Believe what?
 

"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." Mark 16:17-18

Several things are listed that happens for those who believe, but my question is, "believe what?"

Many would define the belief as one who is a believer. I have a hard time accepting this as the answer because many believers have never cast out a devil, would run at the first sight of a serpent, and preface their prayer for the sick with, "if it's God's will He can heal you." Therefore, my conclusion is that the signs follow those who believe the signs will follow.

You have to believe that what is in you has the power to change what you are facing. In order for you to operate at your full potential in Christ you are going to have to learn to look beyond what you are facing and the only way to do that is to get a revelation of what God has placed inside of you.

As my Pastor always says, "Your faith will never go past the question mark in your heart."

Re: Believe what?
 

Good thoughts I like your pastors quote!

BUT..does that mean that to prove that I BELIEVE I must take up serpents?
Thats going a bit too literal, I have no desire to pick up a serpent, unless I needed to.
Maybe it could be also referring to spiritual serpents. I've been around many of those and am still here AND I have drank deadly stuff but am alive still. ;) Laying hands on the sick?
Could be *shrug* I've prayed for lots of people and they're still here, too. :D
BUT no I can never take credit for that.
All credit, honor and glory goes to my LORD.

Re: Believe what?
 

No, some churches do the snake playing thing, but I don't think their being led by the Spirit I'm filled with. But Paul is an example. He shook off the viper and never missed a beat. Most Christians would be so overwhelmed with fear that they would have a difficult time being in faith.

Re: Believe what?
 

First Jesus said he that believes and is baptized shall be saved.The word believe here is saying these signs shall follow them who are believers in him.All believers are given different gifts.Jesus told them here some of the gifts that would follow them that believed in him.

Taking up serpents don't mean you play with serpents,it means if you by accident get bit it woun't hurt you.If you drink by accident any deadly things it will not hurt you.I think some things listed are gifts but some things will happen in all believers lives who believe in Jesus.Jesus most likely told them many more things would take place but they were not all listed by the writter.Believe means those who trust and rely in Jesus.