Threefold Vow: A Marriage Amid the Adversities of Life and Its Redemption

By Bercelin Louiny

The subtitle A Marriage amid the Adversities of Life and Its Redemption suggests that Threefold Vow aims at marriage and family. However, the target audience of Threefold Vow is much wider. I am very confident that it will be a tremendous blessing, especially if you fall into these categories:

You are struggling with an addiction. Perhaps you have tried many times to escape from that bondage, but unfortunately still find yourself ensnared by it. Your marriage is on the brink of divorce, and you feel like there is no way out. You are or were incarcerated and perhaps see no meaning to life.

If you dont fit in these categories, you will be reminded that the Prince of life is still in the business of speaking life into dead situations.

So, if you were thinking of getting a copy of Threefold Vow, I urge you to do so. For God wants you to have an abundant life. Enjoy your reading!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490818528

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 Bercelin Louiny.

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Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright ©1997 by Tyndale House

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-1851-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-1853-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-1852-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013922082

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/9/2013

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1 God Honors Vows

Chapter 2 My Personal Vow

Chapter 3 The Perfect Marriage

Chapter 4 The Corrupted Marriage

Chapter 5 The Last Marriage

Epilogue

Notes

Foreword

I t was a Saturday morning, after our small group meeting, when Bercelin told me that he was going to write a book on marriage. And I thought, Bookstores, both secular and nonsecular, have shelves of books on this subject. Why write another book on how to get married or what to expect in a marriage? But when we met and discussed the project, I realized that more than another exposé on one of the hottest topics in quotidian circles of life is still needed. This book is an inspiring account of God’s faithfulness and restorative power. Though bookstores shelves are inundated with works on this topic, it is the uniqueness of every story or testimony that brings the kind of hope and encouragement God’s people need for today’s conjugal challenges, like Threefold Vow .

The attractive aspect of this project is that it is a real-life story, an amazing testimony in which Bercelin gives us a peek at his past challenges, his road to recovery, and his eventual triumph within the context of family and marriage. It is an anecdote relevant to our times. Recent surveys reveal that divorce rates are ever escalating, marriages are being broken at supersonic speed, and the alarming actuality is that this is more prevalent in Christian bonds. What could be the impetus behind such a disquieting reality? The greatest enemy of family is a broken marriage, and Satan’s agenda in this area is rich with strategies. Selfishness, pride, adultery, and debauchery, among other vices—all become the launching pad for his deadly darts.

The family is the basic unit that facilitates God’s eternal blessings. The promise made to Abraham was that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him—one family became the source of blessings for all other families. As such, it is plausible to conclude that there are demons whose sole task is to destroy families, thus inhibiting the divine blessings reserved for families.

What more shall I say? As mentioned, the paramount theme in this book is one of restoration and reconciliation, a bringing-together that mirrors the work accomplished by Christ. Indeed, for many, Threefold Vow will be challenging; to others, it will be encouraging; and yet to some, it will be just the inspiration needed to get over a present hump. As you read, take time to analyze the content; see how it may fit within the scheme of what may be happening in your life. I urge you to embrace the practical counsel housed in the following pages. For in doing so, you will uncover a wealth of insight in the area of building and maintaining a marriage from a restorative perspective. Thank you, Bercelin, for allowing me to be a part of this significant project for our time. Best wishes and continued success in the Lord!

Pastor Christopher Cassagnol

Miami, Florida

August 2013

Preface

F or many, turning forty is the start of a midlife crisis, when everything goes downhill. That holds true for any culture, context, creed, or race. As I prepare to celebrate this milestone of my relatively young life, I cannot help but reflect on an odyssey marked by rocky roads, hollowed creeks, and muddy waters. Through it all, God was ever present, and His finger was at work, directing every turn of events—His unfathomable providence! Sharing my testimony in book form was the furthest project from my mind. However, God thought it good that I share my story with those who may be going through what I went through, who will probably face the challenges I faced, or who simply need inspiration for their life and ministry.

This book does not aim to debunk any doctrinal issue or establish any theological concept, but to tell my personal testimony so that God’s children can be edified and nonbelievers can be touched by the power of the Holy Spirit. The title, Threefold Vow, evolved from a prayer that was a vow of some sort. I made this vow to the God when I was facing the darkest moment of my life. Making a vow unto the Lord is like making a deal with Him, and in this deal there were three things I asked God to do for me. I also promised to be an available vessel to Him.

When the Lord had placed in my heart to write this book, I was very perplexed and nervous. I did not know where to start. I knew it was going to be about my testimony, but I felt that my testimony was not enough for a book—perhaps a booklet. The prompting of the Holy Spirit, however, pressed incessantly on my heart, until I decided to start the work.

Because writing was one of my weakest subjects in school, embarking on this journey was a daunting task. When I finally obeyed and penned the first chapter, thoughts flowed through my mind. I then knew what to include in the book besides my testimony. I realized that God saved my life because He had called me since I was in my mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5), but it took me thirty-four years before I acknowledged it. Being that I was married, by restoring my life, He also restored my marriage and my family. For Satan was using me to destroy my marriage. He is always looking for a door to enter the family and cause havoc. But God stepped in at the right time and turned everything around. Thus marriage is the focus of Threefold Vow.

Here are what to expect to read in the following chapters: In the first two chapters, I will discuss the concept of a vow and detail my personal testimony. The subsequent chapters will provide a breakdown of the foundational structure of marriage. And the epilogue will outline the work God has done and the fruits of restoration my family and I enjoy.

I am confident that this book will be a tremendous blessing to someone who is struggling with an addiction. Perhaps you who have tried many times to escape from some type of bondage, but unfortunately still find yourself ensnared by it. This book has good news for those whose marriage is on the brink of divorce and feel like there is no way out. In the pages of this manuscript, the Restorer will reveal Himself to someone