Dating A Biblical Perspective Written by: Marcos Bomfim, MA Director of the Department of Family Ministries for the South American Division of Seventh-day Adventists in Brasilia, Brazil. From Revival and Reformation: Families Reaching Across. Presented by: (add presenter name here)
Overview of Dating Purpose of dating For Gods glory Part of the process of becoming independent For marriage Following Gods will Be different than the world
In Eden: There was no choice Choice: Seems presented unfavorably Antidiluvians Esau Samson Christian criteria for choosing The Biblical History of Choice
Not Canaanites An angel goes before you Main criteria: Character qualities Involved the family Isaac prayed as he waited Modesty as attraction Biblical Example: Isaac and Rebekah
It should not be secret 2 Corinthians 4:2 That which is secret will be revealed Luke 8:17 Dating is subject to judgment 1 Corinthians 4:5 2 Corinthians 5:10 Ecclesiastes 12:14 Transparency
Unequally Yoked Amos 3:3 1 Kings 11:1-6 Divorce, dating and remarriage Sexuality Boundaries of Love
1.It has a beginning: the man leaves the parental family and becomes independent. 2.Gods will is to be a heterosexual monogamy. 3.It is a complete companionship: one in mind, heart, will and action culminating in one flesh. 4.In its character it is indissoluble. It is a union marked by trust and loyalty. 5.It is the legitimate place for sexual intimacy. Adapted from Ekkehart Mueller, The Gift of Sexuality, The BRI Newsletter, Number 39, July 2012, pg. 13 Sexuality: 5 Characteristics of a Marriage
Fornication – includes premarital sex, adultery, incest, homosexuality, sodomy, etc. Adultery – sexual relations with someone other than the spouse Homosexual activity – the effeminate seems to take on the role of the woman in a homoerotic relationship; asernokoites describes who adopts the male role (1 Corinthians 6:9) Sexuality: Sexual Sins
Incest – sexual relationship with a close relative Divorce – Jesus spoke against divorce as did Paul Intentionally mismatched marriages – Widow/widower may remarry, but only in the Lord; also can be understood as a warning against marriage of a non-believer. Pornography – description or representation of any type of sexual impurity, generally with the intention of provoking sexual desire Sexuality: Sexual Sins
Masturbation – act of self sexual stimulation for pleasure; generally associated with pornography or other sexual sins. Consequences – stimulates impure thoughts against Gods commandments; outside Gods original plan for two real people. Healthy sexual activity: an expression of love Sexuality: Sexual Sins
We are called to be children of light Consequences can be permanent What to do? 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Sexuality: Sexual Sins