EPISODE 0252 | Marriage Q&A Part 3: Divorce, Forgiveness, and Boundaries
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0252
This episode tackles some of the most raw and real questions submitted during the Strong Marriage Conference. Pastors Stephen and Nate go straight into the deep end—offering honest, biblical answers on sex, submission, spiritual authority, parenting in blended families, and what to do when your spouse doesn’t share your faith. You’ll hear personal stories, strong theology, and no-holds-barred advice for the modern Christian marriage.
Main Topics Covered:
Can you sin in the marriage bed? Where is the line?
Balancing ministry and marriage without resentment
What to do when your spouse doesn’t want to go to church
Spiritual leadership in blended families
Reconnecting with adult children in second marriages
Why submission doesn’t mean silence
How and when the Church should be involved in divorce conversations
The dangers of missionary dating
Real stories of restoration and redemption from betrayal
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 19:8 – “Moses permitted divorce as a concession…”
1 Peter 3:1-2 – “...they may be won over by your pure and reverent lives.”
Romans 12:18 – “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Hosea 3:1 – “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery…”
Proverbs 31 – A blueprint for character in marriage
Psalm 51 – A model of true repentance
Key Takeaways:
💍 Just because you can get a divorce doesn’t mean you should—redemption is always possible
🧠 Porn has no place in a Christ-centered marriage—it’s toxic, addictive, and damaging
🔄 Balance isn’t the goal—integration is. God’s rhythms include both purpose and rest
👨👧 You don’t control adult children—you influence them through humility and consistency
🛐 The Church isn’t just here to bless your wedding—it should help carry your marriage
🤐 You can’t shame or nag someone into salvation—live out your faith, and let God work
🛏️ The marriage bed is holy, but that doesn’t mean anything goes—mutual honor matters
🧑🤝🧑 If you’re frustrated in your marriage, start by asking: What can I do better—not what should they fix?
Whether you're newly married, navigating a blended family, or struggling with years of resentment, this episode delivers practical clarity for couples who want to walk in truth, humility, and biblical conviction.
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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