By George Rassovsky
INTRO
Context is extremely important for any literary work. However, when it comes to the Word of God, it is vital! A verse, or a part of one, taken out of context, can have enormous and eternal consequences. Despite this being the case, the fact is that the Bible is perhaps the most misinterpreted book. Below are some of the most commonly misinterpreted and misunderstood verses of the Bible.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”Jeremiah 29:11 [NKJV]
Prosperity “Gospel” preachers love to abuse this and other such verses constantly. Many people are reassured for no reason that the Almighty God has smiled upon them while they blaspheme Him with their lives, even if they praise Him with their lips. God’s Word says that if you do not “listen to the Son,” God’s wrath remains upon you.
This verse, in its context, refers to the Jews in exile during their Babylonian captivity. Of course, Old Testament passages, like this one, concerning national Israel, can be applied to the New Testament Church, but usually not in the materialistic way in which many apply them today. God’s children are promised to enter the kingdom of God through “many tribulations” (Acts 14:22), they are promised persecution if they live godly lives (2 Timothy 3:12), and they are promised to suffer for Christ (Philippians 1:29). This verse has nothing to do with the health, wealth, and prosperity that false teachers promise their deceived followers.
Next – #6 – Love of Money – 1 Timothy 6:10
Forward in Hope 