The Skinty

Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart by John Ensor

Book Description

“Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart defines and describes biblical masculinity and femininity for single adults. I would also encourage those who are married to read it. John Ensor is a creative and theologically astute writer. I have thanked him for writing this book and you will too.”
C. J. Mahaney
Sovereign Grace Ministries

“John Ensor provides a radically biblical alternative to the supposed wisdom of our age. Though sometimes raw, frank, and frustrated, Ensor is always sanctified and often poetic. He celebrates differences, bringing into clear focus the oft-disputed fact that God created men and women to be equal and symmetrical but not identical. For all who are weary of our culture’s assault on biblical manhood and womanhood, this book is a refreshing reminder of the Bible’s simple wisdom governing love, relationships, marriage, and matters of the heart.”
Tim Challies
Christian blogger (Challies.com); editor, Discerning Reader

There is a radical, biblical alternative to much of what is taught and practiced today regarding relationships. Doing Things Right in Matters of the Heart presents a bold plan for escaping the swift currents of contemporary patterns of hooking up, shacking up, and breaking up. It draws a compelling vision of complementarity between the sexes. It instructs men on what to do and informs women on what to look for in their mutual pursuit of a healthy, tender, long-term relationship.

Skinty View

I’d highly recommend reading this book!! If you are married, single, dating, whatever the case may be, this is an excellent book for those looking to learn what God has to say about male/female relationships. Author John Ensor is gifted with an ability to teach God’s word while being very plain spoken about it yet giving clear insight of what thus saith the Lord:) For example, Paul tells the Corinthian church: “but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” 1 Corinthians 7:9 (NKJV). That’s a scripture that many either love or hate, love because this gives license to marry for sex or so it seems. Hate because who wants someone that only wants them for sex? Ensor explains this scripture via his real life situation of dating his now wife then girlfriend. He said that he’d often take her to places where he could try to get her to give in basically not his exact words however. He’d then turn right around after getting her to said place and take her out of the situation he’d just placed her in.

He said that desire that was raising up in him was the warning signs for him to prepare to marry her. Not that he’d marry her to fulfill lust, but that the desire served as a warning that the time was com ing to marry, therefore he’d put focus on a serious commitment to the woman he loved. Again not his exact words my own breakdown of what’s said. Bringing to light this scripture in relation to marriage when unable to hold out!

Ensor also beautifully paints the picture of the male female role in relation to the male being the head of household. How that doesn’t mean women are inferior to men, but that they are equals with different assignments and roles within the relationship. Using examples of how we women are wired to receive this oppose to it being something to be looked down upon. And how society coupled with the sin nature of even the believer who doesn’t live this out biblically (and don’t forget hard heartedness), leaves the role for women as being less desirable or gravely misunderstood. Yet when God’s word shines through and we gain true understanding we see the beauty of his design and how it’s truly for the good of all involved.

Highly recommend this book. Only qualm I’d have or rather think others would have is his description of some things, he used the B word to explain it’s use. I wasn’t offended in the context in which it was used however others may be. He refers to secular writers and singers, well I might add. But if that’s an offense to someone again letting that be known simply because I’m writing this as a recommendation. It would not deter me from buying this book over and over again and passing it on to others.

With all of that said, you can check out the link here to buy it at amazon. I believe it can be found at Borders and Barnes and Nobles as well.