Celebrating Intimacy and Romance

Doug Britton, M.Ed., MFT

$14.99

Discover biblical encouragement for a loving, joyful sexual relationship with your spouse. Learn what the Bible really says about sex. Find help if you have suffered sexual abuse or rape. Learn steps to overcome temptation.

Expect to change and grow. The practical, cross-cultural truths in these easy-to-read pages will make a big difference in your marriage—whether it is young-to-old, great to not-so-great.

This book is the eighth in Doug’s Britton’s eight-book “Marriage by the Book” series. These books help couples apply the Bible’s truths in every aspect of marriage. Although Celebrating Intimacy and Romance is part of a series, it stands by itself as a complete book.

Paperback: Wire “spiral” binding. 176 pages.
Published by LifeTree Books

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 Get the Bundle

Save time — Order all eight books in the “Marriage by the Book” series as a bundle!

Celebrating Intimacy and Romance is:

Three-in-one

There’s no need to buy a separate marriage book, workbook, and leader’s guide for small groups—this book includes all three. You have the flexibility to use it however you want.

Bible-based

You won’t read secular advice with a sprinkling of verses. Instead, you will be transformed as you learn how to turn to God and apply his Word.

Cross-cultural

Since Laying a Solid Foundation is based on the Bible, its truths apply to every racial and ethnic group. When purchasing this book, you can choose a multicultural cover or an African-American cover.

“I have known Doug and his wife for many years. Many relationships in our church have been strengthened and enriched through the use of his ‘Marriage by the Book’ series.”  Ephraim Williams, Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church (Sacramento, CA)

Practical

This book doesn’t just tell you what to do—it shows you how to do it with easy-to-follow steps. Real-life stories and examples illustrate key points.

“Practical Practical Practical! ‘Marriage by the Book’ is for couples who really want a strong marriage. Doug Britton puts the cookies on a shelf where it’s easy to reach them, using the Bible plus simple exercises to do it! I recommend every couple go through this series in a date night or in a small group with other couples.”  Tom Tunnicliff, Ed.D., Pastor of Chaplaincy, Elmbrook Church (Brookfield, WI)

Easy-to-read

Text is broken into small, easily-digested portions. Points are clearly identified with headings, bullets, and check boxes.

Interactive

“Make it personal” questions, quizzes, and exercises help you apply the lessons in your own marriage.

“‘Marriage by the Book’ is a life-changing series that will bring Christ into your marriage. The series will guide you step-by-step as you wrestle with the right questions, so you can see Christ-centered results. Whether your marriage is healthy and thriving or needing an overhaul…this series will help you. I know this because it’s helped my marriage.”  Craig Sweeney, Lead Pastor, Heights Church (Citrus Heights, CA)

About the Author

Author and Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist Doug Britton has helped hundreds of thousands of people as a therapist, clinical director of a treatment center, seminar speaker, radio co-host, and author of over twenty books. In each book of the “Marriage by the Book” series, Doug draws upon his extensive experience counseling married couples. More importantly, he goes directly to the Bible and applies its truth and wisdom to problems couples face today.

Chapter 1:
Adopt God’s View of Sex

(Sample)

I am my lover’s and my lover is mine. (Song of Songs 6:3)

God designed marriage to be the most intimate of human relationships, a joining of body to body as well as soul to soul, a relationship surrounded by love. He intended sexual intimacy between a husband and wife to be pleasurable and fun for both.

God’s plan has not changed. He still wants our lovemaking to flow from an ongoing friendship and commitment to love for a lifetime.

God’s view of sex is different from the world’s view.
The wonderful sexual relationship that God intends for a husband and wife is vastly different from the sexuality we see in the world. The world sees sex as being about the same as scratching an itch—“if it feels good, just do it—and don’t worry about whether or not you are married.” God’s view is that sex provides a married man and woman a beautiful, pleasurable way to express and receive love.

Although God’s view of sex may seem similar to the world’s view in some ways, the experience is profoundly different. This can be illustrated by considering fire.

Fire is life-giving in some circumstances, yet it is life-threatening in others. If you were in the wilderness, you might welcome a campfire. You could stand near it to keep warm, and you could roast marshmallows over it. But if you were to encounter a forest fire, it would be an entirely different matter. You would fear for your life. Sex, like fire, can be delightful or destructive.

Make it personal
Write a prayer asking God to help you clearly see the difference between God’s view of sex and the world’s view:

 

The Bible’s Message

In this chapter, you will read what the Bible says about sex. As you will see, God describes the sexual relationship between husband and wife as something wonderful—something exhilarating, refreshing, and intoxicating—as well as a means of creating life.

If you find it difficult to read the following verses because you see sex as something unpleasant or wrong, don’t despair. God has an entirely different type of experience in mind for you than what you might have experienced in the past. He will help you substitute the pure for the impure.

Genesis
The Bible’s first words about marriage are recorded in Genesis. In this book, God defined marriage as a man and woman becoming “one flesh,” making it the most intimate of human relationships.

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:23-24)

Proverbs
The book of Proverbs shows us that God intends our times of lovemaking to be exhilarating. In Chapter 5, the husband is encouraged to rejoice in his wife and enjoy her breasts.

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. (Proverbs 5:18-19)

Some Bible translations use different words for “captivated.” Re-read these verses, substituting the following words for “captivated”: “ravished” (King James Bible); “transported with delight” (Amplified Bible); “exhilarated” (New American Standard Bible). The New International Version Study Bible commentators suggest one more term: “intoxicated.”

Song of Songs
The Song of Songs (also known as the Song of Solomon) describes the love between a husband and wife in wonderful, sensuous terms.
Some Bible scholars disagree about who is being talked about in the Song of Songs. Others point out that Solomon, the author, eventually had many wives and concubines and did not provide an example of consistent, faithful love.

However, there is no question that the Song of Songs is part of the Bible, and that God is the ultimate author. The frankness and sexual imagery he used illustrate an exhilarating, intimate relationship between husband and wife.

As you read the following verses, notice that:

  • The husband and wife are friends as well as lovers.
  • Each person eagerly anticipates making love.
  • Each desires to give the other pleasure.
  • Each praises the other’s beauty.
  • Each talks about their sexual relationship without inhibition.
  • Each enjoys making love.

Chapter 1. The woman speaks: (2) Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine. (16) How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant.

Man: (15) How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.

Chapter 2. Woman: (3) Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. (4) He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (5) Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. (6) His left arm [“hand” in the King James, Revised Standard and Amplified Bibles] is under my head, and his right arm [or “hand”] embraces me. (16) My lover is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do so many marriages have problems?
Most marriages start out with two people who are certain they can craft a wonderful union. Yet as the years go by, many never experience the passionate, joyful life they expected. Author Doug Britton says a key reason is that most people do not know how to create a great marriage God’s way.

Is my marriage hopeless?
Regardless of your situation, there is hope—the sure hope that comes from God and the truth of his word, the Bible.

What if my spouse won’t read with me?
It’s ideal if you both read this book. However, if your spouse doesn’t want to join you, read it on your own. Learn how to be the best husband or wife possible. God can perform miracles in your personal life—and in your marriage—even if you study on your own.

Can I use this book for pre-marriage mentoring?
Yes. It covers the most important truths couples need to know at the beginning of their journey together.

Learn More

What are some topics covered in “Celebrating Intimacy and Romance”?
In these pages you will discover many Bible-based insights and practical tools. A few examples:

  • The Bible’s view of sex
  • The difference between “making love” and “having sex”
  • Why the world’s picture of sex is ultimately unsatisfying
  • Steps to overcome sexual sins — past or present
  • Steps to find healing from rape and sexual abuse
  • Guidelines regarding oral sex, sex toys, and other activities

Digging deeper
Enjoy a thrilling romantic and sexual relationship. This Bible-based book on sex, romance, and sexuality will help you enjoy a thrilling sexual relationship. Read God’s plan for married Christian couples to join together, body and soul, in sexual intimacy. And discover timeless truths that will help you escape the world’s corrupting influences and enjoy a delightful sexual relationship.

If you already have a wonderful friendship and sex life, Celebrating Intimacy and Romance will help you find even greater intimacy and enjoy love, playfulness and tenderness, just like Solomon and his beloved in the Song of Solomon.

If you are dealing with guilt, negative feelings about sex, or pain from your past, this book will help you find freedom. Its insights and practical biblical advice will help you overcome the effects of sexual abuse, rape, pornography, or your own sexual sins—past or present. You can look forward to discovering how to make love with joy.

Marriage by the Book — 8-Book Series

Multicultural Covers

Laying a Solid Foundation Making Christ the Cornerstone Encouraging Your Spouse Extending Grace to Your Mate Talking with Respect and Love Improving Your Teamwork Putting Money in its Place Celebrating Intimacy and Romance

African-American Covers

Laying a Solid Foundation Making Christ the Cornerstone Encouraging Your Spouse Extending Grace to Your Mate Talking with Respect and Love Improving Your Teamwork Putting Money in its Place Celebrating Intimacy and Romance

Marriage by the Book — 8-Book Series

Reviews

“I would like to recommend the ‘Marriage by the Book’ series by Doug Britton. These books are well written, engaging, and Biblically-based, with numerous insights from Doug’s years of counseling couples. I especially like the many practical, down-to-earth suggestions he offers. Get the series, do the study and exercises, and then watch what happens!”

Dann Bryant
Associate Pastor, Arcade Church (Sacramento, CA)


“’Marriage by the Book’ is a wonderful tool to help even the best of marriages become better. Doug has provided practical everyday applications of God’s wonderful instruction book for all married couples. Many times it feels as if Doug has been sitting in our home as we have dealt with the issues he addresses. Every married couple should go through this series at least once. We have been married over 35 years, and the last two years since we have been involved with ‘Marriage by the Book’ have been the best by far … and they are just getting better.”

Bob and April Basura
Small Group Leaders


“Doug Britton has written some of the most relevant resources for dealing with real-life issues. You’ll appreciate the caliber of the content, the interactive approach, and the dynamic results that follow these resources.”

Steve Brown
District Administrator, NCN HonorBound Men’s Ministries


“Practical! Practical! Practical! ‘Marriage by the Book’ is for couples who really want a strong marriage. Doug Britton puts the cookies on a shelf where it’s easy to reach them, using the Bible plus simple exercises to do it! I recommend every couple go through this series in a ‘date night’ or in a small group with other couples.”

Tom Tunnicliff
Ed.D., Pastor of Chaplaincy, Elmbrook Church (Brookfield, WI)

What is “Marriage by the Book?”

Celebrating Intimacy and Romance is book 8 of the eight-book “Marriage by the Book” series.

Each book is written by author, speaker, and Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist Doug Britton.

This book works as three-in-one:

  • Book — with practical, Bible-based real-life information.
  • Workbook — with quizzes and “Make it personal” questions scattered throughout each chapter.
  • Small group leader’s guide — with guidelines for small group leaders and chapter-by-chapter discussion questions at the back of each book.
FAQ

How will reading “Celebrating Intimacy and Romance” help us change?
This book doesn’t just tell you what to do. It shows you how to do it, with:

  • Self-assessment quizzes to identify reasons for problems
  • “Make it personal” questions throughout the book (with space to write your answers) that help you apply the lessons
  • Exercises you and your spouse can do together
  • Personal plans to help you grow in six key areas of your marriage

Is “Celebrating Intimacy and Romance” only for troubled marriages?
Nope. It is for every kind of marriage, great to not-so-great. Whatever your situation, you will find practical insights and tools that will help your marriage flourish and grow.

Is this book for new marriages or long-time marriages?
Its practical, Bible-based advice will strengthen and bless your marriage, whether you are newlyweds or you have been married for decades.

Is this book cross-cultural?
Yes. Since it is based on the Bible, its truths apply to every racial and ethnic group. When you place your order, you can choose a multicultural cover or an African-American cover.

Can we use this marriage book for a small group study?
Yes. Celebrating Intimacy and Romance includes a small group leader’s guide with:

  • Tips for leaders
  • Step-by-step meeting plan
  • Discussion questions for each chapter

What are some topics covered in “Celebrating Intimacy and Romance”?
In these pages you will discover many Bible-based insights and practical tools. A few examples:

  • The Bible’s view of sex
  • The difference between “making love” and “having sex”
  • Why the world’s picture of sex is ultimately unsatisfying
  • Steps to overcome sexual sins — past or present
  • Steps to find healing from rape and sexual abuse
  • Guidelines regarding oral sex, sex toys, and other activities

What if my spouse won’t read this book with me?
It’s ideal if you both read this book. However, if your spouse doesn’t want to join you, don’t say, “I’ll read it, but only if you will.” Instead, learn how to be the best husband or wife possible. God can perform miracles in your personal life—and in your marriage—even if you study on your own.

Why do so many marriages have problems?
That’s a great question. After all, most marriages start out with two people who are certain they can craft a wonderful union. Yet as the years go by, many never experience the passionate, joyful life they expected. After helping approximately 1,000 marriages, Bible-based Marriage and Family Therapist Doug Britton says a key reason is that most people do not know the Bible’s instructions about how to create a great Christian marriage—or they don’t know how to apply the instructions.

Why do readers say they like “Celebrating Intimacy and Romance”?

  • It is practical, cross-cultural, and Bible-based.
  • Text is broken into small, easily-digested portions.
  • Points are clearly identified with headings, bullets, and check boxes.
  • The writing style is direct and straight-forward.
  • Real-life stories and examples illustrate key points.
  • “Make it personal” questions help couples apply the lessons.
  • Each chapter is summarized at the end of the chapter.
  • Wire binding makes it easy to write in the book.

Digging deeper
Enjoy a thrilling romantic and sexual relationship. This Bible-based book on sex, romance, and sexuality will help you enjoy a thrilling sexual relationship. Read God’s plan for married Christian couples to join together, body and soul, in sexual intimacy. And discover timeless truths that will help you escape the world’s corrupting influences and enjoy a delightful sexual relationship.

If you already have a wonderful friendship and sex life, Celebrating Intimacy and Romance will help you find even greater intimacy and enjoy love, playfulness and tenderness, just like Solomon and his beloved in the Song of Solomon.

If you are dealing with guilt, negative feelings about sex, or pain from your past, this book will help you find freedom. Its insights and practical biblical advice will help you overcome the effects of sexual abuse, rape, pornography, or your own sexual sins—past or present. You can look forward to discovering how to make love with joy.

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