The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose

The Devil

“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”
                                         William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was right. The devil can cite Scripture. As can charlatans demons and others.
Matthew records.
"When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.  
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.  
The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”
                                                          Matthew 8:28-32.
Here the demons recognized who Jesus was and that he would one day at least judge them.
We Christians are a trusting lot. We tend to take people at face value. But we need to be careful to whom we listen to.
There are many evangelist and pastors out there that talk a good talk. They make what they say sound good but are really not from God.
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                                                                                           Matthew 7:22,23.
We need to be very careful as to whom we listen to and give our money to. We need to hold all preachers, teachers and evangelist to account.
We need to ask them for an accounting as to where the money you sent them is being spent.
More importantly however is what they are saying. We need to hold anyone who is preaching from the scriptures to the highest standards.
I believe that there are men and women who claim to be of God, out there that are lining their own pockets.
That what they are teaching revolves around money.
All ministries need money and for the most part all spend that money wisely especially those who are associated with a major church or denomination.
Still there are some that hide behind the media and misquote the scriptures for their own ends. That is why we always need to be vigilant.
We need check the scriptures all preachers, pastors and evangelist are teaching and see that they are in context.
If there is even a hint of a mistake in interpretation then we need to ask questions of the person who’s saying it.
If that answer is not in keeping with the scriptures then we need to stop supporting and listening to them.
Paul states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                        1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We as Christians need to police ourselves. We need to hold all teachers and preachers of the word to account.
To do so we need to study the word of God for ourselves and educate ourselves the best way we can.
Think about it.