Serpent Handling

[tstor]

I assume that there are probably no serpent-handling Christians on this forum, as I have never even met one personally despite living in one of the few states they are active in. But I was reading that it is illegal in the Appalachian states to actually perform serpent handling in churches. While I see no significance in serpent handling and find it to be a bit excessive, I see no reason for it to be illegal. Do you believe it should be illegal? Is this not a form of religious persecution?

 

[miknik5]

If the need arises one will handle a serpent and not be harmed.

However, if one is handling snakes to put on a performance, they are putting GOD to the test. And this should not be done

If a law is passed to make it illegal what did it stem from but possibly one was either hurt or killed by doing this and authorities were concerned and stepped in to put an end to this

That is what I understand in this matter

 

[tstor]

If the need arises one will handle a serpent and not be harmed.

However, if one is handling snakes to put on a performance, they are putting GOD to the test. And this should not be done

If a law is passed to make it illegal what did it stem from but possibly one was either hurt or killed by doing this and authorities were concerned and stepped in to put an end to this

That is what I understand in this matter

I agree with what you initially said. It is a matter of of excessiveness on their part. However, even if people are injured or killed it does not really matter. They are putting themselves in such a risk. If they put others in risk, which is not the case as it is not a requirement of faith, then it should be illegal.

 

[frienden thalord]

Here is wisdom.
THOU shall not tempt the LORD thy God.
remember how satan tried to deceive Christ into jumping off
by using scrips saying he would be PROTECTED.
same with snake holders.
Sure its written ye can take up anything etc
but remember THOU shall not tempt the LORD thy GOD.
paul got bit by a serpent and felt no harm.
BUT paul did not PURPOSEFULLY say , A SNAKE , let me pick it up
NO , he did not TEMPT the LORD like that
it was on accident.
REMEMBER....................it is written DO NOT TEMPT the LORD thy GOD.
as for it being religious persecution.............maybe.
But you see WHY I don't support picking up snakes.
I don't fear a snake bite.
I fear my LORD
who said thou shall not tempt the LORD thy GOD.
be blessed my friend and praise the LORD . praise his Holy name.......

 

[tstor]

Here is wisdom.
THOU shall not tempt the LORD thy God.
remember how satan tried to deceive Christ into jumping off
by using scrips saying he would be PROTECTED.
same with snake holders.
Sure its written ye can take up anything etc
but remember THOU shall not tempt the LORD thy GOD.
paul got bit by a serpent and felt no harm.
BUT paul did not PURPOSEFULLY say , A SNAKE , let me pick it up
NO , he did not TEMPT the LORD like that
it was on accident.
REMEMBER....................it is written DO NOT TEMPT the LORD thy GOD.
as for it being religious persecution.............maybe.
But you see WHY I don't support picking up snakes.
I don't fear a snake bite.
I fear my LORD
who said thou shall not tempt the LORD thy GOD.
be blessed my friend and praise the LORD . praise his Holy name.......

I agree with you 100%. However, the question at hand is whether or not it should be illegal for churches to engage in serpent handling.

 

[miknik5]

I agree with what you initially said. It is a matter of of excessiveness on their part. However, even if people are injured or killed it does not really matter. They are putting themselves in such a risk. If they put others in risk, which is not the case as it is not a requirement of faith, then it should be illegal.

They put others in risk as well. Anyone surrounding them as they handle these snakes are at risk of being harmed and killed. Not just themselves


The apostles only handled"" snakes when the situation presented itself.

And their handling wasn't like caressing a dangerous pet to tame it. They had to pick up snakes to remove from danger. That's it. No hanging out with the snake showing off CHRIST's power to keep them from harm.

I am sure they were amazed that when they needed to remove these venomous snakes, their handling them and not being harmed was so amazing that their speaking about these things were because they had experienced it firsthand and were amazed at CHRIST's faithfulness to HIS apostles when they or another were in danger

But to go out and just pick up snakes for the fun of it?


No. That shouldn't be

 

[miknik5]

I like your tag line

 

[tstor]

They put others in risk as well. Anyone surrounding them as they handle these snakes are at risk of being harmed and killed. Not just themselves

The apostles only handled"" snakes when the situation presented itself.

And their handling wasn't like caressing a dangerous pet to tame it. They had to pick up snakes to remove from danger. That's it. No hanging out with the snake showing off CHRIST's power to keep them from harm.

I am sure they were amazed that when they needed to remove these venomous snakes, their handling them and not being harmed was so amazing that their speaking about these things were because they had experienced it firsthand and were amazed at CHRIST's faithfulness to HIS apostles when they or another were in danger

But to go out and just pick up snakes for the fun of it?

No. That shouldn't be

Well, I suppose it depends on how close the people are. But the people who attend the church are doing so on their own accord.

 

[frienden thalord]

I agree with you 100%. However, the question at hand is whether or not it should be illegal for churches to engage in serpent handling.

Yes it should be illegal.
david set laws according to GODS LAW
so yet , by all means it should be illegal.
This approach may seem wrong.
but its truly the right way to see it.
IF it goes against GOD , and I were given the charge over a church
I would do all to ensure correct , holy , godly living.
I have no plans for presidency.............this kingdom is not my home.
they will do as they do.

 

[381465]

Sometimes when you put yourself in harm's way, harm will run you over.

As far as making a law...no. We can't start making laws for every act of stupidity performed.

 

[frienden thalord]

Think about ninevah...........it was not spared because it was politically correct
NO , its own king heard Jonah and said WE GONNA REPENT.....
man would not like me as president.
for being held in that position I would also be held accountable to GOD as well.
I would have this nation in full repentance mode.
however this is not going to happen.
my job is to preach the Kingdom of Christ
warning all to repent and have faith in GOD.
I may seem harsh ..................I am not.
I am grave , yes
but also compassionate................

 

[miknik5]

Well, I suppose it depends on how close the people are. But the people who attend the church are doing so on their own accord.

They shouldn't be purposely bringing snakes into the church. They are, just as the above poster said, tempting and putting GOD to the test

 

[tstor]

They shouldn't be purposely bringing snakes into the church. They are, just as the above poster said, tempting and putting GOD to the test

Well yes, but the question I am asking is whether or not it should be illegal. I do not agree with people who use wine in the Lord's Supper, but I do not believe it should be illegal.

 

[miknik5]

Yes it should be illegal.
david set laws according to GODS LAW
so yet , by all means it should be illegal.
This approach may seem wrong.
but its truly the right way to see it.
IF it goes against GOD , and I were given the charge over a church
I would do all to ensure correct , holy , godly living.
I have no plans for presidency.............this kingdom is not my home.
they will do as they do.

I agree. The secular authorities are looking for the safety of the people And this would ensure physical and spiritual safety for those who are acting outside of even natural reason

 

[JackRT]

If they are handling a serpent out of faith then perhaps if they are bitten their only recourse should be faith. No medical treatment.

 

[tstor]

If they are handling a serpent out of faith then perhaps if they are bitten their only recourse should be faith. No medical treatment.

That is exactly what they practice, which is why several have died.

 

[miknik5]

Well yes, but the question I am asking is whether or not it should be illegal. I do not agree with people who use wine in the Lord's Supper, but I do not believe it should be illegal.

I would hope there are some in the church who are spiritually sound and mature. But it doesn't seem to be the case if it is being allowed to begin with

I really don't know why men cant see that this is unnecessary and in lines to Elijahs mocking of the false prophets of Baal performing for a false god

 

[miknik5]

That is exactly what they practice, which is why several have died.

You mean they are testing each other's faith and justify one'sdeath as one who lacked faith?

Oh boy!!!

 

[Humble me Lord]

This is a slippery slope. If laws are passed to prevent this kind of thing in a church, a secular world could start passing laws against baptism, someone could drown, etc., etc.

 

[miknik5]

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

Think about ninevah...........it was not spared because it was politically correct
NO , its own king heard Jonah and said WE GONNA REPENT.....
man would not like me as president.
for being held in that position I would also be held accountable to GOD as well.
I would have this nation in full repentance mode.
however this is not going to happen.
my job is to preach the Kingdom of Christ
warning all to repent and have faith in GOD.
I may seem harsh ..................I am not.
I am grave , yes
but also compassionate................