Join David Hawking as he navigates through pressing questions about marriage including the controversial topic of same-sex marriage, understanding divorce justification in the eyes of scripture, and the implications of premarital sex. With compassion and clarity, David offers a biblically-grounded perspective aimed at guiding believers in their personal and spiritual lives. This episode promises to enlighten, educate, and encourage listeners to uphold their beliefs amidst societal changes.
What does the Bible say about same-sex marriage? Is divorce ever justified? Is it ever okay to use coarse language? And what does God’s Word say about adultery? This is Hope for Today with Bible teacher and author David Hawking. Today we’re reaching into our vast program archive to discuss take a look at several of the most fascinating Bible questions sent in by listeners over the years with a particular focus on marriage and family. Stay with us for David’s Straight From God’s Word responses. And just before we begin, you know, as we come to the end of the month, we want to ask you to prayerfully consider standing with this ministry as a partner financially. We Why? Well, because your gifts aren’t just keeping a radio program on the air. They’re impacting real lives. People are being saved. Believers are growing stronger in their faith. Pastors are being equipped in places where solid teaching is hard to find. And struggling Christians who felt alone are being reminded that they’re not. And we give God all the glory for his work in and through this ministry. and every dollar you give makes you a part of the ministry, whether it’s a one-time gift or a regular monthly contribution. It all helps us keep delivering God’s Word clearly, boldly, and without compromise. To give, visit davidhawking.org or call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE, that’s in the U.S., or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. You can also write to us at Hope for Today, Box 3927, tustin california 92781 in canada at hope for today box 15011 rpo seven oaks abbotsford bc v2s 8p1 or you can contribute online at david hawking.org we can’t do this without you and we’re grateful for whatever part you might have on the team well as promised here’s david
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, friends, we’ve come to another question and answer program, and this particular one, questions on marriage. Hi, Jim. How are you doing? I think that’s a good series, yeah. Yeah, well, you and I both need it. I had three kids, and you’ve got three kids. I do, yes. My advantage is… You’re looking at grandkids. Mine are gone. I’m now dealing with grandkids, six of them. Okay. All right, let’s get into it. What do we got here?
SPEAKER 03 :
Well, are you ready to wade into some controversy? The first question here with all the talk of same-sex marriages, the listener writes, I want to know what the Bible says about this issue, and can you help?
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, they hit it right on the head there, didn’t they? I did a whole analysis of same-sex marriage, quite a lengthy article with all the scriptures and all of that. So as we told this listener, you need to get the Hope for Today newsletter. It comes once a month. It’s free, and there’s a lot of great articles in there for you to use. Now, folks, there is no evidence whatsoever in the entire Bible of two people of the same sex getting married. That’s the first problem you have on this issue. But as you all well know, our society is far from God and far from the Word of God. They don’t want to hear the Bible. In fact, they want to stop us from even saying anything about it. Well, I’m sorry, but it deals with our beliefs and values, and we have a right under the freedom that this country provides for religion. We’re not attacking people. We’re not mentioning their names, no matter who they are, who’s really for this. But the fact is, there is no evidence, if you’re asking me about the Bible, which a listener was, there’s no evidence of anyone marrying the same sex. Well, right in the beginning, it very clearly says a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh. Now, some people are saying, oh, well, the wife could be another man. No, it’s never used that way. Pronouns are all feminine in relationship to the word for wife. As a matter of fact— What we’re really talking about here is trying to give a validation or an authorization to what God calls illicit sexual behavior. This is condemned in no uncertain terms in the Old Testament law. And the issue, as you know, is going to come up on the balance of several states now this fall, and we all need to know what God has to say. And I believe this issue is crucial to the future of this culture. I do not believe the North American culture will survive for very many generations if we decide to back off of saying that marriage is between a man and a woman who’ve committed themselves to each other by a vow spoken in front of witnesses.
SPEAKER 03 :
David, this next question, the listener writes, My husband recently divorced me, and he says that he has a biblical right to do so based on his dissatisfaction with me. He quoted Deuteronomy 24.1, and the listener asks, Is this true?
SPEAKER 01 :
The answer is yes and no. First of all, it is true if you mean some rabbinical interpretations of Deuteronomy 24.1. Let me read the verse to you. It says, “…when a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her.” then let him write her a bill of divorcement and give it in her hand and send her out of his house.” That apparently is what your husband is using. Now the argument deals with the meaning of some uncleanness. The Hebrew is eroth dabar. We only have one other usage of this, Jim, and that deals with excrement and having a shovel and covering it up in the dirt. So I think we better be careful what we say. When Jesus was confronted by the religious leaders concerning that, they said, is it okay that a man divorces his wife for any cause at all? Then our Lord referred to the original statement, a man should leave his father and mother, cleave his wife, the two should be one flesh. And he said, what God has joined together, let no man… put asunder or separate. The point that we need to understand is that the uncleanness here, if you’re matching what Jesus said, seems to deal with sexual immorality, or it means it’s impossible to prove what it is, and that’s why the divorces in Jesus’ day were unbiblical and wrong, and that’s why he gave the teaching he did. No, your husband’s on very shaky ground. The fact is that the biblical right to divorce your partner, and I don’t even like to talk that way, because forgiveness can heal any bad marriage, but if it appears it can’t be solved, the biblical right is based on, one, the desertion of an unbelieving spouse. That’s in 1 Corinthians 7. But make sure it’s the unbelieving spouse that took off and not you that forced them out. Number two, a biblical divorce is based on sexual immorality that occurred in your partner’s life, and they refuse to repent and get right with God. Many times a person continues this affair or whatever, and they don’t do anything unless a divorce is taken, the action is taken against them. But a better way is, of course, forgiveness and getting right with God. But your husband has no biblical justification based on Deuteronomy 24.1. And I’m sorry that this has happened to you.
SPEAKER 03 :
David, our next question here comes from a 16-year-old. She says, I’m a girl, 16 years old, and have been having sex with one boy who has promised to marry me when I get to be 18. In my heart, I feel that what we are doing is wrong. But he says that God is a God of love, and he would want us to be happy. Can you help me? I can address that one. I’m a father. I’ve got a 16-year-old. And if I can just make one comment here. Let me tell you something. Sure. Any boy who is going to make that kind of an excuse does not love you. And as a father… He is lust, but not love. That’s right. And God does want you to be happy, but he wants you to be happy for the long term. And God knows that if you get involved in this kind of relationship, it’s going to have a damaging impact on your future. And that’s why he says, don’t be involved outside of marriage.
SPEAKER 01 :
Yeah, what we have here, Jim, is a very common question. This isn’t unusual. And unfortunately, our society is fostering this. They present it in music, in movies, magazines. Kids are seeing it all the time. Even in the school classrooms that give sex education classes, They’re advocating that there’s nothing wrong with it, having sex before you are married. Well, that’s just about as wrong as wrong can be. I want to give you one verse, young lady, and I thank you for having the courage to write about it. It’s Hebrews 13, 4. Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled. But whoremongers… and adulterous, God will judge. Those who are having sex outside of marriage or even after they’re married, having it with another married person to whom they’re not married, God will judge. He’ll bring His judgment. The only safe sex is that within marriage, and that is honorable in all.
SPEAKER 03 :
Two fathers speaking to you out of concern. David, the next question here says, I am pregnant and my boyfriend wants nothing to do with me or the baby. He says that if I did the right thing to protect everybody, including parents, I would have an abortion. He said it’s legal, therefore it is all right to do it.
SPEAKER 01 :
Is that right? Well, you probably heard that at Planned Parenthood, but you did not read it in the Bible. Abortion is murder. Abortion is killing an unwanted baby in the womb. And my friend, you’re complicating your situation. Don’t do it. I also would not advise you to marry such a boy. But I do believe there are plenty of parents—well, I’m not wishful thinking here, Jim. I know there are plenty of parents who would be happy to abort a precious baby this morn. That’s right. They could love that baby from its birth. And there are thousands, literally, in case you didn’t know it, of couples waiting who are unable to have a child by themselves. So don’t do it. abortion is going to hurt you. Now, God is able to forgive, but if we go with that attitude, then that is reckless. It is far from a heart of repentance. First of all, you weren’t married to this person, so both you and he are guilty of having sex outside of marriage. This is immorality. This is nothing good about it. But we don’t blame the child. Why? Because Ezekiel 18 says very clearly the child is never held accountable for the sins of the parents. This child deserves to have a life and deserves to come to know the Lord and be a blessing to other people. I’ve seen that happen. I’ve got people in our ministry who were going to be aborted and weren’t at the last moment and thank God for it. And they become great tools in the hands of God. So don’t do it. Abortion is absolutely wrong. Don’t do it. Don’t believe the argument, well, it’s only wrong, you know, in the third trimester, what they call partial birth abortion. No. Partial birth abortion is barbaric. They’re killing these children coming out of the womb. We need to stop this, folks. And Parents who encourage their kids just because they got pregnant outside of marriage doesn’t mean you should harm the child. Don’t do it. Well, I need to settle down, Jim, but it makes me mad.
SPEAKER 03 :
I feel the same way, and we pray that this listener does the right thing, has the courage to do that. David, the next question here, curious. The listener says, my husband uses four-letter words when we have sex, and as believers, I’m not comfortable with all his trash talk. We love your program, and both of us listen regularly. Could you please give us a biblical answer to this problem?
SPEAKER 01 :
Jim, it happens often. Sometimes it’s just one or two little lines in somebody’s letter, and Again, movies, music, politician, rock stars, athletes, news, journalists, everybody seems to delight in appearing to be as cool as they can as far as the world is concerned by giving a four-letter trashy word that’s absolutely filthy. And people say to me, well, in marriage, everything goes. That is not right. God doesn’t teach you to beat up your partner. nor to lie to them. What do you mean everything goes? Or to speak abusively to them. Absolutely. This is wrong as wrong can be. Now, what this person wants, I believe a lot of the people who are writing about this want. One of the interesting things, Jim, is it wasn’t always coming from a woman. For often in the past, it was usually a woman who called or wrote about this kind of problem that her husband has. But you know, now it’s in the mouths of women. It’s gotten to be a national disgrace. And we’re hearing this all the time. Some of the comedy acts, they are filled. Some person asked us to see a comedy act several years ago, and we were disgusted and walked out. It’s like they can’t say one sentence without swearing again. Well, to this person, And I know that you’re hurting, and I hope your husband is listening. You said he is. Ephesians chapter 5, verse 3, it says, “…but fornication,” that’s porneia, all kinds of sexual sin, “…and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you as become a saint’s.” neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man who is an idolater hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain or empty words, For because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. But the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proving what is acceptable or well-pleasing unto the Lord. And have no fellowship.” with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather, what? Reprove them. Listen to this verse, verse 12, Ephesians 5. It’s a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. There it is. Listen, folks, the Bible is very, very clear. there’s a sense in which we ought to use correct terminology about physical anatomies. I understand that. But gutter talk and trash talk… This stuff that seems to stimulate the carnal mind and heart doesn’t belong in a believer’s life. We’ve been saved from that junk. And the Bible tells us instead of all this coming out of our mouths, it ought to be kindness one to another. forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you. We need to stop talking like unbelievers if we’ve truly been born again. But notice in this text that someone who continues to do that is giving evidence that they’ve never been born again. If their hearts are not convicted and they are not hurt by this trash talk, believe me, there’s something wrong.
SPEAKER 03 :
David, this next letter really touches the heart here. The listener says, My husband committed adultery with another woman who supposedly was my friend. Our lives are now in chaos, and I’m thinking the only way to correct this is to get a divorce. Please help.
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, Jim, as you probably know, we receive this all the time. It breaks your heart. And again, our culture, as James clearly tells us, friendship with the world, they’re not a friend of God. You’ve got to get that straight in your head. Stop listening to what they say. Anyone who recommends that you get a divorce to solve this problem is making a big mistake. First of all, if your husband continues this affair, you certainly have grounds, righteous grounds. We would never blame you for taking action against him if that was really true. But you know, that isn’t the best answer. The best answer is forgiveness. And of course, that’s based on your husband getting right with God, not only confessing his sin, but breaking off this relationship. Real repentance means that you stop doing it. When people say, well, I’ll work out of it. You know, I don’t want to hurt the person. Well, that is absolutely ridiculous. You’re hurting your own wife and family. So stop it now. Before it gets too late and you don’t even have the conviction of the Spirit because you’ve hardened your heart, you’ve decided that you can go your own way without repentance. Remember that Esau sought repentance, but he shed a lot of tears, but it wasn’t real. It was just sorry for the sin and sorry for the results. But if it’s real repentance, it’s not just feeling sorry for what you’ve done. It is in reality changing your mind about it and your conduct concerning it. Now, the other thing is we put a warning in our book, Good Marriages Take Time and Bad Marriages Take More Time, about friends. Friends are a blessing, let’s face it. And they tell us that from a sociological standpoint, we can probably relate to 100 people maximum in our life in terms of getting to know them better than simply an acquaintance, you know, where you shake somebody’s hand. Right. Out of that 100 people, most psychologists and sociologists believe that only 10 of them will ever become real close friends. But because of this problem, we warn the body of Christ in our book, Good Marriages Take Time, that somebody who’s close to you, who’s a friend, may love you, may care about you, and so forth, but may not have drawn that line yet. And they’re open to a damaging relationship. We need to stop it.
SPEAKER 03 :
Well, that’s David Hawking, and you’re listening to this month’s Bible Question and Answer broadcast here on Hope for Today. And we’ll be back in the book of Revelation on our next broadcast. And before we go today, when you hear the name Babylon, what comes to mind? Well, right now, Matt’s here, and we’re going to share a powerful resource with you that may just flip your understanding of the subject upside down.
SPEAKER 02 :
This month, we’re featuring a special price on my dad’s book, Babylon, its history and prophecies. It’s a study guide and commentary of scriptures addressing Babylonianism. Normally $15, but just $10 in June.
SPEAKER 03 :
Matt, the ancient city of Babylon holds a pivotal place in Bible prophecy today. symbolizing human pride and the idolatrous world system opposed to God that Babylon was famous for.
SPEAKER 02 :
Scripture declares that Babylon’s ultimate fate is one of sudden divine judgment. The prophet Isaiah foretold Babylon will be overthrown like Sodom and Gomorrah and never inhabited again, a prophecy echoed in Jeremiah.
SPEAKER 03 :
And in the New Testament, Revelation chapter 17 and 18 pick up on that theme. You know, John describes an end times Babylon the Great doomed to fall under God’s wrath.
SPEAKER 02 :
Yeah, as an angel announces, Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen. And a heavenly voice calls God’s people to come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins.
SPEAKER 03 :
It’s an authoritative warning that reminds you and me and everyone listening that no matter how powerful the Babylonian world system appears, it is prevalent and powerful today, isn’t it?
SPEAKER 02 :
And the Lord’s going to ultimately judge it, urging God’s people to remain faithful and untainted amid a fallen world.
SPEAKER 03 :
Well, again, we’re featuring a special price on David’s book, Babylon, Its History and Prophecies. Now, normally $15, just $10 in June.
SPEAKER 02 :
Order at davidhawking.org, davidhawking.org, or call us in Canada at 1-888-75-BIBLE. In the U.S., call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. And Bible by the Numbers is 242-53.
SPEAKER 03 :
And your resource purchase today or donation right now are vital. Hope for today is a listener-sponsored ministry. Please pray for us. And prayerfully consider joining with us in future ministry, proclaiming the gospel and building up the body of Christ. Well, before I forget, don’t miss the chance to get your copy of David’s complete sermon notes for the Revelation series that’s currently on radio. You know, this isn’t just a set of outlines. What it is is a tool that helps you follow along more closely as David teaches, going deeper in your own study or maybe even teaching others. And one more quick reminder, for information on any of the resources David mentioned today, just go to our website, davidhawking.org. Or call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. That’s in the U.S. Or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. Bible is 24253. And just a reminder, too, that if God’s been using this broadcast in your life, pray for us. And also prayerfully consider giving either a one-time or monthly donation. Every dollar makes a difference, and it helps keep this broadcast going strong in places where clear Bible teaching is often hard to find. If you prefer to write, you can send a gift to Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, California. 92781. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO 7 Oaks, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 8P1. Or contribute online at davidhawking.org. We’ll be grateful to have you standing with us in ministry to bring the Word of God to those who need it the most. Well, next time, as I said, it’s back to the book of Revelation. So invite a friend to listen along with you for Hope for Today.
Join David Hawking as he navigates through pressing questions about marriage including the controversial topic of same-sex marriage, understanding divorce justification in the eyes of scripture, and the implications of premarital sex. With compassion and clarity, David offers a biblically-grounded perspective aimed at guiding believers in their personal and spiritual lives. This episode promises to enlighten, educate, and encourage listeners to uphold their beliefs amidst societal changes.
