God, You, & Sex

I requested this book not knowing what to expect. I'd never read a Christian book on sex before - except for the chapter or two dealing with sex in all the marriage books I read-. The first chapter I read was chapter 11, "parenting challenges and opportunities" because I have two teenage boys and a preteen daughter. Conversations about sex, as David White says, are awkward, but they are necessary. I found that chapter to be very good, and although we may not agree on every point, we definitely agree that our teenagers need to understand why it's so important to protect their sexuality.

I like White's straightforward yet very kind and gentle tone. He is a man who has experienced pain, so he calls his readers to treat others with compassion; the way Jesus treated people.
This book is about much more than sex, though. Chapter 12, Biblical sexuality in public, is a call to not be afraid to explain our understanding of sex as God created it, but also, to love people we disagree with and not to judge their sexual brokenness. We're all sinners. I appreciated that chapter!
In the final chapter, after reminding the reader that sex is a temporary thing that is confined to our experience of life on this earth, he does a wonderful job in his writing about the new earth as something so much more real and more true.
I will look out for a copy of this book to have on hand. I recommend it to pastors, youth pastors and parents alike.

With thanks to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the digital reviewer copy.

David White explores sex from a Biblical perspective, addressing it theologically, relationally, socially, and so on. This is not a how-to book, but an exploration of the deeper meaning of sex as God intended it, specifically as it relates to Christ and the church.

I do not consider myself that old, but as a never-married woman in my upper 30s who remains committed to abstinence before marriage, I do not have many peers. I was drawn to this book because I have been increasingly aware of my own sexual brokenness in recent years—single sexuality a very difficult thing, especially as hormones change and the biological clock starts ticking. I want to honor God in this, and while I have zero desire to change my beliefs, I have every desire for a marriage that includes intimacy in every form.

When I took a look at the Introduction through Amazon's Look Inside feature and saw that the author has a heart for singles, and is "most eager for you to read this and be encouraged by God's heart for you," I was all in. I can only address this book from my own perspective, but I found the author compassionate, sensitive, and vulnerable in sharing from his experience, both from his personal life as well as his career as a pastor and counselor.

I appreciated the care he took in presenting such an important issue from a Biblical worldview. Not everything will be what people want to hear, but he speaks with grace and love. While I am not sure I agreed with his every theological point when it comes to sex, overall this is a book I would not hesitate to recommend for someone interested in learning more about these issues, or even just how to speak about them to a world with such different sexual ethics. I found I got more out of the book the further into it I delved, with the last chapter being especially encouraging.

Thank you to Read With Audra and New Growth Press for my copy of the book. All opinions in this review are my own.

So, what is at heart of the marriage union? The single image of God separated into the two sexes is reunited in the physical union powerful enough to create life. "It is the union of two persons who originally were one, were then separated from each other, and now in the sexual encounter of marriage come together again". And it is because God has reunited what was once separated that Jesus commands us to honor marriage: "What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.

Sex is about God- I think that line is the thread of this text and because of that, it becomes about worship. We are made in the image of God, made for His glory and ultimately for our good. Even in Christian circles, sex is misunderstood and thus used as a weapon. We are sexual beings, however, any good thing can be used to destroy the very thing that it was created for. Each 13 chapters gives you deeper understanding of not only sex but about worship.

1) Sex and God
2) God as our Lover
3) The Profound Mystery of Sex
4) Sexual Pleasure reveals a God of Delight
5) Sex in Relationship
6) Sex is about Serving Each Other
7) Guarding the Gift
8) Single Sexuality
9)Sex in a Broken World
10) Sex against God's Design
11) Parenting Challenges and Opportunities
12) Biblical Sexuality in Public
13) Sex and Eternal Hope

Sex is a beautiful gift to us from the creator but it is a gift that has given the world so much misunderstanding. Sex is more than pleasure, there is a deeper level that brings life to the soul. Highly recommend for anyone who wants more for their marriage, more for their single life, and more for the Gospel of Christ.

A Special Thank You to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

In our current age, this Title is a welcome one.

When it comes to sexual intimacy and relationships the Bible is not prudish. However the Bible does have a high bar and ethic when it comes to such matters.

David White has given not only the church, but I believe society at large should they wish to pick this book up, a great resource.

His arguments are scripturally grounded, with the addition of personal anecdote. The book is not prescriptive or formulaic to the point of crassness as some books are, but addresses the subject maturely, scripturally, and sensitively.

Being well grounded, White also wants readers to see the deeper meaning behind our sexuality.

This was a good book to read on the subject and one that folk should have the openness to engage with.