Is this Bible verse about believers and poison to be taken literally?

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The Bible is always to be read with reference to the rest of it. That's context.

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So, the cultural and political contexts preceeding and during the time it was written are to be ignored?If so, why?Also, do I have your meaning of the word "literal" WRT Biblical interpretation correct or not?

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These powers will be GIVEN when danger occurs,

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Please quote from Mark where it says that these powers are given when danger occurs.See, in my reading of that passage, it mentions nothing of danger.It only mentions the signs as a way to show unbelievers that the Lord is with them.

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After the gospel was established the supernatural gifts were no longer needed. When they are needed He gives them.

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So, this means that we should be hearing reports of Christian missionaries able to heal people by the laying on of hands in places like Nigeria and other places in Africa where there are many dying of various illnesses, like AIDS. Certainly such a gift is desperately needed in those places, with so much death and suffering happening every day.BTW Faith, I don't think you ever let me know if I understand your definition of the word "literal" as it applies to Biblical ionterpretation.could you perhaps explain it to me again. I am still confused.

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Yeah George, I got the picture a long time ago, but I'm trying to be charitable and assume obtuseness instead of mere malice and learn to exercise EXTREME patience instead of blowing up all the time.

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Well, that's refreshing.Now, if we saw that you were actually contrite and if we saw you ask forgiveness for the copious personal abuse you have heaped upon all of us, it would be truly impressive.Sincerely,The stupidest person at EvC

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The Great Physician, Schraffie, has all kinds of physicians who go healing to those places, using their hands using what they have learned by diligent study of the materials extant, daily adding more information. We have different means these days to apply healing hands.

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I agree that if you would like to use the liberal interpretation and say that the "laying on of hands" is the same as "using a scalpel with a hand", then it fits with what is really going on.But that is not what faith or others are saying is happening.OTOH, there are plenty of unbaptized, non-believing physicians who are "using their hands" in the way you describe and they are healing people, too.Does that mean that the healings accomplished by unbaptized unbelievers are "signs" that the word of the Lord is with them?

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Do you really want to participate in the ridicule of the Christ?

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I'm sure god doesn't have his feelings hurt like people do.Anyway, I am hardly ridiculing Christ. I am simply pointing out that if one takes Mark 16 at face value, it seems quite clear, and that I wanted people who say they take the Bible at face value to explain why we don't see a general trend of believers who can do these fantastic things.Not EVERY believer, regardless of what faith wants to think I think.A general trend.

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No, No...I am the stupidist, I am the stupidist. I am the chief among sinners, not YOU!

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That comment was in reference to the fact that Faith called me "the stupidest person on this forum."It's just a reminder to her that I have not forgotten.

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You are an agnostic relativist!

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Pretty much.

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When discussing the Bible, do me a favor and stick to the god that you rejected...as a frame of reference.

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I can't reject something that I can't determine if it exists or not.

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In reply to my other post where I told you of my illness, I want you to understand that I need an absolute truth in my life!

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That's fine.

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The proof is in the fulfillment, as when Paul was bitten with the snake and was not harmed.

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So, does the Bible mention anything about a time limit or any limitation on when these signs would be seen or who would be doing them?

Yeah, I know.I thought it was good, so I stole it, because I am a godless immoral Agnostic.