Reason

So, I take it, then, that you do not feed the hungry, clothe the poor, or minister to the sick, orphans, and widows.

But didn't I read somewhere that believers were supposed to do all those things? But, then, I know so little about the babble. Perhaps you could enlighten us?

TheRealityOfMan

Originally Posted by Mark 16:14-17, English Standard Version
14Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Many Christians do not even recognise this as part of the canon of scripture.

And these signs will accompany those who believe:

In my name they will cast out demons - I don't do this
they will speak in new tongues - I can do this
they will pick up serpents with their hands - I did this in a zoo once
and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them - haven't tried it yet
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover - did the first part of this anyway

The question is to Christians- how useful are these signs of true belief?

I used to believe this passage was crucial because my ability to speak in tongues I reckoned was an irreducible proof that I had an authentic, unique experience of the Holy Ghost. Now I am a little wiser!

-Jay-

OK. This is done.

STC - if you've got something of substance to say, please start a new thread.

regards,

NinJay
qua GRD Mod