In the beginning …

Genesis 1:28 God’s first words to men and women…

‘ Be fruitful and increase in number …’

And all was fine … Until chapter 3

‘When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her and he ate it.’ Genesis 3:6

So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:23

Sex and relationships since the rebellion?

Samson, Judge of Israel? Ensnared by lust for a prostitute.

David, God’s chosen King? Commits adultery with Bathsheba, then murders her husband to cover his tracks.

Solomon, son of David, king over all Israel, builder of God’s Temple? ‘Had 700 wives and 300 concubines…(who) turned his heart after other Gods.’ 1 Kings 11:3,4

SEX?

‘You have heard that it was said: Do not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:27)

‘Flee from sexual immorality.’ 1 Corinthians 6:18

Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Hebrews 13:4

4% of British women and 1% of British men are still virgins on their wedding night.

Think that’s just for ‘non-Christians’?

40% of Christian students have experienced genital intercourse, oral sex or mutual masturbation.

That’s over 1 in 3 people. And you thought you were the only one?

‘My main struggle is with masturbation. I just find that I always seem to be thinking about sex. All kinds of images fill my mind, and I am constantly fantasizing, imagining people naked or making love.’ John, age 19

‘The orgasm has replaced the cross as the centre of longing and the place of fulfilment.’ Malcolm Muggeridge

‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ Romans 3: 23

‘ Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Isaiah 1:18

LOVE?

‘ I have never loved anyone and I do not think I ever will. I don’t believe I am capable of love. Love for me is like winning the lottery: it’s just something that happens to someone else.’ Sean, age 19

‘I sometimes wonder why God made me a woman at all. Why not an amoeba with no worries about finding a partner, no wondering if this seemingly mythical man even exists? Isn’t there one man in the whole world for me? Is the problem that I am so ugly and sinful that God decided I should remain on the shelf?’ Mary, age 32

‘I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Jesus Christ, (John 10:10)

Top 5 struggles among Christian students: 1. Masturbation 2. Images in films/magazines etc 3. The way women dress 4. Memories of the past 5. Not having a girlfriend 1.Fear of singleness 2.Not having a boyfriend 3.Memories of the past 4.Pressure from boyfriend 5.Masturbation Male Female

Closely followed by… Homosexual feelings, temptation of going out with non-Christians, pregnancy, abortion … (Still think you’re the only one?)

‘ Christ died for sins, once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God.’ 1 Peter 3:18

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:3

Hurt? Scarred? Confused? Interested?

We’ve all struggled We’ve all failed

There is hope…

‘Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes.’ Revelation 21:1-4

“ How can a young man keep his way pure ? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9