What you will read below is a very prevalent view in the seriously off-track and heading for a crash “missional” man-centered emerging church and its new breed new evangelical sister. In more technical terms: orthopraxy trumps orthodoxy. But at the bottom line what we are witnessing in a New Downgrade is a rebellion against proper Biblical doctrine in favor a repainted social gospel.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20)

“But I Wanna Do What I Wanna Do!”

Tim Reed, senior pastor of Oswosso Church of Christ, regurgitates the current new evangelical party line so prevalent today in this New Downgrade No-Controversy: “It is wonderful we have the scriptures, and that the common person can read them. But idolatry of the Bible itself has taken place. Unfortunately, if you bring up that issue its immediately spun as ‘you don’t believe the Bible’ which has some eerie similarities to ‘you’re not submitting to the pope’.”

This is so absurd as to be laughable and if the leadership of OCC has any wisdom, and knows what’s good for them, they will be bringing their pastor in and demanding that he repent of such public nonsense. Far from idolatry of the Bible, what we actually have is an emerging church and new evangelical rebellion against obeying the clear Word of God in the Bible. Christian compromisers like Rob Bell, following in the apostate footprints of Brian McLaren, are busy casting doubt upon the perspicuity (clarity) of Scripture in order to grind their man-centered axes against the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The following devotion from Spurgeon, who stood tall in the first Downgrade Controversy, makes it clear that 1) this kind of lunacy in the Lord’s Name was also going on in his day, and 2) as I have said before, there is absolutely nothing in proper Biblical Reformed Christianity which prevents helping the poor etc. as we preach the real Gospel to them. What we need at this late hour are more people who will simply read the Bible; pray, and then do what it says.

What we need in the American Christian Church right now are some leaders who really want to fight a Truth War; because at this critical moment, we are witnessing a spiritual version of the Vietnam War. While some of us risk reputations and even ministries following God’s exhortation in the Scripture below our timid leaders appear happy to speak loudly within the privacy and safety of their own offices while publicly promoting each other. So Lord, will You please send us even a couple of men with some actual spiritual backbone to stand against this New Downgrade…apparently our current leaders haven’t yet noticed it…

Why It’s Simply Deja Vu All Over Again

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling.
(1 Timothy 1:3-6)

Some Christians are very curious, but not obedient. Plain precepts are neglected, but difficult problems they seek to solve. I remember one who used always to be dwelling upon vials and seals and trumpets. He was great at apocalyptic symbols, but he had seven children, and he had no family prayer. If he had left the vials and trumpets and minded his boys and girls, it would have been a deal better.

I have known men marvelously great upon Daniel, and specially instructed in Ezekiel, but singularly forgetful of the twentieth of Exodus, and not very clear upon Romans the eighth. I do not speak with any blame of such folks for studying Daniel and Ezekiel, but quite the reverse; yet I wish they had been more zealous for the conversion of the of the sinners in their neighborhoods and more careful to assist the poor saints.

I admit the value of the study of the feet of the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision and the importance of knowing the kingdoms that make up the ten toes, but I do not see the propriety of allowing such studies to overlay the commonplaces of practical godliness. If the time spent over obscure theological propositions were given to a mission in the dim alley near the good man’s house, more benefit would come to men and more glory to God.

(Charles Spurgeon, At the Master’s Feet, November 1)