How do some other groups handle Mark 16:17 and the next verse?
Some groups embrace the signs in Mark 16:17—casting out demons and speaking with new tongues—but then stop before the next verse. They reject the serpent handling and deadly drink portions, saying they will stop there because they disagree with that part of Scripture.
Les explains that various groups handle these verses differently. One preacher started with verse 16, quoting that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but when he came to 'these signs shall follow them that believe,' he backed away like it was a buzz saw and stopped, because he disagreed with the next part. Les says that is not a valid way to treat Scripture; if you cannot use all of a verse or chapter, leave it alone, or you will get in trouble. Other groups like the signs—casting out demons and speaking with new tongues—and say 'so far so good,' but then they do not like the next verse and say, 'we'll stop here.'
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.
More Questions
What did Les say about groups that like Mark 16:17 but don't like the next verse?
Other groups like the part of Mark 16:17 about signs that follow believers, but they do not like the next verse, so they also stop reading there.