🐍 SNAKES in a CHURCH!?!
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- 52 Churches in 52 Weeks concludes it's one-year spiritual challenge in Squire, West Virginia - home to one of the last (if not THEE last) snake handling churches. In the video, we explore a brief origin of serpent handling of Appalachian churches, show inside what a service sounds and looks like, and wrap things up with what happened during the service. And of course, SNAKES. Do we make the mistake of associating snakes with Satan - when really, we shouldn't?
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⛪ Seven years after completing 52 Churches in 52 Weeks, this video series chronicles the spiritual experiment for a second time. If you'd like to see what happens next, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS to see what happens each week.
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▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Appalachia
0:38 Week 52
2:41 Why Snake-Handling?
4:26 Worship at Snake-Handling Church
6:51 Initial Reaction
8:49 Snaking Roads
10:27 Wrong Church
11:38 Church Service
17:20 Meeting the Snakes
22:37 The End
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🎵 Music:
Track: Hunter Quinn - The Appalachian Trial
• The Appalachian Trail
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📷 Instagram:
/ 52churchesin52weeks
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📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/3DKry4q
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#52churchesin52weeks #52in52 #snakechurch #snakehandlingchurch #snakes
Thanks for watching the conclusion of this round of 52 Churches in 52 Weeks. What did you think? Let me know below!
Really value and appreciate the hard work and genuine pursuit of Truth. I am reminded that Truth is found all around, like facets on an Eternal diamond
Loved it!!
If you ever do this again, you should go to a Catholic eucharistic adoration/procession.
I know some of these people from north Alabama. Some are ex family!
Alabama has some churches still handling snakes I grew up in em my grandmother handled them my whole life you outta check Alabama out
In the movie 17 Miracles based on true experiences from pioneer journals, one scene is about 2 young girls who’ve run ahead playing games. They get quite far ahead of the group and all of a sudden find themselves surrounded by snakes … in front and behind them. They pray, and the Spirit tells them to just continue forward. They walk around and step over all these snakes (rattlers?) and no harm comes to them. It’s a touching and inspiring film.
Sounds interesting, will need to take a look into that.
Emma Hurren; my husband is descended from her
Great movie and very inspiring
It’s a beautiful movie. Amazing what those saints encountered.
Wow, what nonsense. It’s amazing how easily impressed the religious are. Kids die of cancer - God works in mysterious ways. Girls aren’t bitten by snakes who don’t want to bite them anyway - it’s a miracle, praise Jesus, the Holy Ghost, the almighty sky daddy and all the other imaginary friends I’ve made
I grew up in the mountains of Arkansas that are very similar to WV. Even some of the old Holiness Churches here did snake handling back in the 50's-70s. These people are some of most friendly and pure people in the Country. Sure they live very simple lives and are very poor, but they know that we come into this world with nothing and we leave this world with nothing. They give all the Glory to the Lord and they will help you with their last dollar.. I know others mock and judge these Mountain people, but they are amazing people that truly have the strongest faith, in my opinion, of all Christians.
Take this advise from a resident of West Virginia. If you plan on traveling to the very rural parts, you need a tried and true GPS (Garmin, etc), not a smartphone or things that need internet.
“Snakes. Why does it have to be snakes?” 😂
Thank you for sharing each church experience openly and respectfully. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey with you.
Hey Lori, appreciate it! Thanks for riding along.
I recently discovered your channel and have been making my way through your videos. 52 Churches in 52 Weeks has been a GREAT series, especially for those of us who aren't able to get out and experience it for ourselves. I appreciate the respectful insights that you've given following each service, and have already learned so much from your observations. Thank you for sharing your discoveries and journeys along the way. I'm sorry to see this series end, but I'm wishing you a fabulous "stay-cation" and can't wait to see what's next for you! Thanks again for sharing ... 💕
Thanks JB, your comment made my day! I appreciate it, it's fantastic to have viewers like you.
From seeing the Bible verses on the walls and the painting of Jesus on the Cross with the Lamb at the bottom and theLlion at the top, I can see that this is a congregation of True Believers. What impressed me the most was that a church does not need fancy decor if you feel the Prescence of the Lord there. So many churches have a difficult time with maintenance bills that they are forced to close.
I attended a snake handling service once, not knowing beforehand what it was. I was handed a snake 🐍 and shouted, "Lord Jesus". They thought I was filled with the Spirit.😮 Not so much.
Yikes. I was worried about if that would happen. Fortunately didn't, but sat in the back just in case.
I literally laughed out loud, at one am.
This definitely never happened
This was the hardest one for me to watch.
In the 70s this kind of church was the craze, with the hippies and drugs. My older brother got into this and took his life in my room because of their teachings.
Going to miss your posts but I hope living keeps you giddy just for being alive.
Thanks so much for these last 7 months, you've been a much needed addition to my world.
Keep learning and praying and sharing your joy with all you meet and thanks again for all your adventures.
This is my testimony to you.
God lives.
Sounds like he is going to start over with another year??
Hey CJ, I've been grateful for your weekly comments and the genuine curiosity along with my own. It's fantastic to have viewers like you who engage with the content and contribute in such a positive way.
I was a bit worried about this visit, especially interacting with your own comments with the craziness from astray movements of the past. This was a visit I had to take for my own personal history, the "heart full of snakes" I've alluded to in past videos (Week 2 especially). I hope with everything that happened, there's a Psalm 3:3 or similar passage that has been there to shield you as well.
God definitely lives. I hope for anyone who's watched this, I hope the mantra "tell them about Jesus" was evident.
I am so glad that #52 was so spiritually uplifting for you. I am so glad you, especially since I don't know if I could, made this visit to this church. I have been to every church to which I have been invited, but if you could get me in there, I would probably spend more time checking under my
pew than listening to the sermon.
It sounds to me like God capped off your journey here with a wonderful personal "I'm proud of you, son" moment just for you.
My wife is from West Virginia. I loved, as always, your intro and videos of the scenery.
David, thank you very much. You are definitely on the Lord's errand, closing gaps and sometimes chasms that worshippers dig between themselves. You are a wonderful example to me and I am sure to many others of how to respect and treat and learn from other folks whose perspective is different (not less important) from mine. Oftentimes, it takes adding a new perspective to more fully realize what is really in the scene. Although not all things can be true, I do believe that truth can be found and discerned everywhere. It has been a wonderful journey. Thank you.
Thanks Bob, your comments have been a huge blessing during this. It's been incredible to see the positivity that has come from this, and I'm honored to have played a small part in your own viewing experience.
I had a great friend call these moments, "divine signatures." Fitting way to conclude the visits.
Really enjoyed making this intro. West Virginia is beautiful, though can't imagine living far out in this area.
Hoping (like right now) to finally get a moment to sit down and respond to several messages (more of yours too). Feel like after this, when you see the various people right in front of you - you begin to realize its about the people who Christ died on the cross. Theology has its place, but often times we lose sight of...well, the sight of those right in front of us. Hope this series helped to bridge some gaps in a positive light.
@@52churchesin52weeks I both think and believe you are right on. Christ explains that what qualifies His followers is how they love and how they treat others, particularly the most vulnerable. He never says that what qualifies His followers is their most perfect and flawless understanding of doctrine. Now, I do believe the pursuit of truth ( a spiritual journey) is a very important part of our sojourn, but charity, Christlike love is what qualifies us. Cheers.
Interesting, the women veil their heads? Ive not seen that before in the snake handling churches. God speaks to us in any setting. Glad you were touched.
Those are not veils (a veil covers the face). They are covering their hair as some Muslim and some Jewish women do.
How sweet! People loving other people is so wonderful. Aren’t we all children of God? That kind of a connection with other people is special. Those moment we have with people I cherish even if I don’t get to see them ever again. Those are the moments we hold dear and remember.
Looked like a fun visit as well. I love getting to know good people. This is what Jesus Christ wants us to do, to love one another like he does.
THANK YOU for sharing your self with us all. You have a good heart and kind soul.
Thanks for sharing. So many unique churches and people in this country. I know you have mentioned having a few missionary discussions with the LDS church I'm not sure if you are still meeting with them but an idea for a series if it isn't too personal might be to document that journey, I know I'm curious of how that went or is going.
Hey Micah, I appreciate you following along with the church trips. I have been speaking over the phone on a biweekly basis with my local missionaries to help understand in a respectful way. A unique opportunity was being able to attend a Restoration event this past weekend with various branches inside the same church. I wasn't planning to do a video on it, but thinking one may come down the pipe to recap that event. Stay tuned for that.
What a beautiful video.
Thank you so much for every church visit , it has been fascinating and I’ve learned so much ! Enjoy your well deserved rest 😊
Thanks Leslie, will try to rest up. I'm grateful you got something valuable from the series!
The curiosity about the snakes is what draws you in, but the people’s profound joy and open, unconditional love is irresistible. Call it what you want - maybe it’s God, maybe it’s the message of redemption, maybe it’s the magic of belief and shared experience. Whatever it is, you feel the power of connection.
What a wonderful adventure! So insightful and enlightened. Keep up the good work am anxiously waiting for more!
David I'm so happy you went to one of those churches!😂👍
Thanks for the journey. Its been fun to follow along and watch.
Hi David! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I look forward to the next round of 52 in 52.
Thanks Michele for following along! Gonna take some time away from the hectic schedule and will reevaluate if a third round would make sense (financially, living situation, work - all that jazz). I've brainstormed some ideas if it does come to fruition.
Your video randomly showed up on my CZcams feed. I'm glad it did. Great video with a great message.
Great job! I learned a lot about what goes on in other religions. Thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed my 52 Church journey with you David.
Thanks JC, thanks for your continued support and engagement throughout the series. Thankful for you as a viewer.
This is the first of your church visits I've watched but I've subscribed so I can watch the other 51. I appreciate the respect you've shown to Pastor Chris & his congregation and the profoundly deep meaning and coincidences in your own spiritual life. I don't go to church anymore because I just don't know what to believe but I wouldn't mind trying that moonshine Church 😉
I'm a Utah based truck driver that occasionally have to drive through West Virginia and the Ozarks of Arkansas, Oklahoma and southern Missouri. I call it driving through a can of spaghetti. The Rocky Mountains don't have anything over the Ozarks and Appalachia for treacherous truck driving!
You're not kidding. My Jeep was never the same after driving through there. Can't imagine driving truck.
Thanks for your vulnerability in sharing and seeking what God was showing you in this experience. They are a Pentecostal sect that was deemed heretical that broke away from the denomination Church of God Cleveland Tn. for being seen as tempting God. George Hensley was the first one to introduce it to the Appalachian Pentecostal Church because he said he had an experience with God on a mountain who told him to pick up a snake from a nest that he came across.
Thanks for watching! I had read about Hensley, though not about the snake on a mountain. Will need to look into that.
Love the music and praise in this church. Wow
Really interesting experience. Thanks for sharing. I am not a fan of snakes no matter where they are. But I appreciate how people express their love and faith in Jesus.
God sent you there my friend
He sent you signs of that
I want to visit that church so bad I even dream about it
Thank you so much for your visit there
Hope all Christians believe coz they want to hope there's someone keeping them safe from the devil, dont worry neither exists, ur save.
Awesome
Speaking in tongues is real!!! I have personally experienced it.
What comes to mind with me, is Do not tempt the Lord God. I feel the scriptures regarding a snake and poison, is assurance that if you are walking in faith and walking one with the Lord, you will have the same protective covering as in Psalm 91. But, as an example, if you are gardening in your yard and reach down and all of a sudden a snake appears and bites you, God will protect you. Or, (I pray before eating anything), if you are in a restaurant and someone that cooked your food didn’t wash their hands and had just sprayed bug spray and you have some in your food, God will protect you and no danger will be upon you. Those are just random examples, but I believe the verses are also examples of random occurrences, not intended to deliberately go out and seek the danger and use it in the Lord’s name. An example of that passage used wrong, is how others have died by snake bites while preaching.
thanks for posting just found your channel I live in Sherrard West Virginia there are churches near me that are older than the state and have documents that say "Sherrard Virginia"
Wow! That was fascinating! I was wondering as well if that was moonshine? I will have to check out the other 51 churches.
Smart move going to the West Virginia countryside in May, when its mostly light. You don't want to be out there driving at night on the curvy hilly roads with no lights on anywhere.
Sounds like the stuff of nightmares. Had a hard enough time driving in daylight.
The big snake that was identified as a timber rattler is actually an eastern diamondback rattler (Crotalus adamanteus).
Thoroughly enjoyed this 52-week journey with you. My eyes were opened to aspects of various churches that I was vague on. Thank you!
You are correct and it is interesting in that WV doesn’t have diamond backs allegedly.
Really admire your quest. I like you am disenfranchised by my childhood Church the ELCA Lutheran. I just retired & was looking forward to becoming more involved in my Church; but it is unrecognizable now with it's new liberal agenda. Sadly; I think the majority of Churches have been corrupted in the past decade or so. I have tried others & really give up:( Was leaving to Catholic; but even they have adopted a new agenda
Ya gonna want to read it all .the ending is my utmost favorite now
I love this one.gets ya ready for matthew 25 doing the 2nd commandment of god to love thy neighbor as thyself.and who is thy neighbor.brings in the story of good Samaritan .describing in more clarity who the least of these are..injured on side of road?? Cud be injured in any type of way .takes greater love than this that a man wud lay his life down for a friend(we are to follow jesus example and jesus is not dead he us alive so greater love was not death) wich wud be a stranger and its not death its your day to day life ya lay aside for another and as you do ya make sure to not throw your pearls before swine to be trampled on and also while ya use this scripture make sure ya still entertain strangers unawares cus might be an angel of god as matthew 25 says when did i see you in some type of need and wasn't there for you..jesus says what ya do for least of these ya done unto me.scriptures unify together as i done in this message ..jesus followers shud unify together and be laborers in christ so when harvest is ready the laborers wont be few but in todays society laborers are diminished cus 10 commandments are not being done.bringing in what jeremiah said this generation wont hear or see cus eyes they have that don't see ears they have that don't hear and preaching has become nothing but a lullaby story and not something ya live by..the end times is here and its sad so many in some kind of need is turned away and light of jesus is not shining its put under a bushel swept under a rug ..in jesus name what is going on with church of today ?? I cant understand how the love of many has waxed cold ..why lord why .cus bible says evil has rule of this world for a time and a time til Jesus returns and finds those who endured til the end ..with all i said .many are turning away from the truth in pain and anguish ..this town having so many mountains its easy to be like judas iscariot just to escape the pain of this world and the evil it gives out with no help around .not given the chance to see jesus in those in need cus jesus says do not look on the outward appearance . jesus doesn't
There are NO coincidences in Christ Jesus, on God Moments assigned divinely. Encounters in the Spirit that we are to have to bring us closer to Christ Jesus.
Especially children
I envy what you’ve done. I love to see how others worship the Savior. I’m LDS and we’re pretty reserved in our worship so its fascinating seeing how others show their devotion. God bless your efforts.
3:00 That was a mistranslation. Someone confused the word for ' venomous serpent ' with ' fluffy poodle '
I’m all in for the “ fluffy poodle “ version 👍😂
Could the preacher have read your book or watch your videos from when you talked about the Solomon story being so near to you when you were visiting the Mormon church?
My wife’s family is from WV ( related to both the Hatfields and McCoys). They are good people and not all ignorant hillbillies. Unfortunately the ditches are literally full of trash. In WV they have a saying in the hills - if you find a skinny West Virginian ,they have been sick way too long 😂. Their words not mine. Love her family reunions
Jesus said at the last days there will be many false prophets beware of those that say that come in my name
Freedom of Religion ....respectfully now...if one disagrees then maybe not go .....these kind folks don't push anyone to go stay..."now its past my bed i know and I really like to go."✌️
You are braver than me!
Thou shall not tempt the LORD Thy GOD/ with snakes handling and poisonous deliberate drink 😮 Other than that their church worship service is great❤
I’m actually surprised that snake churches still exist.
"Thou shalt not tempt God!"
😊😊😊
Im apostolic and i have never seen holiness women with black headcoverings.I wonder if they cover all the time like the Amish Or just during church service
i heard there are as many as 100 churches of this type not 2 as you state
On your staycation, would you consider exploring the concept of Faith?
For me, it's Action based off of knowledge given by the Holy Ghost, and the power to do so.
Hey Leon, thanks for watching. Can you clarify a little more? I always associated faith with trust (without seeing), but intrigued to hear more about the faith through action + Holy Ghost.
Oh hell no I'm not handling a freaking rattlesnake screw that
I can assure you that it was NOT moonshine.
Maybe the people can obtain some green and black mammas. That would test some faith. Plus thin out the herd.
What😮
As a West Virginian I can confirm that they in fact are not the last snake handling church. Also native Appalachians don’t say Appalachia as Appalaysha we say App-a-latch-a. As a West Virginia Baptist it always a bit jarring even for us when we see one of these snake handling Pentecostal services with rockabilly music. Definitely an interesting video for sure. You should check out some of the old acapella shape note singing old regular United Baptists. They preach for like 4 hours and segregate men and women in the pews and everyone sings in harmony with no instruments.
Indiana Jones won't be going to that church any time soon!!
They are venomous not poisonous but most get your point
I was born again in a snake handling church
I wonder if these people are Oneness or Trinitarian?
Usually Oneness
Moses handle the staff that turned into a snake to destroy Pharaohs Magicians snakes but Moses was obeying The LORD and not tempting The LORD/ there a difference...just dialoguing
Exactly!!!
Sorry. I meant mambas.
One question according to the name of the church. I am curious. I know that the are Holiness and Pentecostal. Yet my one question is dealing in their theology or teaching. Are they anti trinity? Are they what is called oneness doctrine?
Something Godhas cursed it’s best to leave it alone that snake was cursed and put on his Billie tand eat dirt all the days of its life
Not a fan. I think the snake handling is a misinterpretation of scripture. Although I'm not certain, I'd imagine these kinds of churches are not dispensational.
I respect that you are respectful of others' beliefs if they don't align with yours. That's something I need to work on
Just because the disciples could drink poison without it harming them, doesn't mean that the particular verse means we today, can do the same thing. I do not belive it does. Pretty wild. Signs and wonders type of thing. Look what I can do!
If they are doing this without harm, I'd imagine it's with the power of Satan, disguised as the power of Christ. Although, I'm not sure that's the case considering the cases of pastors and the like dying from this kind of practice. I'd imagine they'd ascribe it to "well he didn't have enough faith!" Easy way to write that off...
I've observed that these kinds of church also tend to have fleshly and carnal music. Its literally rock and roll. All about THE FEELING... Sir, you aren't feeling holy ghost fire, you're being deceived by Satan
@@adams1625 yea i agree. i think that's more for the disciples and apostles. when paul was on his way to rome he was bit by an asp, and the guys that were with him thought he was a goner, and john was poisoned, and it didn't kill him, he was then sent to patmos
I never ever putting my child at risk or myself anything can happen I don't wish it but come on putting a child at risk u got to be kidding me
I appreciate and love all Christian brothers and sisters. I just pray that they will convert to the One True Holy Apostolic Traditional Roman Catholic Church established at the Foot of the Cross by Christ Himself.
🕊️✨💐✝️💗✝️💐✨🕊️Viva Cristo Rey! Deo Gratias! Amen Alleluia 🕊️✨💐✝️💗✝️💐✨🕊️
That's a freaking cult I'll worship and praise Jesus in my ways but snakes handling you got to be out of your mind
I hate snakes jack I hate snakes
Jibberish.....
There a safer way to praise the Lord without being a snake handler all u doing putting your self and others at risk
I enjoyed this video but you talked too much and didn't show enough video of the church.
But is not that suppose to be if you are bitten or drink any deadly thing...but not on purpose but on accident is the implication. The interpretation is just not right in this instance. You don't go doing it on purpose to show your faith. I am not right on all interpretations in the Bible (nor is anyone), but right on this if you look in the context. Jesus himsef never did it on purpose. Nor did he ever speak in babbling tongues. When tongues were spoken it was in their own language but every person heard their words in their own language as a sign in the early church it was of God. Now we have the full Word of God and so true Biblical tongues are not needed any longer.
Snake handling Christians disobey God's word. The bible does not state that Christians are to purposefully handle venomous snakes. A literal interpretation of Mark 16:18 is incorrect. If you are a Christian and believe Mark 16:18 means to literally handle venomous snakes, you are wrong and don't know how to interpret God's word!
52 false churches in 52 weeks in defense of the wide road. The Lord said the road is narrow and only a few shall find it. The churches on the narrow road never tickle ears, worry about increases followers on CZcams, nor sale of books. Romans 9:27
“Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:”
False recognition.
Not the last. A month ago someone from the area said it's just not as welcoming as before. Alive and underground.
Oh hell no I'm not handling a freaking rattlesnake screw that