Gambling
How many times do you hear the word
"Bingo" today? People are lured into thinking they are
going to get something for nothing, or "win" something.
However, they have to spend their time--time that would be well
spent studying the Bible, praying, relating God's truth and
goodness, and having fellowship with Christians--whether they win
or not. This kind of entertainment may seem like fun to the
deceived, but it is not beneficial to society. I realize it is
not the sole enticement that leads to gambling, but on the other
hand, it does not convict people not to covet either!
To covet something means to desire something. Sinful people
gamble and make excuses that it is not a bad thing to go to race
tracks, to buy lottery tickets, to play cards, to attend the
casino, and to fill their lusts and greed. However, we do not
need and should not want what the world offers for gain.
The way we spend our time and money is important. We should
not let our lives be influenced by worldly pressures, unedifying
music, deceitful games, harmful and violent sports, the influence
of movies and television, and the enticement for chance gain of
advertisements. Even the food stores offer "win"
prizes. We should not be looking forward to winning anything as
an opportunism of buying or investing, even if it requires only
filling out a form or adding a postage stamp. Rather, we should
be believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, and freely
giving of the things he has given us. Freely given, we should
freely give (Mt. 10:8). If we look unto God he will supply all
our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil.
4:19). We have no need to be looking for rewards from any kind of
chance endeavors--so please don't! There are warnings against the
desire for financial gain. Do not let people who are not
fulfilling God's will mislead you so as to turn you from trusting
in God's provision alone--that means stay away from any form of
gambling or chance investments offered through the (Mein Kampf, Volume 1, Chapter 11, #began gradually to control public life in its entirety)
media.
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and rainment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (I Tim. 6:7-10)
Again, beware of covetness. It is one of the characteristics
of false teachers: "an heart they have exercised with
covetous practices; cursed children" (II Pet. 2:14). From a
day to day viewpoint, a Christian should work, even if it is for
someone else, until he is able to learn a trade or invest in his
own private business, and live by faith to avoid being a partaker
of the financial sins of others, especially usury (directly or
indirectly). By the way, see my sermon concerning the ministry of
prosperity.
Gambling and the Connection to Usury
Gambling,
Covetness, and Waywardness: Demise of USA
Why Ministers Should Refuse Gifts from Prostitutes
and Gamblers
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