House of Cards, Week One - Dating

Ayren Nelson delivers the first message in our newest series, House of Cards on the topic of 'Dating', at Hope Community Church on October 24.

Show Notes

Week 1  Dating – Ayren Nelson, Apex Middle School Pastor 

God blessed humanity when He made us to live in community, and there is no closer community than our families. What makes a family strong? In this series, we’ll examine topics to help us get to a solid, Christian family based on God’s principles.

• What is the purpose of dating?

Dating is a period of evaluation.

Song of Solomon 7:1-3 (NLT) Solomon wrote about his love and attraction in his descriptive poetry.

The natural progression of a dating relationship:

1. An immediate physical attraction – Song of Solomon 1:2-4 (NLT)

2. Just hanging out – Song of Solomon 1:7 (NLT)

3. A meaningful, God-honoring relationship – Song of Solomon 2:2-3 (NLT)  

Evaluation of character is the first thing to look at while dating. 

Song of Solomon 1:3 (NLT) The young man had a reputable and honorable character.

Proverbs 31 – Attributes of a Christian woman of character

Ephesians 5 – Attributes of a Christian man of character

Attraction grabs the attention, but character keeps them around.

You have to allow others to evaluate your relationship.

Song of Solomon 1:4b (NLT) Others supported their relationship.

One of the most accurate ways you receive the type of evaluation you need in dating is 

to allow others to evaluate your relationship.

Allow God to evaluate your relationship.

Song of Solomon 2:2-3 (NLT) Their focus was on one another.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (BSB) Do everything to the glory of God.

You need to allow God to evaluate your relationship.

What is Hope Community Church?

Welcome to the Hope Community Church! Hope is a multi-site church community with locations around the Triangle in Raleigh, Apex, Northwest Cary, Garner, and Fuquay-Varina. We are here to love you where you are and encourage you to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ! We strive to speak the truth of the Bible in a way that is easy to understand, helpful in your current life circumstances, and encouraging. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here!