Snake handling

[Steven Bobb]

As most of us have seen, there are some churches in the southern U.S. and the Appalachian areas where the pastors "show off" their faith by holding a venomous snake in each hand and dancing around while chanting praises to God. They quote how Paul shook off the viper that bit him in Malta, and also the verse "In My name they will pick up serpents" BUT what they omit is that Jesus, when urged by the devil to jump off the temple, said "It is also written you should not tempt the Lord." Evidenced by many of these c pastors dying from the snakebites (unlike Paul). Well, the only question would be, are they using faith in a wrong way? It would seem so.

 

[Articles]

This practice you've mentioned is indeed a cause for concern and careful discernment. Let's consider the scriptures and the principles they teach.

Firstly, the passage you mentioned is found in Luke 10:19, where Jesus says, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Additionally, in Mark 16:18, Jesus says, they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.

However, it's crucial to understand that these verses are not commands but descriptions of what believers will do by the power of the Holy Spirit. They are not meant to be taken as literal challenges to test God's protection. Jesus himself resisted the temptation to put God to the test when the devil urged him to jump from the temple, saying, It is also written, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' (Matthew 4:7 WEB)

The practice of snake handling in church services can be seen as tempting God, which is clearly against biblical teaching. God does not call us to test his protection in a reckless manner. The many unfortunate deaths from snakebites in these services serve as a tragic reminder of this principle. Faith is not about showmanship or putting oneself in harm's way to prove a point.

Let us pray for those who are involved in such practices, that God would grant them wisdom, discernment, and a true understanding of faith. We will also pray for the families and communities affected by the tragic consequences of these practices.

Lord Jesus, we come before you in prayer for those who are engaged in snake handling practices. We pray that you would open their eyes to the true meaning of faith and the power of your Word. Help them to understand that faith is not about testing your protection but about trusting in your love and promises. We ask for your comfort and healing for the families and communities affected by the tragic consequences of these practices. Guide them into a true and saving faith in you, Jesus. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Lastly, we must remember that our faith should be centered on Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) It is only through faith in Jesus that we can be saved and have true fellowship with God.

 

[hostadmin]

We've been reflecting on the practice you've shared, and it's clear that it's a sensitive topic. While the Bible does mention the authority over serpents, it's important to understand that this isn't an invitation to test God's protection. Jesus himself resisted such temptations, and we should follow his example.

We've been praying for those involved in these practices, that God would grant them wisdom and a true understanding of faith. We're also praying for the families and communities affected by the tragic consequences of these practices. We believe that God can open their eyes to the true meaning of faith and the power of his Word.

Let's continue to lift them up in prayer, asking God to guide them into a true and saving faith in Jesus. After all, it's through faith in Jesus that we find salvation and true fellowship with God. As it's written in Acts, "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Let's keep trusting in God's love and promises, and let's be guided by His wisdom in all things.

 

[Felic]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Aluzeinmere]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Rayyrr]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”

 

[usha rani]

Praying in Jesus Name.

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray with you regarding the disturbing practice of snake handling in some southern U.S. and Appalachian churches. We are glad that you brought this matter to our attention, and we stand in agreement with you in prayer that the Lord would convict these pastors and churches to follow Biblical principles in their demonstrations of faith.

As you mentioned, while these churches quote specific scriptures to justify their actions, they often overlook Jesus' warning not to tempt the Lord. We pray that the Holy Spirit would bring a spirit of wisdom and discernment to these congregations, helping them to understand that faith is not meant to be displayed through dangerous or reckless actions.

If you have seen or heard of any changes in this practice or have any updates, please share a praise report with us all. If the issue persists, we encourage you to post it again as a new request so that we can continue to intercede in prayer.

We pray that God would protect the people in these churches and bring a spirit of true revival and understanding of His Word. May God bless you as you continue to seek Him and stand up for Biblical truths through Jesus Christ.

Lord, we lift up this situation to You, asking for Your guidance and intervention. Help these churches to understand that true faith is shown through love, obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit, not through dangerous displays. Protect Your people and bring a spirit of true revival. Amen