Posts

Showing posts with the label tempting the Lord

Pity the Fool

Image
Mr. T This year Easter and April Fools Day land on the same day. While most Christians today will focus on observing the Resurrection, some of them may also participate in various pranks. According to Wikipedia, “April Fools' Day (sometimes called All Fools' Day) is an annual celebration in some European and Western countries commemorated on April 1 by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes…People playing April Fool jokes often expose their prank by shouting ‘April fool’ at the unfortunate victim(s).” Is it ever appropriate for believers to joke around like that? Perhaps it’s okay with people you know who have a sense of humor. Occasionally, I see pastors make wisecracks from the pulpit but then quickly clarify to their congregations they are teasing. Sometimes when holding the door open for a friend about to walk inside a church, I’ll say, “We’re all full” and after pausing a second add “…of the Holy Ghost.” A few days ago, I went to a church where coffee wa...

Snake Bitten

Image
Here’s a prime example why one must rightfully divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).   This past week in West Virginia, a Pentecostal pastor named Mark Wolford died as a result of handing a rattlesnake that bit him during an outdoor service.   This tragedy should have been avoided especially since Pastor Mark saw his father killed three decades ago from doing the same thing.   Snake-handling Christians justify this activity by quoting Jesus in Mark 16:17-18, “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...”   But that doesn’t mean God wants His people purposely handling snakes.   That would be like drinking a bottle of arsenic to see if it won’t kill you.   God would protect a believer only if he accidentally drank a toxic liquid or someone tried to poison him. One migh...