Dating 2 Homework

Dating 2 Homework:

1. Read the story about the 2 couples, Jeff and Gloria, and Eric and Leslie.

- What was the difference between the 2 stories?
- Which would you consider true love? Why?

2. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (above) 3 times. Reflect on it. Now, highlight the words you think are important.

- What does “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit mean?”
- What are some ways in which we can flee from sexual immorality?

3. Write out Psalm 119:9 below. Memorise it (:

Dating 2

Dating lesson 2

When we think about Christian dating and what God expects of it, we often think about general rules such as “You can only date a Christian” or “You must not have sex before marriage”. These rules, by themselves cannot possibly serve as enough of a guideline for us to stick to. Being a Christian means that we have to glorify God in all areas of our lives, and this includes our relationship with the opposite sex. HOW?

Must commitment be the goal of a romantic relationship?

What about just having fun? We all want intimacy. It's a chance to be open, vulnerable and dependent on someone. There are many different kinds of intimate relationships in life. We can be intimate with our friends, family, but the most intimate one (other than our relationship with God) is the relationship between a husband and wife. They share not only their hearts but their bodies as well.

The common factor in all these relationships is trust. We trust ourselves with those who have proven themselves faithful. We're intimate with people who are committed to us. However, in most cases, if we start dating young, it only serves the “need” and “want”of the moment. We want to enjoy the benefit of physical and emotional intimacy without the responsibility of commitment. What we fail to see is that such intimacy is counterfeit.

The Joy of Intimacy is the Reward of Commitment

Pursuing intimacy without commitment awakens desires (both emotionally and physically) that neither person can justly meet. It's like arousing a hunger that we know we cannot satisfy. Intimacy without commitment contradicts what the Bible teaches about true love. Instead if being selfless, it is selfish.

While relationships with the opposite sex can make us feel great, we have no right asking for the other person's heart if we are not ready to consider marriage. Otherwise, we would simply be using that person to meet our short-term needs. We may enjoy it, but we wouldn't be truly loving them or putting their interests first. We should avoid romantic, one-on-one relationships until God tells us we are ready. That way, we will be able to serve those of the opposite gender as friends while keeping our focus on God. Until we can learn to love them selflessly that way, we are not ready to be in a relationship.

A time will come for us Christians to account to God for everything, including our actions and attitudes towards relationships. We should all seek to be pure and blameless in our thoughts and actions before Him.

Not dating doesn't mean that we should be cutting off all ties with the opposite sex. As Christians, we should be commited to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Although there are limits to these relationships, we cannot shirk our responsibility to care for, encourage and build each other up.

Caring for the opposite sex

Read John 4:10-11

God's love for us provides both the example and the power for us to love others. Our sins have been forgiven through Jesus' death and we can't live life the same way we did before. We are new creations, controlled by God's love instead of by what feels good.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

As true Christians, we no longer live for ourselves but for God and for the good of others. Relationships with the opposite sex can no longer be about “having a good time” or “learning what I want in a relationship”. They should be about giving, not getting. Every relationship we have is an opportunity to love a person like God has loved us. We should be able to care for the person even when there is nothing in it for us. We should want to protect that person's purity and holiness because it pleases God.

1 Timothy 5:1-2 “[…] Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Prayers and Thanksgivings

Hello all. Yep Zenas, thanks for posting. I absolutely agree with you. We always go to God for our requests but how often do we come before Him with a thankful heart. As you can see in the picture (and in your notebooks), one of the purpose of our CG journal is to log everything that we're thankful to God for, big and small!

The leaders will be electing a prayer and thanksgiving IC to consolidate and post some of the prayer requests and thanksgivings that the members have. He/she should also continually remind the CG the importance of prayer/thanksgivings and propose different ways we can do that. Hm... any volunteers?

Love,

Germs

the power of a prayer

hey, i just experienced something quite cool recently..

i had a few class test recently, all of which none did well..

but the worst thing was i failed my e math test..

so i was moddy and paranoid through out that week, and after all the begging, my math teacher still wouldnt give me extra marks..

so i decided to pray to God. (i thought it was my last hope.. although it was just about a test)

and then the next day, the teacher suddenly just gave the class a retest..

i didnt realise until a few days later that it was the prayer to God that gave me another chance to redo my math paper which i screwed up the first time..

and i learnt that if only i had seek God in the first place.. maybe i wouldnt have been that moody before..

through that ,"probaly be boring to you" ,experience, i realised how powerful a prayer can be, even in small things like the failure of my class test.

do we take prayers lightly?

do really mean what we pray sometimes?

these were some of the questions that went through my mind..

i realised how dependent i was on my own decisions instead of God's advice. (so sad right)..

thanking God even for the smallest things

i was just thinking.. would it be awesome if we had something like a thank you notebook?

like, at the end of everyday, just right down all things you would like to thank God on that day itself.

even small things like, thank you for blessing me with great friends or thank you for providing food for me everyday. or stuff like that..

then like the end of the year, you can like read through all the things God has blessed you in your life..

so what do you guess think about it?

anyway, i better go study now.

zenas

Man oh man... How do I even begin to describe TRUE LOVE? True love is not about ownership. It's not about having someone to belong to you. Frankly, it's not even about the other person liking you back! Effervescence, you all always think that you are old enough to be in relationships; that you understand what love is. But are you really capable of loving someone selflessly, without the need of owning the person?! 

We will continue to explore this crazy, magical topic of love. Remember to do your homework. (Details in one of the posts below) As you read the 1st chapter of I kissed dating goodbye, you can underline, highlight and write questions and thoughts on the notes itself. But most importantly, do it sincerely, with a genuine interest of finding out if you're ready for a relationship.

hey guys, how has your week been?

hope you guys will have a happy chinese new year(:

WORSHIP(:

anyway,

have you ever found it amazing that we can praise God?

have you been singing and praising God with the right attitude?

do you praise God whenever you like? do you praise God only when he does something amazing in your life?

reflect on all the times where you worshipped God.

do you sing and mean what you sing, or do you sing because the tune of the song sounds catchy?

what is worship to you?

do you raise your hands when the music starts to hit its climax or do you raise your hands when the words of the song touches your heart.

God is always looking at our hearts. whether we're in school, church or at home, etc.

have you been leading a God centered life, or a very world centered life.

reflect(:

i found this weeks cg bs very helpful and relevant to our teenage lives.

im sure some of us have had a relationship before..

and im sure many of us have gone through the "i have a crush on this person before".

and we also have many questions about BGR and stuff.

so may God help us understand what he is trying to teach and correct us as we continue in our cg bs'.

Remember that God always there for us.

He''s just a prayer away.

continue to seek and stay close to Him,

zenas.

Christian Dating 1 Homework

An intro to Christian Dating

We just had our 1st session on Christian dating. I've posted notes below for you to refer to. I'm afraid this is not going to be an easy topic to go through, simply because it sometimes so hard to listen to what God wants when our feelings seem so strong and pull us the opposite direction. I hope today's session was a good introduction. It was just to get us all to start thinking about how God is involved in all areas of our lives, including our love life.

Things we will be learning in the following weeks:

- What is love, how do we genuinely care for the opposite sex
- The problems with dating
- Maintaining purity in a relationship
- Friendship VS Romance
- Singlehood
- Choosing the right partner
- Dating the Godly way

CG Journal Homework:

1. Reflect and journal: When do you think you'll be ready for a relationship? (Please elaborate and explain why)
2. Read: 1st chapter of "I kissed dating goodbye"
3. Reflect and journal: What are the things that struck you the most when you were reading that? (Eg. Is the writer's view of relationships any different from yours? What are some things you've learnt?)

Do put in effort in completing the homework assignment. Write your reflections (or answers) in your CG journal. We'll be sharing our answers during our next CG session on 27th Feb. As you reflect, pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to learn, and how He wants you to change. Seek His guidance... He made you and He knows you best... :)

Love,
Germs

Christian Dating 1

Dating

Dating is actually a very mordern term. In the past, it was common for marriages to be arranged. If a guy spent a lot of time with a girl, it was assumed that they were to be married. Today, dating has become so common. We all enjoy being able to be intimate with someone (physically and emotionally) without committing to marriage. We can try out different partners. We disregard feelings. Surely there is something wrong with the way the world views relationships?

We're going to be discussing what God expects in relationships based on a book: I kissed dating goodbye. There have been people who loved the book but also those who hate it. Some think the suggestions made by the book are impossible to follow. But let's discuss it and see where it brings us. The message of the book is not to pursue romance until you're ready for commitment, enjoy your single years, don't feel like you must have a girlfriend or boyfriend and ultimately, to make God your focus.

As Christians, we are no longer living for ourselves, but for God. This means that we have to deny ourselves certain things that we want doesn't please God. As we go through this series of Bible studies, some of you may feel compelled to follow while others may think it's over-the-top. I believe much of it depends on your own walk with God and how much you want to please Him. I can't expect a non-christian to undertand simply because he feels no need or reason to do what God wants him to. So, search your hearts, and let God speak to you through these studies.

But first, why should we care how we date?

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

As a Christian, there is no limit to how good we are supposed to be. God expects us to be completely blameless, 100%. We tend to categorise sin into what is acceptable and what is not. We decide for ourselves, what we can or cannot do. That's so wrong. Who are we to think we can decide what's right or wrong. God calls us to be completely Holy because He is Holy.

Think: Purity and Holiness
- What does it mean to be pure and holy?
- Why is it important for us to be so?
- How can we practice that?

We know that as Christians, we have to be different from the world. This should also apply in our B/G relationships. How do you think Christian BGR should be different from secular BGR?

Cg on 13 Feb

Heellloooo,

There will be Cg this week, 13 feb at 2pm instead of the usual 2.30pm. This is so that we can end earlier for those who have to rush off for the reunion dinners! I hope your week at school has been ok.

Staying hot for God

I know that we haven't had much chance to have CG sessions like we used to. There's been so much going on, Pre event and Vday...

Many times I'm afraid... I keep worrying that if we stop meeting for too long, everyone will lose interest in God and CG. But when I think about it, I realise that this actually means something ... WE ARE FORMING A HEAVY DEPENDENCE ON CG!

I think there's a good and bad thing to learn from that. I've asked many of you this question personally, "Is CG something you look forward to during the week?" And most of you have told me yes! I'm glad we enjoy fellowship together and learning about God. But, for some of you, if you stop coming for CG for too long, you feel so far away from God!

Dear Effervescence, I think we may be facing the danger of forming a dependency on the CG instead of God. If the CG were to collapse, does that mean that your relationship with God should collapse as well? No! That would be a rather silly thought right? It would show that your relationship was unstable in the first place.

As members of Effervescence, we should commit to 2 aspects, our relationship with God as well as commitment to the CG. I'm glad that you have all been committing more to the CG but let's not forget the more important thing, our relationship with God!

It's never easy and Satan's forever attacking... Wei Sheng and I are here for you. If ever you feel unsure about anything or like you're drifting away from God, just let us know! SMS us or something la! We can try to help you through it, or at least go through it with you. You guys really should talk to us more instead of bottling everything inside you know... Bottling will just make you EMO -___-

Love,
Germs

p.s. Hm, I can't believe I used "-___-"... I'm supposed to be like... 22 yrs old...

A night in the park with God

Last friday, on my way home, I suddenly had an urge to spend some quality time with God. That evening, I had just gone out with 2 of my friends from secondary school. We passed by some bars/pubs on the way and when I saw the people drinking and smoking, I just wondered how many of them were actually feeling empty inside.

While I was walking home, I just kept thinking... As the years have passed, my friends and I have become so different. Many of the people my age drink, smoke, club, sleep around. All these things are so common that not doing them seems almost strange. To most people, I probably seem like a real prude; a freak, even. I suddenly felt like I wanted to show the world that I was different not because I was a freak, but because I have God in my life. He changed me. He gave meaning to my life. I don't want and I don't need the world's approval. I want God to tell me I've been a good servant and that he's proud of me.

As I reflected on all these, I knew deep inside that I hadn't been talking to Him enough recently. Although it was already 11.30pm by the time I reached my block, I decided to spend some time in solitude with God at the park downstairs.

I had a meaningful time with God that night. There, in all the silence of the park, I looked up at the trees and the sky and soaked in His glory as I spoke to Him. And as I looked at the open sky, it felt as if the words from my mouth were floating up to him in Heaven, and there was nothing in the way. God always hears our prayer, but sometimes we pray as if we don't believe it. It took praying into an open sky to remind me that God is there. He listens.

That night when I got home, I received some "bad news". Strangely, I felt an immense peace. It felt so much like God prompted me to talk to Him to give me strength and encouragement just before it. Almost as if He was preparing me. This is the God who gave His life for me, who loves me more than anyone ever can, and whom I love and want to serve forever!

As I type this now, I remember an old hymn:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

Effervescence, reflect on the lyrics for a bit.
What a privilege for us to be able to carry everything to God in prayer?
When was the last time you spent some REAL time with God?

Love,
Germs

Vday instructions

Lol Pat, yes, you do sound like me.
This is an add-on to what Pat has written.
(Thanks for the initiative Pat!)


Official TImeline for VDAY 6th Feb:


2.00pm - Table hosts to be in church for briefing (They know who they are too)
3.00pm - Other helpers to be in church for briefing (Mainly Renfred's CG helping to move things)
4.00pm - Prayer session. Open to all youths who are free and can come a little earlier.
5.00pm - Main event starts off with Icebreakers and games at Bethel.
7.00pm - Dinner
8.30pm - Glow stick activity
9.15pm - End of Main event


I believe those who have volunteered to be Table hosts are: Marcus, Amanda, Patrizha, JC and Ryan(-edited by amanduhloo and Zenas). I'm not sure if I missed out anyone. These Table Hosts need to come at 2pm sharp. (Not 3pm)


For the rest of the CG, you can join us for the prayer session at 4pm first, or come at 5pm to attend actual Vday event itself. Because of Vday, there won't be CG. (Aw....!) But I'll look forward to seeing you all the following saturday ok! :)


Love,
Germs