I.      Introduction

A.    You may know someone who has difficulty committing to a relationship.

B.     In Stop Dating the Church, Joshua Harris examines commitment problems in the church.

1.      It is an intriguing idea, and an apt analogy.

2.      It offers an enlightening look at a relationship too many take lightly.

II.     The shortcomings of “dating” the church.

A.     What does it mean to “date” the church?

1.      A relationship where we set all the terms

2.      But a relationship we expect to be pleasing to us.

B.     Is this the kind of relationship Jesus expects?

1.      Jesus makes demands of those who follow Him (Luke 9:56-62)

2.      Will He be satisfied with uncommitted “disciples”?

III.   Signs of a “church dater”

A.     Church Daters are often “me-centered” when it comes to church.

1.       “What can the church do for me and my family?”

2.      Programs and activities are the reason they come

3.      They don’t go with the intention to be counted on or called upon.

B.     They intend to remain independent, keep a safe distance from the church

1.      They attend church because that’s what they have to do.

2.      But they are careful not to become too attached, too involved.

C.     They are often critical of the church.

1.      They show little allegiance

2.      They are quick to find fault.

D.     They are satisfied with shallowness in their date

1.      This is a two-way street: Some churches foster an attitude of dating

2.      Some church-goers don’t care about deeper truths as long as they “get what they need”

IV.  The church is worthy of your commitment

A.     God has honored and glorified the church.

1.      The church isn’t some religious club, invented by men.

2.      God’s eternal purpose and wisdom are made known in it (Eph. 3:10-11)

3.      It is a source of glory to God “forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:21)

4.      It is precious to its Redeemer (Eph. 5:22-27)

5.      The church is the “fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23)

B.     God involves the church in His atoning work.

1.      God has not only saved us, but He has invited us to participate in His plan to save
the lost.

2.      The church is His tool for carrying out that plan. (Romans 10:14-15)

3.      It is “a pillar and buttress of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15)

C.     From the heavenly perspective, the beauty of the church is unsurpassed.

1.      Our experiences with imperfect people in churches may give us a negative impression.

2.      From the eternal perspective, it is the glorious, holy family of God.

D.     Only One has the right to disown the church – and He won’t (Eph. 5:25)

V.     Conclusion

A.     The choice to commit is our own.

1.      We can maintain a dating posture towards the church.

2.      Or we can stop dating the church, fall in love, and be completely committed to it.

B.     What choice will you make?