Dates: Fridays: 2/13, 3/6, 3/13, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1
Location: Crusaders Church, 3821 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Since the creation of man, God has purposed men and women to unite as one for the sake of procreation and companionship. However, starting and maintaining a relationship can be a bit challenging for even the most outgoing person. Understanding the needs of the opposite sex, as well as understanding our own needs is vital to sustaining a long lasting marriage. Likewise, learning how to give and receive love plays an important role in preserving that special feeling that we cherish.
Let’s Talk About (Love, Marriage, and) Sex is a series on heterosexual relationships, beginning with falling in love, courtship, and marriage from a biblical perspective. The teachings will focus on building strong relationships that will endure the tests and trails that many couples will encounter. It will seek to share ideas and concepts that will help repair damaged marriages or add life to stagnant ones.
This class is open to those that are 18 and older desiring to learn about the dynamics of relationships and are seeking to prepare for matrimony or invigorate their current marriage. We ask that you do not bring children.
Marriage can be a wonderful part of the human experience with the right guidance and support. Pastor Pamela and I desire to share what we’ve gleaned from other successful unions, as well as our own testimonies that have cultivated and matured our bond for nearly a quarter of a century. We hope to generate some excitement about marriage and teach time tested, biblical principles that can impact our/your church’s culture.
Topics:
- Preparing Yourself for Marriage
- The Art of Attraction / The Skill of Romance
- Dating or Courtship
- Jumping the Broom
- The Art of Intimacy
- Planning a Family
- Loyalty
- Keys to a Happy Marriage
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Q & A
Question: I
desire to be married to someone who's saved, but those in the church aren't
attracted to me. I'm only attracting those outside the church, in which some
have expressed interest in visiting church with me. What say ye?
Answer: It should be the desire of every Christian to be equally yoked
with a believer, because conflicting beliefs can add unnecessary trouble in a
relationship. There is probably someone in the church that is attracted to you;
the connection just hasn't been made yet. I believe God has made someone for
everyone - except for eunuchs.
People are willing to do anything and say anything to get to
know someone, especially if the sexual attraction is strong. That is not bad,
but you have take time to uncover the motives. There is nothing wrong with
someone visiting a church with you, and that may be a good first date. At
church, close friends with spiritual discernment can analyze the person and
warn you of any traits that may not be a good match for you. It's a safe
environment that can keep sexual desires at bay. Handshakes and platonic hugs are
appropriate greetings and good-byes.
The
most important thing to observe is the individual's connection with God, not
necessarily with your church, though that is important for some. People that
reverence God will not disrespect God, you, or those around you. A mature
person will be familiar with God's Word and keep it in its proper context. As I
mentioned, it isn't as important to connect to the church at first, because the
church environment may be new to them and not what they are used to. With
careful observation and honesty, you can quickly determine if the individual is
a novice or new Christian, if they are simply religious, or if they are a
devoted follower of Christ.
