We had been sitting down in an Indian Restaurant, enjoying a meal, chatting with each other non-stop for well over half an hour. We kept noticing this couple in front of us, who had barely said a word to each other over this whole time. In years past, both of us may have been tempted to think such a couple were sadly lacking, with no evidence of spark or chemistry or compatibility.
Listening to four new topical talks from the Bible entitled ‘Love, Sex and Marriage’ by Phillip Jensen, has been a great reminder to make sure the ongoing foundation of our marriage is not these fleeting characteristics, but faithfulness to our marriage vows.
The talks were recorded earlier this year, and are an updated version of Phillip’s popular and well-known series on the same topic, originally recorded in 1986. We recommend this series to marrieds and singles, Christians and non-Christians alike, as it shows how God’s way, with regard to sex, makes much more sense, and is far more attractive, than alternative views. One of the strengths of this presentation is the way it helps listeners to judge worldly attitudes to sex and relationships by the searching light of the Bible.
Phillip shows how sources such as the sexual revolution of the 1960s, Hollywood and our popular media largely determine our view on this subject, promising a path to fulfilment, which instead delivers discontentment, heartache, broken relationships and less satisfying sex. He contrasts this with God’s wonderful plans shown in the big storyline of the Bible, which reveal his desire to save and transform a people for himself through Jesus Christ, a people who will love and obey him in every area of life, including the way they use their bodies.
We are then told God has only designed sex for the faithful heterosexual relationship of marriage, so as to bond male and female together in the most intimate of human relationships, as well as for procreation.
This big picture provides a great context for Phillip to reveal biblical wisdom regarding whether to marry or remain single; who to go out with or marry; how far to go before marriage; separation, divorce and re-marriage; sex within marriage, and lust. This is also one of very few Christian resources to openly address the topic of masturbation.
These talks encourage all of us to live in accordance with God’s plans for his glory, especially in relation to all these matters, and so worth investing in for your sake and others.
