved his mina but produced nothing, while the faithful servants took risks and saw multiplication. When we understand that God's love isn't conditional on our performance, we're freed from the fear of failure. Our identity becomes secure in His grace, allowing us to take risks not to earn His love, but because we already have it.

Resources: 5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Fears-That-Form-Us_-Week-3_-Failure-5-Day-Devotional.pdf Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Fears-That-Form-Us_-Week-3_-Failure-Discussion-Guide.pdf