Sex

Scott Risley
Matthew 19:1-12

When the Pharisees challenged Jesus about the rules for divorce, Jesus confronted them with God's design for sex and marriage. Instead of asking what conditions will allow them to get out of their marriages, they should be asking why is their marriage failing. When each spouse is centered on a relationship with God, each is free to give sacrificially to the other instead of needing to take from the other. As each draws nearer to God, they draw nearer to each other.

Single and Divorced: Honest Talk about Sensitive Issues

Jim Leffel
Matthew 19:3-9

What does God have to say about sex as it relates to being single, married or divorced? Is it better to stay single or get married? There are unique tensions in living a single life such as: 1) sex and your identity; 2) finding the right person or becoming the right person; 3) disappointment; and 4) legalism. Difficulties resulting from a broken marriage are discussed: 1) what does God say about divorce; 2) are there legitimate reasons to end a marriage; and 3) what's after divorce? A testimony from Paco, who teaches a class called "How not to fall for a jerk" is included.

Sexual Intimacy in Marriage

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Paul teaches the Thessalonians about two biblical themes of sexuality: 1) the melding of persons; and 2) self-giving love. God's intent and purpose are radically different than the culture's, then and now. His way is better. Paul contrasts our culture's view that sexuality is for the benefit of self versus God's view that it is to benefit the spouse. God's way of sexuality mirrors His character and brings intimacy to the marriage relationship.\r\n

Three Assumptions About Sex

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Paul teaches the Thessalonians to follow God's will for sexuality and to be sanctified in this area. He explains that this means we live distinctly from the culture in regards to sex. The Roman views of sex and family are the same as our contemporary views. Paul addresses three assumptions about sex: 1) sex is an amoral natural impulse; 2) anything goes between consenting adults; and 3) how we view the self. He teaches that biblical sexuality is radically different and better.\r\n

Focus of Faith (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
Hebrews 13:1-4

The author of Hebrews affirms the idea that love is the main focus of the Christian life, extending to insiders, outsiders, and even to the oppressed. Another crucial component of healthy spiritual love is striving for marriage and sexuality according to God's design. This teaching includes a video testimony from Brian Gardner about overcoming hidden sin in his marriage.

Serving Love and Sexuality

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:8

We contrast two views of sexuality: God's view and our culture's view. We examine the devastating effects of living outside of God's design in this area: a deep emptiness and deteriorating enjoyment of sex. On the other hand, we can experience renewed liberation and a deepening appreciation of sex when we live out God's design for sex. In a God-centered relationship, as we begin to deepen our dependence on God and draw power from Him, we also grow closer to our partner.

The Nature of the Human Race

Dennis McCallum
Genesis 2:15-25

Two more characteristics of humans are described: 1) unity and diversity, and 2) being shameless, uninhibited, and free. These ideas relate to the way people view sex, marriage, peace, and anxiety. Because of the choice to eat from the tree in the garden, the previously healthy versions of these have been distorted. The tree of knowledge of good and evil represented autonomy and self rule, while the tree of life represented union with God, which can be regained in Christ.

Satisfying Sexuality

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 5:25

Sex should be reserved for a committed, love-based relationship (marriage). In biblical marriages both spouses draw close to God for their needs, and as they do this they free themselves to give to their spouse. Good sex comes from the love of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body).

Sexuality and Spirituality

Dennis McCallum
Genesis 2:24

Paul warned the Corinthian Church that sexual sins are sins against their own body. God's plan for sex in the context of a monogamous heterosexual marriage is given to us for our benefit. Sex in the context of a committed marriage is the best sex, and sexual promiscuity leads to an unquenchable sexual appetite.