TWISTED SCRIPTURE

2Timothy 2:15-16 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 

Dear fellow travelers,

  As Christ’s disciples we are to increase in Biblical knowledge and understanding in order to develop wisdom in living that pleases Him. I personally confess to you that there are times when I prefer physical work over mental labor in God’s word, necessitating reminding myself of Paul’s directive as to what is more important for we retired elders.

  Consequently I’m again studying and recommending TWISTED SCRIPTURE, Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told, a Biblically enlightening book by Andrew Farley. His service is a wonderful application of the provocative principles of applied hermeneutics. The book may be acquired several ways, my doing so through Christian Book Distributors, 1-800-247478426 or POBox 7000 Peabody MA 01961-7000. $11.99 plus $3.99 S & H.

  From both personal experience and observation I know that individual, congregation, denomination may accept and embrace correction, while others will reject and resent anything that differentiates from their comfortable familiar religious norm.

  Among those that accept the corrections there will be those that will keep the truths to themselves . . . while others spread the Word. The reticent group preferring Christianity without ripples or tidal disruption. The unreserved group preferring obedience to the Lord. For them I provide the topical table of contents to stir their interest in examination.

EBB4

PART A: Salvation

LIE 1: You must be baptized in water to be saved

Lie 2: You’re justified by faith plus good works

Lie 3: You’re saved by Jesus’ death on the cross

Lie 4: God predestined certain people to believe; others have no choice

Lie 5: The whole world is or will be saved [universalism]

PART B: Eternal Security

Lie 6: You can fall from grace and lose your salvation

Lie 7: God will tell some believers, “Depart from me!”

Lie 8: God may blot or spit you out

Lie 9: You only remain saved as long as you “keep the faith”

PART C: The Old and the New

Lie 10: The New testament era began with the birth of Jesus

Lie 11: All of Jesus’ teaching apply directly to believers

Lie 12: Living under grace means the old Testament is irrelevant

Lie 13: We can call Jesus our High Priest but still look to the Law

PART D: Freedom from the Law

Lie 14: Your goal should be to keep the 10 Commandments

Lie 15: The Law is written on your heart

Lie 16: You should keep the Sabbath day

Lie 17: You need to tithe 10% of your income to please god

Lie 18: Paul’s Romans 7 struggle is the normal Christian life

Lie 19: Too much grace will cause you to sin even more

PART E: Identity in Christ

Lie 20: “Jesus died for our sins” is the whole message of the cross

Lie 21: You need to die to self daily

Lie 22: You should put off your old self so you decrease and Christ increases

Lie 23: You’re not really righteous; God just looks at you that way

Lie 24: God doesn’t want you to get any of the glory

Lie 25: You’re sometimes in the Spirit and sometimes in the flesh

Lie 26: The Holy Spirit keeps you from doing what you want to do

Lie 27: You, as a believer, have a sinful nature

Lie 28: True believers don’t commit sin anymore

PART F: United with Jesus

Lie 29: You can get closer to God over time

Lie 30: You should try to “abide in Christ” and put God first

Lie 31: Being filled with the Spirit is for signs and wonders

Lie 32: It’s hard to know God’s will for your life

PART G: Once-for-all forgiveness

Lie 33: God forgives you little by little as you sin

Lie 34: You need to confess each sin to be forgiven and cleansed by God

Lie 35: You should examine your sins before taking the Lord’s Supper

Lie 36: Believers can fall away to a place of no repentance

Lie 37: If you repeat the same sins willfully, God will not forgive you

Lie 38: A believer’s forgiveness is conditional and can be forfeited

Lie 39: Grace means there are no consequences for sin

PART H: Judgment, Punishment, and Rewards

Lie 40: You’ll pass through 2 final judgments

Lie 41: Every day you’re gaining or losing heavenly rewards

Lie 42: It’s healthy to be afraid of God

PART I: Church discipline, Tongues, and Health-Wealth [the prosperity gospel]

Lie 43: If you commit big sins, you should be kicked out of the church

Lie 44: You should edify yourself, and tongues is evidence of salvation

Lie 45: God promises wealth and health to every believer

EPILOGUE

NOTES

INDEX

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS