Epworth United Methodist Student Ministries

3077 Valleyview Drive     Toledo Ohio 43615       419.531.4236

Students With A Task  

Service Worship Accountability Teamwork

Life Hint:

We don't have to know everything about God

in order to love God.

Ponder this..... April 16, 2008

An Email from Jesus.....

MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 8:4)

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Psalm 119:9; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:1-20; Hebrews 13:4

I spoke the other day at Toledo Christian Schools. The theme was "You're never too young" --- "You're never too young to hear the voice of God". You see -- we all hear at least two voices on a regular basis. The one voice we hear is the voice of God nudging us how and where to go with life. The other voice is the voice of temptation -- the nudgings of where we know we really shouldn't go because it will usually lead to wrong choices with ultimate consequences of those wrong decisions. Adam and Eve heard two voices in the Garden --- the voice of God and the voice of the serpent. They had the free will choice of who's voice to listen to. We know the other side of that story don't we?

Today, we live in a sexually saturated world. Anyone who watches movies, dvd's and tv, read magazines, or listens to music will undoubtedly realize the frequency of the sexual messages society repeatedly tries to pound into our heads. Society wants you to think that sex is simply a physical act, that there's nothing wrong with premarital sex or sex out of the marriage covenant. It's that voice of temptation again. Don't believe it.

Let's get straight to the point. These remarks are not trying to make life miserable for you, but as a teen, your heart isn't ready to handle the intimacy of a sexual relationship. Awakening your heart before the time is right will have devastating effects--including the person you eventually marry. Think I'm just a crazy old guy? Don't believe me? Ask other Christian adults that you feel comfortable talking with.

You probably know many who wear the WWJD braclets, or perhaps you wear one yourself. They are great because they are visual reminders to think about our behaviors..... to think about What Would Jesus Do in this situation. WWJTY is another twist on the WWJD concept ...... What Would Jesus Tell You? So if Heaven had an email address and you sent an email to Heaven and asked Jesus what he would tell you about sexuality as a teenager.........

An email from Jesus...............

1. Invite me into your relationships. I didn't come so you would have an unsatisfying life; I came so you might have an abundant life. And besides, I'm present in all your relationships--don't you think it's about time you acknowledge me in them? Make me an active part in your conversation, and you'll discover a spiritual dimension of your relationship that few couples enjoy.

2. Don't ask how far you can go. When you do that, you're looking for ways to get around me. Instead stay far enough from the boundary that you won't have to ask that question. (Of course, asking me for a little insight doesn't hurt.)

3. Take time to get to know the other person. Usually when a premarital relationship becomes sexual, the two people stop exploring each other's hearts.

4. Do things in groups. This will go a long way toward preventing you from placing yourself in compromising positions.

5. Ask your friends to help you stay pure. They're an important line of defense. Who are you hanging with? Where are your relationships going?

You have a lifetime of enjoyable sex ahead of you when it's the right time for you to get married. Don't put it in jeopardy by prematurely exploring it. And remember: If you've already explored, I love you just the same as I always have--just ask for my forgiveness and start your life and relationships anew.

Love,

Jesus

SUMMARY CHALLENGE

Jesus wants you to enjoy a lifetime of sex--

but he doesn't want you to lessen the joy by having sex before you're married.

Part of this text was taken from "Conversations with Jesus" copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Purchase the book "Conversations with Jesus" at most local bookstores --- it's a great book and a great gift!

Don't make me come down there.......

                                                                                                                         God