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Laying on of Hands

those who believe: In my name they will drive out
demons; they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up
snakes with their hands, and when they drink deadly
poison it will not hurt them at all, they will place there
hands on sick people and they will get well.'

By these words Jesus was speaking of the exploits that
believers would do throughout history. These are not
instructions to every christian to go and practice each one of
them. In fact a christian cannot do any of them until he or
she has been gifted by the Holy Spirit. Not everyone can
be a concert pianist, only those who are gifted. In the same
way the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have to be in place before
they can be practiced.

Whilst there are many accounts of christians surviving being
bitten by snakes, stung by jellyfish and drinking poison, these
are not described among the GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
So a christian should not seek after such powers but instead
trust in Jesus, if such an experience occurres.

Some of the GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT are listed in
Romans 12 v6-8, and 1Corinthians 12 v8-10. The Bible
makes it clear that these are not to be confused with natural
giftings but are supernatural, given by the Holy Spirit.

They are prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging,
meeting the needs of others, leadership, showing mercy, the
message of wisdom, the word of knowledge, a special gift of
faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing
between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues,
interpretation of tongues.

Some of these gifts seem easier than others but that is not
so. Each need to be imparted by the Holy Spirit for them to

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