QUESTION: Is it true that we take away the empowering of the Holy Spirit today when we discredit Mark 16:16-20?

ANSWER: It is not true that people are empowered to miraculously heal today as previously discussed. Certainly, we should not discredit Mark 16:16-20 or any part of the Bible. However, to read something into a passage that is not there is to discredit in a most grievous way! This particular passage simply says that confirming signs were to accompany believers. It does not teach here, or elsewhere in the Bible, that every Christian for all time would be able to perform one or all of these signs. The Bible is clear throughout that such was not the case, e.g., Acts 8:13; Romans 1:6-11. Neither is there here a discussion as to who specifically would receive the gifts or of the duration of the gifts. To base a doctrine or belief on one passage to the exclusion of all related material is to violate the intent of the subject. All passages relative to a subject must be studied with understanding and knowledge coming from and based upon the sum of those passages. It should be noted that the particular prophecies of this passage have been fulfilled; that signs did, indeed, follow the believers, but only in the way (1 Corinthians 12:11) and during the time appointed of God (1 Corinthians 13:10). Demons were cast out (Acts 8:7; Acts 5:16). They spoke in new tongues (Acts 2:4-11). They took up serpents (Acts 28:5). Jesus does not say they “shall” drink some deadly thing, but “if” they should. Knowing that attempts would be made on the lives of the apostles, he gave them assurance, that if by poison, it would not hurt them. Allow me to suggest that if the Pentecostal believes that these confirming signs are requisite today, then it is he or she who refuses to confirm their word with signs that discredit the passage. Where is the Pentecostal today who will take up a deadly viper to confirm what is being taught? Where is the Pentecostal who will drink deadly poison to confirm his or her doctrine? Why is it that they “do” exorcisms, healings, and speaking in tongues, but exclude the other two? May I also suggest that it is not ethical to say that they heard that someone in a far away country did it? There is no proof in such allegations!