Last night we kicked off the series with an introduction and the need for the series was threefold: curiosity, unity and preparation.
As young adults, we are naturally curious about God's view on dating, friendships with the opposite sex, our own identities, gender associations and more. As we've grown up we find ourselves gathering information from what the world teaches and what our friends/family offer us. However, this type of education is sometimes against what God's Word instructs. Therefore, it is vital that we gain a greater understanding directly from God's Word to base our decisions and lifestyles after Jesus. When we have a Biblical standard to follow, we can hold up every thing/person/situation up against this standard and see how it lines up with what God says.
Additionally, learning corporately (and eventually breaking up in same gender groups) we will become more united as brothers and sisters in Christ. If we know how to have healthy conversations with one another (no creepy Christian pick up lines, hahaa) then we will grow closer to God and potentially meet the one He has for us?! Kidding, that's not the ultimate goal, but to please God in all of our actions and honor Him in how we relate to the opposite sex.
Finally, this series is foundational as we are to be prepared disciples of God. We want to exude His Word and love so that others take notice and credit our joy to the Lord. We want to be solid examples - the hands and feet of Jesus and be prepared to share His love to others. Inwardly, we want to be prepared in our hearts to be the best man or woman that He is calling us to be and live out the plan that He has laid forth for our lives.
To begin the series, Pastor D noted that there are similarities between men and woman. We all laugh at the obvious differences (which we'll cover next week) but it's important to grasp the ways in which we are similar.
The most significant similarity is that God created male and female in HIS image. Amen! In Genesis 1:26-31 we see God's perfect design when creating human beings. His Divine design was intended to have men and women who are all His children, with equal authority, and value. One gender is not superior to the other, as stated in Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
What a powerful verse. Our identity is first and foremost in Christ and not dependent on our personality, jobs, financial status and not even on our gender. Wow. God sees us as His children and has carved out a very specific role and calling upon each of our lives. We cannot understand an unlimited, infinite God with our finite brains. And we shouldn't strive to understand Him, rather allow God to be God.
A second way we are similar is in our desire to need God. Each person is designed to be unsatisfied with things outside of God alone. All things of the world and even our closest relationships aren't met to meet all of our needs so that we reach out to God over and over again. All men and women have a desire in their soul to connect with their Creator and find out what He has planned for them. It states in Ephesians 2:10 "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works". We must find our identity in Christ and learn of His plan (or will) for our lives. When we follow in His way, our hearts are filled and we find satisfaction in Him. Don't go your whole life missing the One person who can provide you ultimate satisfaction for your deep longings and heart's desires. God cares about you and wants to cover you with His love.
Lastly, we were encouraged to approach God with humility (1 Peter 5:5-7) and to be open to receive His blessings. Just as He blessed the first man Adam and the first woman Eve, He will continually bless us because He loves us!
Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, next week! See you there!
