๐๐ฃ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ, ๐ช๐ท๐ญ ๐ฃ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ธ๐ป๐ท-๐๐ฐ๐ช๐ฒ๐ท ๐๐ฎ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ
Updated: Sep 27
Foreword
This message is offered as a sincere call to spiritual discernment, humility, and reverence for Godโs Word. It reminds us that faith is not merely intellectual agreement, but a life surrendered to Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit.
As we consider the biblical accounts in Acts 19, may we examine our own heartsโnot to judge others, but to ask whether our faith is grounded in obedience, prayer, and genuine relationship with God. Scripture should never be used presumptuously or as an excuse to test the Lord. True spiritual authority comes from God, and every genuine work of the Spirit will agree with His Word and reflect His character.
May this message encourage thoughtful Bible study, compassionate discernment, and a deeper desire to walk faithfully with Christ.
In Acts 19:1โ6, Paul encountered certain believers and asked whether they had received the Holy Spirit. They replied that they had not even heard whether there was a Holy Spirit. Paul then explained baptism in Jesusโ name, laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them.
โAnd it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johnโs baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.โ โ Acts 19:1โ6, KJV
There is a difference between simply believing in Jesus and being born again through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
A believer in the video handled snakes because he believed Mark 16:18 said believers would take up serpents. Sadly, he died from a snake bite. However, Scripture does not instruct us to test God by deliberately handling snakes. God must personally direct a person before they attempt something supernatural.
โAnd he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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.โ โ Mark 16:15โ18, KJV
When God speaks personally to someone and directs them to do something, that person must be led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks through the Bible and through prophecy always agreeing with Godโs Word. Known as the "rhema of the Spirit and the logos of Christ".
The seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 believed in Jesus but did not have the authority or anointing of the Holy Spirit. They attempted to cast out a demon by using Jesusโ name without the anointing, and the demon overpowered them.
Many people read Godโs promises and attempt to force miraclesโsuch as casting out demons or handling snakesโwithout being led by God. When nothing happens, it is not because Godโs Word has failed. It is because they are acting presumptuously rather than being directed by the Holy Spirit.
In Deuteronomy 18:20โ22, God explicitly warns the Israelites about how to identify a false messenger who presumes to speak a word that He has not commanded:
"But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.โ And if you say in your heart, โHow may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?โโ when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him."
Just as the law uses guns to enforce its authority, God uses the Holy Spirit to carry out His will. A person must be led by God and instructed by Him concerning what to do and which Scripture applies.
We must never test God or deliberately place ourselves in danger. Only when God truly gives directionโand the Holy Spirit empowers the believerโcan supernatural signs take place according to His will.
Watch the video here:
This believer handled snakes because he understood Mark 16:18 to mean that believers should take up serpents. Tragically, he died from a snakebite.
Disclaimer to the Pastorโs Family, Friends, and Church
To the family, friends, and church community of the pastor mentioned in this message:
We extend our sincere condolences and deepest respect during this difficult time. This message is not intended to dishonor the pastor, judge his salvation, or cause additional pain to those who loved him.
The purpose is only to encourage careful Bible study and to warn against deliberately testing God or handling snakes without clear direction from Him. We recognize that only God fully knows a personโs heart, faith, and relationship with Him.
Please receive these words with compassion and prayer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pastorโs family, friends, and entire church community.
To do miracles like taking up serpents in church, the Lord says that you need to be anointed for service. God wants to use Benny Hinn's short video for today, 9/27/2026, here, to anoint whoever will to serve the Lord.
You're Being Imparted Today for Mark 16:18
Epilogue
The difference between believing about Jesus and being transformed by Jesus is seen in the life we live. The born-again believer does not seek danger, attention, or supernatural signs for their own sake. Instead, they seek Godโs will, depend on the Holy Spirit, and follow the wisdom of Scripture.
May we never confuse presumption with faith or human imitation with divine authority. May our lives display humility, love, holiness, and obedience to Christ. And may we remember that salvation and spiritual power are not measured by dramatic acts, but by a surrendered heart and the fruit of the Spirit.
Let us continue to pray for wisdom, show compassion toward those who are grieving, and share the gospel with grace and truth.
To God alone be the glory. Amen.
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All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) unless otherwise noted.ย This message may be freely shared for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
