TRUE LOVE INTERACTIVE STUDY GUIDE
What the Bible says about relationships and
marriage (leader and student handbooks)
By Dr Chris Richard’s & Dr Liz Jones
EP Books. 65 pages (leader)/47 pages
student). Study packs (one leader/five student
handbooks) £9.99. Additional student
handbooks £1.49 each
ISBN 978 1 783 972 012 (leader) /
978 1 783 972 029 (student)
This is another great resource from Lovewise, for use at home or in church groups.
True Love is an interactive, five-part Bible study, with each session lasting approximately 40-60 minutes. The studies consider the biblical view of: Singleness and Marriage; Understanding Marriage; Why Keep Sex for Marriage?; Going Out in a Way That Honours God; Sexual Temptation.
In the leader guide, additional resources in the appendix deal with issues prevalent in society that are likely to come up in the context of the studies: divorce; the legal redefinition of marriage; transgender; complementarity; pornography; masturbation; homosexuality. Additional material for further in-depth study of each area is also suggested.
Videos available
I particularly liked the fact that each study has a video accessible via URLs or QR code blocks. In them, people discuss their personal experience of the session topic in an open and accessible way.
The authors suggest that the material is suitable for ages 14+ and it is indeed ideal for this age group. However, we need to be realistic in acknowledging that the loud and competing voices from our over-sexual-ised society mean that, sadly, our children often face these issues before the age of 14. Personally, I would feel happy using this material with my 12-year-old son as well as my 14-year-old daughter.
Set in the context of grace
In the Sexual Temptation study there is a wonderful video link about a ‘new start’ through forgiveness in Christ. However, I would like to encourage group leaders to set each of the modules more explicitly in the context of God’s grace and mercy available through the cross of Christ. Sadly, many young people are already battling in the areas covered. Therefore it is vital that this is acknowledged, so that young people know ‘what to do or who to talk to’ if they are already struggling – turning to God and also to mature believers who can provide help and accountability where necessary.
