1. You asked….

2. How old should I be to start dating?

3. How old should I be to start dating?
What have your parents said?
How do you feel about it?
There’s no right or wrong age. Over half of high school students don’t date anyone while they’re in high school.

4. Do I have to date someone who is a Christian?

5. Do I have to date someone who is a Christian?
Yes! Paul says “do not be unequally yoked” with people who don’t follow Jesus. (II Corinthians 6:14)
Watch how she/he lives to see if the person’s faith is the “real deal.”

6. How far is too far?

7. How far is too far?
Trying to get as close to “the edge” as you can without falling over is a bad idea!
To stay far from “the edge” remember the three nothings…

8. The Three Nothings Nothing below the neck. Nothing comes off.
Nothing lying down.

9. But shouldn’t I get some experience so I can be ready when I get married?

10. But shouldn’t I get some experience so I can be ready when I get married?
No! Part of the fun of marriage is figuring out sex together.
Prior experience is bad for your marriage (there will always be memories or comparisons of past sexual partners).

11. But what if I have already had sex?

12. But what if I have already had sex?
Just like any other time we don’t follow God’s way, we can confess and receive forgiveness through Jesus. Check out Psalm 51.
God doesn’t re-do your virginity, or un-do consequences, but if you’ll honor God’s way from now on, God heals the heart.

13. If you get into sexual trouble…
Tell an adult you trust!
Your parent(s)
School counselor
Pastor/church adult volunteer
PLL (Branson West near the high school)

14. What about rape?

15. What about rape?
If you are a victim of rape or molestation, you have no need to ask for forgiveness because you did nothing wrong.
God loves you, is hurt by what happened to you, and wants to heal you. Tell an adult you trust right away.

16. What about “safe sex”?

17. What about “safe sex”? You can still get pregnant.
You can still get a disease.
Sex is only “safe” when you honor your partner and God in a marriage commitment.

18. Remember!
God made sex and said it’s good! God made your sex drive. It isn’t dirty or wrong if used as directed.

19. Remember!
Song of Solomon is a Bible book about a wedding night and how good it is! It’s worth waiting for!