Spiritual Growth – Christ Reigns Media

13Jun 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Cultural Christianity vs. True Discipleship: A Call to Holiness

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…

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…

28May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

When Loving Means Letting Go: Spiritual Discernment in Broken Family Relationships

Blog, Daily Life, News & Discernment, Spiritual Growth

Some decisions aren’t made with the mind or the heart — but with the spirit. Especially when dealing with broken family relationships marked by deep hurt, betrayal, or abandonment. Sometimes, the pain is so great that the heart starts making excuses: “Maybe it wasn’t their fault,” “Perhaps they’re sick or confused,” “What if I regret not speaking to them if something happens?” These questions may come from a sincere desire to heal — but without spiritual clarity, they can become an emotional trap. 1. The heart must be guarded “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” — Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) When our heart longs to reconnect with someone who has wounded us, we must discern whether that desire comes from the Holy Spirit —…

15May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Forgiveness with Boundaries: Embracing Peace Without Forced Interaction

Blog, Spiritual Growth

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ and commanded throughout Scripture. Yet, many believers struggle with the misconception that forgiving someone means resuming close interaction or allowing the relationship to return to what it once was. This misunderstanding can lead to unnecessary stress, guilt, and even harm.The truth is, forgiveness and reconciliation are related but distinct. You can forgive someone completely, release resentment, and be at peace without forcing yourself to interact with or remain close to the person who hurt you. In fact, God allows — and even encourages — boundaries in certain situations.1. Forgiveness Is About the HeartJesus teaches us in Matthew 18:35, through the parable of the unmerciful servant, that forgiveness must come “from the heart.” Forgiveness is about releasing anger, bitterness,…

10May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Appreciating the Gifts God Has Given Us: Lessons from the Parable of the Talents

Blog, Spiritual Growth

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts, talents, and opportunities. These are not random or accidental; they are part of His divine plan for our lives. However, it’s easy to underestimate or neglect these gifts, letting them go to waste. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of using what God has entrusted to us. Let’s explore how we can appreciate and use these gifts for His glory. Understanding the Parable of the Talents In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his three servants with talents (a form of currency) before going on a journey. Each servant receives a different amount according to their abilities — one receives five talents, another two, and the last one. The…

10May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

The Armor of God: Defending Against the Enemy & Thriving in Your Career and Life

Bible Study, Blog, Daily Life, Spiritual Growth

Why You Need to Be Fully Armed — At Work, in Life, and Against the Enemy Imagine stepping into a battlefield in nothing but pajamas — completely vulnerable, defenseless, and unprepared. It sounds ridiculous, right? Yet many Christians enter their jobs, personal lives, and daily responsibilities without putting on the full armor of God. The reality is that we face challenges not just in spiritual warfare, but also in workplace stress, difficult relationships, health struggles, and uncertainty about the future. Whether you are navigating the chaos of a bustling city like Lima, Peru, working in a high-stress career like software engineering, or striving to improve yourself daily by learning new skills and defining your worth, God has given us divine armor to protect and guide us. Here’s how you can…

10May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Overcoming Toxic Family Attacks: A Spiritual Battle and How to Stand Firm in Christ

Blog, Daily Life, Spiritual Growth

Navigating relationships with toxic family members can be one of the most challenging trials for a believer. When manipulation, lies, and betrayal become a pattern, it is essential to recognize that these are not just personal or emotional issues — they are spiritual battles. Many people find themselves caught in cycles of abuse, deception, and psychological warfare at the hands of their own relatives. As Christians, we must learn how to identify these attacks, protect ourselves spiritually, and stand firm in our faith without being drawn into the enemy’s schemes. 1. Recognizing the Enemy’s Attacks Through Family For many believers, the hardest battles come not from strangers, but from those who should be our closest supporters — our family. Some individuals experience: False accusations — Being unjustly blamed for actions never…

10May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

Overcoming Fear and Walking in God’s Authority: A Go-To Guide for Christians in Dangerous Times

Blog, Daily Life, Spiritual Growth

Living in a world filled with violence, crime, and uncertainty can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel fear when you constantly hear of killings, corruption, and danger all around you. Especially when you live in a country that has corrupt governments which don’t help but are part of the problem. This can be a drain for citizen’s to constantly watch on the news horrible stories of criminals taking control of the streets and commiting horrible acts to innocent people. But as Christians, we are not powerless — God has given us authority, protection, and strength to overcome fear and stand firm in His promises. One of the most powerful verses to hold onto in times of fear is Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power…

10May 2025 by Alan Jones No Comments

The Danger of Self-Love: Deny Yourself and Follow Christ

Blog, Daily Life, Spiritual Growth

In today’s world, we are constantly told to believe in ourselves, to love ourselves above all, and to put our desires first. This message is everywhere — in self-help books, social media, and even popular culture. However, as followers of Christ, we must ask: Is this the message that God teaches us? The Word of God provides a very different instruction — one of self-denial, trust in Him, and total devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The First Commandment: Love God Above All Jesus made it clear that our first and greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy…

Category: Spiritual Growth