Sex, Purity Culture, Marriage, and Singleness: Is the Church Getting it Wrong? With Sean McDowell

[@laurajolley3305]

Thank you! I'm 51 never married and no kids. I wanted to get married but, it never happened. I always felt like something was wrong with me. I'm so grateful that you are telling young people that "if you do A+B+C God will bless you with a spouse" is untrue. Thank you so much.

[@dahelmang]

Two of my most influential mentors were men in their 50s who never married. They devoted themselves completely to their ministries because we were their family.

[@funstuff81girl]

Thank you for being such a wonderful example of faithfulness and self denial! Your testimony speaks volumes to lgbt people about the reality of the Gospels cost.

[@vanessaloy1049]

I do wish there were more people in visible church leadership possessing the gift of singleness.

[@julieburck9613]

100% of priests in the Catholic Church are single. 👍 I’ve never met one who didn’t embrace it wholeheartedly or who didn’t consider it an integral part of their Calling and ministry.

[@allwehadtodowasfollowtheda3061]

@@julieburck9613 lost me at "catholic"

[@vanessaloy1049]

@@williamgoodpaster7564 Why do you say that?

[@vanessaloy1049]

@@williamgoodpaster7564 1 Cor 7:7

[@vanessaloy1049]

@@williamgoodpaster7564 Wouldn’t you agree an unmarried person has the freedom to serve God in ways someone with a family doesn’t?

[@kevincooper9661]

I’m in high school and I seriously don’t really get why kids my age engage in premarital sex. I mean the studies are there: getting laid before getting hitched might leave one with disease, with guilt, with a pregnancy, with all kinds of things....all for a moment of satisfaction. Plus, won’t you want to know your husband or wife had committed himself or herself to abstinence because he or she was waiting for you? In my opinion that just makes the marriage all the more meaningful. This doesn’t even have to be a Christian issues, its a “what’s more important: temporary satisfaction while risking the long term or forgoing the temporary satisfaction for the sake of the long term” issue.

[@gabriellekelly3462]

This is true. About basically everything. Sex/marriage. Debt/finances. Food/health. I tell my kids every long term blessing comes with a short term sacrifice. This is very much also applicable to sex & marriage.

[@lynettepettitt655]

there's multiple factors- part of it is simply that teen brains aren't fully developed, so grasping consequences isn't fully developed. Each generation has cultural pressure points, freedoms & training. We forget that historically we married younger- that in of itself can contribute to what it means to "wait". Being 16 when marriage took place at 18-20 means you're waiting only a few years. The age is closer to 30-35 now, which requires looking at abstinence differently. Personality is part of it too, I was like you, I couldn't see the risk being worth it. I'm still single at 42, and totally ok with it, except finding a place in a family focused church culture.

[@nonisydney6519]

Spot on!!!!!

[@SpeakerBuilder]

This is exactly God's plan, that marriage will be an amazing bond between two people who share something together that neither one has shared with any other person. If we search out our hearts, we find this desire clearly displayed. But the devil wishes to destroy God's plan for us, and one way he does this is by promoting sex outside of marriage. And his plan is working very well.

[@Sherlock245]

Because young people are high on hormones so they want to try it out. Almost all will mastubate even though the church wants to purity. We are sinful sexual creature we cannot escape that just like we lie and commit all sort of sin.

[@ktj4691]

As a single woman, all of the single women I know who are true believers want to be married...however, with the digital dating age (which I refuse to join due to the addictive nature of it and I know I won’t handle it well) men don’t approach women in person. And many “Christian” men want sex before marriage. It sucks right now to be a single Christian woman.

[@spirit6506]

It is certainly tough to be single right now with the seemingly "fast food" approach to relationships nowadays. I hope we as the church can do better at making sure single people know they are every bit as much valued as the married and that it isn't about finding someone and marrying them and being happy. It is about displaying the same love and commitment, day in and day out, that Christ displayed toward us. It is encouraging to hear Christian singles resisting the culture's pull to a false view of sex and relationships (i.e "I want it and I want it now). I will be in prayer for you and the other Christian singles and thank you for the encouragement. Blessings!

[@ferchinc]

hey Katie! ask the Lord for the right man for your life, and wait paciently.. I have been praying for more than a year for a godly woman to get married and to the thing in the right way, I am not in social media or dating apps looking for a woman, nor sex, nor pornography (thanks to God's grace).. I am confident in the Lord that he will move all the pieces required to meet her.. It is better to be a single christian instead of a wordly married person trapped in a marriage with a person who does not want to follow the Lord and make his will..ツ

[@khappy1286]

Much truth in what you said. Men are wimps today( apoligies to any sincere Christian men here). I find women have lots of sex before marriage. I live in S Fla. Lots of sexual promiscuity in dress, manners and actions. Women make their own money now so they often say, I don't want guy. They will stay single. The ones who want to.marry that are following biblical guidelines are exhausted from the lack of men coming to a lady in person and taking time to get to know her. This online dating thing is really bad imho.

[@adrianlaverick8040]

Its not just good Christian women having a hard time finding good Christian men. I very very rarely find any women who really love The Lord my age (22). Its quite sad for both sides really

[@drackoni-han13]

Religion is an artificial thing. Humans are just like animals sex is in our biology. Dont let customs and religious dogma stop you from doing what all humans were designed for

[@kb-mt8vr]

People making fun of VP Pence for not being alone in a room with a woman not his wife 🤦🏻‍♀️ He has boundaries, love and respect for his wife 🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@sydneymartin7638]

Billy Graham did life the same way. We never heard about scandals from either one of these men either.

[@qwaxerty]

Refusing to be alone with a woman in your personal time is one thing. Refusing to be alone with a female professional when doing office work and when you hold a public office is another thing. While I understand that Pence is just protecting himself for potential sexual falls, he is being sexist because he might not hired many professional women. I haven't heard any complaint about Pence and he is probably a good boss. Now, I understand why unbelievers call Christians bigots. The characterization is hurtful, but it is founded.

[@candyluna2929]

@@qwaxerty women in the workplace can make up stories.

[@candyluna2929]

Dont really care for him but he is right.

[@qwaxerty]

@@candyluna2929 and what about women like me who won't make up stories? So men like Pence won't hire me because they are afraid to rape me? I don't want to work for men like Pence anyway. He is being sexist by protecting himself.

[@rockyblacksmith]

Personal testimony: I struggled with pornography for over 15 years now, starting in my early teens. There's so much in here that I can relate to. I think pornography is a particularly insidious temptation because there is so much shame associated with admitting it. Even though so many people (the vast majority of young men at the very least) are dealing with this issue, it is such a taboo topic in church communities. So most of us feel isolated, even if we theoretically know that most of the boys and men around us likely face the same issues. And even worse, as a result of this isolation, I think many are even more ashamed to bring this sin before God. I know that I was. As absurd as it objectively is to try and hide from an omniscient God, that's what I effectively did most of the time. It took me a lot of courage to open up about it to someone I trusted. And even with help from multiple people along the way, it took me a long time to make progress. Right now is the first time in my life that I've stayed "clean" for 4 1/2 months. It's the first time that I'm actually hopeful that I might keep the upper hand in this fight long-term. And it's only been because I've fled into God's presence every single time I felt even the slightest temptation. The prayer of "lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil" has become almost a reflex. I stand no change against this, but it doesn't stand a chance against Christ either. I know all too well that I may fall again, though I pray for the strenth to stand every day. But I also know that it is possible to be freed from this, that failiure isn't an inevitability. Praise the Lord who is strong in our weakness, and welcomes us into his arms as a father.

[@abczyx1234]

Good for you, praise God! Continue to distance from media and people that could be harmful to your healing. Avoid isolating...church study groups should help with group support/accountability & with knowledge & spiritual growth. (not that you are not considering or doing these things already). Above all, daily personal time in the Word & prayer are both critical.

[@rockyblacksmith]

@@abczyx1234 I most definetly am doing all these, and I'm aware of their importance. And I couldn't agree more on that last part. I believe one of the factors that helped me get an upper hand in this fight was that about half a year ago, circumstances in my life changed (university student -> apprenticeship) meaning that I have far more structure in my days now than I used to have. Making regular daily scripture study A LOT easier and more consistent. Thank you for your encouragement and praise God indeed.

[@hailysarbaugh9053]

This is so powerful and encouraging! Thank you so much for sharing! How can I encourage someone that I know is going through this?

[@rockyblacksmith]

@@hailysarbaugh9053 That's tough to say for me, since I don't know that person. And in my experience, when discussing such sensitive issues (not just sexual matters, but anything that might come up in a counseling conversation), it is important to ask a lot of questions before giving any advice. So I can't give very specific advice without making far too many assumptions about that situation. But I'll try to make some broader points, in the hope that they're useful. And all of this is under the assumption that we are talking about a boy or young man struggling with this, since that is all that I myself have insight in. 1. (Probably obvious, but by far the most important) Pray for him. And if he's opened up to you about the issue, let him know that you do. A simple thing like that can already go a long way to break the feeling of isolation. 2. If it is not already the case, encourage him to find a man that they can open up to about it. Either in the capacity of a friend, or of a mentor. If we are talking about someone of whom you know that they are struggling with this, but has nobody to open up to about it, then I'd suggest finding someone who could become a mentor figure to him, and asking that person to do so. However in that case, the relationship and the trust have to be built up first (otherwise, he will probably feel singled out in the sense of "you need to be fixed, so here is someone to counsel you" and isolate himself). Issues with pornography don't exist in a vacuum, but are inseparably linked to masculine development. And as such, boys and young men need the guidance of men with matured personalities. This is also why I think that such a mentor figure has to be a man. Book recommendations I could give in this context are John Eldredges "Wild at Heart", as well as the follow up "The Way of the Wild Heart". Both were instrumental in my own understanding of my identity (and by extension, understanding my struggle with pornography), and important steps along my way. The second book even more so than the first. 3. If we are talking about someone who has already been struggling with pornography for a long time and perhaps has given up hope of ever overcoming it (as I have at some points), I would tell him that God hasn't given up on him, so he shouldn't give up on themselves either. This is the lesson that sparked a change in my life when it comes to this issue. My fight against temptation isn't driven by fear or guilt (which leads to the shame before God and other people I talked about in my original post), but by a hope that God has something better in store for me than whatever pornography can offer. I think this is a general point about fighting temptation; Don't let guilt drive your fight, but fight out of hope. I hope this is helpful, my prayers go out to whoever it is you are speaking about.

[@hailysarbaugh9053]

@@rockyblacksmith Thank you for taking the time to share with me the wisdom that God has given you! It really helped me understand that struggle better and I think it’ll help me better encourage one of my friends. He used to struggle with watching it, but has found victory over that. I just know he still has some memories from it dented in his mind. Thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement!

[@jamie4thekingJesus]

Alisa ty for pointing out that single women have a hard time finding a place in the church. Especially at 51.

[@karouroboros]

Even a 33 I find it difficult to find a place, do I go to a youth group? I don't feel comfortable there. A women's group? I don't have much in common either.

[@bradandrews777]

Try being an older single man at a church. It is much worse.

[@richardrice1032]

Hi Jamie! May I offer "www.openbible.info/topics/being_single" ? Just by noting the hundreds of "Helpful" votes near these Scripture verses, I will surmise that you are definitely NOT unique in your feelings. Even at the bottom of the list of 100 Verses, the lowest # of Helpful Votes was 101! (This is the same Reply I posted to Rebekah Martin.) Hmmm. Seems to be a theme developing here.

[@jamie4thekingJesus]

@@lisamariposa473 single is not a choice. It was thrust upon me without my consent. I am looking for a man of God. Men who love the Lord are pretty much taken at my age. What would you have me do? Yoke myself to a man who does not know or love the Lord? Marry a young man who would then never have a family of his own? For ANYONE to say that shows do they not understand the complexities of the situation. Unfortunately, there are many 'Christian' woman who would seduce and steal the hearts of men away from their wives, but I am not one of those women. Is that the route you would have me go? Lisi I hope you never find yourself in this situation, but truly you do not understand . Selfishness is not my block, I am waiting upon the Lord to choose wisely if I ever do marry again. I don't even date. When God, after creating Adam said, 'it is not good that man be alone', so he created Eve.... I understand that statement fully.... trust me it is not selfishness that stops many Christians from marrying.

[@jamie4thekingJesus]

@@lisamariposa473 Thank you. :) Yes all my family in Christ knows. All I want in this life is to serve the Lord and to be covered by a husband that will walk boldly with the Lord. :) Ty for the encouragement.

[@TheBeanHome]

Rule number one in purity.. don’t advertise your virginity or tell people what your trying to do... just live your personal commitment to stay pure. When you advertise, you will attract people who want to purposely sully you. You make yourself a prize in a dirty game. So don’t wear the ring and don’t make it part of your “identity”, if that makes sense. Obviously avoid risky situations and temptation. That’s my two cents.

[@kottmat9601]

L lol l.p. ll

[@kb-mt8vr]

Majority of the girls I knew with purity rings were the first to lose their virginity. 🤷🏻‍♀️ don’t know why

[@alh2979]

Not meaning to incense, but cents make more sense...

[@gabriellekelly3462]

This is really good advice

[@TheBeanHome]

@@kb-mt8vr partly because they inadvertently made themselves targets for sex

[@kellyfehr6400]

Thank you for this excellent conversation. The handshake, wink, etc conversation thought was really helpful.

[@tinacheng231]

2 of my favorite apologists! Love when you guys have a conversation together!

[@777igg]

My grandma and grandpa got married in 1955 she was 19 he was 18 be honest it is quite hard to imagine myself getting married at that age but I’m happy to say that they really did love each other and before he passed away they were married for 53 years!

[@nohjuan3048]

They got married that young because premarital sex was verboten.

[@BeckyMa9482]

"Ethically sourced pornography." It's not coffee. It's not chocolate. You're still treating people as commodities. That is the most bizarre term I've ever heard.

[@courtneychristofferson100]

haha so true! Amen to that!

[@rockyblacksmith]

What it's referring to is pornography where the women aren't financially exploited. As the porn industry, and the porn video platforms in particular, usually do. But of course, that doesn't erase the multitude of other issues that there are with pornography.

[@ybh8ful]

oh it's just a lie from the pit of HELL!!

[@albertbarese6486]

@@ybh8ful youd know

[@DesireeStamat]

"its not coffee"

[@SpeakerBuilder]

As a 30 year veteran of clinical practice, I would offer a broader view that would encompass not only sexual desires but also emotional drivers of every kind. Whenever we have a feeling that is driving us to do something to satisfy that feeling, we must stop and ask the Lord why He has given us this feeling, and what He intends for this feeling to move us towards. Sadly, so many respond to their feelings without ever considering God's perfect plan that He has hardwired into us, and simply live out their lives chasing after one feeling after another. Rather than just responding to our feelings, we must know God and His plan for us, and seek out this broader course.

[@abczyx1234]

Good point!

[@albertbarese6486]

I hope you werent a psychiatrist.

[@clm3436]

Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength & your neighbor shows us that God cares about us emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically & relationally to love Him with our whole being.

[@BeckyMa9482]

I'm single, 35, still dreaming of getting married, but I also feel the pull from God to singleness, so it's a weird pull in two directions. I'm just trying to find where God wants me, but I feel like he's calling me to singleness. But it's still lonely.

[@kb-mt8vr]

Praying in thankfulness for singleness with you and praying for clarity if and when God may bring our husbands along 🙋🏻‍♀️🙏😎

[@MrHCify]

Marriage is lonely for many of us too

[@lorainabogado]

easy. there are no gods.

[@Sherlock245]

Its a choice there is no call.😉 both lives are difficult. The trick is to have close friends being single. Where your not alone all the time. Getting a pet helps! So find other single women at church and do more things together.

[@lorainabogado]

@Curds & Honey I have no bicycles. Do I have zero bicycles 🚴 or one bicycle? Do I have to teach you people everything?

[@salasanthonysamuel]

Beautiful... the most criminal of lies is that "God won't forgive me for..."the only one God will not forgive is the un-confessed sin. Keep up the Kingdom work you both! Maranatha

[@juli-joymalone4729]

A few years ago I was wondering why in back my youth we never talked about being single. I ended up doing some digging in the Bible to see for myself what scripture says about the season I'm in and to treasure the time God has given me. I have learned to see the blessing I have been given and learned to endure the difficulties that cone with being single. I began to notice another important issue that has come up. I there are mixed messages that come from the married people like, "marriage is hard" or "I miss freedom I had being single" or "your life is so easy now, wait until you have kids"... How did this flipped message come about?! In my youth days, remaining pure, getting married, and raising a family was the goal. The single people long to be married and the married are wanting their season of singleness back?! Or worse, they continue to live their life always wanting the next step but are never satified, and only end up with a full checklist and an empty life. I think as the church, we have failed to show that every season is a gift from God that he will be glorified. In each season we grow to know him more. I am 28 and still single, but I count it all joy, even on the hard days. If this is a topic that interests you, Tiffany Dawn also talks about this on her KZbin channel. I think even Mandisa has had a couple of talks about singleness and dating on her channel.

[@rockyblacksmith]

Truth! We singles should cherish the opportunities and liberty we have to invest our time in ministry, and married couples should cherish their ability to experience the literal analogy of God's relation to us, as well as the opportunity to raise the next generation the way God wants us to. It's fascinating how supposed "problems" become opportunities once we shift our eyes away from ourselves and onto God, and make whatever we do about him.

[@abczyx1234]

Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.” Mark 12:29‭-‬31 CSB bible.com/bible/1713/mrk.12.29-31.CSB If singles and married couples prioritize self over God, there's no surprise that issues, such as what you suggested, will arise.

[@juli-joymalone4729]

@@abczyx1234 well summed. That's just what me and my sister (10 years younger than me) were discussing.

[@micpoll7]

I ordered the book! I love watching both of you as you are both deeply caring, well sourced and educated! Thank you for being a light in an ever dimming world(view).

[@Bicyclechris]

Yeah, I was a teenager 20 years ago, and the private Christian School I went to, and the church I went to never thought the "why" to youngsters. I never understood this until very recently. I think the tough part is that in many ministries don't want to talk about the sensitive or negative aspects of the Bible, and only want to focus on the positives of salvation. Many people that I even go to church with can't answer tough questions like the ones discussed here, and really can only repond with take it to the Lord, and continue reading the Bible. Its reaching out and finding resources like these are answers tommy prayers. Because I know that the Lord works through individuals like the speakers here to help deliver the truth where it is needed.

[@jeffdowns1038]

This was a very good episode; I appreciate it. I've been working through Malachi with our congregation. If I had to preach Malachi 1:2 again, "I have loved you," I would include (mention) the parable of the prodigal son. Sean's mentioning of this at the ends was blessing to my own soul and hopefully others.

[@Rose-xm4og]

I love your explanation on the freedom. My mom talked about it and it has kept with me

[@nikidelabarre4479]

Thank you so much for this interview. I'm a 63 year old single woman and wish the church would teach older single men about respecting women and understanding Biblical sexual purity honors God and each other no matter what age we are.

[@terkaoranzova6345]

Thank you so much for defending the biblical truth! May the Lord Jesus lead you both❤️

[@benjaminchartier6458]

One critique about the culture-the failure of marriage is just as much about the materialism of our culture. Young adults are generally poor,but the primary fertility window of young women is 20-30. Young people aren't getting married in no small part because of the material expectations brought on by our secular culture. They think they have to have the big house and the 2 cars and the big screen TV,etc. It doesn't help when you have the prosperity gospel teaching that you are at fault for being poor, and that poor men are inherently unworthy of marriage or love. This is because of the outrageously successful culture around us has not really faced hardship, where all people have is each other. This hasn't happened since the Great depression through the second world war. Kids used to get married young. If you are going to get married, part of your purpose for working hard was to support your wife and kids. This is molded when people live it out. Christians are being out-reproduced by muslims 5 to 1. This is because our material priorities are out of whack.

[@francism3805]

But muslim women are repressed, married off at extremely young ages and they are just expected to stay home and reproduce.

[@khappy1286]

Well said.

[@melodysledgister2468]

I like how Josh gets to the heart of the matter. The world says, what's in it for you? i.e. selfishness. The biblical worldview turns this on its head. As with everything else, it's God first, then others. You are just one of the the others. ("Your neighbor as yourself.")

[@KH-ox7ur]

Thanks, as always, for the things you are doing Alisa. I was blessed greatly by Josh McDowell and am thankful for Sean and his keen, godly and biblical insight. This subject is difficult to talk about with my children, even though we’ve sought to raise them in sound biblical doctrine and solid biblical faith. I’ve ordered three of Sean’s book- one for each of my college age children. God bless you all!

[@SimplyDafDaf21]

Snap. Sexual prosperity gospel. And the shaming. Man that is my childhood in church!

[@leesantos8426]

Wow, what an interview. So good. Especially at the 55 minute mark when Sean talks about Jesus' crucifixion and makes that analogy between Adam and Jesus Christ. So powerful

[@richardrice1032]

Agreed! I wonder how many Christians and Christian Education teachers truly understand how shameful Roman Crucifixions really were. Certainly not a topic normally mentioned in a Middle School aged class. As if being crucified naked wasn't shame enough, weren't Jesus and the 2 criminals on either side of him, crucified on a . . . garbage dump??

[@trackydoo]

I'm a 33 yr old wife and mom of 3 and to this day my husband and I both struggle with sexual shame. Even though we are married. Even though we were virgins when we got married. We were both basically taught one thing and one thing only. Sex is bad and wrong and dirty. It's a shameful thing that makes God disappointed in you. And once that is in your mind it's hard to switch that to a good thing just because you're married. I hope to instill in my boys that sexuality, the way the world teaches it, is what is wrong. But, in marriage it is a good and pure thing.

[@tayh.6235]

I can somewhat relate. Thankfully my husband and I haven't had that shame to deal with, but I can easily see how it might have been an issue. In my household growing up, the word "nasty" was reserved specifically to refer to anything sexual. Sex scenes in a movie or jokes with innuendo, all the way to any time the pastor would read from a Bible passage that discussed sex directly....all of it was "nasty". I'm not sure how I managed to decouple that association, honestly. But I'm thankful it didn't cause they harm it easily could have. When we have kids, we plan on being careful to frame sex as a good, positive thing that just has to be taken seriously and within God's boundaries.

[@sunshinepurple1043]

As a divorcee starting in 1993 I've found the church gets singlehood wrong.

[@SparklesNJazz]

i’ve always deep down had the MOST respect for nuns or women who commit themselves to celibacy/purity before marriage. i think of them as the most independent and confident. to stick to your morals when the world is telling you otherwise... that’s some real bada$$ery right there

[@albertbarese6486]

its actually "I do as I'm told".

[@albertbarese6486]

@Ebony Addison yea right, and every single animal on earth procreates outside of marriage. . ....And saving yourself for marriage is "doing as I'm told to do just so that I can fit in, be popular and be accepted by this group of people (churchgoers.) " Ohhh, how does that irony taste?

[@albertbarese6486]

really? If its so amazing, then shouldnt EVERYONE be celibate? Then its the end of the human race. Theres no reason at all for it.

[@albertbarese6486]

@Ebony Addison *the issue is, you think some god told it to you.* THATS MY point, ebony. And how self righteous of YOU to assume that everyone else who ever lived and DIDNT "wait for marriage" had their lives destroyed because of it.. What, ......saving yourself for marriage means your marriage will somehow be perfect or something? nope.

[@albertbarese6486]

@Ebony Addison God doesn't care about anyone's happiness; He cares about people being obedient. THIS is why your religion is trash.

[@MistyEry]

Haha the girl he quoted at the beginning was actually quoting a line from “ mean girls”! But in essence I’m sure this is what many teens are taught with out going into depth of the current issues.

[@heymichaelc]

The church is not getting it wrong, instead their avoiding the issue, especially what Jesus and Paul says about singleness, marriage, divorce and remarriage.

[@HerbanMagi]

Yup, that’s it entirely. The church is trying to be PC, they care more about filling the pews than saving souls.

[@MsQiu-ks8lm]

Thank you so much to you both, for this interview.

[@clm3436]

We can all read about singleness in the Bible so it makes me wonder why young adults don't ask about it more if they are reading it. We need to get back to what God says over what man's says about what God says.

[@marysisak2359]

Perhaps what is missing are good role models for parents. You know the ones that are actually married, stay married to their spouse for better or worse, do not have kids by different partners, do not cat around, aren't obsessed with looking "sexy", moms that do not drop their kids off at daycare like laundry to be washed and folded, woman who care more about their husband and kids rather than pursuing the need to find themselves, families that are actually families and not just individuals living in the same house, families that actually eat dinner together, families that watch television together, families that make their kids do chores, parents that actually have house rules, parents that teach their children to respect others and authority, parents that model self control. There is a video on you tube you may want to view. It is entitled "Prophecies of a 90 year old woman from Norway." This is supposedly a report of a woman that had a vision in 1968 and told it to a Lutheran minister who published it in 1993. I believe it is genuine however it does not matter if it was or not since it still provides an excellent description of the moral decline since 1968. It describes how it will be more important to BE someone and to expect material things that God never intended. If I sound angry it is because I am. I am a retired chemistry professor who never married or had kids. While I have regrets as to why I felt I had to make that choice, I have never doubted or regretted that I made it. Having said that, I see woman throwing away the most precious gift God has given woman - a loving husband and children in pursuit of a Hallmark movie dream. Appreciate what you have before you lose it. In three out of four gospels Jesus said that anyone who causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better if a millstone was place around their neck and then thrown into the sea. I do not think He was talking about making sure your kids have the latest I phones.

[@lexie02jones25]

I agree

[@marysisak2359]

@@lexie02jones25 Thank you. I hear a lot about women's rights, gay rights, trans 's rights and Black rights but I do not hear anything about a child's right to be raised in a stable, loving family with a mother and father that teach them both by instruction and example the sacrifice of Christ. How can anyone understand the love of God if they are not loved and nurtured by their mother and father?

[@abczyx1234]

Amen

[@amylm85]

I remember as a teen in the early 2000s being taught to stay pure until marriage. It was mainly about not having sex until you're married and saving yourself for this future husband. I don't remember any lessons on singleness. I really wish there were because it felt (and still feels) like marriage is the goal, and kids are supposed to come after. So much emphasis is placed on marriage and being in a relationship (church and the world) that I felt like something was wrong with me because nobody wanted to date me and I felt like I was doomed to be an 'old maid.' Things changed when I was in the navy. I met someone who was interested, and because I felt desperate to be with someone, I got involved with him. He was controlling and I allowed him to pressure me in to doing things I didn't want to do, including sex. I eventually married him believing that I did love him. We divorced just over a year later. I wasted 7 years of my young life with this man that I could have used to build more friendships and learn to be a mature, independent woman. Be careful what you allow yourself to be influenced by, especially when you're young. That will influence your mindset and worldview.

[@sarw9294]

I can relate. Only my nightmare is continuing 12 years later

[@cassieshoemaker4733]

So thankful that there are people fixing the issues with purity culture.. i had so many things to unravel after I was married and in a lot of ways I was setup for failure. This is giving me hope for the nexr generation😅

[@iw9338]

We were told what Not to do, but what we could due wasn't talked about. Like make up a Biblical list of what a healthy choice for a partner would be. Talk about goals, what marriage looks like for us etc.

[@aaronadams8166]

Please, never stop doing this channel

[@DesireeStamat]

I was one of those kids who saw McDowell with Petra as a teenager. It was brilliant to mix the two. It stuck with me. I'm now trying to navigate this subject with my kids.

[@mirijeon5253]

Very powerful!! Greatly helped by listening to the timeless truths told by those with such conviction, love and passion~👍

[@shanepennino5598]

I was severely traumatized by purity culture growing up in church. Welp, with that I am going to watch this video! Let’s see how I feel after.

[@mercyaustin854]

I'm curious-- how do you feel now?

[@shanepennino5598]

@@mercyaustin854 mixed feelings I guess. It brings up a lot of old feelings about guilt and shame I used to feel. I eventually became better educated about sexuality and after a number of years, I am healthier now. But seeing videos like this is kind of like remembering a really bad dream.

[@shesmoonlight514]

Its been 8 months, how are you feeling now? Any different opinions?

[@bfinn6160]

This is a fruitful topic. What I found missing was the absolute necessity for biblical parents leading and teaching their own children by both example and scripture. How did this become a topic for "the church" instead of the family? Understanding what the Bible/God says and means on the topic is church business. Children's sexuality in application and practice should be first and foremost parental. In my opinion, Godly education and living should start in the home.

[@richardrice1032]

Gee whiz, teaching and leading by example! Wasn't that what Jesus chastised the Pharisees for NOT doing? Being unforgiving was also a huge issue Jesus kept trying to address!

[@johnnypacificnorthwest9544]

Alisa, I have been following you for a year and have always appreciated all you have done! I just watched American Gospel: Chris Crucified and again was thankful for your heart, but at the same time, your music in the film brought me to tears in such a good way singing about Christ...do you have a hymn cd that can be purchased? I would love to get a copy for myself and also share copies with my friends. Also, this conversation you are having here is so important and I am so thankful this is out there to the Christian community!

[@ybh8ful]

or you have the SINGLE people who are just left behind, dumped by everyone & gave up on a romantic relationship altogether! too much heartache.

[@Peter_Morris]

Oh he’s Josh McDowell’s son! I remember the Why Wait book. My parents read it with me when I was in junior high. My parents were maybe a little unusual at the time in that they were very open about the beauty of sex in a marriage. But there were also plenty of real life examples all around me of spouses cheating on each other, ruining marriages and families. I think overall the book was a huge influence in my decision to wait for a wife, but I agree there are a lot of challenging ideas around today that weren’t as prominent in the late 80s.

[@rockyblacksmith]

What you say about your parents is something that our current christian culture could use quite a bit of.

[@777igg]

Though one may be single that doesn’t mean that he or she cannot walk in purpose and even though we cannot fully relate to marriage and parenting that doesn’t mean we cannot truly walk in Genuine Love and care for others!

[@Shofar2024]

Thank you for the conversation which was enlightening. I don't fit into any of the single age groups you have referred to. I am 65 now but have been a single person in the church for the last 12 years and it has been a lonely, unrecognised place to inhabit. Many women tell me the same thing. We tend to get overlooked because of not being part of a coupledom, and of course, not being understandably single because of being young, of pre-marital age. It leaves one attending church but being put very much on the periphery of the congregation unless you are keen on baking or doing the flower arranging which I'm not knocking, these are very worthy undertakings but we are not all called to this. It would be great if there was a more conscious move from all in the church, to be more inclusive of older single women AND men in encouraging them to come forward, to welcome them to be be involved not only on Sundays but socially as well. Great listening to both of you.

[@glendagetagripfull]

Thank you for these videos. My husband found you online and suggested I follow you. I did and in two videos you've hit on two things that are so dear to me. One with the young lady spoke about our not "enoughness." And this one. I'm sexually broken all around. Porn at age 4. Raped at age 25. Emotionally abused in my twenties by various men in flings. Now I'm married and the struggle is real. I had been addicted to sex because I had been trying to get the same feeling when I had as a teen watching porn. My husband is (maybe) addicted to porn. (I said maybe because we don't talk about that. I know that he would watch porn and he's told me he struggles with that.) And I literally have to beg him to fulfill his due diligence. Now we've been married going on 12 yrs. And I'm not really "thirsting" after him like I use to. I said all of that to say this, teens need the talk and in exactly the way he said we should because as a teen, all I wanted was to be in a relationship, was told no no no and wound up raped when I got older. I hope this doesn't sound harsh; it's not my intention. It is my story.

[@NC_27]

Nobody ever talked to me about sex. I remember learning a lot about sexuality when I was around 11/12 years old from some book on women's reproductive health in my aunt's library. That one book proved to be a gateway to years of struggle with pornography and masturbation. I think that if only someone had talked to me about sexuality at that age, it would have made the whole issue clearer and saved me years of struggle.

[@albertjames804]

32:59 how do people think that what Jesus is saying is more progressive? Like are they not comprehending what he said? He is literally making it more difficult to stay pure from adultery, he is raising the standard. These people need to read

[@angelajones6222]

Great content full of truth

[@solarflower5401]

I think the delay in marriage (purchasing a home, etc.) is partly because of student loan debts too.

[@j-pdebeer6747]

Freeing ourselves from judgmental and self-righteous thoughts helps purify the heart. J

[@annabambus6572]

So many young people have got married too young, so they can have sex without feeling judged by their fellow church goers, or have guilt free sex. Divorce so often follows, damaging so many. Every one turns a blind eye to this. The why's are crying out to be addressed. Thank you for beginning this vital issue out into the open, for true discourse to take place. Young girls and their periods, boys and wet dreams are too often also badly mistreated, or ignored. We're keeping our children in the dark. Bring the light into their lives, so they can carry it forward. God bless you.

[@LouisaWatt]

“Ethically sourced”? Is that equating people to shampoo and fruit?

[@rockyblacksmith]

In this case, it means the women in question aren't financially exploited (as it is widespread in the pornographic industry). That of course doesn't take away from the multitude of other issues there are with pornography.

[@augsburgbiblechannel9246]

Great video. Getting the book.

[@chardo24]

We have made sex a problem because we do not know how to love. We try to replace love, truth and purity with many substitutes. We think it is a person, a place, a status of a ring, house, car, kids. In the Church there are gambling trips. There is homosexuality. There is lying, cheating, pregnancy, and all of it doesn’t matter. However with courage we can take ourselves past all this. We can start to account for ourselves in a deeper, more meaningful way, to look at our own roles in our lives, and start to put perspective on who we are and why. We can look at the challenges that come along as lessons-rather than assuming we are sinners and that we are being punished by God.

[@georgevelt7125]

Alisa, God love you . I must say that for some years I was involved in a rather large youth group and saw many kids search out all sorts of issues, they included sex and alcohol and not as often drugs . Now as a very old man I would suggest to you that there is not a simple answer for the issues and it is my belief that Christian parents should be totally responsible . Church oversight is crucial and without it the volume of kids will never hear the truth about pre marital sex, which is often associated with alcohol and drugs . It is also a fact that sex education is not just about the act but rather a whole series of issues eg parents who are ill equiped to teach , kids not be prepared to listen , Sunday only Christian’s , school influences , media influence and worst of all the amount of ill equiped pastors to oversee the programmes . There are ways to teach kids and my answer to you folk is beware of the damage that can and has been done by many programmes for Christian kids specifically designed by the church . Many of these kids fall through the cracks. Sadly we often assume we know it all and unless there is pastoral and elder oversight it is simply put dangerous . Men should never be given total control of any attempt to educate children on a super serious subject , it should always be headed up by women of God and then men . Forget the progressives , they are here to stay and sadly have become the most arrogant non Christian money making machines and are obviously living their best life now, a very famous pastors wife tells us . God is our strength and provides our direction in our instruction book , our holy bible . God bless and keep you

[@heikevetten2992]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING OUR PRECIOUS LORDS GIFTS!!!!!!!!🙏🕊🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🙏🏻🙏🙏🏽🙏🏼

[@michaelamaistry8035]

Hi there :) would you mind reacting to God is grey’s videos? I feel as if her messages are very progressive but she has a huge following which can be dangerous as many can be led astray.

[@GiannaGranata]

I used to watch her so much. Almost got sucked into the trap of progressive Christianity because of it.. I would love to hear her perspective of it too!!

[@shanepennino5598]

I love God is grey. It has healed so many wounds of mine, most inflicted from my church. It is sad that love and compassion are what some would say is dangerous. :(

[@rockyblacksmith]

@@shanepennino5598 I don't think love and compassion is what people are calling out here. Displaying these qualities and having an unbiblical theology aren't mutually exclusive. Please note; This is a general point, I don't want to comment on God is Grey particularly since I don't know that channel.

[@jwmatthews3]

I think part of the reason this subject is not getting the attention needs is our unwillingness to talk about men and women being DIFFERENT. The highest idolatry in our time is identity politics, included a radical neo-marxist feminism that will not allow conversations based on the idea that men and women are intrinsically different. And as Christians, we honor and obey that idolatry. We could captivate and interest young people if we were willing to point out what the culture will not -- that pornography is 99% geared toward the relentless, ever-replenishing appetites of men. That men have a need that is different in kind from the needs of women -- and God's plan of marriage fully encompasses that. On the other hand, by being sexually permissive, women allow the worst part of men to flourish -- instead of forcing men to make a choice to live the best version of themselves, young people delay marriage WITHOUT a commitment to celibacy. Young people deserve the straight dope without watering it down for the woke Left.

[@notofthisworld5267]

The world is so confused. Squares are circles, right is wrong, up is down, and tolerance is letting ppl run over you. We need an awakening, a change of the ages.

[@cvb422]

Side note- that high school girl literally quoted Mean Girls lol. I'm so grateful I have the family I did growing up. They were so honest with the truths about sex

[@rachelevelyn777]

Wow. I have a 14 year old son, and a 14 year old step daughter. This couldn't have come at a better time. I purchased the book and I'm praying that this will help them. My son has been exposed to pornography and my step daughter has such a skewed view of relationships. I prayed tonight for the wisdom to help them, and then I see this video. Thank you so much. I'm in tears.

[@stephaniemodavis]

I believe that the christian world view on love of god and others and absense of "self" can be polarizing when the why is not taught, understood, & realized. Many Christians I know self marytar to the extreme to it actually being very unhealthy or may hide imperfect ways leading to immense guilt and shame keeping them trapped in a mental/emotional prison. I feel this needs to be deeply clarified for a wholistic approach. We need good leaders whom can explain as fully as possibe otherwise we are loosing people in the material wiithout the deeper conceptulization. Also, althought single-ness is beautiful, it often can too be coming from a trauma response within past relationships. Not always of course

[@hlengiwesibande8018]

So I would like to know if having sex without marriage really is a sin or are they saying it just to get us married ?

[@bitcoinbelle]

The tragedy is The Church has done little to nothing to heal the saved once they are. Getting people into the tent and under water has been the goal at least since I was saved in a radical conversation in 1986. Even as a student at Calvary Chapel Bible College, I was encouraged to let go of my past and think of myself as a new creature in Christ. So. If 1 in 3 girls is sexually abused by high school, that imprinting she gets, is the mind-body connection she has to sex forever unless healed. That healing, just like the damage done in a car accident that causes paralysis, does not occur at the time of one's salvation. In fact, The Church does further harm to isolate her as she is made to feel shame for her improper imprinting.

[@silavlis233]

There was even a trend everywhere about how 'hugs' heal people and now people are talking about the lack of a familiar and friendly hug in the pandemic world (at least in my entire country this is a hot topic) as something so meaningful to the relationship but downplay sexuality and its deep meaning and role in people´s relationship.

[@joelturnbull4038]

Please do a video on Nadia Bolz-Weber. Her teachings have influenced some people I know in damaging ways.

[@careywaldie6735]

Bravo to you both!

[@silviyapancheva]

Alisa , have you seen Pastor Mark Gungor’s marriage seminar “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage”? This is a world famous seminar and it’s exactly about love, sex and marriage. Pastor Mark is really funny but he gets across the main reasons why sex before marriage damages you, why pornography is damaging. Pastor Mark Gungor is a relative of Michael Gungor and Lisa Gungor but he’s not into New Age. His church is called Celebration Church and it is a multi site church (one church - different locations all in the state of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Appleton and few more). He’s the only pastor I’ve heard saying “Sex is good, provided you do it at the right time”. He talks a lot about being single and how single people actually contribute a lot to the Kingdom of God. Brilliant man...Pastor, Marriage Speaker and Author of many books for married and single people. Checking him out is definitely worth doing! Take care! I love this channel!!! ❤️

[@uhmalissa]

Who is Alicia? Her name is Alisa. It's like Lisa with an A. My name is pronounced the same way and is constantly spelled and pronounced incorrectly too.

[@silviyapancheva]

@@uhmalissa Thanks for pointing this out. I’ll remember it now. I’m not sure why I keep writing her name wrong...🤦‍♀️

[@karennicholson4167]

One of the funniest videos with a great marriage message. We have used it in our church for a retreat and it really was a success.

[@silviyapancheva]

@@karennicholson4167 Yeah, absolutely brilliant. Pastor Mark is doing marriage seminar all over the country and the world. He’s also very popular in the military.

[@sagenosnibor9173]

Society preps us for porn subtely even in cute little cartoons geared toward children. Mooning someone is "funny" (offensive and perverted), scenes where boobs are outlined and replaced with some "hilarious" object. Sexual innuendos in children/teens cartoons that bypass a toddlers understanding but obviously sticks, where they can repeat the behavior while not knowing what they are saying /doing actually means. All the while, you approach adulthood where you are desensitized by now with all of the the billboards, magazines, commercials, music videos,social media, and movies that always somehow creep in some kind of seduction and sensuality. 95% of movies have soft core porn scenes or just full blown sex scenes! It's in your face! And we are forced to be sexualy inticed and seduced while just trying to navigate life or enjoy a "wholesome" movie.

[@shanepennino5598]

I managed to get halfway through the video, then decided that was enough. I remember my youth group telling me only all the horrible things that would happen to me if I had premarital sex. For decades I internalized all that guilt and shame until it manifested into religious trauma in my adulthood. I recall how fervent and eager my community was about telling me not to have sex, like it was a personal mission to them. After I was broken and emotionally damaged, do you think any of my youth leaders or the people who wrote these books about biblical sexuality or held conferences were there to fix the pieces? They were there to tell me not to fornicate. Not so much when my PTSD showed up. I wonder if their is a biblical principle for that.

[@rockyblacksmith]

"After I was broken and emotionally damaged, do you think any of my youth leaders or the people who wrote these books about biblical sexuality or held conferences were there to fix the pieces?" I'll be honest, I would have expected them to. And it is horrifying and painful to hear that they weren't.

[@jedkaro]

I'm sorry you had to go through that. I hate how a lot of church leaders, pastors, etc. portray sex. I think it also messed with me in a way.

[@shanepennino5598]

@@jedkaro I am sorry to hear that it harmed you. I don't want to give unsolicited advice, but their are resources out there for people to heal with. I hope that you find peace and healing in your life from this. Thank you for your kind words.

[@alexwilliamson8810]

@@jedkaro I'm sorry to hear that you and Shane went through that. I've observed such harm all too often in people from the suppression and judgment they received. You mentioned a book on the subject. While mine only partially is there to help with the trauma of such, it is more so for preventing it from happening to others. The conservative Christian view of sex is unbiblical and based them putting novel spins on words. If one studies the Bible thoroughly on this matter and looks into the original languages, he or she will see that the biblical view of sex is much more open than people think. Of course, we should still take into consideration love for God, others, and ourselves and show moderation when needed. My book is called "40 Christian Myths about Sex" and is on Amazon.

[@valentinamorales2403]

Thank u thank u I need to get your book cause all the youth that are adults now who were in church my daughter's in law who was the youth pastor can't really understand why most of her youth just fell about sex the girls had sex out of we'd lock some had abortion and had terrible relationship we celebrate when they got pregnant including me am guilty of this .. my daughter's in law was the only one who Married " right" and stayed pure... Until marriage.

[@Maine-Life]

St. Paul viewed singleness as a walk to monasticism.

[@mtgsk5180]

@ 2:42 she literally quoted mean girls 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@annipanna]

Is Sean working with Richard Rohr? I really like his work, I'm just wondering if I got that right. Thank you!

[@dawnb8906]

I originally heard Richard Rohr but then when I rewatched he mentions a Richard Ross towards the end of the interview...

[@annipanna]

@@dawnb8906 Thank You so much!! God bless You!!

[@lynettepettitt655]

I doubt it. Richard Rohr is serious questionable. Although I'd love to hear a conversation between them.

[@emilywrighers]

@@dawnb8906 Yes, Richard Ross, who was (and might still be) a professor at Southwestern Seminary.

[@enricoabrahams5061]

"You've heard it said...but I say" is sometimes used to argue that Jesus was putting aside the old testament, and yet in Matthew 5:17 which is still towards the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says "don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets, I didn't come to destroy but to fulfill", in other words, the thing that Jesus is construed as doing is the very thing that Jesus Himself said very explicitly that He did not come to do

[@l.a.w.79]

So let’s get real! There needs to be a discussion about how churches handle single Christians. Once you get over the age of about 28 and you are still single in a church you become invisible! And then by the time you reach 40 and you are single and church forget about it by then church is irrelevant to you as a community because everyone seems to say things like “you’ll find your husband someday“ but the world celebrates you as a single! They tell you you have so much freedom, you need to travel... and if you are trying to serve that and not live a worldly life, you almost don’t stand a chance because you’re invisible at church and you are an anomaly in the world. For me, I would say once I reached 40 I became very discouraged. Now I am 50 and I can embrace my singleness a lot better. But I kept myself as busy as possible but it went downhill for me after 40-44?or so. I was angry because the “walk with God” felt like a failed promise. I got back in my word and back in a community of women (who were much older and not trying to encourage me to “join the singles group” and life has returned to a better place.

[@abczyx1234]

Agreed. As McDowell notes in his book as well, the church needs to improve with valuing singles, helping them to grow, be connected to the church community, and using their gifts to help others.

[@l.a.w.79]

@@abczyx1234 I feel like I should have written a book like that rather than getting so mad at God when it was happening to me!!!

[@bethanyw777]

Thank you, I can relate! I don’t feel like I fit in in any group. I’m 39 now and still have the deepest yearning to be married and share my life with someone. But I can’t help feeling it’s never going to happen, especially now that I’m out of my prime years, and the thought near devastates me almost every day. I try not to be angry with God over it since He never promised marriage to everybody, but it’s hard not to feel cheated sometimes. Talk about “being real” lol! That’s not something we’re supposed to actually say out loud, right, but let’s be honest, it’s how a lot of us single Christians start to feel after being single for so long. I often wonder if one is really “called to singleness” if they still desire to be married? I’m hoping his book addresses this question.

[@clm3436]

@55m This... God: "I love you and I bear your shame for you"

[@lawrence4318]

How about teaching what the author of the universe intended when He created the natural order. That is, if human behavior departs from the natural order, it is disordered, and so not pleasing to the Creator. Ergo someone who loves his Creator does not want to alienate himself or herself from Him. This reference to nature, can fit in nicely with current discussions of “harmony with nature”

[@rockyblacksmith]

In principle, it's a valid argument. But it has a major pitfall; God created a natural order, but that order is fundamentally corrupted ever since the Garden of Eden. And those corruptions, even if harmful and destructive, will feel "natural". That is why we don't have to be taught how to sin. Humanism is, among other things, the belief that whatever is human nature is good. And this is the belief that our modern society is structured around. And unfortunately, many christians allow this belief to seep into their theology. So when talking about the "natural order", one needs to be careful to differentiate. And this goes the other way around as well; The argument of "natural order" has been abused in hardline conservative churches to effectively micromanage every aspect of the members lives, far beyond what scripture warrants. So it is an argument that can be used, but has to stand on REALLY solid foundation of scripture, research and logic if it is to stand.

[@janetc9624]

So logical, just explain why... so simple

[@NewCreationInChrist896]

Singleness is a spiritual gift. 1 Corinthians 7:7

[@martinusv7433]

@@lisamariposa473 Why are you constantly brushing off the New Testament? Overreliance on the Old Testament - on the Jewish Law - is Judaism, not Christianity. And for a true Christian, Judaism is a "false religion" just like any other.

[@martinusv7433]

@@lisamariposa473 Then why exactly wasn't Jesus himself married? Why wasn't St. Paul married? Was the most prolific contributor to the New Testament actively disobeying God? Why don't we have any information about the disciples of Jesus being married? Is the New Testament only filled with "rebels" against God's design?

[@martinusv7433]

@@lisamariposa473 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19: 21). Can't really imagine someone raising a family without any possessions...

[@stevesamson3940]

Genesis 1:22 God's very first commandment to His creation. Be fruitful and multiply. Pretty hard to obey that whilst practising "singleness."

[@autumxxleaves4186]

Yeah I’m really iffy on this part of church teaching it gets really lofty... and generic. I think that’s why so many are single and awkward.

[@martinusv7433]

I assume that we are Christians here, not Jews, and therefore rely first and foremost on the New Testament. Based on your logic, Jesus himself, his disciples, and St. Paul weren't really very good followers of God, or what?

[@autumxxleaves4186]

@@martinusv7433 actually no there’s a reason why we are brothers and sisters in Christ. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons and daughters of God, even to them that believe on his name” John 1:14 . Trust and believe Jesus and his followers made MANY children for the kingdom of heaven through conversions. Who can multiply by bring ppl to Christ and raising your own children in faith “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” some ppl like Paul lived as eunuchs and set themselves to creating spiritual children and we see this sense of care he had for the ppl he Wrote too. “For I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each has his own gift from God, one in this way, and another in that.” 1 Corinthians 7:7. ✨so basically spiritual children (converts) and physical children that we raise in the way of the Lord are equal. So Jesus was not disobey God in any way

[@joannagannon1384]

I’m 36, single, and I’ve only been a believer for 2 years. I have no idea what I’m doing and no one is really guiding me. I feel so isolated from the church, especially now in the lockdowns. And I have no idea what to do about it

[@ariahhumphreys]

Im so sorry!!

[@miriambakker4340]

Just keep reading your Bible and you will get close to God through doing that.

[@joannagannon1384]

@@miriambakker4340 I’ve been seeking (and finding) God in profound ways during this time. Which I a blessing I would never diminish. However, I’ve been in relative isolation for 10 months, which is just not good in a number of ways

[@joannagannon1384]

@North of Too Far I’ve been working on hermeneutics a lot, which has been fruitful. I’m usually not to shy about questions, perhaps part of why I don’t really have people in my life. I can be direct in a way that I think people find off putting 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m wondering, though, we’re there certain question you had in mind? Maybe I haven’t thought of them?

[@joannagannon1384]

@@ariahhumphreys thank you, God is still good, though!

[@loriemarshall2655]

Maybe if we could remind young people of the heart ache that kids go through when they're born into a single family because of promiscuity they could better understand the reason for God's commands and boundaries

[@noahmossey8970]

When I saw "Was Jesus a sexual progressive?" I clicked on this ready to hear some blasphemy and historically and biblically inaccurate thinking. I was pleasantly surprised! Such important points made in this video!

[@samantaray]

Spiritual Edification... Fab interview thank you ♡ Imo 'is Jesus a sexual progressive' is clickbait due to its provocativeness.... If the soul is the emotion, the intellect and the will, it has jurisdiction over our flesh by submitting to our spirit, aligned with the Holy Spirit.

[@ballantynehome]

Brilliant 🙏🏿

[@johnz4328]

Why is it so difficult for Christians to meet and get married? So much talk so so little help.

[@driftless7134]

Historically, Christianity offered an alternative for single people. They could join monasteries and live a monastic life dedicated to God. Prodistantism (of which I am one) actively opposed and demonized this practice. So now those who don't get married don't have as many options.

[@rockyblacksmith]

I think monastic life might have been carried over into protestant denominations if it had "only" been an alternative. From what I understand, Catholicism prior to the reformation considered monastic life the "truest" form of devotion, in a bit of a misinterpretation of Pauls statements on the matter. Marriage was only considered a "lesser" form of christian life. And this is what Luther argued against and encouraged monks to leave the monasteries and get married (which, somewhat unexpected, resulted in his own marriage as well). We could definitely use institutions reserved for unmarried people to (temporarily or permanently) invest their time into ministry.

[@jotunman627]

Priest and nuns are celibate...they give their life to God.....of course this is not for everyone..

[@daysofnoah]

Someone needs to talk to him about his hair.

[@abczyx1234]

I suspect part of this may be that he is a teacher & appearance helps in connecting with his students. He wears a lot of Marvel and DC comics t shirts too & probably for similar reasons.

[@djc6nk]

The reason I left the Christian church is that I became single as an adult, and there was no place for me in the Christian church. But, I saw men who were single again as adults and they were highly prized. It was such a double standard. The Christian church is for families period. If you do not fit that mold (unless you are a heterosexual guy) change religions. I went to Unity School of Christianity and they were accepting of all outcasts like myself.

[@levipack3835]

Friendly Banjo Atheist has commented that you blocked him when he sent you information on Ravi Zacharia's misdeeds. Is this true? I honestly didn't know anything about Ravi's dishonesty because I was never really a fan of his style. But had someone sent me information on him that suggested that he was a fraud I think I would have made people aware if I was in a public position. I understand if you didn't take the time to evaluate Mr banjo's arguments if you didn't believe them.

[@brianawalton3772]

Didn't Jesus once say that there are some people in this world whom are born "eunuchs"? Meaning that God gave some humans the gift of chastity? I recall reading that somewhere. 🤔

[@LonnardTree]

If you have to ask this question, you don’t know Truth. This is a matter that anyone in Christ with the abiding Holy Spirit would already know. Anyone seeking truth should understand and know this just by mere logic

[@purplegemcrazyroyal5247]

How could Chris Pratt call himself a Christian and yet do that sex scene? Or wasn't he saved at the time?

[@nx6shawn260]

You may want to watch this video and checkout the channel that published it. It may just start a journey of discernment for you. God bless. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKvCqIyLmt2BZ6M --> kzbin.info (Channel)

[@TheEdenFiles]

Wild idea. I love all of your interviews. But What if sometimes you prayed at the end? Maybe God would be honored, maybe hear. But also maybe people would feel His heart & your heart in a deeper way. To see how Christians pray. Or maybe that’s too religious. Just a feeling…

[@nohjuan3048]

If women get hurt by pornography, imagine how much more they are hurt by adultery, which gets a pass in churches all the time. I've heard dozens of sermons about porn, but nary a one about adultery. Why is that?