Snake Handling is Wrong?

Bro-Larry · #1 06-03-2008, 12:06 PM

LOL!

Any true and proper Bible doctrine should be supported by both precept and example.

What scriptural precept could you use for handling snakes?

Is there any scriptural example of snake handling?

If you think it's wrong, Why? or Why Not?

Jack Shephard · #2 06-03-2008, 12:09 PM

Nothing is wrong, unless the preacher says it is. lol

#3 06-03-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bro-Larry

LOL!

Any true and proper Bible doctrine should be supported by both precept and example.

What scriptural precept could you use for handling snakes?

Is there any scriptural example of snake handling?

If you think it's wrong, Why? or Why Not?

Bro. Larry

I watched a CNN expose of a church in Alabama that handled snakes.... CNN was attempting to prove that the (no idea how to spell this ) but the STICKNINE they were drinking was diluted.. but when the test came back it was not diluted at all and their own doctors said "no one can live and drink this undiluted"

While I absolutely disagree with their practice.. I personally feel it is tempting God.. I in no way Mock them or judge for their firmly held religious beliefs.

In my grandmothers day, the old Apostolic women use to pick up HOT COALS from the church furnace and never get burnt.. so who knows Brother

Aquila · #4 06-03-2008, 12:49 PM

These verses aren't speaking of a practice, they are speaking of God's protection. We see this promise in operation when Paul is bitten by a viper and shakes it off into the fire. Though he was bitten...he didn't swell up and die.

Revelationist · #5 06-03-2008, 04:00 PM

Matt 23:33

33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

KJV

This is the snakes that Jesus was saying wouldn't harm the church..

#6 06-03-2008, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revelationist

Matt 23:33

33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

KJV

This is the snakes that Jesus was saying wouldn't harm the church..

How do you "take up a person"?

You shall TAKE UP serpents.... it's pretty hard to pick up a person

Bro-Larry · #7 06-03-2008, 04:54 PM

Yes, snake handling is wrong, because it is tempting God. When the devil tried to get Jesus to JUMP, (and JUMP is the key word,) off the pinnacale of the temple, he was trying to get Jesus to commit suicide. That's exactly what would have happened if Jesus had done it. Jesus was too smart for that. He used the word of God to defeat the devil. "It is written", He said, "Thou shalt not tempt the LORD thy God."

Snake handlers try to use Mark 16:18 as the scriptural precept for that practice. "They shall take up serpents.", referring to believers. Some even try to make that a command. They make it a test of your faith. If you don't have the faith to pick up a poisonous serpent, or if you get bitten, then you aren't a true believer. Some groups are so extreme as to say you aren't even saved.

The only Bible example for handling snakes is in Acts 28:3-6, where Paul was gathering sticks to make a fire after they had been shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Paul had inadvertantly, ("inadvertantly" is the key word), picked up a viper, with the sticks.

The Bible is very clear: if you accidently, inadvertantly, or unknowingly, pick up a snake, fall from a height, or drink any deadly thing, then you have the right to expect the protective ministry of the angels to keep you from being harmed. (Heb 1:13-14)

pelathais · #8 06-03-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bro-Larry

...

The Bible is very clear: if you accidently, inadvertantly, or unknowingly, pick up a snake, fall from a height, or drink any deadly thing, then you have the right to expect the protective ministry of the angels to keep you from being harmed. (Heb 1:15)

I'm not wanting to be too much of a pest, but what exactly does "Hebrews 1:15" have to say on this matter?