In some episodes of the classic cartoon, Rocky & Bullwinkle, there used to be a segment they called “Fractured Fairy Tales” where they would re-write well-known stories into a new version containing some of the original and some revised parts. Contrary to the opinion of many people who consider themselves “smart,” the Bible is not a fairy tale. (1Cor. 3:18-20, 1Cor. 1:18-31) However, people do still enjoy “fracturing” it. That is to be expected from unbelievers, but presented below are just some of the revisions I have noticed believers making to the word of God.
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by [keeping quiet and going with the flow] the word of their testimony, for they loved [their life in this world more than God] not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” Revelation 12:10-12
(Also see Rev. 3:7-13, Rev. 7:9-17, Rev. 21:1-8, Rev. 21:21-22:21, John 12:25-26, John 15:18-21, 1John 3:11-13)
For this is the love of God, that we [do whatever pleases us, because He wants us to be happy even if that means deliberately sinning against Him] keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome [because we ignore them and do our own pleasure instead love Him]. 1 John 5:3
For this is the will of God, that [by teaching people that God loves sin] by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, [using your freedom as a license to sin] not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:15-16
(Also see 1John 2:15-17, Jam. 4:4, Mark 12:28-34, John 13:34-35, John 15:8-17, 1John 3:14-18, Rom. 6, 1Thes. 4:1-8, Isa. 5:20-25)
It’s interesting how John 15 and 1 John 3 each talk about BOTH love and persecution. When we follow Jesus and keep His words, we will love as He told us to do—but curiously, we are to expect to be hated and persecuted in return. (2Tim. 3:10-17) So if we’re “loving” people the way the world does, by approving of everything they do and telling them whatever they want to hear (2Tim. 3:1-7, 2Tim. 4:3-4), then we’re doing it wrong. They LIKE us when we do that, and they don’t persecute us, because we’re JUST LIKE THEM. (Luke 6:26) But the very meaning of “ekklesia” (Greek word usually translated “church”) is CALLED OUT. (2Cor. 6:14-18, 1Cor. 15:33-34) (Also see Matt. 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-36, Luke 14:12-14, Rom. 12:9-21, Titus 3:1-3, 1Tim. 2:1-4, Heb. 13:16-17 as to WHO we are to love.)
“These things I command you, so that you will love one another. If the world [loves you because you never offend anyone by standing up for the truth] hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15:17-21
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. [Be shocked, shaken and stop speaking the truth in love if people disagree with you.] Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 1 John 3:11-13
(Also see Eph. 4:11-32, Eph. 6:10-20, 1Pet. 4:12-19, 1Pet. 1:6-7, Jam. 1:12-16, John 15:24-25.)
Jesus also connected poorness of spirit (humility), meekness (not to be confused with weakness), mercy, peace-making and purity of heart with persecution in the sermon we know as The Beatitudes (“Blessed are…”). He went on to talk about salt and light, even giving a warning about what happens to “salt that loses its saltiness.” Not everyone appreciates light the way we expect them to. Some people have grown so accustomed to the darkness that light hurts their eyes. (John 3:18-21, Eph. 5:3-17)
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the [proud] poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the [bossy and demanding] meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who [feast upon the wickedness of the fallen world and its ways] hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the [ruthless] merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the [devious, depraved and corrupted] pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the [loud and intentionally offensive protesters] peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for [sinful things they did] righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when [you water down My message and assure hypocritical people who have made false confessions of faith, but display no fruit of the Spirit, that they are saved] others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for [I will give you lots of great stuff during your earthly lifetime] your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the [artificial sweetener] salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, [make sure not to cause unbelievers any discomfort—don’t rock the boat] let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:1-16
So just like Jesus, we can expect that people will like us when we’re serving their needs (John 6:26, Acts 2:46-47, Gal. 6:6-10, Col. 3:23-25, Eph. 2:10, Titus 3:8-10, 14), but not so much when we tell them Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven. (John 6:41-50 – if you read the whole chapter, be sure to pay attention to v. 63; Luke 4:20-30, 1John 2:23) They also prefer to hear about the “other” Jesus who loves everyone’s behavior no matter what they do, better than the One in the Bible who says, “go and sin no more.” (John 5:14, John 8:11, John 8:24, 2Cor. 11:1-4)
The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, [pretend to believe so that you’ll seem like a nice person and escape hell by fooling God] believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. John 10:31-39
Indeed, all who [redefine “love” as “anything goes”] desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will [be “enlightened” and change with the times] go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, [get rich selling books and DVDs and “update” the Scriptures to make them more “relevant”] continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make [a nice paper weight or coffee table book] you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for [revising, making “corrections,” cutting apart into palatable pieces, twisting] teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in [how to blend in so as to be accepted by the unsaved] righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Stephen, the first martyred disciple of Jesus in the New Testament, was one of the seven men appointed to oversee the distribution of food to the poor (particularly widows who had no one to care for them – 1Tim. 5:8-16, 1Cor. 11:17-22). Yet, he came under attack and was stoned to death for speaking truthfully, by the powers of the day who wanted to KEEP their power over the people. (Read the whole account of his testimony in Acts 7:1-60.)
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men [who look “cool” and act “hip”] of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to [making money and getting famous] prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said [was discussed in months of committee meetings] pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was [minding his own business] doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was [full of deceit and evil] like the face of an angel. Acts 6:1-15
(Also see Matt. 26:3-5, Matt. 26:59-60, Mark 14:56, Acts 9:22-25, Acts 23:12-35, Acts 25:1-7.)
In this country (USA), too many have bought a pack of lies that there is freedom outside of Jesus Christ. (2Pet. 2:19-22, 2Tim. 2:24-26) But those who are saved are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who provides the power to resist temptation to sin so that they need no longer be enslaved to it like they were before being born again. (Gal. 5:13-25, Rom. 6:15-23, Titus 3:3) Another lie is that Jesus suffered and died so that we CAN continue to sin as much and often as we wish. The truth is that forgiveness IS offered, but repentance IS required of ALL sins—we don’t continue in our sins without any concern after receiving salvation. (1John 1:5-2:6) We don’t tempt God by intentionally behaving as children of the devil but claiming to be His. That is grieving the Holy Spirit and trampling on the precious blood of Christ! (Gal. 6:7-9, 2Tim. 2:19-22, Heb. 10:26-31, Eph. 4:29-32)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you [always remember you are a purified child of God even when you are rolling in the mud of this sinful world] abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin [is wisely trusting that God doesn’t see, hear or know about the evil they do – see Acts 5:1-7] is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” John 8:31-38
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! [refreshing or soothing, like cold or hot water] So, because you [warn people about the consequences of sin] are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I [give the most to and expect nothing from – Luke 12:35-48] reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. [Everyone who claims to believe, even if they never had any intention of following me, – Matt. 10:38-39, Matt. 16:24-27] The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:14-22
(Also see Heb. 12:1-29)
NOW is the time to decide whom you will serve. (Josh. 24:15, Matt. 12:30, Rom. 13:8-14, Rev. 3:1-6) Don’t deceive yourself by thinking that God can be fooled by empty words professing faith when your actions speak louder. (Matt. 7:13-29, Matt. 25:1-13, Rom. 2:4-11, Gal. 6:7-9, 2Tim. 2:19-22, 1Cor. 15:33-34) Decide who and what you LOVE the most. (John 14:15-26, John 15:1-14, 1Cor. 2:9-10, 1Pet. 1:8-9)
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will [never come – 2Pet. 3:1-18] come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us [not have a care in the world since we call ourselves children of God but act like children of the devil – 1John 3:4-10, John 8:44, 1Cor. 10:6-14] not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
(See Luke 21:34-36, Matt. 24:36-51, Mark 13:32-37, Rev. 3:11, John 8:12.)
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us who truly believe, and will return for us, because we belong to Him. (John 14:1-6, John 6:35-40, John 17:6-10, 1Thess. 4:16-18, 1Cor. 15:19-23, 1Cor. 15:51-52, Eph. 1:7-10, Heb. 13:12-14, 1Cor. 6:19-20) We must endure hardship, trials and tribulations, but not GOD’s wrath. (Rom. 5:9, Eph. 2:1-3, Eph. 5:3-6, Col. 3:5-8, 1Thess. 1:9-10, 1Thess. 5:9-11) Those who are not redeemed and purchased by the blood of Jesus will suffer the wrath of God. (Rev. 5:9, John 3:36, Rom. 1:18, Rev. 6:12-17) Since they rejected the free gift of salvation, God will send them a delusion to believe false signs and wonders and worship a false god. (2Thess. 2:9-12, Rev. 13:1-18) Don’t wait to see with your own eyes that Jesus is the Son of God who offers the ONLY way to be saved. (John 14:6, John 15:23, John 20:24-29, Matt. 24:29-31, Rev. 19:11-21) TODAY is the day of salvation. (Heb. 3:12-15, Rom. 8:10-13, Jam. 4:6-10)
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, [that is a sure sign of genuine faith] there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you [had unprecedented health and wealth, becoming rich according to the world’s standards] endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes [pretending not to know and being embarrassed by anyone who came under attack] being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison [for Jesus’ sake, not for sinning], and you [avenged – Rom. 12:14-21] joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of [confidence that God delights in sin now that Jesus died for ours] endurance, so that when you have [lived a full life, enjoying all this fallen world has to offer] done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are [rewarded with eternal life and even ruling with Jesus, the same as those who gave their lives for the gospel] destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:26-39
[Everyone goes to heaven so long as they sincerely believe they will.] No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to [correct your understanding about what it is to be truly saved and belong to Jesus] deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have [need of someone to tell you what the Bible “really” says] no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence [that he is delighted with us despite our not bearing any fruit or making a “profit” for His kingdom because we hid our lights under a bushel and buried what He entrusted us with instead of investing it] and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:23-29
(Also see 1Thess. 4:3-8, 1John 5:1-10, 1John 2:4-6, 1John 3:6-15, 2John 1:6-11, John 3:3-8, Rom. 8:9.)
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who [refuse to put on, take off or deliberately soil – 2Cor. 5:1-5, Jam. 1:27, Jude 1:17-23, Matt. 22:11-14] wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: [they may “do whatever they wish” with it] if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:10-21