discernment.watch Discernment Watch - Contending For Biblical Truth

The Corruption of Christianity

When the Cross Met the Crown: How Constantine Traded Persecution for Power The story of early Christianity is often told in two distinct chapters: the era of the martyrs, where faith flourished under the shadow of the lion's mouth, and the era of the empire, which began abruptly with Emperor Constantine the Great. While Constantine's legalization of Christianity in the 4th century is celebrated as a divine victory, it also initiated a profound and arguably fatal shift in the nature of the faith.

Alan Vincent October 27, 2025Christian Corruption, Church and State, Constantine the Great, Council of Nicaea, Edict of Milan, Orthodoxy, Roman Empire, SyncretismNo Comments

How to Guard Your Faith: The Bible’s 3 Tests for False Teaching

Deception in the church isn't a future threat—it's an ever-present reality that Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned us about. From the pulpits of prosperity to the claims of new apostles, false teaching is designed to look spiritual, feel uplifting, and sound appealing to your "itching ears." But how do you protect your faith when the lies are so subtly twisted with truth? The Bible provides a simple, three-part framework for spiritual self-defense, the Test of Doctrine, The Test of Character, and The Test of Outcomes.

Alan Vincent October 24, 2025Biblical Authority, Christian Doctrine, False Teachers, Heresy, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Prosperity Gospel, Sound Doctrine, Spiritual Discernment, Testing the Spirits, Word of FaithNo Comments

The Word Faith Charismatic Movement

The Word of Faith movement, also known as the prosperity gospel, teaches that believers can speak blessings, money, and healing into existence. This "name it and claim it" theology emphasizes that God is obligated to fulfill the desires of those who have faith.

Alan Vincent June 18, 2025Bill Johnson, Casey Treat, Charles Capps, David Yongii Cho, E.W. Kenyon, Frederick KC Price, Gloria Copeland, Jerry Savelle, Joel Osteen, John Avanzini, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth E. Hagin, Marilyn Hickey, Morris Cerullo, Oral Roberts, Prosperity Gospel, Robert Tilton, TL OsborneNo Comments

The New Apostolic Reformation: A Break from Traditional Christianity

What is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)? Discover the core beliefs of this influential movement, from modern apostles to the "Seven Mountain Mandate," and see how they starkly contrast with the historic doctrines of traditional Christianity.

Alan Vincent June 13, 2025Apostles and Prophets, C. Peter Wagner, Charismatic Movement, Dominion Theology, NAR, New Apostolic Reformation, Nicene Creed, Seven Mountain Mandate, Spiritual Warfare, Traditional ChristianityNo Comments

Beyond Belief: A Rational Look at the Credibility of the Bible and the Gospel

In a world filled with skepticism, the credibility of the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ is a topic of frequent debate. This post delves into the compelling evidence supporting their trustworthiness, moving beyond blind faith to a foundation of historical, archaeological, and textual proof. We explore the surprising number of non-Christian historical accounts of Jesus, the remarkable reliability of the New Testament manuscripts, and the archaeological discoveries that bring biblical narratives to life.

Alan Vincent June 11, 2025Archaeological Evidence, Bible Credibility, Christian Apologetics, Evidence for God, Faith and Reason, Fulfilled Prophecy, Gospel, Historical Jesus, Jesus Christ, New Testament ReliabilityNo Comments

The Clash of New Age and Christian Beliefs

The New Age movement promotes individual spiritual exploration and holistic well-being, integrating practices from various traditions, including Hinduism. However, it conflicts fundamentally with Christianity, particularly regarding concepts of God, salvation, authority, and morality. Each worldview presents divergent paths, challenging efforts to reconcile their core beliefs.

Alan Vincent May 23, 2025Biblical Authority, Jesus Christ, Karma, Monotheism, Pantheism, Polytheism, Reincarnation, Religious Syncretism, Salvation, Self-Divinity, Spiritual Conflict, Theological DifferencesNo Comments

Power Under Control: The Call to Be Humble and Bold in Christ

In our Christian walk, we are called to embody two traits that seem to contradict one another: humility and boldness. One is lowly, the other courageous—yet both are commanded in Scripture. True discipleship requires the quiet surrender of humility and the Spirit-empowered courage of boldness. Jesus Christ, the Lion and the Lamb, embodies both perfectly. As we follow Him, we are invited into a life that is both low before God and fearless before man.

David Vincent May 22, 20252 Corinthians 10, Boldness, Christian Discipleship, Christian Leadership, Fear of God, Great Commission, Jesus the Lion and the Lamb, Servant Leadership, Spiritual FormationNo Comments

Can a Christian Be a Freemason? Examining the Core Conflicts

Freemasonry promotes brotherhood and moral growth, but can its universalist approach and secret rituals align with core Christian beliefs? This post explores the fundamental differences concerning God, salvation, and ultimate truth that lead many Christians to see an incompatibility.

Alan Vincent May 20, 2025Beliefs, Bible, Christian Doctrine, Christianity, Faith, Great Architect of the Universe, Incompatibility, Jesus Christ, Masons, Religious Pluralism, Secret Societies, Spiritual DiscernmentNo Comments

The Age of Aquarius: Understanding Its Clash with Christian Beliefs

The "Age of Aquarius" – you've likely heard the term, often associated with hopes for a new era of enlightenment, harmony, and collective spiritual awakening. Born from astrological theories and…

Alan Vincent May 19, 2025Age of Aquarius, Astrology, Biblical Authority, Christian Theology, Christianity, Collective Consciousness, Faith, Jesus Christ, New Age Beliefs, Religious Comparison, Salvation, Spiritual Evolution, TruthNo Comments

Luciferian Doctrine vs. Christianity: A Clash of Worldviews

Luciferianism is often portrayed as a path to enlightenment and self-empowerment—but beneath its alluring surface lies a direct contradiction to the foundational truths of Christianity. This article explores the core beliefs of Luciferian doctrine and exposes why it is fundamentally incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alan Vincent May 16, 2025Biblical Truth, Christian Theology, Christian Worldview, Christine Doctrine, Doctrinal Error, End Times Deception, False Teachings, Light vs Darkness, Luciferianism, New Age Beliefs, Religious Syncretism, Satanic Symbolism, Spiritual DeceptionNo Comments