Should a Christian date a non-Christian?

Should a Christian date a non-Christian? This is a question I've received a number of times from people in our church and here is how I answer when asked: 

Let's look to the Bible, because God primarily reveals his will through his word. And as we read the Bible, we discover the best possible way to live our lives. As it relates to a Christian dating someone who isn't a Christian...2 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Donʼt team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" To best understand this New Testament verse, we need to look at an Old Testament one. Deuteronomy 22:10 forbade yoking a donkey and an ox as a work team on the farm. 

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Paul is borrowing the image from Deuteronomy 22:10 to teach the Corinthians that a Christian and a non-Christians are forbidden to be yoked together, in the same way a donkey and an ox are. Why? Because Christian values and pagan values are not compatible. He doesn't teach that Christians are to avoid all contact with the unsaved (1 Corinthians 5:9-10), but are to avoid close partnerships which involve compromise of Christian standards, practices or goals. 

So to answer the question "Should a Christian date someone who isn't a Christian?" I'd have to answer no, based on what God's word says about it. But I want to encourage you to think beyond right and wrong. I want you think in terms of God's best plan for your life vs some secondary plan not nearly as good. The lifestyle God sets forth in the Bible is the best possible way for you to live your life. It's the "abundant" life Jesus died to give you. So my question is, why would you want to settle for anything less than God's best plan?

Peeking Others Interest in New Day

At New Day we're always encouraging people to use their lives to point others to Christ. That being the case I wanted to share some bullet points you might be able to use to peek peoples interest in New Day. As God provides the opportunity, you may want to share one or more of the following points of interest about our church: 

• We don’t fit peoples preconceived notions of church. 
• We are filled with young and young minded people. Everyone in the church isn't 80 years old or older. 
• We have a rocking band, not a robe wearing choir. 
• We have fun at church. Our church is not boring. 
• Casual atmosphere 
• Our slogan is "Casual Dress. Serious Faith." 
• We take God seriously. Not ourselves. 
• We are relaxed, not uptight. 
• Messages applicable to everyday life 
• Our messages are interesting, not boring. 
• They relate to everyday life. 
• Common topics include: marriage, family, finances, friends, stress, etc. 
• People are friendly 
• We have a whole team of people that show up early just to greet you at the door when you arrive. 
• You will leave with a sense that people were glad you came. 
• Great kids program 
• Your kids will have fun. 
• Your kids will learn Bible based values. 
• Your kids will be safe. 
• Great music  
• No choir. 
• No hymns. 
• Up to date music in keeping with the times. 
• No one will ever pressure you to make a decision or do something you don’t want to 
• You can go at your own pace. 
• You'll never be pressured to get saved. 
• You'll never be pressured to give in the offering. 

Jesus' Miracles

Jesus' miracles added an exclamation point to his teaching. 

Jesus said "I am the bread of life" and miraculously fed the five thousand to illustrate his claim to satisfy the hunger of the human heart. Jesus said "I am the light of the world" and he opened the eyes of a man born blind. If he could restore sight to the blind, he could open men's eyes to see and to know God. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life" and he brought back to life a man called Lazarus who had been dead four days. 

Through these miracles Jesus was trying to show us that though we are spiritually hungry, blind and dead, He can satisfy our hunger, restore our sight and one day raise us to new life. 

Owning a Bible vs Reading Your Bible

Owning gym equipment won't get you in shape physically, and owning a Bible won't get you in shape spiritually. 

I've been subscribing to Runner's World for about a year now, but to be honest, I don't read it! And I've learned from experience that owning a copy of Runner's World doesn't make you any more of a runner than owning a Bible makes you a more Christ-like person. 

You have to read God's word, you have to reflect on God's Word and you have to respond to God's Word, for it to make any difference in your life. 

As we close 2012 you may be interested in picking up a Bible reading plan to help you stay faithful in reading God's Word. Here's a couple options for: 

1. New Day's One Year Bible Reading Plan 
2. Youversion Reading Plans