Notes of Faith April 17, 2025
The Danger of Downgrade
I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel.
Revelation 2:14
In recent years, some churches have reinterpreted their teachings to align with contemporary social trends. They yield to the pressure to conform to the culture in vital areas of doctrine and morality. This is tragic.
We need separation from the world—not in our love for people but in our commitment to biblical integrity and personal holiness. When churches diminish their doctrine and devalue their convictions, their ministries lose their power. This is what happened to the church in Pergamos in Revelation 2. It also happened in Charles Spurgeon’s day, and he called it a Down-Grade. He said, “We have had enough of The Down-Grade…. What havoc false doctrine is making, no tongue can tell.”
We need an updraft of the Spirit, not a downgrade of the truth. So keep a high view of Scripture, starting today with a personal rededication to its wonderful teachings.
We look down into the abyss of error, and it almost makes our head swim to think of the perilous descent; but the road of the gospel, to which we hope to keep by divine grace, is a safe and happy way.
Charles Spurgeon
Some pastors and church leaders have sought to build their churches through being like the world. What does the world like? Let’s be like them so that we can draw people to our church. This leads to bringing in many people who having come for the wrong reason, never come to true believing faith. But they like the large social connections it provides for them. From the beginning Christ told us to separate from the world, to not be like the society around us that makes terrible ungodly decisions for themselves and the communities in which they live and work. May we strive to stand firm in the faith, not bend to society, praise and worship the One true God, being obedient to His Word alone.
Pastor Dale