Sex, sexuality, and gender are the keywords of our culture today. Meaning and purpose are to be found in who we (eventually) find ourselves to be regarding these three things. Or so says our culture.

But God is the creator of sex, sexuality, and gender, and he has much to say about his creation in these areas. Scripture does say that these identities and behaviors are important to human personality and flourishing, but they are not the key that unlocks ultimate meaning and purpose for each and every person. That belongs to God alone. It is in knowing him that we come to understand how sex, sexuality, and gender enrich our lives, and how we use these gifts to serve others and to serve God and his greater purposes in creation.

Harvest USA has more than 35 years of ministry experience in helping men, women, and families that struggle with sex, sexuality, and gender. Through our direct ministry to those who struggle (work which we do free of cost to those who come to us for help), and through the teaching and educational ministry we give to churches and institutions throughout the world, Harvest USA brings the clarity, hope, and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to these critical issues.

In this issue of harvestusa magazine, you’ll find Dave White’s main article, “Just What is Godly Sex? How Sexual Pleasure Points to Something Greater,” where he discusses how sexuality is best understood, not as an end in itself to be pursued at any cost, but as a particular gift for a particular time where it serves greater purposes. Sex, sexuality, and gender flourish when used within God’s design.

Tammy Perlmutter’s testimony of living faithfully with same-sex attraction, “Same-Sex Attraction and Me,” and her reflections of being in an inter-gendered marriage, “My ‘Mixed-Orientation’ Marriage,” are two powerful articles of how God brings life and beauty out of suffering and faithfulness.

And Nicholas Black’s statement on Harvest USA’s position on reparative therapy, “The Destructive Expectations of Reparative Therapy,” clarifies the kind of ministry work Harvest USA has been doing for more than three decades.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

This issue includes:

Just What is Godly Sex?
David White

Is a Struggle with Porn a Deal-Breaker for Getting Married?
Mark Sanders

Rebuilding Sexual Intimacy after Sexual Betrayal
Ellen Dykas

A Couple’s Journey after Sexual Betrayal
Drew & Tilina Chheang