Proof Mark 16:16-20 not for today

[Chette]

Quote:Serpent-handling pastor profiled earlier in Washington Post dies from rattlesnake bite

Washington Psot By Julia Duin, May 30 2012

Mack Wolford, a flamboyant Pentecostal pastor from West Virginia whose serpent-handling talents were profiled last November in The Washington Post Magazine , hoped the outdoor service he had planned for Sunday at an isolated state park would be a “homecoming like the old days,” full of folks speaking in tongues, handling snakes and having a “great time.” But it was not the sort of homecoming he foresaw.

Instead, Wolford, who turned 44 the previous day, was bitten by a rattlesnake he owned for years. He died late Sunday.

Mark Randall “Mack” Wolford was known all over Appalachia as a daring man of conviction. He believed that the Bible mandates that Christians handle serpents to test their faith in God — and that, if they are bitten, they trust in God alone to heal them.

He and other adherents cited Mark 16:17-18 as the reason for their practice: “And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The son of a serpent handler who himself died in 1983 after being bitten, Wolford was trying to keep the practice alive, both in West Virginia, where it is legal, and in neighboring states where it is not. He was the kind of man reporters love: articulate, friendly and appreciative of media attention. Many serpent-handling Pentecostals retreat from journalists, but Wolford didn’t. He’d take them on snake-hunting expeditions.

Last Sunday started as a festive outdoor service on a sunny afternoon at Panther Wildlife Management Area, a state park roughly 80 miles west of Bluefield, W.Va. In the preceding days, Wolford had posted several teasers on his Facebook page asking people to attend.

“I am looking for a great time this Sunday,” he wrote May 22. “It is going to be a homecoming like the old days. Good ’ole raised in the holler or mountain ridge running, Holy Ghost-filled speaking-in-tongues sign believers.”

“Praise the Lord and pass the rattlesnakes, brother” he wrote on May 23. He also invited his extended family, who had largely given up the practice of serpent handling, to come to the park.

“At one time or another, we had handled [snakes], but we had backslid,” his sister, Robin Vanover, said Monday evening. “His birthday was Saturday, and all he wanted to do is get his brothers and sisters in church together.”

And so they were gathered at this evangelistic hootenanny of Christian praise and worship. About 30 minutes into the service, his sister said, Wolford passed a yellow timber rattlesnake to a church member and his mother.

“He laid it on the ground,” she said, “and he sat down next to the snake, and it bit him on the thigh.”

A state forester, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said park officials were unaware of Wolford’s activities. “Had we known he had poisonous animals, we would have never allowed it,” he said.

The festivities came to a halt shortly thereafter, and Wolford was taken back to a relative’s house in Bluefield to recover, as he always had when suffering from previous snake bites. By late afternoon, it was clear that this time was different, and desperate messages began flying about on Facebook, asking for prayer.

Wolford got progressively worse. Paramedics transported him to Bluefield Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. It could not be determined when the paramedics were called.

Wolford was 15 when he saw his father die at age 39 of a rattlesnake bite in almost exactly the same circumstances.

“He lived 101 / 2 hours,” Wolford told The Washington Post last fall. “When he got bit, he said he wanted to die in the church. Three hours after he was bitten, his kidneys shut down. After a while, your heart stops. I hated to see him go, but he died for what he believed in.”

According to people who witnessed Mack Wolford’s death, history repeated itself. He was bitten roughly at 1:30 p.m.; he died about 11 that night.

One of the people present was Lauren Pond, 26, a freelance photographer from the District. She had been photographing serpent handlers in the area for more than a year, including for The Post, and stayed at Wolford’s home in November.

“He helped me to understand the faith instead of just documenting it,” she said Tuesday. “He was one of the most open pastors I’ve ever met. He was a friend and a teacher.”

The family allowed her to stay near Wolford’s side Sunday night, and she’s still recovering from having witnessed the pastor’s agonizing death. “I didn’t see the bite,” she said. “I saw the aftermath.”

In an interview with The Post for last year’s story, Jim Murphy, curator of the Reptile Discovery Center at the National Zoo, described what happens when a rattlesnake bites.

The pain is “excruciating,” he said. “The venom attacks the nervous system. It’s vicious and gruesome when it hits.”

But Wolford refused to fear the creatures. He slung poisonous snakes around his neck, danced with them, even laid down on or near them. He displayed spots on his right hand where copperheads had sunk their fangs. His home in Bluefield had a spare bedroom filled with at least eight venomous snakes: usually rattlers, water moccasins and copperheads that he fed rats and mice. He was passionate about wanting to help churches in nearby states — including North Carolina and Tennessee, where the practice is illegal — start up their own serpent-handling services.

“I promised the Lord I’d do everything in my power to keep the faith going,” he said in October. “I spend a lot of time going a lot of places that handle serpents to keep them motivated. I’m trying to get anybody I can get involved.”

His funeral will be held Saturday at his church, House of the Lord Jesus, in Matoaka, just north of Bluefield.

I hope all you who claim this for your church realize that you are deceived by the cunning craftiness man.

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

[Silver07]

Spoken just like every other Pastor who explains away scripture because they don't have the holy spirit or the signs following and confirming the word. Pathetic. I won't even address the ignorant Pastor who interprets Mark 16:17 as literally taking up poisonous snakes and dancing with them. Just stupidity.

Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

[Chette]

(05-30-2012 11:56 PM)Silver07 Wrote:  Spoken just like every other Pastor who explains away scripture because they don't have the holy spirit or the signs following and confirming the word. Pathetic. I won't even address the ignorant Pastor who interprets Mark 16:17 as literally taking up poisonous snakes and dancing with them. Just stupidity.

Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

What do you mean? they claimed to have had all the signs Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. they were casting our devils, they spoke in NEW tongues (no interpretation though), they took up serpents (this time got killed by it), they claimed to have drank poison and not died, they laid hands on the sick and they recovered.

I don't think it was their lack of faith or not having the signs.

It was their lack to 2Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are three clear gospels taught in the NT and they are not all the same. One required works to accompany any claim of faith i.e. repentance, baptism, and good works. One does not require anything but faith on Christ finished work of the cross. And the last requires that all living should fear God, glorify God and worship God.

[Silver07]

(06-02-2012 04:10 AM)Chette Wrote:  

(05-30-2012 11:56 PM)Silver07 Wrote:  Spoken just like every other Pastor who explains away scripture because they don't have the holy spirit or the signs following and confirming the word. Pathetic. I won't even address the ignorant Pastor who interprets Mark 16:17 as literally taking up poisonous snakes and dancing with them. Just stupidity.

Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

There are three clear gospels taught in the NT and they are not all the same. One required works to accompany any claim of faith i.e. repentance, baptism, and good works. One does not require anything but faith on Christ finished work of the cross. And the last requires that all living should fear God, glorify God and worship God.

If you're in Christianity, yes this is true. Your church fathers broke them up to be able to use Paul's letters to take away from the rest of the book. They use your second gospel only; "One does not require anything but faith on Christ finished work of the cross".

Now if you're not in Christianity, and have the same faith of the actual authors of the book, then they all apply. Jesus and each gospel, message, and account lines up with the Torah and the prophets.

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

[Chette]

(06-03-2012 01:46 PM)Silver07 Wrote:  

(06-02-2012 04:10 AM)Chette Wrote:  

(05-30-2012 11:56 PM)Silver07 Wrote:  Spoken just like every other Pastor who explains away scripture because they don't have the holy spirit or the signs following and confirming the word. Pathetic. I won't even address the ignorant Pastor who interprets Mark 16:17 as literally taking up poisonous snakes and dancing with them. Just stupidity.

Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

There are three clear gospels taught in the NT and they are not all the same. One required works to accompany any claim of faith i.e. repentance, baptism, and good works. One does not require anything but faith on Christ finished work of the cross. And the last requires that all living should fear God, glorify God and worship God.

to grieve or quench God is not a good thing in any believers life. 2Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

If you're in Christianity, yes this is true. Your church fathers broke them up to be able to use Paul's letters to take away from the rest of the book. They use your second gospel only; "One does not require anything but faith on Christ finished work of the cross".

Now if you're not in Christianity, and have the same faith of the actual authors of the book, then they all apply. Jesus and each gospel, message, and account lines up with the Torah and the prophets.

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

First off I have no church fathers and neither do any Christians. we are comanded not to call any man father Matt 23:9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. You sound an awful lot like you are speaking of Roman Catholicism and not true Christianity of which Luke, Peter, Paul and Barnabas all recognized as who the followers of Christ were. the Scriptures support that. however the Bible does not support you supposed doctrine of man that the Romans called his followers Christians as a derision. No Bible proof means it was made up by man. True Christians have their roots in the Bible not in the doctrines of men. Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

1Pe 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.[/u]

Doctrines of men are found in ALL denominations especially those who have church fathers Episcopal, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Calvinist. All these would steal the birth right of Israel and replace it with their church to take for itself Israels promises. But God's word is true and every man a liar. Israel, the Nations, the Jews, will be born in one day and get her kingdom when Jesus Returns. Despite what any of these religious people think or claim.

Second, we are commanded by the word of God (not men) to rightly divide the word of truth here is the verse, 2Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. You called this "broke up" and that is exactly what rightly dividing does it breaks up the scriptures into proper place and times. and you would do right to obey the command to do so. or you are nothing more than a babe who needs to be spoon fed unskilled in the word. Heb 5:10 ¶ Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The reason the second Gospel, the Gospel of Grace, is in effect today is not a doctrine of men but the fact that Paul inspired of God said if any man preach any other gospel other than the gospel of Grace let him be accursed. Which means Paul was telling you that something changed. Gal 1:6 ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

What was the other Gospel Paul spoke of that would bring a curse?

Gal 2:1 ¶ Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: bondage to the Law of Moses
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person: ) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; the gospel of the kingdom found in Matt. mark, luke and John's books
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: )
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel the gospel of grace, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Gal 3:1 ¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Well lookie there is was the kingdom gospel that required works of the Law of which the council at Jerusalem said that no GENTILE anyone not of Jewish blood by physical birth, was to be put under the law. Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? the law of Moses. . .
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 ¶ Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

So anyone who disobeys 2 Tim 2:15 and preaches a gospel of the Kingdom which requires the works of the law that person is cursed and outside the will of God and has not the Holy Ghost but another spirit.

Stop trying to line the NT with the Torah but instead line the torah up to the more recent revelation of God given to Paul. Go to Paul's writings and you will see that all but the Sabbath day commandment was restated by Paul to apply to the church today. No circumcision for Gentiles, no sabbath for Gentiles, no feasts for Gentiles, No tithing for Gentiles, No priesthood, no temple and no promise land for Gentiles.

If any command or doctrine from any other books of the Bible agree with Paul then it is for the church today but if not, it is for another person at another time and place but not for the church of God the body of Christ the fulness of him.

I have not taken away from any part of Scripture or added to it as you like to imply but rather following God's word and command 2Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. we have divided it so that it can be properly applied to the right People, at the right time or the right age. Currently we are in the church Age where Paul's writings are the forefront of teaching for the current church that is his body.

Rightly dividing is not adding or taking away. And as I suggested you need to learn how to do it or you are not in obedience to God's word which grieves the Holy Ghost Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. and eventually you will quench the Holy Ghost 1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.