The Romantic Proposal

Intro Self Video

Girl o o o o Guy o Reducing the gospel to make it sell better $20 bill in it Well you could always use a little extra grace Because Im famous A million worldly reasons why she said no She never needs any of the things he has to offer Self sufficient Anyways, goodbye I am not going to marry you

Gospel As A Romance Story

Created Purpose= to know God INTIMATELY and PERSONALLY John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Sin Sin ALWAYS starts in your MIND, but does often manifest itself in behaviors Romans 3:23 For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Sin can be described as self-will characterized by an attitude of active rebellion OR passive indifference [lack of interest or concern] Result=separation from God or lack of intimacy with him Gods Romantic Response to Our Sin Jesus fulfills every romantic desire we have. Consider the gospel story. It is, and forever will be, the most romantic story possible. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Our Response to God Just like when a man proposes to us, either a verbal yes or no is necessary-and remember saying nothing is the same as saying no

Responding To Christs Proposal

Dig deep! Ask WHY questions What is the deep spiritual reason you are struggling or tentative to say yes? Go to the Lord and ask for prayer from fellow believers. (John 7:37-38) The Holy Spirit is the answer to our deepest longings/desires and the source of our deepest satisfaction (John 14:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12, Romans 5:5, Romans 8:15-16, Ephesians 3:1819) There has to be a supernatural change (John 3:1-8) In our human effort we WILL fail. We are only promised victory in Christ. (Galatians 3:3) Galatians 5:16-18 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by Gods Spirit. Then you wont feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical [at war with each other], so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why dont you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence? (The Message)

 In our human effort we WILL fail. We are only promised victory in Christ. (Galatians 3:3) 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 The spiritual man makes judgments about ALL things.We have the mind of Christ. Walking in the Spirit moment-by-moment is a lifestyle. It is learning to depend upon the Holy Spirit for His abundant resources as a way of life and the key to a relationship with God.

3 Important Questions to Ask Yourself

Am I ready NOW to surrender control of my life to our Lord Jesus Christ? Do I desire to be pure anew? (Romans 12:1-2) Am I ready to NOW confess my sins? (1 John 1:9). Sin grieves Gods Spirit and causes impurity. (Ephesians 4:30). But God in His romantic love has forgiven ALL of your sins-past, present, and future-because Christ died for YOU. Do I sincerely desire to be directed by the Holy Spirit? (John 7:37-39) *Do NOT depend on feelings. The promise of Gods Word, the Bible-not our feelings-is our authority. If you surrender your mind, body and soul, confess through prayer, and trust in the Lord to purify you, HE WILL.

How Do We Help Each Other?

Confess to one another-get REAL Dont allow Satan to shame you, but do respond to Godly conviction. Share your REAL story with others. Share your testimony and the true definition of purity as defined by the Bible.

Why Is This So Important?

The world will know we are different and get a glimpse of Gods divine, saving, romantic love by the way we love. Can others see the sincerity of Christs love in your relationships with the Lord and others? Or will they see the same brand of self-centered love practiced by the world and turn away in disappointment? We NEED to embrace the incredible responsibility we bear as representatives of Christs love here on earth! ( John 13:35)