Subscribe to this blog by EmailElephant in the Living (Together) Room - part 2
Well, I knew this was going to be a interesting message because of the way that living together is viewed these days in culture. Society is telling us that it’s ok to have sex and live together before getting married and it will be better for the relationship in the long run, but as we talked about that’s obviously not the case. What culture is telling us is not working, and it actually puts the odds against the success of the relationship.
I also knew that this would be a polarizing message. Reading some of the comments from my previous post sound a lot like the comments I received after each of the services. People were glad we hit this issue head on. The Bible says the God’s Word is sharper than any double edged sword and I have a feeling that some people felt just how sharp it can be. Those are the people I’m praying for. I really am praying that they don’t dismiss what they heard, for the sake of their current or future relationship. If you know one of those people, the best thing you can do for them is pray that God will continue to work on their heart. It may take months, even years, but every person needs to come to their own conclusion that God’s way really is the best way. We can’t force them to change, they have to want to change, and unfortunately sometimes it takes the pain of a failed relationship or marriage to bring that about.
Filed under: Week 5 - The Living (together) Room
Great message. Wish I had heard it when I was a teenager/early 20’s. I didn’t have that influence in my life at that time.
I hope EBC continues to speak on the topic at least once a year so my kids can hear it as they grow up. How can I instill sexual purity morals in my kids when my past wasn’t so pure?
The message WAS great. But it left me with feelings of guilt and shame. If I had to do it over again…
Thanks for not using the “if you can get the milk for free, why buy the cow?” analogy!
Anonymous
I think Jason Strand said it well a few weeks ago, when it comes to talking to our kids about subjects where we aren’t the best example, remember;
We are not the standard, Jesus is.
Without giving all the gory details I think as parents we can talk to our kids from the perspective of, “Don’t make the same mistakes I did.” Those feelings of regret you have, I’d say use it as motivation to talk to your kids. We need to point our kids toward the example we see in Scripture and encourage them to live the way God shows us in his word.
I think a lot of us would like to have a “do over” when it comes to sexual purity, but remember when we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive them. Like I said, there are consequences for our actions, but Christ offers us forgiveness, healing and hope.
Wow, what a great way to present the message God wants us to hear. I am a Grandmother and am passing this message to my kids so they have the information for our Grandchildren. The culture is really giving this message constantly. We were at a wedding the night before and the Bride and groom lived together for 4 years, first. It was so strange and missing so much. I couldn’t get the whole situation out of my mind. The message on Sunday helped me deal with it in a better way. Can I get a CD of this for my kids?
thanks for attacking the most difficult lissues now in our culture. Do keep it up!
Lana,
You can pick up CDs at the bookstore, but your grandkids can watch the entire message online at our website. The link is at the upper right corner of this page.
I posted on the other thread, but I wanted to address something to “Anonymous” who said; “But it left me with feelings of guilt and shame.”
It’s sad that most people’s experience of “church” is one of blaming and shaming. God does not blame, and God does not shame. God loves. God forgives.
We all sin, and no sin is worse in God’s eyes. Nothing we do or think outside of God’s plan makes God love us any less. We need to remove those feelings of blame and shame, and then change our lives. God has given us a guidebook; God never said it would be easy, but because of the way we’re all made, it will always be the BEST way.
What a great message and what a great series. I met my current “boyfriend” in my small group at Eagle Brook. (I say boyfriend which sounds silly when you are in your 40’s). We have been dating now 1 year in May. One of our early conversations as we started dating was about boundaries and waiting to have sex. He was in total agreement. We both have been in previous relationships where that was not the case. I had been in a relationship for a long time. I did take 3 years off from dating after that one. I grew spritually during that time. I began to pray that God would help me meet a man who shared in my faith. The man who I am dating was also specifically praying for the same thing. We then met a year ago. We are so glad we are waiting this time. Our relationship has grown so strong and we have God in the center of it. What a difference it makes. It was so nice to sit next to each other during this message and not be squirming but to be praising God and thanking Him that we are honoring Him and our bodies by waiting. Thank you for having the courage to speak this message and I so encourage others out there to wait…it is so worth it.
Jason,
This message really hit home for me. I also wish I could’ve heard it several years ago so I didn’t have to suffer with the guilt and shame I feel whenever I think about past failed relationships or one night stands. I have struggled with sexual immorality for years but this gave some hope to my situation. I am ready to make a change, to repent. However, it’s a hard thing to do when I know that I’ll never be “pure” again and that those mistakes are scars that I will carry with me forever. Are there any good books on this topic?