How about snake handling churches?

We read,one of the signs of those who believe, "they will pick up serpents, and these will not harm them". However, we also read,"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test".Now then, there's a practice in some Pentecostal churches, in parts of the south,where the pastors pick up venomous snakes during the service, to show their faith. Now, we read about picking up snakes, but also, make note of what Jesus said to the devil, when the devil asked Him to jump off the temple,"It is also written,"You shall not tempt the Lord your God". Most viewpoints I read from "mainline" Christians disapprove of the snake handlers,because they feel it's like purposely testing God.Some others say it didn't mean literal snakes,it meant because the devil is called the original serpent, we're immune to the poison of his messages.Now, a viper came out of the fire and fastened itself on Paul, and it did him no harm-- on the other hand, some of the snake handlers have died from bites.So then, some of the Christian said, well, God will protect us if attacked, but not if we're doing it with wrong intent, like to impress Man, show off, test God. What do you think?

 

[Steven Bobb]

If the Pastor knows how to handle snakes,that is his business. there are many people who know animals and how to handle them. what is wrong with it. let his congregation judge him. have you heard of the man who sayed thou shalt not judge ?

There's nothing wrong with asking a question.

 

[Bartonn]

Snake handling will not get you or me in heaven. It is our love for the Lord. It is serving Him. It is adoring His holy name and reading His word daily and praying for the lost. Our nextdoor neighbors need Jesus. Did we ever invited them to come to church along with us? Did we ever visited the sick and those in prison and shared Jesus with them?

 

[Martha Buthelezi]

We read,one of the signs of those who believe, "they will pick up serpents, and these will not harm them". However, we also read,"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test".Now then, there's a practice in some Pentecostal churches, in parts of the south,where the pastors pick up venomous snakes during the service, to show their faith. Now, we read about picking up snakes, but also, make note of what Jesus said to the devil, when the devil asked Him to jump off the temple,"It is also written,"You shall not tempt the Lord your God". Most viewpoints I read from "mainline" Christians disapprove of the snake handlers,because they feel it's like purposely testing God.Some others say it didn't mean literal snakes,it meant because the devil is called the original serpent, we're immune to the poison of his messages.Now, a viper came out of the fire and fastened itself on Paul, and it did him no harm-- on the other hand, some of the snake handlers have died from bites.So then, some of the Christian said, well, God will protect us if attacked, but not if we're doing it with wrong intent, like to impress Man, show off, test God. What do you think?

We pray to God that the Holy Spirit will guide us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We pray that we stay focused on the word of God to love Him and serve His purpose. We should focus on the "good news" the Gospel and not what human beings do to prove their godliness. We exist to serve God. Martha

 

[WingsofaDove]

We read,one of the signs of those who believe, "they will pick up serpents, and these will not harm them". However, we also read,"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test".Now then, there's a practice in some Pentecostal churches, in parts of the south,where the pastors pick up venomous snakes during the service, to show their faith. Now, we read about picking up snakes, but also, make note of what Jesus said to the devil, when the devil asked Him to jump off the temple,"It is also written,"You shall not tempt the Lord your God". Most viewpoints I read from "mainline" Christians disapprove of the snake handlers,because they feel it's like purposely testing God.Some others say it didn't mean literal snakes,it meant because the devil is called the original serpent, we're immune to the poison of his messages.Now, a viper came out of the fire and fastened itself on Paul, and it did him no harm-- on the other hand, some of the snake handlers have died from bites.So then, some of the Christian said, well, God will protect us if attacked, but not if we're doing it with wrong intent, like to impress Man, show off, test God. What do you think?

 

[WingsofaDove]

I think it is putting God to the test. Life is precious to God. Getting around dangerous creatures and expecting God to protect (even though he is able) is putting him to test. It is different if you are thrown in a pit of lions like Daniel. He was protected. But it is bad to test God.