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!

Have you ever felt abandoned by God?

Like you’re doing all the things—praying, showing up, staying faithful—and yet… the silence is deafening?

In today’s episode, Alexandra speaks directly to that lonely place. Drawing from Scripture and personal reflection, she unpacks 5 powerful truths to anchor your heart when God feels absent. This episode is a reminder that silence is not the same as absence, and even in the dark, God is forming something deeper in you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why even Jesus experienced divine silence—and what that means for us
• How to walk by faith when you see no fruit
• What God might be forming in you through quiet seasons
• How to stay rooted in truth when you’re tempted to give up
• The promise that God sees your unseen labor of love

Scriptures Referenced:

• Matthew 27:46 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
• Isaiah 45:15 – “Truly you are a God who hides himself…”
• 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 – “Hard-pressed but not crushed…”
• Habakkuk 3:17–18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud…”
• Hebrews 6:10 – “God is not unjust; He will not forget your labor of love…”
• Romans 5:5, Romans 8:37, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 40:30–31
• 1 Kings 19 – Elijah and the whisper of God

Reflection Questions:

• Where am I tempted to give up because I feel forgotten?
• What fruit am I demanding instead of trusting the root work God is doing?
• Can I choose worship—even here?

Take Action:

Speak the truth out loud.

Journal your response to the questions above.

Share this episode with someone who feels alone today—remind them they’re not forgotten.

Let’s Stay Connected:

If today’s message encouraged you, let us know!

Leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Until next time—keep seeking, keep trusting, and stay curious for Christ.

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!

When anxiety takes over, how do you trust God—especially when the outcome is uncertain?

In this episode of Curious for Christ, we’re unpacking five practical ways to walk by faith, not sight. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or stuck trying to control what you can’t, this is your invitation to breathe, let go, and trust the One who sees the bigger picture.

Scriptures Mentioned:

• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Proverbs 3:5
• Hebrews 13:5
• Psalm 119:105
• Isaiah 26:3
• Psalm 46:10
• Hebrews 11:1

5 Ways to Walk by Faith (Not Sight):

1. Be Honest with God

“Cast all your anxiety on Him…” – 1 Peter 5:7

Start by naming your fears. You don’t have to hide your struggles. Bring them into God’s presence—He cares.

2. Lean on His Promises, Not Your Perspective

“Trust in the Lord… and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

Anxiety grows when we try to figure it all out. Write down a promise from Scripture and hold it close.

3. Take the Next Right Step

“Your word is a lamp to my feet…” – Psalm 119:105

Faith isn’t about the full plan—it’s about the next obedient step. Just one is enough for today.

4. Stay in the Word

“You will keep in perfect peace…” – Isaiah 26:3

Five minutes in Scripture can re-center your soul. Open to Psalms. Reflect on who God is.

5. Let Go of the Outcome

“Be still and know…” – Psalm 46:10

Faith means trusting God’s goodness, even when life doesn’t go how you hoped. Surrender is strength.

Download the Free Devotional

Want to take this deeper? Grab the free PDF:

“5 Ways to Walk by Faith (Not Sight)” with journaling prompts, Scripture, and prayer.

Download it here

Don’t Miss the Previous Episode!

Listen to my inspiring conversation with Philip Nation on how Scripture can transform your faith journey:

Listen here – “How to Fall in Love with the Bible Again - with Philip Nation"

Quick Encouragement & Call to Action

If today’s episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more women find Curious for Christ. And make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. New shows drop every Friday!

God is faithful—even when life is messy. Keep walking by faith, friend. You’re not alone.

—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!

Have you ever felt spiritually dry… or unsure where to begin when it comes to reading the Bible again? In this powerful and grace-filled episode, I sit down with Philip Nation—pastor, author, teacher, and Bible publisher at Thomas Nelson—to talk about reigniting your hunger for Scripture, approaching God’s Word with fresh eyes, and letting the Bible read you.

We explore why spiritual hunger is a gift, how God meets us in our weakness, and why tools like The Open Bible can make reading Scripture more accessible and transformative than ever—whether you’re brand new to faith or have been walking with God for decades.

If your Bible’s been gathering dust or your soul has felt disconnected, this conversation is your invitation to come home.

What We Talk About:

• Why spiritual dryness can actually be a holy invitation

• The difference between mastering the Bible and being mastered by it

• How handwriting verses and meditating on Scripture changes your heart

• Why The Open Bible was created—and how it helps people dive deeper into God’s Word

• How Philip’s own story—including the influence of his mother and his calling to ministry—shaped his passion for Scripture

• Two tender, healing verses you can hold onto today:

– Zephaniah 3:17: “He will rejoice over you with singing”

– Hosea 14:4: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely”

Guest Bio – Philip Nation

Philip Nation is Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles. He is a pastor, teacher, and Bible lover whose work helps millions engage with Scripture more deeply.

Links to Philip Nation, Thomas Nelson Bibles & the Open Bible:

PURCHASE LINK (Amazon)

Philip Social LINK

Thomas Nelson SOCIAL LINKS:

Thomas Nelson Bibles on Facebook

Nelson Bibles on Instagram

FREE RESOURCE FOR YOU

As a special gift, I’ve created a free 1-page devotional PDF based on the verses we explored today—Zephaniah 3:17 and Hosea 14:4. Download it below or join our Curious for Christ Facebook community to grab your copy!

Download the "He Sings Over You" Devotional PDF

If this episode encouraged you, would you consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend? Your words help others find hope, truth, and the presence of God through this podcast.

Until next time, remember: His Word is alive—and it’s waiting to meet you right where you are.

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!

Have you ever felt spiritually stuck—like you’re doing all the “right” things but still feel far from God? This episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, I share a deeply personal and biblical perspective on why we sometimes feel disconnected from God. It’s not always a lack of effort—it’s often a quiet rebellion: our tendency to trust everything but Him.

But here’s the beautiful truth—God doesn’t just correct rebellion. He heals it.

This is a vulnerable one, but it’s filled with so much hope.

In This Episode, I Talk About:

• What “quiet rebellion” can look like in our everyday lives
• How fear, anxiety, and self-protection quietly block our trust
• Why God’s healing doesn’t wait for perfection—it begins in surrender
• My story of feeling lost and how God pursued me like the one sheep
• How to open your heart to God even when you feel overwhelmed or stuck

Scriptures That Anchored Me:

• Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
• Hosea 14:4 – “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely…”
• Isaiah 57:17–18 – “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them…”
• Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
• 1 Peter 2:24 – “By His wounds, you have been healed.”
• Luke 15:4 – The parable of the lost sheep
• Psalm 107:17, 20 – “He sent out His word and healed them…”

From My Heart to Yours:

You’re not alone if you’re having a hard time trusting God.

You’re not alone if you worry, feel anxious, or carry stress—even though you’ve prayed and longed to be close to Him.

I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel lost in your own faith.

But God doesn’t meet us with shame—He meets us with mercy.

He’s not waiting for you to fix yourself.

He wants to meet you in your stuck place and gently lead you into healing.

Free Devotional:

“And He Saved Them”

Want to go deeper after this episode?

I created a free devotional to help you reflect more deeply on today’s message. Inside you’ll find:

- Scriptures from the episode

- Reflection + journaling questions

- A guided prayer

- Space to connect with God from exactly where you are

Click here to download

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Come join the Curious for Christ Facebook community—a place where we talk honestly, ask big questions, and find real encouragement together.

Join here

Final Thought:

You’re not too far. You’re not too broken.

God sees where your trust is wavering—and still, He chooses you.

He heals. He pursues. He restores.

Thanks for listening to Curious for Christ. I’m so glad you’re here.

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!

In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of Curious for Christ, I sit down with Kathy Heinen, co-author of "Spiritual Discovery: Seven Principles for Spiritual Growth". Kathy shares her personal journey—from navigating a painful marriage to experiencing deep healing through Christ—and how God’s presence, not our performance, is the key to transformation.

Together, we discuss how our emotions are not obstacles but indicators—clues that can lead us back to the truth about God and ourselves. Through decades of ministry helping women overcome codependency and addiction, Kathy brings powerful wisdom and real-life application to what it means to grow spiritually and walk in freedom.

Yes, there were a few technical glitches—but the heart of this conversation is too rich not to share. :)

You’ll walk away encouraged, grounded, and reminded of just how personal and healing God’s love truly is.

What You’ll Learn:
• Why emotions are the bridge to our deeply held beliefs
• The spiritual battle behind the lie “I’m not enough”
• How God’s response—“You are mine”—shifts everything
• Why belonging is the foundation of true identity
• The seven principles of spiritual growth from Kathy’s book
• How spiritual transformation requires both truth and encounter

The 7 Principles of Spiritual Growth:
1. Stop and Consider
2. Recognize your Spiritual Battle
3. Tell the Truth
4. Look for the Lie
5. Ask, Seek, Knock
6. Find Peace in Forgiveness
7. Own Your Rescue Story

Mentioned in this episode:

- "Spiritual Discovery: Seven Principles for Spiritual Growth" by V. Lefler, K. Heinen & J. Lefler

- Episode 74: Finding Peace Through Biblical Meditation and Mindfulness with Virginia Leffler

- Learn more about Kathy’s ministry and resources at https://www.myspiritualdiscovery.com/

Alexandra’s Reflections:
One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when Kathy shares how God responded to her deepest lie: “I’m not enough.”
God’s answer wasn’t logic or evidence—it was simply: “You are mine.”

That response silences the lie. Why? Because it’s not based on what we do, but on who we belong to. God’s presence is the tool we need in our spiritual battles. Just like in Genesis, when He said “Let there be light,” His word still brings light to our darkness today.

Subscribe + Share:
- If this episode spoke to you, would you do me a favor? Share it with someone who needs encouragement

- Subscribe or leave a review—it helps others discover the show

- Join my newsletter for weekly words of truth and healing, sent straight to your inbox: curiousforchrist.kit.com/insider

Final words of encouragement:
You don't have to earn God's presence. You don't have to fix it all to be held. Whatever pain you're in, whatever pattern you're stuck in, Jesus sees, and Jesus still chooses you. The invitation is simple and sacred: Come as you are... and sit loved.

Until next time:
Be true. Speak truth. Walk free.

With love and light,

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!