A very important book thoroughly grounded in Scripture. In it, the author gives a brief account of his own story, then encourages the reader to reorient the issue from same- or opposite-sexuality to holy sexuality and from taking identity from sexuality to taking identity from being made in the image of God.

For those in the church who may be just learning how to deal with the subject of same-sex attraction, the book will both help reorient thinking toward a Scripturally-grounded world view and offer very useful advice on how to navigate our culture on the subject both within and outside of the church. In doing so, the author will, perhaps, challenge readers to refine their thinking on the subject and treatment of others who have different views. And isn't that what ought to happen when we continually check our preconceived or culturally-based ideas against the whole counsel of Scripture? ( )

The book examines what the Bible teaches about a variety of topics related to sexuality: the human condition, original sin, sexual orientation, sexual desire, sexual temptation, moral standards regarding marriage and sexual relationships, marriage, and singleness. I think the author explained and analyzed what the Bible says on these subjects very clearly, and laid out the hope and joy that the gospel brings to believers following the teachings. The author pointed out some dominant thinking about LGBTQ identities, singleness, romantic relationship, and marriage are not in line with the teachings of the Bible. He provided some suggestions on what discipleship should look like for believers struggling with sexual temptations, and how Christians should witness to unbelievers.

Some favorite quotes:
-"We need to be honest and transparent with trusted others about our struggles with unchosen and often ongoing temptations. However, further segregating ourselves into straight Christians and gay Christians gives the false impression that we're fundamentally different at the core of our being. We need more unity, not less, and this segregation by 'orientation' is in essence a form of affective apartheid."
-"The only sexual revolution Jesus advocates is the one that raises the bar on sexual purity."
-"Holy sexuality-- faithfulness in marriage and chastity in singleness-- is the only correct end for desire."
-"According to Scripture, marriage is not two halves becoming one-- it is two wholes becoming one. It's inaccurate for engaged individuals to say their fiance completes them. No other person completes us. We're complete only in Christ. I often tell my students, 'Be whole before you become one.'"
-"Jesus proclaims in Mark 10:6-8 not only that male and female are essential to marriage but also that marriage points to the image of God -- thus bringing together both the nature of marriage and the nature of humanity."
-(the author quoted from a Christian friend whose wife passed away) "I mused on the idea of our marriage being fulfilled, and it gave me a new slant on thanksgiving for dear Floy. Our marriage was not interrupted, but fulfilled! No need to talk about renewing our relationship as husband and wife in heaven. Our marriage was an 'on earth' institution, and it is now fulfilled."
-"When you feel a certain discontent in your marriage, even when your marriage is healthy and good, this is normal. There's only one marriage that will bring you ultimate contentment." (He's referring to the believer's union with Christ.)
-"We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God's grace."
-"One of Satan's best weapons is isolation."
-"Actually, we should live with blinders, as horses do. But instead of blinders for the left and right, we need blinders for the back and front, our past shame and future anxiety."
-"When we put so much focus on our friends or loved ones as the main answer to our ailments, we really make the second commandment (love of neighbor) the greatest commandment (love of God)."

There was one chapter that strongly rebuked the teachings by Matthew Vines and others, that I wish he didn't write. I felt he already provided valid interpretation of the Bible that refuted the contents of those teachings in previous chapters, and it was unnecessary to devote an entire chapter to tell readers these false teachers are bad for you. ( )

Lent to Nadia