The Penners pay special attention at the beginning of the book to teach how the sexual relationship between Christian husbands and wives reflects the intimate relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church, as found in Ephesians, chapter 5. There is to be mutual love, respect and submission in our relationship on all levels.

On page 202 in the book there is a helpful chart that shows how to work at developing the total person relationship. It is well worth checking out and putting the effort into implementation.

Readers will also find plenty of clinical information in the book along with suggestions on how to encourage 'discovery' of the wonderful gift from God. Be courageous and take the time, praying for God to open your soul to the liberties He has made available.- Bill S.

Solomon, in this expressive book, reveals the Wisdom of God that enables married couples to revel in the 'gift' of pleasure that God has richly given as an integral part of the marriage relationship. A key theme in Intimacy Ignited, as noted by the authors, is the idea that it is God's intent that we be ?Servant Lovers? in contrast to ?Selfish Lovers?. This concept cuts right to the heart of a man's treatment of his wife and the wife's treatment of her husband. This truth naturally relates to all areas of marriage, yet we might not be aware that God intends application of this principle to sexual love within the marriage. For example, ?Servant Lovers give themselves permission to extend and receive passion, whereas Selfish Lovers remain stuck in their old ways of thinking and acting.? (p.34)

The authors work through the Song Of Solomon, using the key sections showing the relationship between Solomon and his bride. Each section is presented as the biblical text portrays and is followed by an interpretation, based on God's Word and Hebrew culture. Then comes opportunity for both husband and wife to learn some application, including written prayers which can be used to direct our hearts to our Father who created us and knows fully how to promote growth in our sexual experiences in the context of unselfish servant hood.

In the book, Intimacy Ignited, you will find that Song of Solomon teaches: ?Wisdom, Passion, Explicit Sexual instruction, Romance, Honesty, and Inspiration to ignite intimacy in your marriage.? (p.24)

Since God's inspired Word reveals such wonderful instruction it will bless your marriage to study, pray for understanding and courage to implement and then let the Lord lead you to His sense of liberty. - Bill S.

Right at the outset the Wheats remind the reader that a loving relationship is the foundation for a satisfying sex life within marriage. A loving relationship, based on the example Christ showed in giving Himself sacrificially, builds a secure basis for growth in every aspect of married life; choosing to love one's spouse through agape love is what really works. ?Love, in essence, is that deliberate act of giving one's self to another, so that the other person constantly receives enjoyment. Love gives, and love's richest reward comes when the object of love responds to the gift of one's self. If a man and wife so give themselves for each other, each will have a sense of completeness and contentment.?(p.33)

With a sense of God's perspective on His intentions for pleasure, along with the foundation of a loving relationship within the marriage, the Wheats then build the framework. They deal with the physiological aspects of male and female anatomy, techniques for physically fulfilling the one flesh relationship, and some specific issues that may be problem areas for both men and women.

Family planning information is also included, as well as concerns about having sex while pregnant. Sex in the senior years is covered. There is also a section of questions and answers that is worth perusing.

Intended for Pleasure is an excellent resource to get the newlyweds started on the right track and it is well worth the read for those who have been married longer. Enjoy!- Bill S.