Christian Courtship 2018

There is a new way of dating that’s certainly different from what I experienced as a young person.  Today it’s called Christian courtship.  This is what I’m learning from students who attend a nearby Christian university.

Christian kids in high school typically hang out in Christian youth groups. Together they may attend sporting events, go bowling, roller skating, ice skating or hiking. They’ll study the Bible together, pray together, have song fests and do Christian ministry outreach together.   They may go surfing or on camping adventures, but always with the group advisors as chaperones and leaders.

This continues into the university life.  There are mostly group activities.  There is no physical contact between couples, beyond holding hands. Lingering in a car is inappropriate.

Alex and Stephanie have known each other for several years through Christian friends and group activities.  Although both sophomores, Alex lives in the dorm,  while Stephanie lives at home, locally.   Both are serious students and doing well academically.  They are both committed to Jesus Christ.  The university is sponsoring a six-week mission trip to an African country this summer.  Alex plans to go.   Similarly, Stephanie is planning a mission trip to another country.

Recently Alex began dating Stephanie.  But after two dates, she explained that if they were to continue to date,  he must first talk with her father.  Is Alex serious about courting Stephanie?  Courtship is considered the precursor to engagement and then marriage. The first kiss is reserved for the wedding day.

Thus far Alex is going along with it.  Today he made an appointment to meet with her dad—he was both nervous and excited!   Incidentally, this university seems to produce many young marriages—marriages that last.

• The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”    Genesis 2:18
  
• SONG: SEVEN TIMES A DAY – by Kathleen

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[This life is temporary. This life is short.  When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever.  Where will the “real you” live?  Will you live for all eternity separated from God?  Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven?   Learn more so you can make your most important decision:   http://www.godlife.com/gospel/  and  http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity