Twisted scripture!

We hear more and more about churches and ministries that twist the scripture to suit their ways, and that this would come about in the end times. So, how do we know that what is being taught is truth or not? Many priest and pastors claim to be Christian teachers, but when it comes to interpretation of scripture, many are not that gifted at all. The majority just follow church doctrine (especially after a few years in the seminary, or teaching a Sunday school class), and have very little knowledge of God's word; they are biblically illiterate. Many just nurse along traditions of men and false doctrines. You will find they even love to twist scripture to suit popular theories that make you feel so special, protected, and secure. They make you feel like they are your "angel of light." Do not be deceived! For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:5). If you have a teacher that brings you the full gospel chapter by chapter, verse by verse, teaching truth without tradition, then you have a good pastor; (One who actually cares for the flock).  So, why all the twisted scripture in our time? For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2 Timothy 4:3). Many people will just not listen to sound truth. They want to follow those that teach traditions of men and church doctrine.  Whatever the people want to hear to keep them coming back is what most pastors will teach.  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:4). They will reject the truth and chase after myths, wives tales, and traditions. How is your church doing?  Do not be surprised that this is happening in the end times. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14). They are deceived by Satan, and he is a master of disguises. He appears as an angel of light at His return. (Revelation 12:9, 13:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10). Many people are so deceived by Satan and twisted scripture that God lets them believe the lies. (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Lies are derived from twisted scripture.  One of the most popular deceptive lies derived from twisted scripture is the rapture theory. They get this idea from misinterpreted scripture. You need to follow the subject and object in its entirety when interpreting scripture. (You can't pick and choose certain parts). The subject Paul was explaining to the disciples was about "where the dead are." But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Paul wanted them to know what happens to a Christian when they die, so when it happens, they would not be sorrowed. Paul continues... For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14). If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that when a Christian dies, God will also bring them with Him. When we are absent from this flesh body, our soul is present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8).  Paul continues to explain: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (1 Thessalonians 4:15). Those who are alive when the Lord returns will not prevent (or precede), those who are dead because the dead are already there with the Lord. (Read our study topic titled: Where are the dead). For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (1 Thessalonians 4:16). At the last trump (7th trump), the dead in Christ will rise first because they are already there. Now, below is the verse everyone gets so confused about. (Misinterpreted scripture).  Lets break it down and bring it back to the original language for a better understanding. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17). As "gathered like a cloud" used as a statement, or "like a cloud of locust," or "cloud of witnesses." (Hebrews 12:1). Now as for the ones which are alive to meet the Lord in the air; We must go back to the original Greek to translate air which is (Aer = Breathe, Strong's 109 Greek Dictionary) prime from (Psucho = To Breathe, 5594) prime from (Psuche = Breath or Spirit, 5590) prime from (Pneuma = Spirit or Breath of Life, 4151). When Christ returns at the seventh trump, we will be changed into our Spirit bodies to meet him. This is not a rapture of the church. (This is a gathering back to Christ in the end times). In fact, it is those who remain till the end that will be saved. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 10:22). See how easy it is to misinterpret and twist the scripture.  Another popular misinterpretation of scripture that many love to twist, is speaking in tongues? Does your church teach that there is an unknown tongue that only their congregation understands and interprets? They get this misinterpretation of scripture in the book of (Acts 2:4-11, & 1 Corinthians 12:28-14:31). Paul makes it very clear to the reader that we are talking about different languages that people speak. Lets break it down and see what speaking in tongues is really all about. The word tongue, Strong's Concordance G1258 "dialektos" simple means "dialect" or "language," in which one speaks. We all have a certain dialect or language that we speak, and some of us speak several languages.  With that being said, lets start in the book of Acts and see what how the Pentecostal tongue was spoken and understood. The people were coming together for the celebration of Pentecost. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1). Pentecost is 50 days after the annual celebration of Passover. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (The presence of the Holy Spirit). And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:2-3). (The appearance of the Holy Spirit).  Now, what exactly happened there? And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4). Everyone present was filled with the "Holy Spirit" and began to speak and understand languages they did not know. (Foreign dialects). The "Holy Spirit" gave those present the ability to understand in every language spoken. (The Holy Spirit is like a universal translator). Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:6). They were all stunned to "hear their own languages being spoken" by the disciples. Spoken to understand in their very own dialect where they were born. (Not an unknown tongue). "This was the miracle of the Holy Spirit." (When the Holy Spirit speaks, everyone can understand what is being said). "Its not a bunch of gibberish." They heard everyone in their own language. Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:11). They heard all the tribes speaking in their own languages. The cloven tongue that everyone understood about the mighty miracles of God; through the works of the Holy Spirit.  Speaking different languages is a special gift of God. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28). Diversities of tongues simply means (Variety of languages). Those who speak different languages for interpretation. The apostle Paul would go on to explain about tongues (speaking different languages), in (1 Corinthians 14:2 through 14:16). Paul spoke several languages and he explained to the disciples that he wished they did also. But, speaking to a crowd of people in a different language would not benefit them at all. He explains to them; if you are going to speak to people of different dialects, you better have an interpreter present with you, or the people won't even know when to say amen. (1 Corinthians 14:16). If you are going to speak or pray, do it so everyone can understand what you are saying. Not a bunch of gibberish noise that causes nothing but confusion. (Don't fall for nonsense).  Baptist and being born again is another misinterpreted scripture they love to twist. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5). One cannot enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Born of the water through women at birth, and born of the Spirit. (i.e. The Holy Spirit). Lets go a little deeper here and go to the two basic theories of being born again. The first theory taught by many churches is that a person has to be baptized (water baptism), to be saved. They will tell you that as soon as you accept Christ, you need to be baptized to be saved. However, Jesus promised the thief on the cross would be with Him in Paradise without physically baptizing him. (Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 5:8). When we leave these bodies, we are with the Father. (1 Corinthians15:46-48). The natural body comes first, the spiritual comes later. Adam was made of dust, but Christ came from heaven. The second theory is that there are two births, one physical and one spiritual. Born of the water through your natural birth, and born of the Spirit, through the washing of the Word. (Ephesians 5:26). Being "born again" (born from above), requires two births. For example: The fallen angels did not want to be born of woman, but rather came down to earth to seduce the daughters of Adam. (Read our newsletter "the fallen angels" for a better understanding).  Jesus goes on to say; That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:6). Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. (The fundamental law, both in nature and grace). The spiritual birth has nothing to do with the outside flesh, but rather to the inside of you. It's what the "Holy Spirit" does for you. (It changes you from the inside out). Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7). Nicodemus must have been in awe here, as Jesus said; don't be surprised when I say, "You must be born again." The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8). The wind blows wherever it wants. You can't tell where it comes from, or where it is going. The same is with people who are born of the Spirit. This word "wind" here is "pneuma" Strong's #G4151 "the Holy Spirit." When a person becomes a believer and follows Christ, they are moved by the Holy Spirit. "You can feel it." Here is a verse that clears all the disputes about being saved. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). This verse needs no interpretation. No doubt, one of the most important scriptures written in the bible. However, the key here is "believe in Him." To Me, you must get to know someone before you can believe in them. You get to know Christ through the Word. (His written personality).  We have covered just a few twisted scriptures that many churches and preachers want you to believe. When you read the bible, do not pick and chose versus. You need to study the bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse following the subject and object of the topic being conveyed. Many priests and pastors want to manipulate the scriptures to follow the doctrine of their church. The majority teach denominational church doctrine and traditions of men. Keep in mind that these kind of teachings will keep you in bondage rather than set you free. (They want the chains on to keep you coming back). Never let any man, or woman control you! Jesus Christ is all about freedom from the bonds of this world and the clutches of Satan and sin.  Are you in bondage to a false prophet and twisted scripture? Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:15). Satan's servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. You know how good Satan is at doing impressions of God; Satan's servants are also very good at impersonating God's servants. "They look and sound so holy." Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15). Don't let the fancy suits and flowing robes fool you. (Their day is coming in the end). Do Not Be Deceived!
Keep The Faith, Bart Since 1997 Erie, Pa USA http://www.goodnewsministry.com