’The Down Grade’—Further Reflections on the 2% Rule and Spiritual Drift

Valley Life Church, Lebanon OR

’The Down Grade’—Further Reflections on the 2% Rule and Spiritual Drift

1st Tim. 4, Col. 2, Heb. 1, 2:1

March 22, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler

In Paul’s day as well as ours, false teachers in the church threaten both gospel and mission. If the church sets the Bible aside, it most certainly will begin to drift. Hebrews 2:1 tells us, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”

Guard The Deposit

June 14, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler

Paul’s closing words to Timothy were quite fitting and they must serve as our marching orders as well. 1 - “Flee…” things like the pursuit of money, false doctrine, sexual immorality, etc. 2 - “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 3 - “Fight the good fight…” Endure. Persevere. Remember those who have gone before you, like Paul, Timothy, Peter, and others. 4 - “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” In other words, “Guard the deposit.”

Godliness as a Means of Gain, Not A Means of Gain

June 7, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler

The church is to be the pillar and buttress of the truth, not the one that surrenders the truth. If we as a church, or as individuals, move away from the gospel, things begin to unravel and we lose our way. Godliness with contentment, however, is a great means of gain because it has Jesus and not us at the center, and Jesus is the Truth.

What Gospel Are You Wearing?

May 24, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler

Whatever situation you are in, how you conduct yourself matters. Does your conduct promote the Gospel? Does it make Jesus look good? Does it really love people?