From the ArcaMax Publishing, Billy Graham Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/billygraham/s-629060-758985
Q: My girlfriend and I are living together, but her parents have let
it be known they don't approve "because God doesn't like it." What's
the big deal? It's so common today that I don't see why anyone should
object. -- J.K.
A: Your girlfriend's parents may seem old-fashioned to you, and I
realize that may make you dismiss what they say. But they have good
reasons for their disapproval, and I hope you'll at least take time to
consider them.
What they say is true: God does not approve of sexual relations
outside of the vow of marriage. In fact, the Bible teaches us that
"The body is not meant for sexual immorality" and commands us to "Flee
from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:13,18). Sexual immorality was
even more common in the 1st century than it is today -- but that
didn't change God's command.
But why did God put the "fence" of marriage around His gift of sex?
One reason is because He meant for it to be a sign of commitment --
the commitment of a husband and wife to each other. That sign,
however, can only be fulfilled within the commitment of marriage. Your
present relationship may seem happy for a time, but it will always
lack one thing: commitment. Without the commitment of marriage, your
relationship will always be insecure.
There is a larger issue, however, that I hope you'll face -- and that
is the place God should have in your life. Right now you are living
only for yourself. But God created you, and He loves you and wants you
to know Him personally. This is the greatest discovery you will ever
make -- and I pray you will make it by turning to Jesus Christ and
committing your life to Him..
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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C.,
28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy
Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.