The Dumbing Down of the Church

By: M.E. Townsend

In the early 1900’s, Germans were taught the Bible could not be trusted, but human reasoning could. Higher Criticism, rationalization, liberal philosophy filled the hearts and minds of the German populace paving the way for Hitler and the Holocaust – man’s inhumanity to man.

Dr. David Breese explains how this was possible:

“The initial effect of German rationalization upon a Christian culture was on the schools, churches, and scholarship of Europe…Even so, religion still continued in Europe. There were still large churches, burning candles, beautiful choirs, lovely stained glass windows, congregations…all of that was still there…The Bible was only empty pages written by men who were now dead, rather than revelation of the living God. European Christianity was destroyed from within while still possessing the external form by which it had been known for centuries…the leaders quoted everything but the Bible and preached everything but the gospel, and reality was gone…It was because of religious liberalize that Europe lost its soul.”

As we see the dumbing down of the church in America we cannot help but see a parallel emerge.

The church in America has exchanged Divine morality for moral relativism, and secular humanism, allowing pansies in the pulpit while politically correct congregants sit as paupers in the pews. “Christians” have become willing participants of complacency and passivity instead of warring powerhouses of truth with a Holy boldness of intolerance to compromise and accommodate.

“Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation, Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.”
Luke 6:24-25

Just as in Germany immediately preceding Hitler’ reign, the German people allowed false teaching to impact German culture. In order to regain national pride, financial abundance and stability they resolved to go along with the message and the means proposed by Hitler.

The masses followed blindly -

“For certain men have crept in unnoticed…ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only LORD God and our LORD Jesus the Christ.” Jude 4

- while the remnant stood strong.

Albert Einstein exiled from Germany for being Jewish noted:

“Being a lover of freedom, when the Nazi revolution came I looked to the universities to defend it, knowing that they had always boasted of the devotion to the cause of truth; but no, the universities were immediately silenced. Then I looked to the great editors of the newspapers, whose flaming editorials in the days gone by had proclaimed their love of freedom; but they, like the universities, were silenced in a few short weeks. Only the church stood squarely across the path of Hitler’s campaign for suppressing truth. I never had any special interest in the church before, but now I feel a great affection and admiration for it because the church alone had the courage and persistence to stand for intellectual and moral freedom. I am forced to confess that what I once despised I now praise unreservedly.”

“But I say, did Israel not know. First Moses says: I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will anger you be a foolish nation.” Romans 10:19

Stand strong child of God. Provoke to jealousy those who do not know our LORD.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong…” I Corinthians 16:13

This can be our finest hour church – be brave, stand strong!

[Thanks to Brannon Howse for the wealth of information and superb research found in his WorldView Weekend Digest which led to the writing of this article. To God be the glory.!!..]

 For several years I listened expectantly for the trumpet to sound, calling believers home. I listened with excitement to messages of deliverance from the wrath coming upon the earth. With a smile on my face, I embraced those encouraging words admonishing each of us to look up and not out, teaching them to my children. Joy and laughter filled the halls of churches as thoughts of escaping the judgments to come danced across our minds, filling our hearts with the assurance that all was well with our soul.

Several years passed and I rocked on until one night I was radically changed after an encounter with the True and Living God. I matured in my faith, took my Bible and began to read, to study. As the Word commands:

“Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

As I read books by Robert VanKampen, Marv Rosenthal and Michael Pfeil along with studying my Bible, nagging thoughts crept in. My smile became a thoughtful gaze, and I was left to wondered:

“What If?”

What if the PreTrib belief were correct? What Harm?

We had waited with expectant hearts the appearing of our LORD. Standing joyfully on His promises to deliver us from the wrath to come.

What if the PreTrib belief were correct? What Harm?

We as a family, with joy and laughter, had discussed what heaven would be like and spent hours attending prophecy conferences with feel good messages, amid shouts of Maranatha, sharing our excitement with like minded believers.

BUT nagging thoughts refused to go away.

What if the PreTrib belief were wrong? What Harm?

We have spent much time waiting expectantly to be saved from the wrath to come but NO time preparing our hearts and our minds to stand for Him in the fiery furnace of affliction. We have spent little time on our knees weeping before the LORD over the lost within our own families, nor have we cried out to our Father to save, deliver and heal a lost and dying world. We have swallowed and followed but spent no time becoming rooted and grounded in His Word.

What if the PreTrib belief were wrong? What Harm?

We have not examined our own hearts before God, but have chosen instead to embrace easy belief-ism. We have not looked at our own sins nor cried out to God in broken repentance. We have forgotten to look up to a Holy God who said:

“I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44

There will indeed be a rapture - but whether it is today, tomorrow or a thousand years from now, our LORD has said “occupy until I come."

“…when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8

The heart is deceitful above things, and desperately sick. From within, out of the heart of man comes evil thoughts. Although they ‘knew’ God, they did not honor Him as God. None is righteous. Not one. No one understands, no one seeks for God. All have turned aside, together they have become worthless, no one does good, not even one. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” (Jeremiah 17; Romans 1; Mark 7; Romans 3)

In September, 2020 came these words: Calamity and chaos await the rebellious and disobedient. Such evil spews across the nation, men’ hearts hard and filled with hate. Arise My children, accept the call to arms. Do not allow fear or faithlessness to rob you of being a part of the great battle for the soul of America. The battle is fierce and will become more intense, but fear not. Rise up, stand on the promises of God. Become armed and dangerous with your two-edged sword, the power the authority of My Word. Do not shrink back. Do not cower in fear. The hour is late. Get in the battle. The LORD is calling; be silent no longer. (September, 2020...we were warned)

Fast forward...August, 2021: Dangerous days are coming upon your nation. Sin has taken a heavy toll on America and her people. It must be dealt with and it is being dealt with. Actions have brought judgment and now it falls. My children will shine like diamonds in the midst of the blackest of coals. No fear! Trust in Me. Souls will come by the thousands as My hand falls upon their unrighteousness. O, be ready for the harvest. Work while you have time. Do not be easily silenced. (15 August, 2021 we've been warned once again).

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

America is steeped in sin. Her life consumed by powers of darkness, choosing to live in tombs of despair, following Baals and Jezebels render America helpless. Times of refreshing must come from the church as she mobilizes to take her place to tear down the darkness and set captives free. Take a stand for My Word. Take a stand against lies and false fake religion. Stand with Me…a threefold cord is not quickly broken. America will come to her senses. None have control over what belongs to Me, and what belongs to Me is the earth and everything in it. The sun, the moon, the stars, galaxies, governments, terriorist, traitors...everything is under My command. Trust in God...you are in very good hands.

Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the burning of His anger? His wrath is poured out like fire and the rocks are broken up by Him. Nahum 1:6

Stand amazed at what I will do. All glory, honor and praise will be Mine. Evil topples as My hand sweeps across empires to bring a cleansing, a refiners fire. Stand amazed, it will be spectacular; expect impossibilities. I AM the God of the impossible. With Me all things are possible. Take a stand for righteousness. Stand amazed and see the glory of your God.

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end...Hebrews 3:14

Don’t allow the actions of others, their choices to rob you of peace. Keep looking at Me. Don’t allow anger or disappointment to rob you of joy in My presence. Each one has their journey, their path to follow. All have sinned and come short of My glory.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Rejoice in all things, rejoice! I Am in control. I AM working among you to right the wrongs, to destroy darkness, to set captives free. My children are divisive, yet distinct, set apart yet united in Me. Expect great things. Take your rest in Me and expect the unexpected. Stand faithfully for what is right. Be on the LORD’ side, keep looking up.

 Behold He who forms mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what are His thoughts. He who makes dawn into darkness and treads on the high places of the earth. The Lord God of hosts is His name. Amos 4:13

I know the thoughts and intent of every heart. I know when you rise and when you sleep. I AM involved in every part of your life. Do not attempt to hide things from Me. Bring faults, failures, fears to Me. Bring all to Calvary...and then leave it there.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42

In March, 2021 came these words: Wind….change. God is moving across the land. Upheaval, rapid movements. God is in control My child. Listen to the wind, hear its voice. Listen closely to the wind. Shaking, awaking. Devilish demonic forces are at work in your nation. They advance without restraint; knowing their days are numbered, their reign of terror is coming to an end. They advance to their own demise, to their own destruction. Satan is a defeated foe, give him no more territory. Begin to take back what has been given in times past. Reclaim what belongs to the righteous. Reclaim what belongs to Me.

Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight….2 Samuel 10:12

Recognize distractions for what they are. Situations or circumstances to silence the voice of God, to bring frustration or confusion. Do not allow distractions to steal your peace, your joy or your hope; trust in Me. Cherish your relationship with Me. Guard it carefully. Let nothing steal your heart from Me. NOTHING! Cling to Me. Cling tightly to Me.

The cross of Calvary paid it all, everything you will ever need, look to Calvary. Look to Calvary to fulfill all your needs; hopes, desires, dreams, healing, salvation, forgiveness...Look to Calvary. There you will find the answers to it all. See yourself at Calvary; receiving JESUS' free gift. Take from Him and leave there rejoicing in the goodness of your God.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18