Week 2: Leaving Christianity – September 8-12

Week 2: Leaving Christianity

There are many reasons why people begin to doubt or even deconstruct their faith. Unanswered questions. Pain and suffering. Hypocrisy and wounds. These can clutter our view of Jesus and even cause some to walk away. But doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is a stop on the journey of faith. If you’re doubting, you’re not disqualified. Jesus isn’t walking away from you. He’s walking toward you. 

 

Put It into Practice: Reach out to someone who is doubting, listen well, and remind them they’re not alone. Don’t shame them. Don’t quote Bible verses like bullets. Just listen and pray.  

 

Day 1 Matthew 14:22–33

Reflect: Why do you think Peter was able to step out of the boat in faith but began to sink moments later? What does Jesus’ response teach us about how God handles our moments of weakness?   

Apply: When have you taken your eyes off Jesus, letting doubt or fear impact you? How can the image of Jesus reaching out immediately reshape how you view your spiritual uncertainty? 

Pray: Gracious God, thank You for Your unfailing love and Your promise to be with me, even in the wildest storms. Increase my faith and give me the perseverance to keep my eyes on You.

 

Day 2 Matthew 5:21-35

Reflect: Jesus said, “You have heard it said… but I say to you…” How does this challenge our inherited or cultural beliefs about faith? Can this be a model for healthy spiritual deconstruction?

Apply: What beliefs or practices (even well-intentioned ones) have you needed to reevaluate in light of Scripture? When have you corrected someone’s misunderstanding of biblical truths or false ones?   

Pray: Lord, help me to understand that Your law requires more than outward behavior; it requires a pure heart and righteous motives. I submit myself to Your will, knowing You will transform me so that I will reflect Your character.

Day 3 John 6:53-69

Reflect: Why did many disciples walk away from Jesus after this teaching? Why do you think Jesus spoke like this? What did Peter mean in verse 68? What was different about those who stayed?

Apply: Have you ever had a moment where you considered walking away? What pulled you back? What are the teachings that may compel people to walk away today? How can you help them?   

Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You for Jesus, the living bread from heaven who nourishes my soul and gives me life to the fullest. I ask You for the strength to remain committed to You even when Your teachings seem hard.

Day 4 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Reflect: According to Paul, what causes some to fall away from the faith? What are ways legalism sneaks into churches today? What are ways God’s good grace is abused in churches today?     

Apply: What are examples of false teachings that might be prevalent today? How well-versed are you in the Word to help combat false teachings? When has someone helped you overcome one?

Pray: God, thank You for this serious and important warning. I recognize how quickly I can be distracted from the truth of Your Word, enticed away into worldly pursuits, or deceived spiritually by the enemy. Give me spiritual discernment and a determination to stand fast in faith.

 

Day 5 1 Peter 1:6-7

Reflect: How does Peter describe the purpose of suffering and testing in this passage? How might doubt serve as a refining fire that strengthens, rather than weakens, faith?  

Apply: When have your most difficult spiritual seasons produced the most growth? How has your genuine faith impacted someone during a trial? How did you keep doubt from robbing you of hope?

Pray: Lord Jesus, as I am being prepared for the coming glories of my heavenly home, help me to rejoice in my future hope despite the distresses of life’s various trials. May I keep a heavenly perspective, knowing that You have promised to keep me by Your mighty power.