What' s the rest of this line, "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair and agony on me!" This song came from successful 60s tv program HeeHaw.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when Vegas is mentioned?
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when Vegas is mentioned?
· Is it a family attraction?
· Is it a place where you can find good food?
Well, none of those is perhaps the first thing you think of when you think of Vegas.
It would probably be gambling.
· There are slot machines as soon as you get off the plane.
· they may even have airborne slots on a drone that allows you to gamble before you get off the plane.
Seriously, gambling roams free in Vegas.
· When we went to various hotels, there were opportunities to gamble everywhere.
· It has grown beyond the Mississippi River, Atlantic City and Vegas and is everywhere.
· It effects our sports, schools and our taxes.
· It has penetrated our society like no one’s business…it seems like we are not seeing the mega growth in our society.
· It is in nearly every state of the union as lotteries, etc…
Gambling takes various forms. If you don’t like slots, well, there are various card games and roulette games that lure you into playing.
· It starts with a simple coin.
· Perhaps the worst thing that can happen is to hit it big or loose and loose badly.
We are starting a series called The Christian Life speaking on topics that are a part of "The Christian Life". If you didn't guess today's topic is gambling.
First what is my perspective about gambling?
My background shaped my perspective on gambling.
I was told that GOD absolutely hates gambling and is referred as one of the deadly sins.
I’ve seen that negative effects of gambling.
I’ve seen the effects of being addicted, people have lost their property and gambled their future away.
My Granddad gave me some advice about gambling
He told me “Kurt, don’t do it. It will involve you with people and an attitude that you don’t want to have. Plus, I worked too hard for my money to just give it up in a few seconds.”
You know what…Granddad was right…. I worked too hard for my money.
My Grandma had something to say about it …She would insist that no one gambled or played cards because that is a form of gambling, and especially on Sunday, the LORD’s day when we will not insult our LORD on the LORD’s day.
So what does the bible say about gambling? Explicitly Nothing. There is no reference that explicitly says to avoid gambling.
There are mentions of gambling tools used in the Bible. In Exodus 23:30 the Urim and the Thummim were mentioned. The Urim and Thummim were means of obtaining answers from God. The priest Aaron was to wear a breastpeice with 12 stones in it and the Urim and Thummim were to be over his heart when he went before the Lord. The Urim (meaning light) represented God's light while the Thummim (meaning perfection) represented God's perfection. In order to get an answer from GOD they would throw the devices in the air and pray for GOD's answer...when it settled it revelated HIS answer.
In the New Testament Acts 1:26 the disciples cast lots to know God's will. This was the last time, after Pentecost they were led by the Holy Spirit.
It seems the Urim and the Thummim were used to cast lots but God was still in the decision. "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:33.
There is another mention of casting lots in the New Testament. The Roman solders cast lots to gamble for Jesus clothes while he was dying on the cross. There's a difference between the Romans and the Old Testament characters that cast lots....the Romans excluded GOD from the process while the OT characters included GOD.
A couple questions to think on...
What would be a reason people gamble and/or play the lottery?
Proverbs 13:11 states “wealth from get-rich quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.”
do you think that people who win the lottery or gamble make that money to give to the LORD?
Have you ever said anything like "LORD if you let me win this....I will give you all of it." what happened, did you actually do as you said.
Even though the Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery, does it imply that we should avoid the practice?
1 Timothy 6:10 deciares that “the love of money is the root of all evil.”
Remember Mr. Scrooge McDuck... a Disney character he loved money and would hoard it.
Is gambling evil or a waste of money?
a. Gambling is like dancing...it is not evil to dance but it can be depending on the intent.
b. if the intent is evil the the dance is evil.
c. That money could have been saved for future needs or given to the Lords' work not gambled away.
4. Is gambling worth it?
a. Can become addicting, can lead to broken homes and relationships.
5. By subscribing to gambling, am I forfeiting the acknowledgment of GOD’s blessings?
a. Remember GOD is a jealous GOD, who wants to be the source of our blessing. To take part in gambling says that we are taking it upon ourselves to accomplish wealth nd our own blessings.
Life is not a matter of luck or chance. As Children of GOD, we need to remember things happen for reasons that fit GODS plans for us and others. It has nothing to do with luck, chance or coincidence.
Late last month, I received a call from a buddy from the 80s. He had found me on the web and decided to give me a call. It was good talking with him but to me the call was an affirmation of investing in the net and in zoom. To reach people.
o Was that luck, coincidence or GOD’s blessing?
· Have you ever received a call, text or visit that was right on time..helped you through your sickness or trouble?
o Was that luck, chance, coincidence or GOD’s blessings?
In summary
Gambling could form independence from GOD and HIS blessings; plus, empowers to live a life of chance and luck.
Gambling gives the impression that we may love money.
Gambling is a waste of money that could be used explicitly for GOD's kingdom and people.
Gambling is not evil or even wrong in itself.
Winning have had negative effects such as committed suicide, inherited increased stress and lost financial ground.
GOD wants us to live a life of Blessings not chance or luck.
Spiritual life lessons
Respect and adhere to GOD's values
Learn and emulate GOD's character
Accept GOD's blessings and desperately desire to please HIM
How do we do that?
Explore GOD's Word
Pray and ask for direction
Spend time with those who are disciplined to avoid behaviors such as gambling.
Let's make conscious choices to turn away from deeds and habits that do not lead to holiness or result in pleasing GOD. Bottom line: Think of the advice my Granddad gave decades ago that is still relevant today…We work too hard for the money/blessings we get to give it away in a few seconds. Enjoy and be responsible for the blessing s GOD gives to us.
留言