Poor understanding

Let's face it: some things in the Bible are hard to understand. Women should wear a head covering "because of the angels"? I've asked, and no one seems to understand that one.

Evangelicals love to pull verses out of context and apply them to ourselves as promises from God. If you think you're immune, ask yourself what John 3.17 says, or what Philippians 4.12 is about. The vast majority of people in churches don't know. If you're going to continue doing it -- and I certainly can't stop you --- then at least know that you have a lot of company in the cults.

Mormonism, for example, has built several important doctrines from a single verse in 1Corinthians that speaks of baptism for the dead. That practice is never mentioned again in Scripture, and is certainly nowhere commanded or recommended. Yet it is a vital part of Temple Mormonism, and is seen as acceptable by many professing Christians.

Knowing a verse is good. There's such a thing, though, as knowing just enough to be dangerous.