Something that's a must read! [please read this]

[Monica]

I really really encourage people to read this book, who are still contemplating on the fact we should follow in christ completely and fully.

Save Me from Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story

I know as when my boyfriend and I went to the library one day and found this book. He read it and I immediately after read it. within a good 2hours or less. I couldn't put this book down. I have never done drugs or been addicted that badly. But his depression relates to me,i'm sure as many of you. But as we come to realize that jesus had died for our sins. It makes you...well it just gave me chills.
I haven't been so moved in a book in a long time. Let alone felt His presences in so long.
I've been astray from HIM for so long, to the point where the bible or praying was unspeakable. I would cry so much in my room wondering how I got to this dark place, & I realize how. I bet most of you will know the answer as well as I.
Recently the boyfriend and I have been reading the bible more, trying to follow in christs footsteps. It's been very hard.
Such as we do share the same bedroom together. Lately we've been questioning whether this is a sin or not?. We do not have any sexual..whatever.
But is this a sin?
Also few other questions come to mind I'm getting off the topic.
But I just need to ask,
What is not Sinful in a relationship with a man you are not married to besides intercourse,lustful actions/feelings/thinking.?

[Theo_the_bard]

Miss Monica, first of it's AWESOME that you are allowing Holy Spirit to work in your life. I have somewhat of a passion for encouraging those your age to stay faithful to Christ or to come back to Him, for I wasted 15 years of life, even after I was saved, because I did not grow in my faith and did not know how to respond to life Biblically, thus tempting me to stray.

As far as you and your boyfriend are concerned, two things come to mind. Paul would say that living together, much less sleeping in the same bed, are things that (1) is putting you into temptation's way; (2) is giving the enemy a foothold to slur your reputation, regardless of the truth. Paul said this: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Ephesians 5:3). Jesus said, ""Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

We believers sometimes ask the wrong questions; I know I have. For example, we often (silently) wonder, "How close to sin can I get and it still not be considered sin?" On the other hand, Paul told the young Timothy, "FLEE the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). The better question is always, "What can I do to put myself into a position to be tempted LEAST.

True and pure love is the greatest thing in the world! You two should use this time to get to know one another, enjoy one another's company, build trust, and share dreams. Jesus honored marriage in SO many ways--not the least of which were His choosing a wedding to do His first miracle and His inspiring Paul to call His relationship with His Blood-bought church as a Bridegroom and Bride relationship (Ephesians 5:21-33), echoed in Revelation (Revelation 19:7, 21:2, 21:9, 22:17). Seek to honor Jesus in ALL relationships.

If you haven't already done so, you can't go wrong by getting involved in a loving, Bible-preaching, Jesus-is-the-only-Way (John 14:6) church, where you fellowship with devoted believers and be in the manifest presence of God's Spirit and learn from God-gifted teachers.

Meditate on these things, talk with your boyfriend about them, find that church if you already haven't, and God will give you the insight to know what to do to glorify Him and to do what is best for you , according to His purpose (John 16:13).

Here is my little Spiritual math equation for encouragement: Jeremiah 29:11 + Romans 8:28 = Your Life.

God bless you richly!!

In Christ, Chuck

[Bob B]

Hi Monica, I can tell that the Holy Spirit is working in your life by your comments. We are all as believers learning what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. some of us are father along in that process than others. I am glad to hear you are reading the Bible and I hope that you will be able to begin to talk to the Lord about some of these issues you are dealing with. God is a present help in time of need and He loves you desires to have a relationship with you. God knows all about you,read Psalm 139.

[Julia - Woman's Group Leader]

I recently read this article and I thought it might be helpful in answering your last question:

Ephesians 5:3 tells us, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity...because these are improper for God's holy people." Anything that even "hints" of sexual immorality is inappropriate for a Christian. The Bible does not give us a "list" of what qualifies as a "hint" or tell us specifically what are approved physical activities that a couple can do before they are married.

However, just because the Bible does not specifically address the issue - that does not mean God approves of "pre-sexual" activity before marriage. By essence, "foreplay" is designed to get you "ready" for sex. Logically, then, "foreplay" should be restricted to married couples. Anything that can be considered "foreplay" should be avoided until marriage.

Any and all sexual activity should be restricted to married couples. What can a pre-married couple do? A pre-married couple should avoid any activity that tempts them toward sex, that gives the appearance of immorality, or that could be considered "foreplay." The more a married couple has to share exclusively between themselves, the more special and unique the sexual relationship in a marriage becomes. - from GotQuestions.org

Does that help? If you have specific questions... please message me. I'm here to help! :)

Julia

[Monica]

Well we live a simple life no..anything sexual


But I just wanted to know. I didn't know if kissing and holding hands and cuddling

i'm not saying some of this may be wrong. I'm just saying both of our intentions on when we kisshold hands,cuddle is simple love not lustful thinking/actions.

[Donna McCloud]

In my opinion it is a sin. If you think you know each other well enough please get married. Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9
JointheirwithJesus

[Monica]

wowww

[rix]

Sister, please consider that the world has sold us a big lie about sexual relationships. I come from the most decadent of the love, sex, and rock roll lies. Marriage is not honered and just thinking you are in LOVE that leads to kissing and holding hands that leads to SEX is dangerrous. The anticapation of it is like a drug according to research (as powerful as cocaine). Check it out, kissing, handholding, and even the consideration has been shown the release of endorphins, echophlins, and other chemical reaction in our bodies that lead us to commit genital to other body parts gratification. As an unholy man I urge you to consider your choices. men will do or say anything to get sex. I have had many female friends that all we did was sleep together without sex. Sometimes this was honered but for the most part it lead to heartbreak and condemnation. Once you fall it is a long path back. Males and females are wired differently and I know that satan uses this. Still interested in this subect? Please don't fall for the lie. I go through HELL because of buying the lie. Lord please flood this potential couple with the truth. Amen