Snake handling

[Zen Badger]

Worked great for the disciples, for whom it was intended.

Except that passage doesn't specify the disciples, it just says"them that believe"

Yes it does imply the disciples, you need to read the scripture before and after that verse.

16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
16:18 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.
16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

There it is, which bit says it only applies to the disciples?

Only if you were one of Christ's disciples.

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The great majority of us understand what God meant when He said,"do not tempt the LORD thy God."

Oh? your god is subject to temptation?
Weak willed as well as petty and spiteful.

Just because one is tempted does not mean they are susceptible, omnipotent would dismiss the susceptibility of God. Even myself, being human and all that goes with that, after 20 plus years of smoking, I could not be tempted to smoke ever again. I'm not bragging, I just can not stand even the smell or taste, and I'm so glad I quit.

I understand what you mean, afterall sending 2 bears to maul children to death is hardly the actions of a being capable of self restraint.