In episode 11, Krysta and Traci discuss another listener question, “What are some biblical reasons to switch churches?” Each of them shares personal experiences including the challenges that come with leaving a congregation they have been in fellowship with for many years.
The sisters explore biblical themes of keeping in step with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, examining the heart, the fruit of the Spirit, and discerning false teaching. Ultimately, Krysta reminds listeners to approach God with confidence and to search His Word. She encourages listeners that making the difficult decision to attend a new church is not the same as leaving the body of Christ. Traci ends with an example from the classic story Pilgrim’s Progress about avoiding false flattery in our Christian journey.
Key Topics Include:
- Being “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” as you discern sound teaching (Matthew 10:16).
- Looking for Spiritual fruit.
- Remaining aware of and avoiding selfish reasons for attending a church.
- The peace that comes from following God’s will.
- There is a difference between conviction and condemnation.
Scripture Verses Mentioned: In the New International Version
- “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
- “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16
- “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20
- “Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.” Proverbs 29:5
- “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23
- “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 5-7
- “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
- Read about the “yeast of the pharisees” in Matthew 16:5 – 12.
Other Resources Mentioned:
- “Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus” by John Eldredge. Find your copy at amazon.com.
- “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyon. Find an original or abridged version at amazon.com.
Traci and Krysta encourage listeners to read the full passages listed above, and to seek to know Him more through prayer and searching scripture. They would like to address more topics and questions and invite listeners to share feedback about this week’s topic, or to submit a topic, question, or prayer request by visiting the website iamnotenough.us.