It's not really about how "literal" the reading is. We can see what the Apostles preached, and how they carried out the teachings of Jesus. Never did they seek out venomous snakes or jars of poison.
Never did they have pianos in church, either.
Of course it is about how literal the reading is! They see "They shall take up serpents" and they take up serpents! Why wouldn't they, if they read it as literally as they can? You don't do that, because you don't read it that literally. Some think it means encountering unbelievers and their arguments (ahem ) and not letting it hurt their faith.
What do you think it means?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Context matters, no matter how literal a reading is taken.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
It's not really about how "literal" the reading is. We can see what the Apostles preached, and how they carried out the teachings of Jesus. Never did they seek out venomous snakes or jars of poison.
OK, I personally can see what you are saying... but here is another example... we live next door to a 'cowboy church'. For those of you not familiar these are ministries directed toward those in the rodeo lifestyle. These people participate in VERY dangerous activities including bull riding where life and limb is at stake in a very real way and they believe that they do this for the glory of God and that He will protect them. Of course many of them still get seriously hurt... Or those who believe that God sanctions them playing football (like the praying player that was being discussed here) and helps them win. And those things are not even mentioned in the bible (as are taking up serpents and drinking poison).
So if someone is offering up these activities to the glory of God are they acceptable to Him? And if not then is there (as you pointed out) a spectrum of what is acceptable? I mean I see your comfort zone is L to P (Lutheran to Potter's House) but what about the rest of A-Z?
OK, I personally can see what you are saying... but here is another example... we live next door to a 'cowboy church'. For those of you not familiar these are ministries directed toward those in the rodeo lifestyle. These people participate in VERY dangerous activities including bull riding where life and limb is at stake in a very real way and they believe that they do this for the glory of God and that He will protect them. Of course many of them still get seriously hurt... Or those who believe that God sanctions them playing football (like the praying player that was being discussed here) and helps them win. And those things are not even mentioned in the bible (as are taking up serpents and drinking poison).
So if someone is offering up these activities to the glory of God are they acceptable to Him? And if not then is there (as you pointed out) a spectrum of what is acceptable? I mean I see your comfort zone is L to P (Lutheran to Potter's House) but what about the rest of A-Z?
I think there is a distinct difference between offering snake handling worship and a cowboy asking for protection. Chimney sweeping is my occupation and I do that to the glory of God and ask for his protection ...
Personally I see no virtue in gathering together to watch football, handle snakes, or play bingo.... May not be wrong but they are not "worship". Snake handlers should save up a few bucks, buy some teeth, and get a gig at the circus.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Of course it is about how literal the reading is! They see "They shall take up serpents" and they take up serpents! Why wouldn't they, if they read it as literally as they can? You don't do that, because you don't read it that literally. Some think it means encountering unbelievers and their arguments (ahem ) and not letting it hurt their faith.
What do you think it means?
Ha, never heard that, nice interpretation...and a possibly timely bump?
I personally could clean for God, but not compete for money, and the Bible seems clear to me here. Wouldn't participate in a tailgate/church thing, or talk bad about it--but can I poke fun at it? : )
Not that anyone disagrees, but at this point I think it's beneficial to remind ourselves that, ultimately, we don't believe in a service so much as being a service to those that need Jesus. Sometimes God can and does use unconventional means to save the lost.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
) and not letting it hurt their faith.
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