Many believers have unknowingly exchanged truth for cultural influence—and wonder why they feel spiritually dry, confused, or insecure. In this powerful conversation, Dr. John West exposes the subtle ways culture shapes our thinking—and how returning to God’s Word can restore your peace, clarity, and confidence in Christ.

Bible Verses Referenced:

• Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
• Romans 6:4 – “We were buried with Him through baptism into death… so that we too may walk in newness of life.”
• Galatians 6:8 – “Whoever sows to please their flesh… will reap destruction.”
• Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
• Philippians 2:12–13 – “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling… for it is God who works in you…”
• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
• Galatians 5:13–25 – [Read in full during the episode]

Key Takeaways:

1. You Can Be Sincere—and Still Be Captivated by Culture

Without a biblical foundation, it’s easy to unknowingly absorb values that oppose God’s truth.

2. Spiritual Maturity Welcomes Questions

A healthy Church doesn’t shut down honest doubts. Growth comes through open dialogue rooted in Scripture.

3. Truth Must Be Held with Love

Truth without grace misrepresents Jesus. We must love well and stand firm.

4. Bitterness Is a Trap—but Healing Is Possible

Even deep wounds can be healed by Jesus. Bitterness doesn’t have to define your story.

5. Lies About Sin Keep People in Bondage

Two common lies:

– “My sin doesn’t really matter.”

– “My sin is too big to be forgiven.”

Both are false. God calls us to holiness and offers full forgiveness.

6. You’re Not Called to Carry the Weight—God Is

Faithfulness, not success, is our calling. God builds His Church—even in dark times.

7. Jesus Is the Only Way

Holding fast to John 14:6 may be countercultural—but it’s the most loving and life-giving truth we can offer.

Resources & Links:

• Stockholm Syndrome Christianity by Dr. John West
• Visit: stockholmsyndromechristianity.com for free resources for parents, pastors, and truth-seeking believers.
• Related Episodes:
• – [Episode 5] The Bible: Many Books, One Story
• – [Episode 42] How to Interpret the Bible: Tools for Exegesis and Hermeneutics
• – [Episode 45] How to Understand the Bible Beyond Cultural Bias

Call to Action:

If this episode stirred something in you—

– Share it with a friend

– Leave a review

– Join our FREE Curious for Christ community where we ask honest questions that lead us closer to Jesus

Until next time—stay curious, stay faithful, and stay free in Christ.

Much love, Alexandra

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey.

Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!

Are you feeling lonely, anxious, spiritually stuck—or like you’re carrying more than God ever intended you to?

In today’s episode, we explore the truth that you were never meant to do life alone. God designed the Church not as a building, but as a living, breathing family—the Body of Christ. When we step out of community, we become more vulnerable to spiritual attack, isolation, and discouragement.

We talk about:

• Why regular church involvement matters for your emotional and spiritual health
• What the Bible says the Church is—and what it’s not
• How to find a church where you can grow and be known
• My personal story from last Sunday when God met me in the middle of anxiety
• And how to start again if you’ve been hurt, overwhelmed, or disconnected

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 12:27 – You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
• Hebrews 10:24–25 – Let us not give up meeting together… but encouraging one another.
• Ephesians 4:11–13 – To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
• Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
• 1 Peter 5:8 – Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – Two are better than one… pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
• John 13:34–35 – By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.

Key Takeaways:

• God places the lonely in families—and that starts with the Church.
• Disconnection from church can increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and spiritual confusion.
• The Church is not optional for spiritual growth—it is God’s design for healing, truth, and transformation.
• Even if you’ve been hurt or feel unsure where to begin, there is a place for you.
• Obedience often starts with simply showing up—again and again.

Download the Free Devotional

Want to go deeper?

Download the free devotional:

“The Church Is Not a Building: A 1-Page Study on God’s Design for His People”

This study includes Scriptures, reflection questions, and practical steps to help you discern and commit to a church that strengthens your walk with Christ.

Also Recommended:

If you’re navigating church hurt and want to explore healing through God’s perspective, listen to:

• Episode 88 – Healing Church Hurt
• Episode 86 – Healing is Spiritual

Stay Connected:

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others discover the message.

Join the Curious for Christ Community

Want to grow in your faith alongside other women who are seeking Jesus with honesty and hunger?

→ Curious for Christ Community

Until next time—keep asking, keep seeking, keep walking in faith.

He is with you.

Amen!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey.

Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in the same place — going in circles, facing detours, or walking a longer road than you expected? You’re not alone. In this episode of Curious for Christ, Alexandra explores how God uses those very detours and circles to strengthen your faith and shape you into the person He’s calling you to be, unshakable in your faith in Him. Remember, you belong to Him!

Through the story of the Israelites’ wilderness journey, we discover why the “long way” is actually part of God’s purposeful plan — to grow trust, build perseverance, and deepen your relationship with Him.

You’ll be encouraged to embrace your current season, trust God’s timing, and understand that even what feels like delay is part of your spiritual growth.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why life sometimes feels like a circle or detour — and how God is still moving in it
• Biblical insights from the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2, Exodus 13:17)
• How detours and delays develop perseverance and faith (Romans 5:3–4)
• Encouragement to trust God when progress feels slow or invisible (Philippians 1:6)
• A prayer to renew your courage and hope in God’s plan

Key Scriptures:

Free Devotional Download:

“The Spiral of Trust: Learning from the Wilderness”

Includes:

• Scripture passages to meditate on
• Reflection questions to explore your journey
• Journaling prompts to help you process and grow

Grab your free copy here

Connect With Us:

Join the Curious for Christ Facebook community — a safe space to ask questions, share stories, and deepen your faith alongside others on the journey.

Final Encouragement:

Remember, just because it's taking longer doesn't mean God isn't working. You're not starting over. You're starting deeper. And God is with you, even here!

Thanks for listening to Curious for Christ. Join us next time!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey.

Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!