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Matt and Jenn explore how ancient Greek philosophy has shaped modern Christian attitudes toward sexuality, creating an unbiblical culture of shame and stigma around sexual desire.

• Plato's dualism in the 4th century BC separated body and soul, viewing bodily desires as inferior to spiritual pursuits
• Stoicism further emphasized suppression of passions, teaching that sex was only acceptable within marriage and solely for procreation
• The Apostle Paul directly confronted these philosophies, calling those who forbid marriage and require abstinence "liars" devoted to "deceitful spirits"
• Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 4 that everything created by God is good and should be received with thanksgiving
• The biblical solution to misdirected desire isn't suppression but redirection toward what truly fulfills
• Proverbs 5 instructs husbands to "be intoxicated" by their wives' love—language of abundance, not restraint
• Sexual desire isn't worldly or dangerous but God-designed to teach us about our need for connection
• Modern Christians must examine where their beliefs about sexuality come from—Scripture or Greek philosophy

Join us for our annual retreat, September 18-20th, focusing on ONEness in marriage. Register at intimatecovenent.com/retreat.

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
• Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
  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
  Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
• Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
  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: [email protected]
 
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

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Matt and Jenn use a cooking analogy to explore how great married sex requires more than just "spices" – it needs solid foundational ingredients of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical connection.

• Adding more spice to bad ingredients doesn't make a dish better; it likely makes it worse.
• In struggling marriages, focusing solely on sexual excitement without addressing overall closeness leaves couples unsatisfied
• All aspects of intimacy (spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) are interconnected and strengthen each other
• The upcoming annual retreat will explore the theme "One" and these interconnected aspects of intimacy.

Join us for our annual marriage retreat, September 18-20, featuring special musical guest Trey Keller! Register at intimatecovenantcom/retreat. If you'd like to help couples attend through our scholarship fund, donate here:
https://intimatecovenant.com/donate/

Or,  contact us at podcast@intimatecovenantcom

*** Check out Matt's interview by Nate Whitson of the Get in the Fight Podcast

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. 
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com
  Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products. 
• Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
  Strengthening marriages one date at a time.
  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: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

 
  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

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

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Send us a text

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.

Difficult conversations are at the heart of successful marriages, yet many struggle with vulnerability and emotional expression. We explore practical ways to share feelings authentically and address how to reveal past mistakes you've been hiding.

• Sharing your feelings can be a difficult conversation for some. This is a skill which may require intentional practice.
• Vulnerability is the heart of intimate relationships. Revealing the fullness of yourself is the only way to be loved for who you really are.

Join us on Patreon to access our Emotion Wheel and other helpful resources:
Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant: www.patreon.com/intimatecovenant

• 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: [email protected]
 
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

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, Matt & Jenn tackle two crucial questions from our listeners: how to make sharing feelings less intimidating (especially for non-confrontational introverts) and how to finally open up about those "skeletons in your closet" when you've never been fully vulnerable before. We explore practical approaches that transform these conversations from terrifying to transformative. As we share from our own experience, you'll discover that successful relationships simply cannot thrive without the ability to navigate challenging discussions.

1. Sharing your feelings can be a difficult conversation for some. This is a skill which may require intentional practice.
2. Vulnerability is the heart of intimate relationships. Revealing the fullness of yourself is the only way to be loved for who you really are.

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: [email protected]
 
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

Send us a text

In this episode, Matt & Jenn tackle the concept of "organic sex" and whether truly spontaneous intimacy is even possible in a long-term marriage. The myth that good sex should just naturally happen without planning or effort has damaged many marriages and created unrealistic expectations.

• Sex is natural but not naturally perfect - it requires intentional cultivation
• Many couples believe the Hollywood myth that passionate encounters should happen effortlessly 
• The best sex flows from creating space for connection across all dimensions of intimacy
• Physical intimacy is not separate from emotional, spiritual, and intellectual connection
• Seemingly "spontaneous" encounters are actually built on intentional groundwork
• Great sex isn't about spontaneity but about co-creating an environment where intimacy flourishes
• Most of what builds great sex happens outside the bedroom through everyday connection
• When couples focus on building multi-level intimacy, sex becomes a natural byproduct

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: [email protected]
 
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.intimatec

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In this episode, Matt & Jenn share an encore episode about reassessing your expectations for your marriage and moving the trajectory of your relationship through personal investment.

1. Mature past the selfish motivations of relationship and begin to see the true fulfillment of covenant love built on self-sacrifice — in your marriage and in your relationship to God.
2. Instead of asking "What do I want FROM my marriage?", change your perspective with a new question: “What do I want FOR my marriage?” Consider what more you can offer toward your covenant?
3. Begin the assessment of your relationship with humility and self-reflection. Then, have a conversation with your spouse to determine what you can do for them and for your marriage.

 
Download our State of the Covenant resource to help you assess your marriage and start the conversations to build better intimacy in 2025.
intimatecovenant.com/shop

Marriage Retreat 2025 registration opens February 14th: intimatecovenant.com/retreat  

Please support these companies that support Intimate Covenant:

• Married Dance — https://marrieddance.com/?aff=29 
  Shop from this link for special savings and part of your purchase will support Intimate Covenant.  
• Coconu — http://www.coconu.com 
  Your purchase helps support Intimate Covenant AND you get 15% OFF. Coupon Code: intimateconvenant
• Dating Divas — https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com?sca_ref=6278443.H6eWDeXGfx
  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
  Get 20% off and support Intimate Covenant with your purchase.
• Ginger & Peach — https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/
  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: [email protected]
 
Thanks for sharing, rating, reviewing and subscribing!

  Cherishing,
  Matt & Jenn

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

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Send us a text

In this "Christmas Q&A Potpourri" episode, Matt & Jenn are sharing segments from previous live Q&A sessions. We're answering the following questions:

• Should I sacrifice my desire for sexual intimacy if my spouse does not desire sex?
• What are your favorite topics of conversation for rejuvenation and reconnection?
• How do I handle my spouse being defensive when i ask them any question?
• How do I grieve unmet expectations?
• How often should we be having date nights and get-aways?
• Do you have any suggestions for making our bedroom a sacred space?

Get the "State of the Covenant" printable worksheet: https://intimatecovenant.com/shop/

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: [email protected]
 
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

Send us a text

In this episode, Matt & Jenn answer the following listener questions:

1. What advice do you have for couples that have great sex but struggle talking about sex? We’ve tried conversation starters but the answers are always brief.
2. I’m ashamed how much value I place on my spouses physical appearance. Self-improvement is a good virtue, but how do I ensure my motives are not immoral or shallow
3. I enjoy sleeping naked. My wife hates it. How can I encourage her to try & embrace it regularly. It's a great sensual way to enjoy each other without having sex.
4. I crave physical touch (not just sexually), as a pursuer how do ask for this without coming across as needy?  Rub my back, hold my hand, hug me.  How do I ask?

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: [email protected]
 
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.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode, Matt & Jenn share another set of clips from the Q&A session at our recent Annual Marriage Retreat. We cover the following questions:

• What ways can I warm my spouse up to more public displays of affection?  
• Discuss navigating, in different seasons, sexual pursuer/responder roles switching. It's not a smooth transition and can be confusing.
• What if you are the sexual AND the emotional persuer??
• I love giving my wife oral pleasure. She never reciprocates yet enjoys receiving. How do I keep from feeling resentful & help her to grow her desire for this?

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: [email protected]
 
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

Send us a text

This episode is an excerpt from the live Q&A session at the 2024 Annual Marriage Retreat. We’re sharing our response to the following question: “Can you go into further detail on how the act of sex can glorify God?” We’re also sharing our responses to questions about sex toys, solo masturbation, modeling a healthy sexual relationship for your kids, and when to talk to your kids about pornography.

We also want to thank the sponsors of this year's Retreat:

• Married Dance
• Coconu
• The Dating Divas
• Honoring Intimates
• Ginger & Peach
• Ultimate Intimacy
• Show Her Off
• The Adventure Challenge
• J. Parker

Please support these affiliate 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 — https://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: [email protected]
 
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