Christianity News Daily examines modern culture through the authority of Scripture, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the example of the early Church. This section focuses on biblical discernment, moral clarity, and faithfulness in a rapidly changing world—helping believers understand the times and respond with truth, holiness, and love.
Introduction The Crisis of Discernment in a Confused Culture
The modern world is experiencing a profound crisis—not merely political or economic, but spiritual and moral. Language once considered shameful is now mainstream. Entertainment celebrates what Scripture condemns. Truth is treated as subjective, and discernment is often dismissed as judgmental.
Yet Scripture warns that such a climate would characterize the last days.
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” — 2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)
Biblical discernment is not optional for Christians. It is essential. Discernment enables believers to recognize truth from error, holiness from compromise, and Christlike conduct from cultural imitation. Without it, Christian culture collapses into a mirror of the world rather than a light to it.
What Is Biblical Discernment According to Scripture
Biblical discernment is the God-given ability to judge matters according to His Word rather than human opinion or cultural pressure.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
Discernment begins with a renewed mind shaped by Scripture. The Word of God trains believers to evaluate speech, behavior, teaching, and motives.
“For the word of God is living and powerful… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12
True discernment is not harsh or arrogant. It is humble, sober-minded, and rooted in obedience to Christ.
Christian Culture Versus Worldly Culture
Christian culture flows from Christ Himself. Worldly culture flows from fallen human nature.
Jesus prayed:
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” — John 17:16
Modern society increasingly promotes vulgar speech, moral looseness, and unrestrained self-expression. Scripture warns believers not to absorb these patterns.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world.” — 1 John 2:15
Christian culture is marked by holiness, reverence, humility, self-control, and truth. When believers abandon discernment, Christian culture erodes and becomes indistinguishable from secular society.
The Tongue as a Measure of Spiritual Health
Few areas reveal moral decline more clearly than speech. Words once considered disgraceful are now spoken casually in public discourse, media, and even among professing Christians.
Scripture is unequivocal:
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification.” — Ephesians 4:29
Jesus Himself never used vile or corrupt language. His words healed, corrected, instructed, and revealed truth.
“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” — John 6:63
The apostles followed His example.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.” — Colossians 4:6
When vulgarity becomes normalized, it reflects a deeper spiritual decay—one that discernment is meant to confront and correct.
Entertainment Media and the Formation of Values
Hollywood, social media, and popular entertainment now disciple society more effectively than many churches. Language, humor, sexuality, and rebellion are packaged as normal and desirable.
Scripture cautions believers:
“Evil company corrupts good habits.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
What believers consume shapes how they think, speak, and act.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23
Biblical discernment trains Christians to evaluate media choices not by popularity, but by faithfulness to Christ.
Discernment in the Last Days
Jesus warned repeatedly that deception would intensify before His return.
“Take heed that no one deceives you.” — Matthew 24:4
Discernment guards believers against false teaching, moral compromise, and cultural drift.
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21
The absence of discernment leaves the Church vulnerable to error and assimilation into the world’s values.
The Role of the Church in Restoring Discernment
The Church is called to equip believers—not entertain them.
“And He Himself gave some to be… pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints.” — Ephesians 4:11–12
When preaching avoids conviction and teaching neglects Scripture, discernment weakens. Strong biblical teaching restores clarity, courage, and holiness.
Living Discerned Lives in a Hostile Culture
Biblical discernment produces visible fruit:
- Christlike speech
- Moral clarity
- Courage to stand apart
- Love for truth
- Resistance to compromise
“Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” — Matthew 10:16
Believers are called to shine—not blend in.
“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14
Conclusion A Call Back to Biblical Discernment
Christian culture cannot survive without biblical discernment. In an age of confusion, vulgarity, and deception, the Church must return to Scripture as its final authority.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” — John 17:17
Christianity News Daily remains committed to equipping believers with Scripture-centered analysis that strengthens discernment and glorifies Jesus Christ.
Christian Culture and Biblical Discernment for the Times We Live In
A Scripture-centered examination of Christian living cultural challenges and discernment in the last days rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.