Hey First Student Families!
Here is a quick message from Pastor Bryson regarding our Define The Relationship series this Sunday night and the conversation we're going to be having about purity and sex.
We know that the conversations around sex can raise red flags for parents so we want you to know why this message and what it looks like.
Define Not Describe
We believe the Bible defines sex and that it's the parent's role to describe it. Meaning, we're not talking about the details of sex, instead, we're talking about the biblical principles of sex and how they can navigate purity in a world where sex is on display everywhere (pornography, Netflix, movies, social media, etc.).
The goal of this message is to reinforce what you've already taught them at home and not to be a replacement for this conversation with you.
For our JHM, we will take a very foundational approach to the subject and will be focused on the idea of lust and purity. For our High School, we will speak more directly about the subject of sex.
This Will Be Mild Compared to What They Know/Have Seen
The difficult truth we have to wrestle with is that our students likely already know or have seen sex in some form. In fact, the latest stats show that the new average age of exposure to internet pornography is 8 years old.
If they only learn about sex from their friends, the internet, and movies, they will grow up with a distorted view of sexuality that will not lead to healthy lives, marriages, or homes in the future.
For many students, this message will be G-rated compared to what they may have already heard from friends or saw online.
This Will Reach Lost Students
Teenagers are curious about sex and are very driven by it – even if they don't act upon it. Oftentimes, these types of messages bring in students who would normally never set foot through the doors of a church. We believe this is our opportunity to reach them with the gospel.
This Will Set Some Students Free
Statistically speaking, 90% of teenage males and 60% of teenage girls struggle with pornography in some capacity. Many have never heard a message like this in church and we believe that when you know the truth, the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).
Many students hide this struggle because of guilt, shame, or embarrassment and we want the church to be a place where they find support, hope, and healing.
If you have any questions you'd like for us to answer, please email us and we would be happy to hear and answer any questions you might have!