EPISODE 0251 | Marriage Q&A Part 2: Remarriage, IVF, Divorce & Blended Families
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0251
Pastors Stephen and Nate answer heartfelt and complex questions from couples attending the Strong Marriage Conference. With wisdom, clarity, and vulnerability, they unpack the biblical perspective on remarriage, IVF, no-fault divorce, coaching other couples, adoption, and spiritual authority within marriage. Whether you’re navigating blended families or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with biblical truth and practical guidance.
Main Topics Covered:
Does God reject remarriage after divorce?
Guilt, shame, and the fear of ongoing sin
Is IVF biblical? What’s the line for Christian couples?
Adoption and spiritual family in Scripture
Navigating custody, no-fault divorce, and legal limitations
How to support couples without seeming judgmental
The role of the Church in Christian marriage
Coaching vs. counseling in marriage restoration
Why spiritual family matters more than common law
Key Scriptures:
Romans 8:1 – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:13 – “Christ became a curse for us…”
Ephesians 1:5 – “He adopted us into His family…”
Psalm 127:3 – “Children are a gift from the Lord…”
Matthew 19:6 – “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Romans 12:18 – “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Key Takeaways:
🩹 Jesus doesn’t condemn you for your past—He calls you forward into faithfulness
💬 Guilt can lead to repentance, but shame should never become your identity
🧬 IVF can be compatible with a biblical worldview—if life is treated as sacred from conception
🤝 The Church should be involved in both marriage and divorce—not just the state
🧑🤝🧑 Support struggling couples through relationship first, not unsolicited correction
🏡 Children watch more than they listen—lead with love and live the gospel in your home
👨👧 Being a faithful parent doesn’t require perfect circumstances—just faithful obedience
📖 Adoption, spiritual fathering, and mentoring reflect God’s heart for the Church family
If you're rebuilding after divorce, walking with someone through remarriage, or wrestling with questions about faith and family—this episode will help you navigate these conversations with clarity, conviction, and grace.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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