Snake Handling Easter Service in WSJ

[Bro. Robbins]

Originally Posted by Dalton

1 corinthians 10:9

Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.

With all due respect, to take this Scripture and apply it to Snake Handling per se is really proof texting the letter from Paul to the Corinthians. When Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, the 10th Chapter was dealing with wavoring believers. In the 9th verse, the word "tempt" or "test" that translations use is coming from the Greek Word ekpeirazō, which means to prove God thoroughly. Though that verse by itself, could support the theory being used here that it applies to those that might handle serpents in Worship, we then have the responsibility to fit the text within the rest of the chapter.

The overall chapter is likening our current strivings and wanderings with the children of Israel. And in light of that, Paul warns us against tempting Christ (as some of them tempted, and were destroyed of serpents, v. 9), or provoking him to jealousy, v. 22. He was with the children of Israel in the wilderness; he was the angel of the covenant, who went before them.

But he was greatly grieved and provoked by them in many ways: They spoke against him and Moses, Wherefore have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for which reason God sent fiery serpents among them (Num. 21:5, 6), by which many of them were stung mortally. And it is but just to fear that such as tempt Christ under the present dispensation will be left by him in the power of the old serpent.

I think to apply this one verse to modern day Serpent Handlers as a whole is a broad brush that the text won't support, but could individually if their motive is to truly test, or doubt God's promises.

[Jay]

I have heard that is those who do not believe, yet attempt to handle the serpents that have trouble. I have known a lady who once had a bit of tea with bleach in it. The restaurant where she was dining had gotten sloppy. No harm came of this incident. I am not a believer in the belief that one should speak in tongues everyday, but should be experienced with more regularity.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

I was born and raised in LaFollette, TN. There are many, yes many, snake handling churches in East TN, Southeast KY, northern Ga, and Western NC, just to name a few places. The majority of these churches are Oneness churches, but this church is a Trinitarian Independent church.

It does call itself Church of God, but in those mountains, church of god is generic, not a denomination. Just like tons say baptist on the sign, but could be united baptist, general baptist, southern baptist, or independent.

The majority of snake handling churches only handle on special services, like homecoming, Revival, Easter, etc.... typically not every service. They also drink strictnine (sp?).

And some of theses churches surprisingly aren't very small. I can take you to a couple in the Knoxville area that run almost 300, big brick church with a family life center out back, etc. Business people, educated folk attend there... and they still handle snakes.

I personally don't believe it's an admonish to do it in scriptures, but I will say they have greater faith than I do to do it.

I hold snake handling in high regard, right up there with foot washing for me.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

Having known some of these folks, it can turn into idolatry really fast for some. There are some that the act, and sensationalism of the snake handling becomes more important than the Lord and living for the Lord. That's why one of the old timers told me, that many of the churches went to only handling the snakes on special occasions.... so that the people didn't get fixed on the snakes.

For those that I have met that do this in balance, and it's only one small aspect of their expression of their faith, I have much less issue than the ones that turn it into idolatry.

There is absolutely nothing about the practice that could called BALANCE.

Anyone who practices snake handling or poison drinking is so far removed from anything the bible would call balanced.

Anyone who practices this or is intrigued by this is unbalanced, to say the least.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

There is absolutely nothing about the practice that could called BALANCE.

Anyone who practices snake handling or poison drinking is so far removed from anything the bible would call balanced.

Anyone who practices this or is intrigued by this is unbalanced, to say the least.

I would agree - that is why I equate it to honoring the book of Mormon, and praying to dead saints.

I am not saying that God may not protect them in their foolishness (cause he has done that for me before).

[houston]

Jesus said it, they believe it. What is the problem?

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by houston

Jesus said it, they believe it. What is the problem?

It's a false faith. Jesus also Instructed his disciples to raise the dead. Does that mean we are called to shut down the funeral homes and stop burying people?

[Praxeas]

"Pentecost Xtreme!"

[Austin]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

It's a false faith. Jesus also Instructed his disciples to raise the dead. Does that mean we are called to shut down the funeral homes and stop burying people?

I like the idea!!!! I don't know why some end up there in the first place/

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

It's a false faith. Jesus also Instructed his disciples to raise the dead. Does that mean we are called to shut down the funeral homes and stop burying people?

How is it a false faith? Jesus said it, they believe it.