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  • Song Of Songs (part 3) -- a celebration of covenant sex and romantic passion [185]

    Song Of Songs (part 3) -- a celebration of covenant sex and romantic passion [185]
    2026/08/03

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    In this episode we conclude our Song of Songs series with a break down the biggest interpretive debates around Song of Songs and explain why a purely allegorical reading collapses the text into endless guesswork. We also name the book’s core themes, showing how covenant marriage, erotic desire, and spiritual meaning fit together without embarrassment.

    • why Song of Songs often gets treated as allegory only
    • what an allegory is and why the text never labels itself that way
    • how bad presuppositions about sex distort Bible interpretation
    • why canonicity objections usually come from discomfort
    • how Scripture uses marriage as a metaphor without erasing earthly marriage
    • examples of hymn lyrics that ignore context
    • Song of Songs themes: mutual pleasure, exclusivity, intimacy, passion, beauty

    Sign up for the annual Intimate Covenant Marriage Retreat where we will dig into these themes from the Song of Songs: intimatecovenant.com/retreat


    For a deeper dive, here's a list recommended resources to expand your perspective to help with reading the Song of Songs:

    • Allender, Dan B., and Tremper Longman III. God Loves Sex: An Honest Conversation about Sexual Desire and Holiness. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014.
    • Alter, Robert, trans. Strong as Death Is Love: The Song of Songs, Ruth, Esther, Jonah, and Daniel: A Translation with Commentary. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2015.
    • Longman III, Tremper. Song of Songs. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.
    • Pope, Marvin H. Song of Songs: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. The Anchor Bible, vol. 7C. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1977.


    Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

    • Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29
      We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free.
      Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.
    • Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
      Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products.
      Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
    • Date Your Spouse (formerly, Dating Divas) — https://dateyourspouse.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
      Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
      Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!
    • Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT
      Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.
      Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
    • Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
      Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.
      Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT"



    To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com

    Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!



    Cherishing,
    Matt & Jenn




    Support the show
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    32 分
  • Song Of Songs (part 2) -- the cast: a sexually confident wife and her adoring husband [184]

    Song Of Songs (part 2) -- the cast: a sexually confident wife and her adoring husband [184]
    2026/07/20
    Send us Fan MailWarning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.We keep our Song of Songs series going by unpacking the main characters and what their symbolism says about marriage, desire, and intimacy. why the lovers are unnamed and ageless, inviting us to see ourselves in the poems why we read the Song of Songs as an anthology of love poems rather than a strict timeline the wife as the primary voice, including initiation, pursuit, and desire body image and modest self-talk contrasted with a husband’s verbal affirmation the husband as “beloved,” including the power of affectionate, honoring language daughters of Jerusalem as a chorus for discipleship and sexual wisdom the mother’s role in sexual instruction and marriage formation brothers and watchmen as cultural forces that restrict, harm, or create barriers sexual trauma named in the text and the hope of healing through safe intimacy Join us at the annual Intimate Covenant Marriage Retreat: intimatecovenant.com/retreatFor a deeper dive, here's a list recommended resources to expand your perspective to help with reading the Song of Songs:Allender, Dan B., and Tremper Longman III. God Loves Sex: An Honest Conversation about Sexual Desire and Holiness. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014. Alter, Robert, trans. Strong as Death Is Love: The Song of Songs, Ruth, Esther, Jonah, and Daniel: A Translation with Commentary. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2015. Longman III, Tremper. Song of Songs. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001. Pope, Marvin H. Song of Songs: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. The Anchor Bible, vol. 7C. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1977. Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free. Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant. Coconu — http://www.coconu.comCoconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products. Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenantDate Your Spouse (formerly, Dating Divas) — https://dateyourspouse.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfxStrengthening marriages one date at a time.Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANTModest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT" To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing! Cherishing, Matt & JennSupport the show
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    37 分
  • Song Of Songs (part 1) -- the Bible's semi-erotic playlist [183]

    Song Of Songs (part 1) -- the Bible's semi-erotic playlist [183]
    2026/07/06
    Send us Fan MailWarning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.We're starting a series to lay the groundwork for reading the Song of Songs with clarity. In this episode we discuss the title, authorship, and the book’s unique structure. We share why our approach may feel less traditional (it's really not), yet still honors Scripture and helps couples talk about covenant love and sex without forcing the text into a storyline it never claims to be. why we call it Song of Songs rather than Song of Solomon where the book sits in the Hebrew canon and why it is read at Passover what Solomon’s name might signal without proving authorship why Aramaic and historical clues suggest a later composition how poetic devices and double entendre shape meaning and modesty why a narrative plot creates confusion and why an anthology reading fits better how seeing it as a romantic playlist helps couples study and discuss it together Join us at the annual Intimate Covenant Marriage Retreat. This year our theme is BELOVED - exploring love and romance in the Song of Songs.For a deeper dive, here's a list recommended resources to expand your perspective and help in reading the Song of Songs:Allender, Dan B., and Tremper Longman III. God Loves Sex: An Honest Conversation about Sexual Desire and Holiness. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014. Alter, Robert, trans. Strong as Death Is Love: The Song of Songs, Ruth, Esther, Jonah, and Daniel: A Translation with Commentary. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2015. Longman III, Tremper. Song of Songs. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001. Pope, Marvin H. Song of Songs: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. The Anchor Bible, vol. 7C. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1977. Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free. Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant. Coconu — http://www.coconu.com Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products. Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenantDate Your Spouse (formerly, Dating Divas) — https://dateyourspouse.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx Strengthening marriages one date at a time. Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free. Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/ Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market. Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT" To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing! Cherishing, Matt & JennSupport the show
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    44 分
  • What Science Reveals About Lifelong Intimacy [182]

    What Science Reveals About Lifelong Intimacy [182]
    2026/03/09

    Send us Fan Mail

    We explore findings from three recent scientific studies that show how flexible expectations, strong relationships, and emotional meaning shape a lifetime of sexual satisfaction in marriage.

    • Bouchard KN, Cormier M, Huberman JS, Rosen NO. Sexual script flexibility and sexual well-being in long-term couples. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2023.
    • Tavares IM, Rosen NO, Heiman JR, Nobre PJ. Longitudinal associations between relational and sexual well-being. Family Process. 2024.
    • Henninger W, Heinz M, Taylor N. Love, Sex & Aging. Social Sciences. 2025.

    Warning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.


    Additional info:

    Ladies, make your voice and experience heard, take part in new sex research: The Lived Experience of Marital Sex: Women's Perspectives -- www.surveymonkey.com/r/QRWQPWK

    Join us at the Intimate Covenant Annual Marriage Retreat -- details and registration: www.intimatecovenant.com/retreat

    RiverHills Retreat Marriage Enrichment Weekend -- Hayden, Alabama; April 18th. Register here: intimatecovenant/alabama


    Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

    • Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29
      We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free.
      Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.
    • Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
      Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products.
      Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
    • Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
      Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
      Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!
    • Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT
      Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.
      Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
    • Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
      Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.
      Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT"


    To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com

    Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!




    Support the show
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    37 分
  • The Conflicts of Pursuit, Response & Rejection [181]

    The Conflicts of Pursuit, Response & Rejection [181]
    2026/02/09

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode, we share a few more segments from our live Q&A at the 2025 Annual Retreat; all of these had to do with the pursuer-responder dynamic. Specifically, we covered questions about:

    • What is God teaching me through the pursuer-responder dynamic?
    • Is compromise the answer to sexual desire discrepancy?
    • What if, despite the sterotype, the husband doesn’t want sex?
    • How should a wife deal with the role of reluctant dual-pursuer?


    Register at intimatecovenant.com/Alabama for the River Hills Retreat Marriage Enrichment Weekend in North Alabama.


    Registration for the 2026 Intimate Covenant Annual Marriage Retreat opens on February 14th. intimatecovenant.com/retreat


    Warning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.


    Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

    • Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29
      We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free.
      Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.
    • Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
      Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products.
      Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
    • Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
      Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
      Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!
    • Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT
      Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.
      Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
    • Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
      Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.
      Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT"


    To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com

    Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

    Cherishing,
    Matt & Jenn

    Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

    www.intimatecovenant.com
    Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

    Support the show
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    33 分
  • Marriage Retreat Live Q&A - keeping secrets; defining virginity; aging; and more... [180]

    Marriage Retreat Live Q&A - keeping secrets; defining virginity; aging; and more... [180]
    2026/01/26

    Send us Fan Mail

    What happens when a room full of couples asks the questions most people are afraid to say out loud? We lean into the hard stuff: purity culture hangovers, what “counts” as sex, how to tell the truth without breaking trust, and how aging bodies can still enjoy rich, connected intimacy. Recorded live at our Intimate Covenant Marriage Retreat, this candid Q&A blends biblical wisdom, practical tools, and warm honesty to help you move from silence and shame to clarity and closeness.

    Ready to invest in your marriage? Subscribe, share this episode with your spouse, and register for our September retreat when doors open on February 14th.

    Warning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.


    Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

    • Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29
      We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free.
      Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.
    • Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
      Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products.
      Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
    • Date Your Spouse — https://shop.dateyourspouse.com/?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
      Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
      Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!
    • Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT
      Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.
      Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
    • Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
      Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.
      Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT"



    To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com

    Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!



    Cherishing,
    Matt & Jenn

    PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

    Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

    Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate



    www.intimatecovenant.com
    Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

    Support the show
    続きを読む 一部表示
    47 分
  • Q&A - creating a community for porn recovery; unity despite differing passions; and more...[179]

    Q&A - creating a community for porn recovery; unity despite differing passions; and more...[179]
    2025/12/08

    Send us Fan Mail

    Today we’re sharing some excerpts from our live Q&A session during a recent Marriage Day in Illinois. Listen to our responses to questions about:

    • How to find unity of spiritual purpose when we have different passions?
    • As a wife, how do I avoid nagging in my role to be a helpmeet?
    • How can we create a community for porn recovery and support for betrayed spouses?
    • Practically speaking, how do we pray together as a couple?
    • How do I deal with with sexual dysfunction?

    Warning: This podcast covers necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.


    Bring Intimate Covenant to your community! Book a Marriage Day in 2026—email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com.


    Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

    • Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29
      We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free.
      Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.
    • Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
      Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products.
      Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
    • Date Your Spouse — https://shop.dateyourspouse.com/?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
      Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
      Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!
    • Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT
      Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.
      Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
    • Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
      Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.
      Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT"



    To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com

    Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!



    Cherishing,
    Matt & Jenn

    PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

    Join us at on Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

    Consider a one-time gift: www.intimatecovenant.com/donate



    www.intimatecovenant.com
    Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt

    Support the show
    続きを読む 一部表示
    39 分
  • Darwin, Freud, & Holy Sex -- Unmasking the Roots of Sexual Taboo in Christianity, part 3 [178]

    Darwin, Freud, & Holy Sex -- Unmasking the Roots of Sexual Taboo in Christianity, part 3 [178]
    2025/11/03

    Send us Fan Mail

    We trace how Darwin and Freud shaped cultural ideas about sex and how these philosophies have infiltrated even modern religion.

    1. Darwin and Freud both rejected a divine order of the universe or a spiritual guide for moral and ethical living. Their influences profoundly shape the course of modern philosophy and our current society.
    2. Many modern Christians have unwittingly adopted influences from Darwin and Freud into their own theology, especially in how we approach sexuality and sexual desire.
    3. We must reject the idea that sex is purely biological or that sex is in contrast to spirituality. The Bible teaches that sexuality is created by God with spiritual significance, purpose and importance.

    Warning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.


    Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

    • Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29
      We’re a Christian-friendly, marriage-centered sex toy and marital aid store for couples that’s nudity-free.
      Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.
    • Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
      Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products.
      Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
    • Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
      Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
      Shop from this link and your part of your purchase will help support Intimate Covenant. Check out their Sexy Subscription Boxes!
    • Honoring Intimates — https://www.honoringintimates.com/?ref=INTIMATECOVENANT
      Modest and classy premium lingerie, model-free.
      Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
    • Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
      Ginger & Peach lingerie is a Christian husband and wife owned brand bringing classy, model-free lingerie to the market.
      Get 10% off your order and support Intimate Covenant with code: “INTIMATECOVENANT"


    To send your comments, questions and suggestions, go to our website: www.intimatecovenant.com/podcast and click on the button: “Contact the Podcast” for an ANONYMOUS submission form. Or, send an email: podcast@intimatecovenant.com

    Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!


    Cherishing,
    Matt & Jenn

    PS — If you have been blessed by the message of this podcast, we would deeply appreciate your support by donating to our mission of spreading God’s plan for intimate marriage and holy sexuality.

    Join us at Patreon: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant


    www.intimatecovenant.com
    Intimate Covenant | Matt & Jenn Schmidt


    Support the show
    続きを読む 一部表示
    42 分