The Challenge of Courtship

Calvary Christian Fellowship of Tucson, AZ

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The Challenge of Courtship

Christian Dating 101 - Song of Solomon 2:2-17

May 29, 2024 • Scott Richards • Psalm 121, James 1:2–4, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Song of Songs 2:2–17

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Solomon and the Shulamite enter their dating phase where there is undeniably physical attraction and desire between the two of them. Yet in the midst of these legitimate gifts from God, the time and place are also considered. Their regard for God's standards before marriage will be reflected in how well they honor them during marriage as well.

1. Feelings are good servants, but poor masters.

2. Delayed gratification is a lost virtue that deserves a comeback in Christian circles.

3. Deal with little problems early before they become big ones.

Peace With Your Past, Present, and Future

July 31, 2024 • Scott Richards • Song of Songs 8:8–14, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 30:7–9, 1 Corinthians 2:9

The Song of Solomon ends with the Shulamite in a place of peace and security in her relationship with Solomon. Solomon himself is in a place of security and contentment where he can simply listen to and minister to his bride. The Shulamite has come to the kind of peace only God can provide regardless of and in light of her past and future. 1. People can't be Jesus. But Jesus can be Himself through us. 2. Don't ignore your past. Learn from it in light of what God has done. 3. The perfect marriage in this life is merely foreshadowing eternal life with Jesus.

I Want To Know What Love Is

July 24, 2024 • Scott Richards • Song of Songs 8:5–7, 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 1 Peter 3:7, Romans 8:38–39

The Shulamite makes an observation about love that parallels with Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13. With seven points of comparison, she emphasizes all of its aspects with direct parallels to the power and nature of God. Apart from God, love is impossible. The best we can do apart from Him are the feelings that come and go without understanding their purpose. 1. Love comes from God. 2. Love lasts because of God. 3. Love is based on the nature of God.

Operation Appreciation

July 3, 2024 • Scott Richards • Ecclesiastes 4:12, Ephesians 5:22–33, 1 Peter 3:7, Song of Songs 7—8

The Shulamite and Solomon's relationship reaches its peak from two perspectives. Solomon has learned more things he admires and expresses about his wife, and his wife has learned to focus more on him than herself. This growth didn't happen overnight, nor did it take place naturally. Marriage and intimacy both require a conscious and purposeful effort with God as the center to make it an effective demonstration of His character. 1. A growing relationship is one that continues to learn about each other. 2. Men desire respect. Women desire love. Both require the Holy Spirit. 3. Pursue marital intimacy intentionally or it will quickly be drowned out by the other things that distract us from ministry.