2 Corinthians 5:16-17
What’s the purpose of examining our dating lives? We no longer look at things from a worldly point of view. We must train ourselves to look at male-female relationships from a Godly perspective.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
What’s our job as an unmarried Christian? To be devoted 100% to God. Take advantage (v.40)
PURE (with each other)
Married to God—“…he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” (1 Cor.6:17)
Your body belongs to Him
Treat your body the way he would treat it
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (Rev. 21:2)
God’s example of absolute & heavenly purity is a Beautiful, Unstained Bride
“Nothing impure will ever enter it…” (Rev.21:27)
Standards of Purity--“How can one born of woman be pure?” Bildad to Job (25:4)
The World Doesn’t Believe it’s possible—let’s share our faith by showing that it CAN
Flirting—needs to be a line of respect b/w bros. & sisters
Boundaries/Too Comfortable
PROTECTED (from the world)
What’s our ultimate goal in relationships?--“…that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Col 1:28)
Brothers…
“Treat [the] younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” (1Tim.5:2)
Sisters getting hit on/given attention—(now, don’t give in)
Sisters…
Brothers being tempted—(now don’t give in)
Dress—Be sure to find out what you’ll be doing on the date & dress appropriately, get advice!
Attitude—It is an honor to date in the Kingdom. You must have an attitude of gratitude.
After the Date—Write a card. You should use this time to show gratitude.
Don’t forget, you might be training to be a great wife one day—don’t give yourself a bad Rep. (Prv.22:1)
“A good name is more desirable than great riches”
PLANNED
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” (Col.3:17,23)
before you ask ...
Majority of “asking” should be the brothers job//but sisters can ask too
Pray...
Be prepared... (have it planned b4 you ask her—don’t say it’s a surprise just to cover up bad planning!
Have her in mind when you ask…not what you want to do—do your research (flower she likes, food)
Budget whole date (make sure you can pay for it)
Work on Appearance, be sharp—get advice!
Work out transportation (offer gas $ or wash/vacuum car if you don’t drive)
"Word" – ‘asking for a date’
Communicate excitement to be able to spend time w/ bro/sis in Christ
Ask her in a creative way—(card, singing telegram, candygram, note in fortune cookie)
Don’t wait till 2 days b4, give at least 5-6 days notice
when you ask her out, let her know…
when and where you’re going—when she can expect to be home
who your double will be
how they should dress
Write down the info on your calendar to make sure and remember
Call during the week to confirm & encourage
"Deed" – ‘on the date’
“Work at it with all your heart”
General Advice:
This is a time of encouragement—leave your negative attitude at home
If you decide you’re going to be open about your struggles…try to get advice 1st, & tame your tongue,
(gossip, slander, crude remarks, sarcasm & venting in anger are still wrong) (speak well of others)
Remember: say only what is helpful and builds each other up—
Demonstrate Courtesy: open doors, pull out chairs, eat with mouth closed, don’t be loud and overbearing or quiet and selfish)
Encourage, praise and build up your date
Also, if something bad happens on the date—pray and be mature
So what if the restaurant was closed even though you had reservations, Big deal if you spill a little soda on your new pants
You’re a Disciple! Have a good time and roll with the punches
It’ll be a great memory—and who knows – maybe you’ll be laughing about it with the person you went out with 10 yrs from now, who just happens to be your HUSBAND OR WIFE!
Most married couples met each other in college—who knows, you might be sitting next to your future spouse?!
"In Jesus’ Name"
not for men (not even for him/her or because of him/her)
God will reward you
HELPFUL HINTS
Local newspaper (Friday’s issue), LA Times (Calendar Section)
Entertainment Book, Coupons in Paper
Do more creative & active things rather than movie/video dates (if you do, use kidsinmind.com)
Inexpensive Date Ideas...
Hiking (Mt. Hollywood, Eaton Canyon, Sleepy Hollow)
Beach Dates (Volleyball, Cook Fish, Bon Fire, Rollerblading, Bike Rentals, Frisbee)
Paddleboat/Canoeing in city or county lakes
Karaoke
Kingdom Wedding
Doubles Tennis or Pool (although be careful with worldly pool halls)
Active Indoor Games (Taboo, Cranium, Pictionary, Gestures, Charades, Nertz) Make up a game
Walk on local pier, enjoy surroundings, ice cream
Quiet parks (Lacy, Griffith), Gardens, Observatories, Arboretums (San Anita, Descanso, Huntington)
LA hole in the wall coffee shops, bookstores (Xian Section), bistros, cafes
(Sweet Lady Jane’s, Busters, Anastasia’s Asylum) Look for Free Live Music too
(Finding places where disciples are working is encouraging for both—leave big tip)
Pizza Party—brothers bring dough, sauce & cheese & sisters supply toppings
Museums (Pasadena, Downtown, Getty)
Window Shopping (3rd Street, Old Town, The Grove, Fashion Is., Spectrum, Balboa Is.)
College Sports Events (Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Soccer)
Make your own cards
Take train or bus (during daytime is probably better)
Try Theme Dates: Beatles, Cowboy, French, Game Show (Millionaire), Bible Characters
