First off, in Mark Chapter 16:16 Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (NIV)

Now, this may be an issue with my upbringing, but I was taught that you did not have to be baptized in order to be saved. Have I been wrong all these years (and I am fine if I have been) or are there specifics that people need to know?

Secondly, in Mark Chapter 16:17-18 Jesus says, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Mainly, I am curious about the line saying “and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all”. Does this mean that if Pastor Mark were to drink a cup of bleach or drain cleaner he will be alright? Is this a historical culture thing that does not apply to today?

Lastly, I am confused about how the gospels (or at least the passages that I read of all four) match up with each other. I understand that they all wrote that Jesus died on the cross. This matches perfectly and I guess it is all I need to know. However, I look deeper and find that there are a lot of differences, such as Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:2-5, Luke 23:1-3, 9, John 18:33-38. If you read Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They all seem the same, Jesus answers “Yes, it is as you say” and when questioned again, Jesus remains silent. Now, in John, Jesus has this long dialog with Pilate. How can these be so different?

Anyway, I would love to hear everyone’s opinions and hopefully get some answers.
Thanks,

Steve (Tall Steve)