“In a world starving for genuine, lasting intimacy, a loving Christian marriage is a powerful witness to the gospel and the goodness of God. Let’s overturn the worldly notion that only newlyweds can be expected to make frequent, romantic, touching a matter of lifestyle.” (page 79)

C.J. Mahaney’s Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know stands as a poignant no-nonsense discussion of a desperately needy topic. As the leader of the growing Sovereign Grace Ministries, an experienced pastor, and one with a passion for Biblical counseling, Mahaney covers an issue that many tragically are reluctant to cover. In a world saturated with all things sexual, books addressing God’s view of sex and the church’s proper application of it are paramount. It is refreshing that in recent years more books are being written on this critically important subject. I’m excited to eventually get and read John Piper’s recent book on this subject as well. Mahaney’s work on addressing a Christian perspective of sex comes packaged in a brief 127 page book aimed primarily at men, but capped off with a chapter from his wife, Carolyn, on what she calls “A Word to Wives.”

The book itself is quite frank in its discussion and application, bridging in-depth topics regarding marital intimacy and applying them in concrete rubber-meets-the-road (well, bedroom in this case). While the main topic of the book would appear to be the act of sex, the majority of the read progressively builds to this through a discussion of the background and godly intention of the sexual relationship. Who created sex? Why is mankind fashioned for sex? What is the purpose of sex? of the sex drive? How should sex affect the marriage relationship? What should be the husband’s attitude toward sex? What vital truth does sexuality reflect and what are it’s implications? And in the last section to wives… What should be the wife’s attitude and response toward sex?
All these questions are needy questions that Mahaney Biblically answers by steering our attention to God’s answers on these questions and more. Most of the book’s Biblical focus centers on the book of Song of Solomon (although some repeated attention is given also to Ephesians 5). I appreciated his belief and explanation on the purpose of Song of Solomon being literal rather than spiritual in it’s application. While some commentators assert that the content is merely symbolically focused on Christ’s relationship to the church, it is more contextually and logically accurate (I believe along with Mahaney) to view Solomon’s God-inspired song as a literal love book of marital bliss. As I said, I appreciate Mahaney’s insight and contextual application of this often overlooked portion of Scripture. My attention and interest in further study in Song of Solomon is definitely increased.

To give you a brief sampling of the content and passion behind it, below are a few quotes from the book.

“Something of the selfless love, care, and sacrifice that Jesus shows toward the Church is supposed to be evident in you as you relate to your wife. Something of the respect, submission, and devotion that the Church shows toward Jesus is supposed to be evident in your wife as she relates to you.” (page 25)

“Your marriage is meant to point to the truth of the crucified and risen Savior who will return for his Bride.” (page 24)

“A union so comprehensive, so irreversible, and so unquenchable that in all things and in all circumstances it points to the goodness and glory of God.” (page 102)

“Displayed at the cross for all to behold, the perfect love of Christ for his Church is meant to inform and inspire our love for our wives.” (page 104)

I trust your interest is peaked as you read through these quotes above and reflect on God’s view of marital intimacy and it’s direct implications for your life. In a world careening into further sexual depravation, we as the redeemed must seek to wrap our minds around God’s view of sexuality and then seek to apply it in fully redeemed cross-centered, God-exalting ways!

Follow the links provided to secure your own copy.
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know

Also, I was able to track down a link to an archived recording of C.J. Mahaney on the book back in 2004. Enjoy!
http://www.mp3hunting.com/sex-romance-and-the-glory-of-god-what-every-christian-husband-needs-to-know.he33d.html

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