Before You Say I Do In this message, Before You Say I Do, we tackle one of the most confusing and emotionally charged topics of our time—dating. While the Bible doesn't speak directly about modern dating apps, DMs, or "talking stages," it speaks clearly about wisdom, holiness, and God's design for marriage. This sermon offers a biblical framework to navigate dating with clarity, courage, and conviction in a culture that has lost its way. Tracing the history of dating—from community-guided marriages, to courtship, to modern dating, online platforms, and hookup culture—this message helps us understand how we arrived at a place where intimacy is disconnected from commitment and relationships feel disposable. If you desire marriage but feel discouraged, confused, or burned out by dating, this sermon names the tension and points toward a better way. Grounded in Proverbs, Matthew 19, Genesis 24, Ephesians 5, and 1 Corinthians 6, this message reframes dating not as a status to camp in, but as a process of evaluation. Dating exists for one primary question: "Is this someone I could marry?" The sermon addresses several unhelpful dating approaches, including: The Shopping Daters who treat people like products The Over-Spiritual Daters who use God-language to avoid courage or clarity The Indefinite Hang-Out Daters who stay in ambiguity to avoid commitment Using the story of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24), we explore what Scripture actually prioritizes when it comes to choosing a spouse: shared faith, godly character, physical attraction, relational chemistry, and shared direction. The message emphasizes that character is revealed in patterns, not potential, and that marriage lasts more on friendship than romance. This sermon also speaks honestly about sexual boundaries, reminding us that the Bible recognizes only two relationship categories—single or married—and that physical intimacy is a sacred gift meant for covenant, not casual dating. Rather than asking, "How far is too far?" we're invited to ask, "How can we honor Jesus, our bodies, and one another?" Practical wisdom is given for dating well, including: Going to the right places Praying before pursuing Dating with pace Building friendship before infatuation Inviting trusted community into your relationship Whether you are single, dating, married, divorced, widowed, or rebuilding, this message is not about shame—it's about surrender. Jesus does not wait for a perfect story; He redeems broken ones. From that place of love, God brings restoration, wisdom, and direction forward. Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5–7 Matthew 19:4–11 Genesis 24 Ephesians 5:25 1 Corinthians 6:16–20 Proverbs 11:14 Proverbs 24:6 Keywords: Onechurch, Filmore Bouldes, Christian dating sermon, biblical dating advice, before you say I do sermon, Christian relationships, dating with wisdom, God's design for marriage, sexual purity sermon, dating and faith, Genesis 24 sermon, Matthew 19 marriage Next Steps Plan a Visit → https://www.onechurchnw.co/visit Pathway → https://www.onechurchnw.co/pathway Give → https://www.onechurchnw.co/give Follow Along Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/onechurchnw TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@onechurchnw