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Posted by Pleasemaranatha (Member # 5150) on :
 
I can't find a scripture in the bible about gambling being a sin. Can anyone suggest a scripture?

Also, a different subject that I have. If you know a person who tells lies constantly....how can you help them to stop besides praying for them? I think they know they have this problem but can't stop. Maybe it is fear of rejection or low self esteem. But other than praying for them, how can we help?

God Bless
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
Exodus 21:21
Notwithstanding, if he continues a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.

Proverbs 7:20
He has taken a bag of money with him, and he will come home at the day appointed.

Ecclesiastes 10:19
A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 12:5
If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 
Prov. 28:20 - A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Gambling is built on the premise that whatever you have is not enough.
- It appeals to greed with outragious prizes.
- It is also built on discontent. You don't have enough, there's a lot more out there.
- Often the poor are exploited, because they can't afford to buy tickets, but think that possibly they win big and their problems will be solved. You often hear of the poor buying lottery tickets every week which they can't afford..
- It is is also built on deceit. You think you are going to win something for next to nothing.
- There of course is always the possibility of addiction, which is a major problem in N. America.

If someone with an addictive-type of personality sees a Christian gambling, that believer might cause the weaker person to fall.

1 Cor. 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. money God has blessed you with?

~We would also have to ask ourselves "Is gambling good stewardship of the money God has blessed us with?"
 

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Posted by Pleasemaranatha (Member # 5150) on :
 
Thanks Born Again and His Grace for your responses.
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
Sister HisGrace writes

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Gambling is built on the premise that whatever you have is not enough.

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It appeals to greed with outrageous prizes.

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It is also built on discontent. You don't have enough, there's a lot more out there.

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Often the poor are exploited, because they can't afford to buy tickets, but think that possibly they win big and their problems will be solved. You often hear of the poor buying lottery tickets every week which they can't afford. [bold by BORN AGAIN}

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quote:

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It is also built on deceit. You think you are going to win something for next to nothing.

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There of course is always the possibility of addiction, which is a major problem in N. America.

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If someone with an addictive-type of personality sees a Christian gambling, that believer might cause the weaker person to fall.

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1 Cor. 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

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quote:

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”money God has blessed you with?”

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We would also have to ask ourselves "Is gambling good stewardship of the money God has blessed us with?"

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“Is gambling good stewardship of the money God has blessed us with?”

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It's amazing how Christians will work so hard to justify pleasing their flesh (that's all gambling is, a pleasing of flesh/self)

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according to someone like you, one would barely be allowed to get out of one's chair, lest the flesh might "act up".

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it {life} more abundantly.

Ecclesiastes 3:13
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Do you know what it means to enjoy yourself, wparr? Or are you one of those "sour, dour" Christians, always "trying to be good" but always finding yourself "disappointed" that "you have failed again"?

I tried that kind of Christian life; I was miserable and everyone hated to be around me because I was always trying to be "mr. goodie-two shoes" but they could all see that it was just a thin intellectual veneer which barely covered the sin in my members. yuck! I thank God that He has delivered me from that kind of Christianity.

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by Pleasemaranatha (Member # 5150) on :
 
It has been a few hours since I read your post Born Again and nobody has said anything yet. I will....I just want to tell you that I get a kick out of you! You are a HOOT. I am looking forward to meeting you in heaven! LOL. You crack me up and make me smile.
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
For someone to gain in gambling, someone must lose; Our Gain at the expense of another's loss is not God's way.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
helpforhomeschoolers writes

quote:

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For someone to gain in gambling, someone must lose; our Gain at the expense of another's loss is not God's way.

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when I buy something on sale, someone loses something. when I don't buy anything, someone also loses something. money is moving back and forth, back and forth, all the time, now in my hands, now in someone else's hands.

a huge organization like the horsetrack is in business to make money, just like any other business.

it is further overlooked that I'm not just going to "gamble" and then stand there like a bump-on-a-log waiting for the next race to go off. I exercise and walk and even jog on the vast and beautiful grounds while rejoicing with the Christian CD, I sit on benches to warm myself in the beautiful late Winter air and sun, I people-watch, I horse-watch, I architecture-watch, I flora-watch, I have a few Irish beers...and when it's post time for the race, I enjoy the animals run. Ya'll make it so evilly simplistic, but I do much more than jus' gamblin', eh?

for me to gain, someone has to lose. you bet. money is always moving. it's like that.

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
BA: I can appreciate that you feel you have liberty to gamble. And I will not question your liberty. That is for you to decide with HIM... not for me. I feel I have liberty to smoke and there are plenty here who would question my liberty to do that.

I present these scriptures that the person who asked can see how they fit with their own heart, not to argue with you on gambling or even to challenge your liberty to gamble.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

In buying and selling it could be said that when I sell someone something I am seeking to increase him with the good of the thing that I sell to him....If I am a godly sales man, then what I sell should be of a value equal to or greater than what I receive for it... in which case I seek the buyer's good and I am blessed in the process.

If I am a godly buyer, I should seek to buy at a price that is fair to the seller.

So, it is possible in buying and selling to preserve Godly principles.

I personally am unable to see that with gambling. If we play poker, my increase must come at your decrease. If I participate in para mutual gambling, the same is true. I see that the same is also true with lottery and machine gambling as well.

Again, this is my opinion. It is in no way meant to question your liberty to gamble. IF you are able to gamble in faith with praise and thankgiving and glory unto HIM more power to ya!

You might think it is a sin that I dont gamble.

I have never been interested in gambling because my dad was a gambler. He was a very successful gambler at dog racing. I used to go with him to the track and he taught me all about the science of dog racing and I recall times that he left the track throwing $100.00 bills in the air for me and my girlfriend to catch as we walked behind him. He was of the philosophy that his gambling never took from his family and so because he paid the bills first always and we never had want or need of anything that if he gambled what he set aside after doing that it was fine.

But he also taught me that if you could not take that dollar that you were going to gamble and throw it out the window and never look back or feel like you had lost something of value, then you should not gamble it.

So, I never became one for gambling because I could never do that with even a 1 dollar bill. So you might look at my personal reason for NOT gambling and say it is the sin of covetousness of that 1 dollar bill. Of course I do not see that as covetousness, but you surely might.
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 
Drinking, smoking, gambling? All of these can lead to addictive behaviour. With all due respect, shouldn't we be concerned about influencing a weaker brother?

The scriptures say that we should be doing everything to the glory of God.
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
Addiction to anything is sin I believe, but I do not think that we were speaking of being addicted to anything.
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
helpforhomeschoolers wrote of her father:

quote:

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But he also taught me that if you could not take that dollar that you were going to gamble and throw it out the window and never look back or feel like you had lost something of value, then you should not gamble it. {bold by BORN AGAIN}

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thanks for your expanded comments, helpforhomeschoolers. Regarding the bolded part above, if your father said that, I have to disagree with your father. The two sides of his/your example are not equal.

On the one side the $1 of the gambler can make him $3 or $7 or $12 or $16 dollars, depending on the odds.

That is not at al equal to throwing a $1 bill out the window and "never look back or feel like you had lost something of value".

I'm not speaking of your father here, but what person would think it is the same value to "throw a $1 bill out the window and never look back like I lost something", when that $1 can never produce anything greater than $0, or a lost $1.

But that is not at all the case at the racetrack where $1 of the gambler can make $3 or $7 or $12 or $16 dollars or more$, depending on the odds one chooses.

it is not guaranteed by the FDIC, of course, but that's why it is not called investing or savings.

it has its own name, gambling, but it is not at all similar to throwing a $1 bill out the window, God bless his soul.

may the LORD God of Israel bless us. BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
so sister Pleasemaranatha, although some good scriptures have been posted, some close, some tongue-in-cheek, has anyone offered you a scripture yet that gambling is a sin?

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by wparr (Member # 891) on :
 
Galatians 5:13-25

(13) For you were called to freedom, brethren; only DO NOT TURN YOUR FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FLESH, but through love serve one another.

(14) For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

(15) But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

(16) But I say, WALK BT THE SPIRIT, AND YOU WILL NOT CARRY OUT THE DESIRE OF THE FLESH.

(17) FOR THE FLESH SETS ITS DESIRE AGAINST THE SPIRIT, AND THE SPIRIT AGAINST THE FLESH; FOR THESES ARE IN OPPOSITION TO ONE ANOTHER, SO THAT YOU MAY NOT DO THE THINGS THAT YOU PLEASE.

(18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

(19) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

(20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

(21) envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

(23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

(24) NOW THOSE WHO BLELONG TO MESSIAH YAHSHUA HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH IT'S PASSION AND DESIRES.

(25) If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.



This whole topic shows a BIG problem within Churches today, more time spent justifying flesh than seeking to live by Faith, submitt to God, Walk by The Spirit.

What many today call liberty, the lost call Hypocrisy.


From DC Talk song

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The single greatest cause of atheism today is Christians who profess Jesus, walk out the door, and deny Him by their life style.
That is something and unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

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The NT talks more of denying self than liberty to do as one desires.

And NO ba I'm not a "sour dough Christian", but I would even waste my time refuting because you wouldn't believe me anyway.

You choose to be a carnal christian, go for it, it's your choice:
But you WILL reap what you sow;
God WILL NOT be mocked.
 

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Posted by redkermit (Member # 4059) on :
 
My 1.5 cents:

If you are looking for scripture that tells you in black and white that gambling in and of itself is sinful, you probably are not going to find it. Even the disciples cast lots to replace Judas, although as HisGrace astutely pointed out, that was before the day of pentecost.

This was brought up some time last year, and I half-heartedly defended gambling, but to me it really falls into the category of something that it's just better not to do. It's like smoking. There's nothing in the bible that says "thou shalt not smoke", but you can find supporting scripture that shows why it's better not to do it, such as your body being a temple. I like the verses helpforhomeschoolers posted, and they made me think twice about it when this was discussed last year.

If it's something you personally are working out, the best thing to do is pray. After much time in prayer and studying, the Good Lord showed me that I needed to lay off watching so many movies. I'm not going to say it's a sin that people go to movies, but for me, I must be obedient, and disobeying God definitely is a sin.
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 
WWJD. It's that simple. Would he spend a week's holidays down in Las Vegas gambling, with a cigarette in his mouth and a few Irish beers under his belt? I don't think so.
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 
I guess we would have to ask ourselves, are we making an idol out of gambling, are we coveting, or are we spending our time foolishly on what should be a day of rest?

Exodus 20:1-17 And God spake all this words saying,

I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God AM A JEALOUS GOD visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
 

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Posted by wparr (Member # 891) on :
 
Ephesians 5:1-17

(1) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;

(2) and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

(3) But immorality or any impurity or greed MUST NOT EVEN BE NAMED AMONG YOU, as is proper among saints;

(4) and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

(5) For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

(6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

(7) Therefore do not be partakers with them;

(8) for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

(9) (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

(10) TRYING TO LEARN WHAT IS PLEASING TO THE LORD.

(11) DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE UNFRUITFUL DEEDS OF DARKNESS, but instead even expose them;

(12) for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.

(13) But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

(14) For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

(15) Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,

(16) MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME, because the days are evil.

(17) So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.


Ephesians 4:17-24

(17) So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,

(18) being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;

(19) and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

(20) But you did not learn Christ in this way,

(21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,

(22) that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

(23) and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

(24) and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.



We are to be imitators of God, as His Grace pointed out with WWJD.

Is gambling pleasing to Yahweh? (DON"T THINK SO)

Would you classify gambling as a fruitful deed of The Holy Spirit or as an unfruitful deed of darkness?

We are to LAY ASIDE the old self, be RENEWED in the spirit of our mind, and PUT ON the NEW self

(WOW ba, this sounds ALOT like a cleaning up of our flesh being commanded )

Do you CHOOSE to just ignore God's Word in theses areas?
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
so...uhh...what do you men and women do with yourselves on the weekend?

I don't have a family so I can't do that.
I don't go to the Devil's movies anymore, so i can't do that.
I don't read the Devil's books anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't listen to the Devil's music anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't shop, so I can't do that.

Aside from standing on the street corner evangelizing (are many of you doing that? If not, don't tell me to do it either), should I just sit in my chair on the weekend because I can do none of the "forbidden" stuff anymore, what shall I do?

Shall I just sit there in my chair on the weekend on a beautiful day outside, and wait for the weekend to pass?

Shall I just lay there in my bed on the weekend on a beautiful day outside and wait for the weekend to pass?

GET REAL!!!
 

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Posted by wparr (Member # 891) on :
 
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.


Matthew 25:31-46

(31) "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.

(32) "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;

(33) and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

(34) "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

(35) 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

(36) naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'

(37) "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?

(38) 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?

(39) 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'

(40) "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

(41) "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

(42) for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;

(43) I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'

(44) "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'

(45) "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'

(46) "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."



Notice the ONLY difference here between the righteous (saved going to Heaven) and the accursed ones (lost going to eternal punishment) is WORKS

Did their WORKS save them?
NO
But their being saved PRODUCED WORKS - PROOF of their Salvation

If you TRUELY believe in Yahshua The Messiah;
If you are TRUELY Born Again of The Spirit of Yahweh Elohim;
You will WANT and DESIRE to do these works, it will bring you JOY beyond understanding.


Ephesians 5:15-17
(15) Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
(16) making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
(17) So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.


Ephesians 5:15-17 Amplified Bible
(15) Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
(16) Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
(17) Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15-17 BBE
(15) Take care then how you are living, not as unwise, but as wise;
(16) Making good use of the time, because the days are evil.
(17) For this reason, then, do not be foolish, but be conscious of the Lord's pleasure.


Ephesians 5:15-17 CEV
(15) Act like people with good sense and not like fools.
(16) These are evil times, so make every minute count.
(17) Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do.


Ephesians 5:15-17 GNB
(15) So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people.
(16) Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days.
(17) Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

quote:

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GET REAL!!!

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so...uhh...what do you men and women with yourselves on the weekend?

I don't have a family so I can't do that.
I don't go to the Devil's movies anymore, so i can't do that.
I don't read the Devil's books anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't listen to the Devil's music anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't shop, so I can't do that.

Aside from standing on the street corner evangelizing (are many of you doing that? If not, don't tell me to do it either), should I just sit in my chair on the weekend because I can do none of the "forbidden" stuff anymore, what shall I do?

Shall I just sit there in my chair on the weekend on a beautiful day outside, and wait for the weekend to pass?

Shall I just lay there in my bed on the weekend on a beautiful day outside and wait for the weekend to pass?

GET REAL!!!

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Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
so...uhh...what do you men and women with yourselves on the weekend?

I don't have a family so I can't do that.
I don't go to the Devil's movies anymore, so i can't do that.
I don't read the Devil's books anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't listen to the Devil's music anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't shop, so I can't do that.

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Get involved in a Bible-based church, keeping in mind that you are not going find the perfect church. Most churches have an Outreach programme in which you can get involved in helping the community. At least most church are more spiritual than choosing gambling.

Go to a good Godly-based movies - at least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

There are many encouraging Godly-based books out there. At least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

I don't know if you get cable, but Bill Gaither's music is on a couple of channels in my area. At least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

Whether people want to admit it or not there is some great ministry on TV. Charles Stanley and the late Adrian Rogers really lay it on the line and tell it the way it is. At least ------------

The myriad of the 'Exposing' threads probably have posters so paranoid about turning their eyes either to the left or to the right, that you have no idea what meat you could be missing. Don't let the devil allow you to become too legalist. Think for yourself.
 

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Posted by saved1948 (Member # 5391) on :
 

quote:

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Get involved in a Bible-based church, keeping in mind that you are not going find the perfect church. Most churches have an Outreach programme in which you can get involved in helping the community. At least most church are more spiritual than choosing gambling.

Go to a good Godly-based movies - at least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

There are many encouraging Godly-based books out there. At least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

I don't know if you get cable, but Bill Gaither's music is on a couple of channels in my area. At least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

Whether people want to admit it or not there is some great ministry on TV. Charles Stanley and the late Adrian Rogers really lay it on the line and tell it the way it is. At least ------------

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quote:

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it is further overlooked that I'm not just going to "gamble" and then stand there like a bump-on-a-log waiting for the next race to go off. I exercise and walk and even jog on the vast and beautiful grounds while rejoicing with the Christian CD, I sit on benches to warm myself in the beautiful late Winter air and sun, I people-watch, I horse-watch, I architecture-watch, I flora-watch, I have a few Irish beers...and when it's post time for the race, I enjoy the animals run. Ya'll make it so evilly simplistic, but I do much more than jus' gamblin', eh?

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quote:

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This hypothetical someone would have to already be at the track in order to see a Christian gambling there—and then the person would have to know that someone else is a Christian, and most likely that person couldn’t care less to know whether someone is a Christian or not.

So the odds, to use a horsetrack term, that anyone would ever find out someone gambling there is a Christian is extremely unlikely and that the person would even care one way or the other is also unlikely; this statement of yours is therefore not likely to ever occur in reality and only lives in your thought life.

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quote:

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Originally posted by saved1948:
Stay away from Benny Hinn But even then if you go to a christian bookstore there are alot of Authors who claim they have a christian message but don't.

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quote:

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so...uhh...what do you men and women with yourselves on the weekend?

I don't have a family so I can't do that.
I don't go to the Devil's movies anymore, so i can't do that.
I don't read the Devil's books anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't listen to the Devil's music anymore, so I can't do that.
I don't shop, so I can't do that.

Aside from standing on the street corner evangelizing (are many of you doing that? If not, don't tell me to do it either), should I just sit in my chair on the weekend because I can do none of the "forbidden" stuff anymore, what shall I do?

Shall I just sit there in my chair on the weekend on a beautiful day outside, and wait for the weekend to pass?

Shall I just lay there in my bed on the weekend on a beautiful day outside and wait for the weekend to pass?

GET REAL!!!

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quote:

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And your comments about Walt are not only not nice, but not true.

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{sigh}...even Christians have their favorite people...he has been very shrill towards me.

And after all, as Aaron said in another Topic, we are not talking about salvation here, which is a gift of God, but about rewards. So I get 9 rewards instead of 10. Big deal.

Luke 7:28
For I say to you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

So there.

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by Pleasemaranatha (Member # 5150) on :
 
WOW !!!!!!!! I never meant to stir things up. Maybe I should have prayed before I posted this question.

As God looks at us and what we write on these posts, I wonder what HE is thinking of us children. Many years long ago, I sent my 4 kids to their rooms when they acted this way.

We all know when we sin. We all are trying to survive this life and not make too many mistakes or break too many commandments...but I thank OUR FATHER GOD HE doesn't kick us out of HIS family for fighting so often.

I think everyone just needs a nap !!!!
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
Yep, and you have always been one of my favorite people BA. I suspect that you always will be!

But so is Walt one of my favorite people too!

Pleasemarantha - sometimes stiring is good. It keeps the stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning!
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
I know not the man.
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
sister HisGrace writes to BORN AGAIN

quote:

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Get involved in a Bible-based church, keeping in mind that you are not going find the perfect church.

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quote:

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Most churches have an Outreach program in which you can get involved in helping the community.

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quote:

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At least most churches are more spiritual than choosing gambling.

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quote:

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Go to a good Godly-based movies - at least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

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quote:

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There are many encouraging Godly-based books out there. At least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

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quote:

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I don't know if you get cable, but Bill Gaither's music is on a couple of channels in my area. At least they would be more spiritual than gambling.

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quote:

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Whether people want to admit it or not there is some great ministry on TV. Charles Stanley and the late Adrian Rogers really lay it on the line and tell it the way it is. At least…

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I’ve had opportunity to listen to brother Stanley and brother Rogers; neither of them were stimulating enough for me, but they are helping a lot of other people. Just not my type, though. Brother Hagin was more interesting to me than those two. But, more TV is your recommendation and you know what I have to say about that.

If I am becoming a little overweight from all that recommended sitting, could you please tell me to go to the racetrack?

God Elohim bless all who participate in this Internet church of CBBS. God bless. BORN AGAIN in the USA
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
what do you do on the weekend?
 

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Posted by Carmela (Member # 4817) on :
 
BA I respect you very much, but this time I do disagree with you. As I pointed out in my last post, you don't need to sit on your duff on the weekends. You can be running, walking, and enjoying God's beautiful creation anywhere. Sometimes though, sitting on your duff should be done daily. For instance reading the Word of God, Praying (although I seem to pray and pace for some reason), and really seeking to know the heart of God. Of course, you can also be praying while walking, which doesn't have to be done at the track.

I'm not dissing you for going to the track. It isn't a place I choose to go to, but we each have areas of our flesh that we struggle to let go of. I am sure even Walt does since none of us are perfect so it isn't up to me to go pointing the finger at others. However, making excuses for our actions doesn't usually help matters any.

I was just writing a paper on temptation for one of my teachers and I told her that when I really wanted to do something, I wouldn't even ask God about it first. I would just do it because I didn't want to know what God would say just in case He told me "no" and I didn't want to hear that. So, I would fall into temptation because I basically chose it. Sometimes the temptation wasn't always leading to sin, but it usually led me away from the path that God would have me walk. Sometimes I look back, and see my foolishness. Sometimes I still do foolishness and I will look back in the future and see it more clearly. However, I don't want to keep giving myself things to look back at.

I know some will say I'm suppose to leave the past behind me, but I learn from the things I did in my past so I choose to keep evaluating my process. It keeps me humble.
 

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Posted by redkermit (Member # 4059) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
what do you do on the weekend?

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I do laundry and clean the house.
 

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Posted by wparr (Member # 891) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
So I get 9 rewards instead of 10. Big deal.

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quote:

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Originally posted by wparr:
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.


Matthew 25:31-46

(31) "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.

(32) "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;

(33) and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

(34) "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

(35) 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

(36) naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'

(37) "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?

(38) 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?

(39) 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'

(40) "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

(41) "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

(42) for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;

(43) I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'

(44) "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'

(45) "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'

(46) "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."



Notice the ONLY difference here between the righteous (saved going to Heaven) and the accursed ones (lost going to eternal punishment) is WORKS

Did their WORKS save them?
NO
But their being saved PRODUCED WORKS - PROOF of their Salvation

If you TRUELY believe in Yahshua The Messiah;
If you are TRUELY Born Again of The Spirit of Yahweh Elohim;
You will WANT and DESIRE to do these works, it will bring you JOY beyond understanding.

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quote:

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Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
what do you do on the weekend?

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Right now we are in the middle of painting and papering in the living room /hallway area. Also need some new flooring.

Sometimes I do a little shopping for groceries or necessities for the house. I love to go for long walks in the summer. On Sunday I go to church and have lunch with my niece after. That, along with travelling time to and from, takes a big chunk out of the day. After I come home I check BBS for the next five chapters on heresy hunting, and then go to Bible Study to try to find some encouragement and insight.

Actually, I am going to have to skip church this Sunday. A friend and I have Birthdays close together so we plan to cross over to Que. to a small village not far from here and have brunch at a quaint little restaurant. I wanted to go on Sat. but she has a cello lesson.

quote:

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From BORN AGAIN -If I am becoming a little overweight from all that recommended sitting, could you please tell me to go to the racetrack?

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Ok - Ok. I know you have been dieing to hear this 'GO TO THE RACETRACK', as long as you don't have to chase the devil off of the track.

It reminds me of a Presbyterian church in my hometown, which was round. Rumour has it that it was built round so the devil couldn't catch them in the corner.
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
Buy a bike
Take a hike
Adopt a little brother that has no dad and take him to a game, better yet play with him!
coach a little league team
read the scriptures to someone who cant see
visit someone who cant go out
get yourself a boy scout troop and go camping

get together with your guitar and some other christian musicians at the local coffee house and play!

Take a homesless person to dinner
swim
fish
go skating
go skiing
go snow mobiling
take up photography
take a dance class
take a cooking class
make something
build something
write song
invite friends over and play Bible trivia
learn a language

have some friends over for a BBQ and some Bible study

Seek to bless and enrich someone else's life and yours will be blessed and enriched.


Last weekend we took 2 of our daughters snow boarding. This week end I am volunteering at Aquire The Fire.... Next week end? Who knows?
 

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Posted by Carmela (Member # 4817) on :
 
I love the Aquire the Fire ministry. That is a great place to volunteer and they sure need volunteers. It's funny because here in central New York, not many people in my class have heard of Aquire the Fire. I almost joined their ministry when I was pregnant for Cheyenne but the timing was wrong so God closed the door at my end. It's good though because coming to bible school has been such a blessing. I needed some inner healing before I could minister.

I enjoyed your list of ideas HFHS. Thank You. We usually go to the mall walking because I hate the cold weather but your list helped me get other ideas. We will also do an online search and go to new places like the zoo, museum, stuff like that. My husband is good at finding things to do fortunately.
 

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Posted by redkermit (Member # 4059) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by HisGrace:
The scriptures say that we should be doing everything to the glory of God.

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quote:

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Originally posted by redkermit:

quote:

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Originally posted by HisGrace:
The scriptures say that we should be doing everything to the glory of God.

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While I certainly can't disagree with this, I have to ask...

So, what are activities that are unspiritual or not glorifying to God?

There have been some activities mentioned/suggested here that don't necessarily specifically glorify God. I mentioned earlier that I often do housework on weekends. During downtimes, such as waiting for a load to dry, I might fire up the old Playstation and play a game or two. Certainly this is time that could be better spent studying the Word more, perhaps, but we could say that about any activity that is geared to bring us pleasure. Not that studying the bible doesn't bring us pleasure, but you know what I mean.

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quote:

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If you are playing on your playstation you don't turn off your spiritual nature do you? You still have the Holy Spirit within you.

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Amen, and "away they go". Did my Holy Spirit go somewhere, or is It also still within me, even at the "you know what"?

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
HisGrace writes

quote:

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If you are playing on your playstation you don't turn off your spiritual nature do you? You still have the Holy Spirit within you.

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Amen, and "away they go". Did my Holy Spirit go somewhere, or is It also still within me, even at the "you know what"?

God bless, BORN AGAIN

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Oh,Oh, I really walked myelf into that one eh?
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
HisGrace writes

quote:

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Oh,Oh, I really walked myelf into that one, eh?

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quote:

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Let me ask this, how many of you buy stock, have a 401k plan, invest in houses or land, bonds, etc. etc? You gambling that it ll increase in value. How many of you collect things hoping they increase in value? You are gambling they'll increase in value.

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And what's ironic, I own NONE of those things you mentioned, but I totally agree with you.

After all their assertions that gambling on horses is a sin, I still think it is nothing more than "legalistic doodley-kwack." Let s/he who has stocks and bonds cast the first stone.

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by saved1948 (Member # 5391) on :
 

quote:

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While I certainly can't disagree with this, I have to ask...

So, what are activities that are unspiritual or not glorifying to God?

There have been some activities mentioned/suggested here that don't necessarily specifically glorify God. I mentioned earlier that I often do housework on weekends. During downtimes, such as waiting for a load to dry, I might fire up the old Playstation and play a game or two. Certainly this is time that could be better spent studying the Word more, perhaps, but we could say that about any activity that is geared to bring us pleasure. Not that studying the bible doesn't bring us pleasure, but you know what I mean.

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I forgot Don't forget those video games. Yes the ones that grandma ends up with her head cut off. Those do not edify Christ.I was always very choosy what my kids brought home in video games. There are some out there I am sure that are not violent or have sexual content.<><
 

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Posted by WildB (Member # 2917) on :
 
Pss.22

[18] They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

Matt.27

[35] And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

John.19

[24] They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

How biblical is casting lots?

___________________________________________________

CASTING LOTS To get a decision from God (Lev 16:8; Jos 18:6-10; 1Sa 14:42; 1Ch 24:31; 26:13-14; Jnh 1:7; Ac 1:26). To set a date (Est 3:7). To settle disputes (Pr 18:18). In divination (Eze 21:21). In gambling (Job 6:27; Ps 22:18; Mt 27:35). The decision is from the LORD (Pr 16:33).

The casting of lots was a custom widely practised in the ancient Near East. The precise method is unclear, though it appears that, for the most part, sticks or marked pebbles were drawn from a receptacle into which they had been cast."

GETTING A DECISION FROM GOD

(Lev.16:8-10) This refers to the casting of lots by Aaron for the two goats--one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat.

(Joshua 18:6-10) This was when Joshua cast lots for the disbursement of the land portions, except for the Levites, because their priestly service of the LORD is their inheritance.

(1Sam 14:41-42) Saul prayed to the LORD, and said, "Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son."

(Jonah 1:7) "The sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah".

TO SET A DATE

(Esther 3:7) "In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar."

TO SETTLE DISPUTES

(Pr 18:18) "Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart."

IN DIVINATION

(Eze 21:21-22) "For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He will cast lots with arrows, he will consult his idols, he will examine the liver. Into his right hand will come the lot for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to give the command to slaughter, to sound the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp and to erect siege works."

IN GAMBLING

(Mt 27:35) "When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots."

Others - Job 6:27; Ps 22:18.

THE DECISION IS FROM THE LORD

(Pr 16:33) "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."

Casting lots is NOT Biblical now. While this was commonly done in Old Testament Days and during the early part of the New Testament, it is no longer the way we determine God's will. People during that period of time didn't have the Holy Spirit, a completed Bible, nor a personal relationship with God. We have (or can have) all of these by placing our trust in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior from sin. With the Holy Spirit and the Bible to guide us we do not need to cast lots, lay out fleeces, or draw straws to determine God's will for us. In fact, doing so might be considering "tempting" the Lord which we are cautioned not to do.
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by WildB:
Casting lots is NOT Biblical now. While this was commonly done in Old Testament Days and during the early part of the New Testament, it is no longer the way we determine God's will. People during that period of time didn't have the Holy Spirit, a completed Bible, nor a personal relationship with God. We have (or can have) all of these by placing our trust in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior from sin. With the Holy Spirit and the Bible to guide us we do not need to cast lots, lay out fleeces, or draw straws to determine God's will for us. In fact, doing so might be considering "tempting" the Lord which we are cautioned not to do.

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quote:

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Originally posted by HisGrace:

quote:

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Originally posted by WildB:
Casting lots is NOT Biblical now. While this was commonly done in Old Testament Days and during the early part of the New Testament, it is no longer the way we determine God's will. People during that period of time didn't have the Holy Spirit, a completed Bible, nor a personal relationship with God. We have (or can have) all of these by placing our trust in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior from sin. With the Holy Spirit and the Bible to guide us we do not need to cast lots, lay out fleeces, or draw straws to determine God's will for us. In fact, doing so might be considering "tempting" the Lord which we are cautioned not to do.

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Amen - as the Wesleyan faith would call it 'games of chance' God doesn't want us living on just 'chance.'

I own mutual funds and if I didn't have them we would have to sell the house. As I have said before we own an old renovated home, which happens to be a double, with my daughter and her husband living in the other half, so I have two homes to keep up. The taxes are ridiculous and they pay next to nothing in rent so we are losing money on this house. Fortunately the house is paid for.

We have had to buy furnaces, new roofing and are now in the process of putting much-needed new flooring and paper and painting, and much has been done on the other side through the years. We put in some new windows on both sides last year and will try to swing it to put in more this year.

The Bible has three warning words in the Bible, covet, vain and squandering.
covet: to wish, long or crave for
In vain :unproductive of success; to no end.
squander - spend extravagantly or foolishly.

I don't covet that money. It is tucked safely away as a necessary nest egg, so that we can live comfortably and not have to focus on where the next penny is coming from. I am also very generous when it comes to charities and the needy.

In vain - what if I still had two small children at home and I gambled foolishly - it would all be in vain. Perhaps I would have to uproot them from their home or take away from necessities of life for them. When one gambles they have nothing to show for it - it is gone into thin air. I know I would feel very depressed and foolish if I put out more than I got in return. When I use my mutual funds I have something to show for it.

Squander -Gambling is a multi-billion industry in N.America. Who is reaping these benefits - not the poor struggling meager wage-earner. They are being duped by the devil into falsely leading them into a destructive lifestyle. If I use my money for the nessary upkeep of the house, it certainly isn't being squandered.

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quote:

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Originally posted by shadowmaker:
There are lots of people who make a living, playing cards, betting on horses, etc etc. Some people are just that lucky or smart. So to say you get nothing in return isnt correct. The other side of is, some have lost everything. But playing the stock market has had the same result.

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quote:

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I don't 'play' the stock market. I have a financial adviser who may call me two or three times a year to make changes in my portfolio.

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sister HisGrace, no one calls me ever about my non-existent portfolio. For you to say, “I don’t play the stock market” is ludicrous. If your broker “only calls you 2 or 3 times a year”, sister, you ARE playing the stock market. Merely OWNING stocks and shares is PLAYING THE NYSE AND NASDAQ markets. No one calls me about my non-existent stock. You are gambling that the price will stay the same or hopefully go higher, for your retirement egg, let's just say?

Now, I lost $ today at the track, I guessed wrong every time, but I had a wonderful time. Meteorologically, it was a beautiful day. The drama for me came not in my gambling today, however. The drama came for me in that after the first race, my Christian CD player died because I had not prepared properly for today and recharged the battery.

Now that hurt, not being able to listen to Christian CD while at the track. Between races, I even got my hand stamped and ran, I say ran, back into the far parking lot to see if maybe I had my other walkman player with me. But I did not. Such is life, but that is what hurt me the most most today, that my CD player died after the first race.

But I made the best of it. I’ve been playing so much Christian music that I could remember lines of songs and I sang them out loud.

I jogged and exercised and had an overall wonderful time.

But I would never go to Disneyland though. Why? Because horses don't talk, but at Disneyland there are a lot of characters who are not bornagain Christians who try to talk and interact with the tourists. Now that I try to avoid, namely Lucifer-Satan talking to me. thank God these horses don't talk. (at least, not yet; if one does, I'll quit or do whatever the horse says to do next).

BTW, none of today's horses was called Balaam thus far.

It was like a mini-vacation. Pray, tell me, brother and sisters, do you ever take vacations, or "are you just suffering for Christ" only by now? please tell me, do you also take vacations?

Mark 6:31
And He said to them, Come you yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Look, I've worked 55 hours a week, week in, week out, I am faithfully going to work. what I do at the track is like a mini-vacation for me. do any of you take more expensive vacations? I'll bet some of you do (some of you with stocks and bonds?).

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
Hi Carmela: I have to tell you I had never been to an Aquire The Fire event. I was there as a spokesperson for Gospel For Asia. God has really placed an burden on my heart for the ministry of GFA and the people of the 10/40 and I recently became an area Rep for them here in SD. I just got home and I am exhausted, but we had such a great week end.

It really blessed me to see so many youth from the community with hearts of fire for Jesus. Most of the time I was at my booth, but I did get to step in and hear some of the talks and it was great to hear these young people on the ATF ministry team talking to these kids about standing for Jesus no matter what even unto death. They talked to them about the pressures that the youth in the audience were going to experience as Jesus leads them to hate the things of this world, and works to change their lives.

I just felt that this was such a pertenent message for today's youth. I also got to step in and see some of the worship time and that was also a great blessing to see teens just worshiping Jesus..and also on their knees crying out to him for strenght to ENDURE to the end... it was just beautiful.

My young adult life was spent in the Lutheran Church where things are so ceremonial and ordered and stiff... today my church is not at all like that, but learning to just worship Jesus was hard for me... it belssed me so to see these kids who had learned to do this so openly.

I was also very impressed that this whole event was really orchestrated by youth. There were few involved that were over 25 and as I visited with the young people on the ATF ministry team, I was so impressed with their passion and love for Jesus... the direction that they all felt in thier life and thier commitment to share HIS love, was so awesome.

I think it probably impressed me more than it might have some because I have been involved in event planning and know the behind the scene work that goes into an event such as this and these young people on this team were so mature and just full of spiritual fruit as they attended to the details of the production and I was so imopressed with the kindness they had with each other and with the 140 something volunteers that were there for atf from the community. It was was amazing. Not just out in the public either, but literally behind the scene where no one would have witnessed them excep the other team members and me. It was just amazing to see. Nothing riled them, there were no harsh words or gossip or anything not edyfying that could be seen amongst them. It was just such a blessing! I would definetly encourge you to be involved with them if you have the opportunity! I would have been proud to have been the parent of any one of these young people on this ministy team.
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
sister HisGrace, this is ludicrous.

quote:

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I don't 'play' the stock market. I have a financial adviser who may call me two or three times a year to make changes in my portfolio.

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sister HisGrace, no one calls me ever about my non-existent portfolio. For you to say, “I don’t play the stock market” is ludicrous. If your broker “only calls you 2 or 3 times a year”, sister, you ARE playing the stock market. Merely OWNING stocks and shares is PLAYING THE NYSE AND NASDAQ markets. No one calls me about my non-existent stock. You are gambling that the price will stay the same or hopefully go higher, for your retirement egg, let's just say?

Now, I lost $ today at the track, I guessed wrong every time, but I had a wonderful time.

---

What am I supposed to do with this money? If it were sitting in the bank you wouldn't say that I was gambling. If it will accumulate a little extra cash, why not invest it wisely? Most of it is money that I inherited and my 'portfolio' probably is no bigger than Donald Trump's pocket change, but in my heart I don't covet it, squander it or spend it in vain. The key is, what is the motive for my investments? I even help my children out occasionally, and society. Isn't that being a good steward?

I am not judging you BORN AGAIN. You are on your own and have only yourself to answer to, but many families and lives have been ruined because of foolish gambling.

The Bible says not to covet. Can a person bet without coveting their earnings and being crushed if they don't win? What if they squander a large amount and lose it all? How foolish and worthless would they feel. What would they have to show for it - all gone in vain into the air and possibly taking away from the bare necessities for themselves and their family.

It's all about guarding the heart. I can't tell you what to do BORN AGAIN.

BTW, sorry to hear about your CD player.
 

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Posted by Forever His (Member # 25) on :
 
I sense a need to respond to this thread yet in my heart I know that unless I am willing to fall on the rock and be broken... [ another way of saying surrender all ] that the power of God's word will not bear fruit in my life. Like everyone else on the face of this earth I was born with a selfish heart.... and because I grew up not knowing God... I cultivated that nature. However... there came a day that I came face to face with God in my life and I surrendered my life to "Him" ...

So what does this have to do with gambling you say? Everything!!! You see it is human nature to live for ones self. And "keeping up with the Jonses " or getting ahead of them is the American way of life. However... when God got hold of my heart He began teaching me the "joy" of living to give... not to get. The very foundation of God's kingdom is based upon giving... not getting. God so loved the world that He "GAVE".... True christianity seeks to live for the good of others... These are things that God has taught someone born selfish... like me. And it has changed my life for the better. And... while I still loose focus and get sidetracked... I have found my greatest joy in giving.

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation may not mention gambling "perse" however the very foundation of the gospel is dirrecctly opposed to the idea of "getting" for the purpose of furthering ones own self interst... so for example we read texts like... Love your enemies, do good and lend.... hoping for nothing in return.... and your reward will be great in heaven. We learn in Genesis that indeed... we are our brothers keeper... God will hold us accountable for those whom we pass by when they are in need. [read Mat 25: 31-46 ] The "heart" of the gospel is clearly about "living to give"...

Now as far as gambling goes... well lets look at why people buy "lottery tickets" ... is it so that they can give to the poor? If that were true... then God has many churches that know exactly where the poor are in need... people who run lotteries are definately not poor. No... we buy lottery tickets because we want to hit the big one and cash in.... allowing ourselves to be able to sit back and "enjoy" a life of ease. But I believe that Jesus came down very hard on such thought's for a good reason. I believe that reason was because this type of thinking is so opposed to the very heart of heaven. Here is what Jesus said...

Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.
12:20 But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
12:21 So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The real issue is... can we be honest enough to look at how this applies to the whole concept of why we gamble? Or... will we say... well... that's not why I gamble.... or that verse doesnt really apply... The real issue that we need to look at is... where am I laying up my treasures? Because on Judgement day... that will be the only thing that matters.

When Jesus comes back He will be looking to see... who have you lived for? Yourself??? or others? and that will be very clear to see ... so... "where you have stored up your treasures"...

Mat. 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.


May God Bless you!
Les
 

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Posted by BORN AGAIN (Member # 5) on :
 
sister HisGrace writes

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What am I supposed to do with this money? If it were sitting in the bank you wouldn't say that I was gambling. If it will accumulate a little extra cash, why not invest it wisely?

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[quote]What am I supposed to do with this money? If it were sitting in the bank you wouldn't say that I was gambling. If it will accumulate a little extra cash, why not invest it wisely?

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Why not use if for God, they say. Why not, what, give it away? I know giving is fun, do not doubt me there.

Ultimately, of course, everything belongs to the LORD because He can do with the creation of clay what He wants to do with it, and no one could stop Him. But, barring one of those dissolution actions from the LORD, we need to act and be and live on the earth as bornagain Christians.

I was thinking while I was at the track that, now that my Chrisitan CD was not playing, what kind of person was I?. As a bornagain Christian, was I a nice person? Yes I was. Was I kind? Yes I was. Was I happy? Yes I was. Was I athletic? Yes I was. Was I happy to be a bornagain Christian no matter what happened? Yes I was. Did my Christianity and what I have learned so far of the LORD God help me be a nicer person than I used to be? Absolutely.

And so at the track I thought about “the letter of the scripture” and “the spirit of the scripture”:

2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

When I’m out there on the track, I try to give people life by “being” what I have learned from Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the Word or Bible.

Romans 7:6
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

So when the Christian CD player went down, I interacted more with the people, and it went well because I am a bornagain Christian.

God bless, BORN AGAIN
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 

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Originally posted by HisGrace:
It's all about guarding the heart. I can't tell you what to do BORN AGAIN.

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Ok, ok. I told you I couldn't tell you what do it BORN AGAIN. The Bible says we each have a different conscience. For me, gambling is wrong.

I was raised in a church that said playing cards was of the devil. I used to play online solitaire, but the Lord prompted me not to do so about a couple of years ago, and I haven't played it since. I have a conscience about it - maybe others don't.
 

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Posted by hardcore (Member # 4492) on :
 
Les,

Your entire post is right on. I especially like this, because it is so true regardless of the subject at hand:

".... yet in my heart I know that unless I am willing to fall on the rock and be broken... [ another way of saying surrender all ] that the power of God's word will not bear fruit in my life."

And this line made me chuckle:

"You see it is human nature to live for ones self. And "keeping up with the Jonses " or getting ahead of them is the American way of life."

My husband jokingly says that we used to live that way, but then we met the Jones' and realized we really didn't like them anyway.
 

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Posted by hardcore (Member # 4492) on :
 

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Originally posted by HisGrace:

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Originally posted by HisGrace:
It's all about guarding the heart. I can't tell you what to do BORN AGAIN.

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Ok, ok. I told you I couldn't tell you what do it BORN AGAIN. The Bible says we each have a different conscience. For me, gambling is wrong.

I was raised in a church that said playing cards was of the devil. I used to play online solitaire, but the Lord prompted me not to do so about a couple of years ago, and I haven't played it since. I have a conscience about it - maybe others don't.

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You bring up a good point HisGrace.

God convicts us all of different things in His timing. Of course, we don't always like to listen in His timing. We all have different struggles and things we don't want to let go of. What is easy for you, could be difficult for me, and vice versa.

My husband and I have had to learn that through our years together. One of us may be convicted about something, and the other not so much at that time. I am still trying to learn to say what I think with love and without condemnation. Most of all, prayer works best. God will work out what He needs to with my husband without my interference.
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
Great posts Les and Hardcore!!! Amen!

Hardcore: I loved these;

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My husband jokingly says that we used to live that way, but then we met the Jones' and realized we really didn't like them anyway.

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God convicts us all of different things in His timing. Of course, we don't always like to listen in His timing. We all have different struggles and things we don't want to let go of. What is easy for you, could be difficult for me, and vice versa.

My husband and I have had to learn that through our years together. One of us may be convicted about something, and the other not so much at that time. I am still trying to learn to say what I think with love and without condemnation. Most of all, prayer works best. God will work out what He needs to with my husband without my interference.

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I could so relate to these things. One thing that I have been noticing since God taught me that he will work out what he needs to in my husband with out my interference, is that it is oh so cool when God brings you separately to exactly the same place and you never even discussed it till they tell you what God has spoken to them and you can say... Oh, what an awesome God HE is because that is exactly what HE spoke to me and where I am!!! It is like aseredipitous blessing for having just kept your mouth shut and waited on the LORD!
 

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Posted by Forever His (Member # 25) on :
 
ROFL Hardcore... good post ....nice to meet you

Les
 

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Posted by redkermit (Member # 4059) on :
 
An evangelist we had at our church last weekend put things in an interesting perspective. He basically said that if we truly believe that we are filled with the Holy Spirit, then He is doing whatever we are doing. Therefore, if we ____ (insert gamble, smoke, drink, etc here) then we cause Him to do or be a part of those things.
 

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Posted by HisGrace (Member # 3438) on :
 

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Originally posted by redkermit:
An evangelist we had at our church last weekend put things in an interesting perspective. He basically said that if we truly believe that we are filled with the Holy Spirit, then He is doing whatever we are doing. Therefore, if we ____ (insert gamble, smoke, drink, etc here) then we cause Him to do or be a part of those things.

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Why not use if for God, they say. Why not, what, give it away? I know giving is fun, do not doubt me there. You also said: When I’m out there on the track, I try to give people life by “being” what I have learned from Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the Word or Bible.

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First I just want to say that you can't out give God. I don't have much extra to give since I pay for school right now but when I do give, God always seems to bless me because I am still able to pay my bills which is a miracle since I don't have extra. The more you give, the more God returns blessings...reap what you sow as the bible says. If you are sowing into helping the lives of others then you are blessed because the bible says that we are suppose to take care of each other. If the church (each person) actually took more of an effort to help someone in need each week, then there wouldn't be any poor Christians because those that have a lot or even a little extra should really be giving to those that have nothing. There is great benefit in helping others, but I don't see much benefit in gambling except for selfish gain.

Also, music can become an idol in a person's life which is something we also need to keep in mind. It can also isolate you from actually reaching others and discipling others for Christ because you are really in your own little world, so to speak. I'm not saying music is an idol to you though, just pointing out that even something that we seem to take for granted can become an idol.

Each person really has to seek God for themselves because unless God shows you that what you are doing isn't right, I'm sure nothing we say will matter. I know this is true for me also because I don't always listen. As my husband, he will confirm it.

All I can say is that I so thankful that we have a God of Grace and Mercy because without it, none of us would be able to be with God when our earthly lives come to an end.
 

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Posted by Carmela (Member # 4817) on :
 
HFHS Ron Luce has an incredible ministry. Acquire the fire has reached thousands of teens. One of the teens from my church ended up joining them. She is married now but I would definitely recommend it to anyone. Ron also pulls out the pastor's and teaches them how to reach the youth in their church while the younger adults keep ministering to the teens through music, skits, and teachings. It's powerful and I was so glad I had gotten the change to experience that ministry. In fact, I still have the booklet that he gave to us when he trained the pastors (and myself and 2 other leaders from my church joined) because the information he gave is so helpful.
 

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Posted by helpforhomeschoolers (Member # 15) on :
 
I have to tell you that I did not know much about Luce and I still dont; I tend to approach all teachers with a bit of caution; but I was pleased with what I heard preached this weekend, though I did not hear all that was preached. I was impressed with the message I did hear. I was most impressed with the young people who had been going through his Honor Scholarship program and formed this ministry team. I would say that they were the fruit of Luce's teaching and I was very impressed with them.

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You know what I find the most amazing about God taking care of my husband just fine without my interference? I find that when I put my focus on myself and my actions or reactions and then work at changing me, my husband seems to change also in the end. However, if I spend my time telling what needs to be different, then things only get worse. So, I have learned that in a way it's all about me. Now, I'm not responsible for his actions, but I am responsible for mine and that is really where my focus should be anyway.

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