News & Discernment – Christ Reigns Media

31Jul 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Why Socialism and Communism Are Spiritually and Socially Harmful: A Biblical Reflection from Latin America

Growing up as an immigrant in the United States, I was deeply influenced by ideals of fairness, compassion, and respect, values I believed were synonymous with leftist politics. Watching CNN, I often associated justice with socialism and viewed left leaning parties as the “good guys” fighting for the little guy. But with time and especially as I matured, left the U.S., and came back to Latin America.. my eyes opened. What I once saw as “social justice” was often just political rhetoric, and more importantly, a worldview that contradicts the Word of God. Today, at 42 years old, I live fully committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and from that lens, it’s painfully clear: socialism and communism are spiritually deceptive systems that destroy societies from the inside out. They…

28Jul 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Why We Should Not Venerate Mary: A Biblical Evangelical Stand Against Idolatry

News & Discernment

In many parts of the world, especially a lot here in Latin America, there is a deeply rooted tradition of exalting Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus. This veneration, often involving statues, rosaries, processions, and repeated prayers, is a central part of Roman Catholic practice. But as Bible believing Christians Evangelical Protestants who stand firmly on the Word of God, we must ask: Is this biblical? The answer is clear: No.Let’s say it plainly... Mary was a godly woman, chosen to give birth to the Messiah, and we respect her role. But that's where it ends. Anything beyond that, calling her a mediator, Queen of Heaven, Immaculately Conceived, or co-redeemer is false doctrine and a form of idolatry that directly contradicts Scripture.1. Jesus Himself Refused to Elevate Mary Above OthersMark 3:33–35…

20Jul 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Why Calvinism Doesn’t Make Sense to Me as an Evangelical, Christ-Following Christian

Apologetics, News & Discernment

As a born again Christian who has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, I don’t say this lightly: Calvinism doesn’t make sense to me. I didn’t come to this conclusion out of ignorance, rebellion, or preference for “easy theology.” I came to it after wrestling directly with each point of the Calvinist TULIP framework, point by point, Bible in hand, heart open before the Lord, taking the time to study it. This is not about attacking anyone personally. It’s about being honest with where I stand as a Christian who believes the Gospel is real, available, and transforming for everyone who believes. How I Tested Calvinism: The TULIP Framework I took time to go through each of the 5 Calvinist doctrines summarized in “TULIP.” Here's how it broke down for me:…

27Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

The Rise of Woke Culture: A Spiritual Invasion Masquerading as Progress

Daily Life, News & Discernment

In the past few years, we’ve watched as something more than just cultural change has swept across the globe. What we are witnessing is not just social evolution or diversity — it is a systemic spiritual deception being injected into every layer of public life under the label of “inclusion,” “progress,” and “justice.” But make no mistake: woke culture is not neutral. It is an anti-biblical ideology rooted in rebellion against God. It’s Everywhere: From Government to Workplaces From Australia to Germany, from the U.S. to Canada, and now increasingly in Latin America, we are seeing: Progress Pride flags flying outside embassies, churches, and schools. Mandatory gender ideology in corporate training sessions. Pride Month celebrated globally, with government institutions and companies actively promoting gender fluidity, same-sex marriage, and lifestyles that…

13Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Cultural Christianity vs. True Discipleship: A Call to Holiness

News & Discernment, Spiritual Growth

The Illusion of Cultural ChristianityIn today’s world, it’s easy to carry the label “Christian” while still living in alignment with the world. Many profess faith in Christ, attend occasional church gatherings, or mention God in conversation, yet their hearts remain tethered to worldly values—status, comfort, appearance, material success, and family traditions over obedience. This is what Scripture would identify as having a form of godliness but denying its power (see 2 Timothy 3:5).This kind of cultural Christianity is widespread but dangerous. It offers a false sense of security while failing to produce true repentance, transformation, and spiritual fruit. Jesus warned of this clearly:“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8, NIV)True Christianity is not cultural—it’s costly.True Discipleship Requires TransformationBeing a disciple of…

11Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Walking in Conviction as a Christian When the World Calls

Daily Life, News & Discernment, Spiritual Growth

When Convictions Clash with RelationshipsOne of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life is navigating relationships—especially with those closest to us—when our convictions in Christ no longer align with the values of those environments. We are not only called to believe the Gospel but to live it out with clarity, courage, and consistency. This often leads to moments of tension where loyalty to Jesus puts us at odds with friends or family.A New Heart and a New DirectionAs followers of Christ, we’ve been made new—transformed from the inside out. That change affects how we view the world and what we choose to embrace or reject.“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give…

09Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Defending the Innocent: Why Christians Must Speak Out Against Pride Propaganda Targeting Our Children

Blog, Daily Life, News & Discernment

In recent years, there has been a rapid and disturbing shift in how culture engages with our children, particularly in the month of June. What was once a quiet month of summer break has now become a full-blown celebration of "Pride Month"—a cultural movement that does more than promote so-called equal rights. It now aggressively seeks to indoctrinate children with ideas that oppose God's truth, often without parental consent and under the deceptive banner of love, inclusion, and diversity. Pride: A Sin Repackaged as a Virtue The very foundation of this celebration is built on a word the Bible consistently warns us about: pride. "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." — James 4:6 (NIV) Pride was the original sin of Satan. Isaiah 14 describes how Lucifer…

04Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

How AI Can Be a Tool for the Gospel (With Caution and Discernment)

Daily Life, News & Discernment, Technology

Once upon a time, Christian creators had to fight to get access to platforms — printing presses, radio stations, TV shows. Today, the battlefield has changed, and so have the tools. We’re not just dealing with microphones and guitars anymore. We’re now working with AI — and it’s everywhere. For some, that sounds scary and it has it's share of positives and negatives. As a Christian and also tech person in the industry in my secular job (Software Engineer)..For me AI, it sounds like a God-given opportunity. Let me explain. AI Isn’t the Message — It’s Just the Tool There’s a growing fear that AI is replacing human creativity. And yes, when people let AI generate full sermons, devotionals, or music without any conviction behind or worse fake content preaching…

03Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Passionate Christians: Called to Truth, Cautious of Legalism

Blog, News & Discernment, Spiritual Growth

In an increasingly dark and morally confused world, God is raising up passionate Christians — men and women whose hearts burn with the Gospel, who are zealous for truth, and unafraid to call out sin. These believers are not lukewarm, not seeking the world’s approval, and are committed to proclaiming the Word with boldness and clarity. I feel this is my calling in life. I have never been so passionate in my life about something than the love I feel for our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel, learning about apologetics. I feel it’s my calling and I want the Lord to use me and now I feel it’s the time in my life to fullfill the Lords purpose for my life. This passion is urgent. As Franklin…

01Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Why Christianity and Nationalism Should Not Mix: A Biblical and Historical Modern Perspective

News & Discernment

As a Christian, I’ve been recently watching now the way Christian Nationalism has risen in popularity, particularly in the United States. While it’s understandable that people want to protect their nations from harm, it becomes dangerous when Christianity is used as a cover for exclusion, racism, and political manipulation. Let’s start with a hard truth: Jesus was not a nationalist. Jesus Himself fled political violence as a baby when His family escaped to Egypt to avoid Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13–15). He returned to a hostile people in Nazareth who rejected Him and tried to kill Him for claiming to be the Messiah (Luke 4:24–30). He wept over Jerusalem — not because it wasn’t great, but because the people had turned from God (Luke 19:41–44). And when He flipped the tables in the temple, it…

Category: News & Discernment