Episode 234 - Insights On Spiritual Abuse & Biblical Discernment
· 56 min · S1 E234
Episode Episode 234 - Insights On Spiritual Abuse & Biblical Discernment
We kick things off today with a blind reaction to the new Narnia trailer (we have thoughts), before getting into some more serious questions about spiritual abuse and biblical discernment. Reflecting on our conversation with Liz Gregory from the Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust, Laura and I chat about red flags in Christian communities, how Scripture can be twisted or used to control people, and why asking questions doesn’t automatically mean you have a “critical spirit.” We also talk about the responsibility of church leaders, why we need to know God’s Word for ourselves, and how to recognise when something isn’t quite right. The goal isn’t to become suspicious of every church or pick apart every Sunday service, but to grow in discernment, test what we’re taught against Scripture, and keep our eyes on Jesus. A little Narnia, a little serious conversation, and plenty to think about! Click here to watch this episode on YouTube. 00:00 - Coming up 00:53 - Welcome & Introduction 01:20 - Blind Reaction to the New Narnia Trailer 10:35 - Outsider Retreat Update 11:31 - Recapping Our Conversation with Liz Gregory 12:02 - Leaving Gloriavale: Laura's Initial Thoughts 15:31 - Recognising Spiritual Abuse in Christian Communities 17:32 - Red Flags of Cults and Controlling Churches 22:27 - How Scripture Gets Misused: Ephesians 5:22 28:01 - God's Care for Gloriavale Leavers 29:10 - The Higher Calling and Responsibility of Church Leaders 32:09 - Questioning Leaders vs. Having a Critical Spirit 34:23 - Are We Seeking Truth or Just What We Want to Hear? 35:43 - How to Recognise Counterfeit Christianity 36:37 - Should We Critique Our Sunday Church Services? 37:51 - Honouring Pastors While Holding to Scripture 38:55 - Sexual Abuse and the Misuse of Religious Authority 44:30 - Infertility, Faith and Trusting God 46:48 - Should Churches Be as Intentional About Reaching People as Cults Are? 47:53 - The Church Is More Than a Sunday Gathering 50:15 - Go to Jesus: Keeping Our Eyes on Him 51:53 - Live Your Faith Outside of Sunday
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