Introduction:

1. All over the country, communities in financial trouble are trying to legalize Gambling to prop up poorly run economies.
2. We should be praying about these challenges.

   Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 1-for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. -- 1 Timothy 2:1-2

3. This morning I want to discuss one of the subjects you will have to deal with when you vote: gambling.
4. If Proposition E passes, legalized casino gambling will become a reality for our area.
5. Even if casino gambling were not on the ballot, it would still be necessary to discuss the subject of gambling.
6. Lotteries, raffles, office pools etc. All of these are common forms of gambling.
7. It is not the place of preachers and churches to comment on political issues, but God has always expected his messengers to cry out against sin.

   "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: "When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. "Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. -- Ezekiel 3:17-19

   That this is a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the LORD; Who say to the seers, "Do not see," And to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. -- Isaiah 30:9-10

1. Some Background.
   1. What is gambling? "The act or practice of betting: the act of playing a game and consciously risking money or other stakes on its outcome" (Webster's Third New International Dictionary [unabridged] p. 932). But I don't really have to define gambling. We all know what gambling is. It is risking money on the result of a game with the desire of winning more money.
   2. It is not a new problem by any means.
      1. The Greeks in Homer's time had knucklebones from sheep and goats that were marked to serve as dice.
      2. A gambling board was discovered in Crete that dates back to 1800-1900 B.C.
      3. In Babylon headless arrows were used for making wagers.
      4. Children in Rome played "heads or tales" with coins.
      5. Tertullian said, "If you say that you are a Christian when you are a dice player, you say what you are not, because you are a partner with the world."
   3. For most of the history of this country, gambling has been condemned as morally wrong and a social evil.
   4. How did we get to this point? Demonic incrementalism!
      1. Illustrate with the gradual erosion of standards in TV, Movies, politics.
   5. Gambling has been promoted among certain religious circles as a means of "charity." Using this "Trojan horse" gambling has been promoted and legalized around the country as a means of raising government revenue.
2. This is an exciting time to be alive. It is a time when we can each make a difference.
   1. (Mat 5:13-16 NKJV) "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. {14} "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. {15} "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. {16} "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
      We are salt and light.
   2. Sodom and Gomorrah perished because there weren't 10 people to salt the city.
   3. The Antediluvians perished because there weren't 10 righteous people to save the earth.
3. Gambling is compulsive behavior.
   1. It may be legal but I will NOT be bound by it (1 Cor. 6:9ff).
   2. Even if I could handle it, it would not legalize it and bring others into bondage.
   3. Such would be the antithesis of the Golden rule as spelled out by Jesus.
4. Gambling is a compulsive behavior, and as such should be avoided by the Christian.
   1. I Cor 6:9 ff.
   2. This is a positive message of change for the better.
   3. Existence of such organizations as gamblers anonymous testify to the truthfulness of this assertion.
   4. On one occasion, I stood in line at a hardware store while people In front of me were selling their food stamps outside the door to buy lottery tickets. They were in bondage. Their children, at home, were paying the price for their bondage.
5. Gambling is sinful because it is motivated by greed, covetousness and a love of money.
   1. Whatever happened to the sin of greed and covetousness?
   2. Few discuss, warn or even speak of greed and covetousness.
   3. One would think that the sin of covetousness either does not exist or (ant the very least) no one is ever guilty of  it.
   4. "Greed" is an eager desire for base gain. "Covetousness" is translated from two Greek words. One means a "greedy desire to have more." The second literally means "loving money."
   5. If there is such a sin as greed and covetousness, then gambling is a prime example of this sin.
   6. How do you know gambling is motivated by greed? Just look at and listen to the advertisements.
   7. Why would anyone want to spend a weekend in the state of Mississippi in the Mississippi delta? Certainly not for the scenery, for the food or just to relax. The casinos entice people to come and gamble their paychecks away with the chance that they might just hit a big jackpot!
   8. Some may argue that gambling is not motivated by greed. There is any easy way to prove otherwise.
   9. If gambling is not motivated by greed just take the money out of it and see how many people participate.
   10. Let people buy brightly colored cards to scrape of the coverings to reveal numbers underneath, not for money, but just to see if they can match the right number.
   11. Let people drop quarters and dollars in slot machines just to watch the bright symbols run around and see if they can line up three jackpots. But no money. How long would the casinos stay open?
   12. Gambling is about greed. It is about a "love of money." It is about covetousness.
   13. Jesus' tells us to beware of covetousness. "(13) And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. (14) And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? (15) And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Lk. 12:13-15).
   14. Why beware of covetousness? Those who are greedy:
       1. They trouble their house. "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; (Prov. 15:27).
       2. Just ask the family of Achan. He coveted (7:21) and took the forbidden riches of Jericho. He first brought trouble upon the nation of Israel, then his greed brought trouble his own house. He and his whole family were stoned to death (Josh. 7).
       3. Just ask the family of the gambler. He covets the money of others in the "jackpot" and spends his paycheck while his own children go without.
       4. They are never satisfied. "(10) He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. (11) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (12) The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep" (Eccl. 5:10-12).
       5. They shall fall. "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch" (Prov. 11:28).
       6. They will end up with nothing. "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches" (Prov. 13:7).
   15. Covetousness is sinful and will condemn to Hell."(21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: (23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man" (Mk. 7:21-23).
   16. The love of money is the root of all evil! "(9) 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. (10) 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. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (1 Tim. 6:6-11).
   17. "(9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
   18. "(5) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience" (Col. 3:5-6).
   19. Covetousness is not to be among God's people.
   20. Elders and deacons are not to be "greedy of filthy lucre" or "covetous" (1 Tim. 3:3, 8).
   21. Neither is any other Christian to be covetous. "(3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" (Eph. 5:3-5).
   22. If a man's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses, what does a man's life consist of?
   23. "Whoever finishes with the most toys wins."
   24. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works" (Mt.16:26-27).
   25.  

1. In Summary it is the antithesis of love for self and ones neighbor

11-03-1996 AM Waterford, MI

Gambling With Eternity

Supplementary Material.

Introduction

This morning the sermon topic is "Gambling And The Christian." I have chosen this topic because Tuesday is Election Day. If passed, Proposition E would lead to casino gambling in the Detroit Metropolitan area. As Christians, we should each pause and think about what the Bible says about this important Issue.

This supplement is intended to include information that we will not have time to examine during the sermon. Although statistics, opinions, and research are referred to in this supplement please remember that what maters is what God says in his word. Even if it could be proven that gambling is not harmful (and it certainly cannot) if God says it is wrong the Christian must stand against it

The Governor and Attorney General on Proposal "E"

Governor John Engler (Republican)

"Casino gambling is a bad bet for Michigan. Gambling results in more crime, broken families, abuse and addiction. We've build a solid foundation for Michigan's future based on more jobs, strong Families and lower taxes. Vote NO on Proposal E."

October 7, 1996 before the Detroit Economic Club.

Attorney General Frank Kelley (Democrat)

"If you allow casino gambling to permeate our cities and other areas of the state, you will see the greatest increase in crime and corruption in all of our history … We must not let the lure of gambling tarnish our future and divert us from our destiny as a great state."

(Testimony given before Governor's Committee on Gamin, Lansing, Michigan, March 3, 1995) ).

WHAT ABOUT GAMBLING?

A recent Gallop poll indicated that over 60% of the US population gambles regularly. More than 80% approve of legal gambling. 26 states now have lotteries. More and more we hear of Christians who gamble. Many fall to the temptation of these lotteries. Others bet on horses, athletic events, etc. Far too many participate in raffles, office "pools", and other forms of gambling. What does God say about all of this?

The Bible never uses the words "gamble" or "gambling," but it clearly sets forth principles that condemn the practice. Gambling is a SIN because:

1. It is addictive. The very fact that there is an organization called "Gamblers Anonymous" proves this point. Christians are not to be "brought under the power of any" (1 Cor. 6:12).
2. It is covetousness. It displays an inordinate desire to gain without giving something of equal value. It aims to gain at the expense of others. (Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10).
3. It violates the principles of love and the "golden rule." Someone once described gambling as "stealing by consent." (Matt. 22:39; 1 Cor. 10:24; Matt. 7:12).
4. It is bad stewardship. A very casual study of the "odds" proves that you have a much higher percentage chance of losing than winning. You are literally "throwing your money away." God, on the other hand, expects us to be good stewards of what we have been given (1 Pet. 4:10).
5. It violates the legitimate transfer of money or property. The Bible outlines three ways in which things of value can be exchanged: by labor (Eph. 4:28), by trade (Acts 4:32-37), or by gift (Matt. 7:11). Gambling fits none of these.
6. It breeds other problems. Much of the crime in our country is linked to gambling in one way or another.

   Clearly, Christians should in no way support or participate in

   gambling.

   --Greg Gwin ggwin@korrnet.org

Gambling was a $50 billion business 25 years ago; it is certainly

incalculable now. Gambling is done by children, housewives, businessmen, sportsmen, compulsive gamblers, etc., so much so that everyone knows a number of people who are gamblers. The existence of Gamblers Anonymous should signal the size and scope of the problem we have in our society today. Gambling is alive and well in your neighborhood and town. "Sure-bet" and "easy money," phrases that originated in gambling circles but are commonly used by almost everyone now, show how ignorant we have allowed ourselves to be about gambling - almost everyone loses almost all of the time!

What is gambling? It has been described as "some luck, a little larceny and a lot of losers." Webster defines it, "to risk something of value on some outcome in order to gain money or some other prize(s)." Three factors must be present in order for an activity to be considered gambling: 1) A payoff, prize or merchandise, 2) A chance, based on which the prize will be awarded, and 3) Agreement of all players to pay if they lose. Most people would say the Bible condemns gambling in general, but couldn't point out where or how. There are several reasons a Christian should stay away from gambling.

1. It is not a godly way to earn a living. Paul told the Ephesians, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). How should we earn a living? By "working...the thing which is good." It is wrong to deprive another of his possessions without giving something of equal value in return. In the description given above gambling was described as "a little larceny." Larceny is defined as "taking another's property without his consent." In order for one to win in gambling, everyone else has to lose. The winner, in essence, is taking the money from the losers.
2. It violates the second commandment, "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). Jesus said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
3. It often involves covetousness. Paul calls covetousness "idolatry". The gambler wants something another has. He has no intention of giving something of equal value in return. The vast majority of gambling that takes place is motivated by covetousness.
4. It gives the appearance of evil. Paul told the Thessalonians that Christians should avoid "all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Most forms of gambling easily have the appearance of evil, and thus, will be avoided by sincere children of God. We might think that state-run gambling is clean and free of evil, but what about the parents who are playing the Lottery instead of buying goods, clothes, etc. for their family? Ask a merchant what the lottery has done to his business.
5. It is not practicing Christian stewardship. Everything belongs to God: our money, home, cars, etc. We are only managing them for a little while and we will give answer for how we use them on the Judgment Day (Matthew 25:14-30). God has set forth these four ways a Christian can use His money: a) To support the Lord's work (Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8; 9:6-8), b) To support his family (1 Timothy 5:8), c) To help those in need (Acts 2:45; 4:34-37; James 2:14-16), and d) To support the government (Romans 13:7). To use God's blessings in an attempt to deprive another of his blessings, through gambling or any other method, is abusing the stewardship God has places upon us. - Jeff S. McCrary

   Jeff s. McCrary jbone@gv.gulfnet.com

There has literally been an explosion in our society over the past ten years in the area of gambling. From the Casinos, to the government sponsored lotteries, to the neighborhood raffles, gambling has enthralled of this country. It appears this will continue, so it is an issue with which Christians will be dealing as we try to influence the world for Christ by what we do and say. Not only should Christians be right in practice, but we must be able to give an answer to those who ask why gambling is a sin (1 Peter 3:15). We must always give God's answer for this and every other Bible question we attempt to answer (1 Peter 4:11). in this article we look at some common arguments offered to defend the practice of gambling. These are ones I have personally heard, and certainly, one or two of them are ridiculous. However, they are given and we must entertain them with sincerity and patience when they are offered.

1. "It is for a good cause." Satan isn't stupid, so he "sponsors" obviously good and beneficial causes with his sin. The action we and others could take is to donate the money and not take the ticket. This is sufficient solution if all we're really trying to do is help the little league buy uniforms.
2. "I just bet small amounts." A sin is a sin, whether it is "big" or "small." Actually, since God can see and indeed counts every sin, there really is no such thing as "big" or "small" sins. Taking a small amount of money from another is still larceny.
3. "Life is a gamble." True, but the sin in gambling is not in the risk or the size of the wager. The sin is in the wager itself. In order for me to win, everyone else has to lose. If I am taking something from someone else without giving something of equal value in return, Webster says I am committing larceny.
4. "Churches support gambling with bingo." True, and they will answer to God for their actions just as you and I will. Just because churches engage in certain activities doesn't make them right and acceptable to God. We must go by the scriptures for everything we say and do (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Galatians 1:8-9; Revelations 22:18-19; etc.)
5. "No one is forced to gamble." Gambling has been classed with certain "victimless crimes" that supposedly hurt no one but the one participating. Actually, there are no "victimless crimes." The gambler not only victimizes himself, but his family, friends and many others. Would murder be all right if the victim agreed to it? Many will feel this is much 'ado about nothing, that we have much more important things to condemn than something as harmless as gambling. I guess Nadab and Abihu thought the same thing about their strange fire (Leviticus 10:1-2); and Moses must have thought striking the rock was just as good as what God commanded (Numbers 20:7-12); and Ananias and Sapphira certainly thought half the truth was just as good as all of it (Acts 5:1-11). The Bible is full of people who thought that matters about which God has spoken are not all that important.

   "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 1:9-11). Let us determine to abide in the words of the Lord in all that we say and do. God will bless (Matthew 6:25-34), and we will have all of eternity to be thankful that we did. - Jeff S. McCrary jbone@gv.gulfnet.com

    

   GAMBLING

   2 Cor. 6:14-18

   INTRODUCTION:

1. In recent weeks and months gambling has been in the news media quite a lot.
2. Many of our civil leaders are looking at various forms of gambling as a means of raising funds for the state.
3. It seems that some have the idea that bingo used as a fund raiser for nonprofit organizations (not just the child's board game) is a fine way to raise funds for various organizations. "Americans spend $10 billion a year at charity — sponsored bingo and casino games. But only 10% goes to help the needy" "Money Magazine October, 1993). Many say that the percentage is steadily declining and in some cases the charity only receives a fraction of 1% of the profit.
4. From US News & World Report, March 14, 1994 in an article titled "America's Gambling Craze." "The casino boom is growing daily. But it might not last forever, and its ill effects are Potent."

   "No one howled in protest last month when H&R Block set up makeshift tax-preparation offices in four Nevada casinos and offered gamblers same-day 'refund-anticipationloans.' And few people cared recently when a Florida inventor won a U. S. patent that could someday enable television audiences to legally bet on game shows, football games and even beauty pageants from their homes."

   "What's the deal? Not that long ago, Americans held gambling in nearly the same esteem as heroin dealing and applauded when ax-wielding police paid a visit to the corner dice room. But moral outrage has become as outmoded as a penny slot machine. In 1955, for example, baseball commissioner Ford Frick considered wagering so corrupt he prohibited major leaguers from overnighting in Las Vegas. Last year, by contrast, Americans for the first time made more trips to casinos than they did to Major League ballparks — some 92 million trips, according to one study."

   "It took six decades for gambling to become America's pastime, from the legalization of Nevada casinos in 1931 to April Fool's Day 1991, when Davenport, Iowa, launched the Diamond Lady, the nation's first legal riverboat casino. The gradual creation of 37 state lotteries broke down the public's mistrust, conveying a clear message that the government sanctioned gambling; indeed, is even coming to depend on it as a tax-revenue source. Corporate ownership of casinos helped in its own way, too, replacing shady operators with trusted brand names like Hilton and MGM. Casinos now operate or are authorized in 23 states, and 95 percent of all Americans are expected to live within a three or four-hour drive of one by the year 2000."

5. We must then, realize that legalized gambling is already a part of our civilization and is rapidly expanding. So what should be the Christian's attitude toward this. Is it just another form of recreation in which a Christian can participate, regulated by good judgment?
6. As Christians, we have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
   1. Christ lives in us; our life is hid with Christ in God Gal. 2:20 & Col. 3:1-3
   2. Thayer: "To become so possessed of the mind of Christ as in thought, feeling and action to resemble Him and, as it were, reproduce the life He Lived."

      DISCUSSION:

1. SO, WHAT IS GAMBLING?
   1. Webster - "To play a game for money or other stake; hence to stake money or any other thing of value upon the uncertain event; to hazard, to wager."
   2. Two essential elements involved in gambling.
      1. A stake involved whereby one stands to gain at the loss of others depending upon the outcome of some selected element of
      2. The element of chance is arbitrarily determined by the parties involved.
   3. Don't confuse gambling with risks such as farming, driving, playing sports, investing in stocks, etc. In farming, etc. gain is not sought at the loss of another; these would be happy if no risk were involved.
   4. There are many different types of gambling: check pools, raffles, punch boards, bingo for money, cards for money, betting on sporting events, etc.
   5. What about "casting lots" as used in the Bible? similar to drawing a name out of a hat.
      1. Casting lots = choosing (Lev 16:7-10).
      2. Determining who got Jesus coat (John 19:23-26).
      3. Determining God's will (Acts 1:26, 24).
2. GAMBLING'S EFFECT ON SOCIETY — A MENACE.
   1. The gambling picture in the United States.
      1. Americans legally wagered $330 billion in 1992 — an 1,800% over 1976 (US News & World Report 30 May, 1983). Americans wager a trillion dollars annually, or $4,500 for every man, woman and child in the nation.
         1. Population of U. S. in 1990 248,709,873.
         2. $330 billion averages out to about $1300 a year for each adult and child in U. S.
      2. Robert Goodman, professor of urban planning at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, says that Atlantic City, the faded New Jersey resort that ended Nevada's monopoly in 1976, is a prime case of what can go wrong. "During a 16-year period," Goodman said, "they pulled in revenues of $44 billion — more than $1 million for every man, woman and child in the place. It was a major benefit for the casinos, but the community lost 26 percent of its population and 100 of the 250 restaurants that were there when the casinos moved in. On top of that the city has the highest unemployment in the state and a lot of homelessness" (Mclean's Magazine May 30, 1994).
      3. Fifty-one percent of American adults now find casino gambling "acceptable for anyone," and 35 percent describe it as "acceptable for others but not for me," according to a Yankelovich Inc. poll paid for by Harrah's casinos. The attraction is simple. "The action for them is the thrill of what's going to happen in the next pull of that slot-machine handle," explains Harrah's president, Phil Satre. (US News & World Report, March 14, 1994). There are only two states with no legal gambling of any kind: Utah and Hawaii. There is gambling in churches, homes, schools, government, recreation, everywhere.
   2. Produces nothing of value and adds nothing to the
   3. Not everyone is amused. "The country is flying blind," says William N. Nevada, Las Vegas, who studies gambling policy. "State legislators think this is free money," says Thompson, "but it's not free. It's just taken from other parts of the local economy" (Fortune Magazine November 1, 1993).
   4. States frequently overestimate the financial impact of gambling revenues. "Legalized gambling is never large enough to solve any social problem," says gambling-law professor and paid industry consultant I. Nelson Rose. In New Jersey, for example, horse racing alone accounted for about 10 percent of state revenue in the 1950s. Today, despite the addition of a lottery and 12 casinos, the state earns only 6 percent of its revenue through gambling. "Atlantic City used to be a slum by the sea," says Rose, "Now it's a slum by the sea with casinos" (US News & World Report, March 14, 1994).
   5. It promotes crime and traffics in immorality and destroys citizens.
      1. It causes men and women to kill, steal, mortgage homes, starve and half clothe their families, lose jobs and many other ills upon society.
      2. Statement by gas station attendant in Las Vegas: "Everybody in town at one time or another has been offered to share a wife in trade for gas or repairs.
3. I BELIEVE GAMBLING VIOLATES DIVINE LAW.
   1. If gambling is a violation of divine law why are religious people not more vigorously opposed? Consider this quote from US News & World Report, March 14, 1994. "The sky is not falling yet. Apart from a handful of academics and the odd politician, few Americans are seriously questioning the morality of an industry that is expected to help gamblers lose a record $35 billion in 1995 alone. Religious leaders have been oddly silent, perhaps because so many churches and synagogues rely on bingo revenues. 'The biggest things we have to help people are churches and temples and the government,' says Arnie Wexler, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. 'And now they're all in the gambling business.'"
   2. Gambling is not mentioned specifically in the Bible. However, not all sinful acts are specifically mentioned.
   3. General terms and principles cover specifics.
      1. The terms "rape," "suicide," "abortion," etc. are not specifically mentioned.
      2. However, one is able to "discern" their error (Heb 5:14).
4. BIBLE PRINCIPLES WHICH GAMBLING VIOLATES.
   1. Industry (work) - encourages laziness See (Gen. 2:15; 3:19).
      1. Slothfulness and prosperity at the expense of others is not the will of God (Prov 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Thess. 3:10).
      2. The gambler profits at expense of another's labor — is nonproductive and parasitic.
   2. Economics - 3 legitimate means of transferring property.
      1. Law of labor and capital - money or worth paid for physical or mental effort expended (Eph. 4:28; Lk. 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:9,10).
      2. Law of exchange - a commodity is exchanged for its value in money or goods (Matt. 13:44-46; 25:27; Lk. 22:36).
      3. Law of love-vale given without expectation or desire for return (Rom. 13:10) as a gift or to relieve physical distress (Eph. 4:28; Acts 2:45; 11:29).
      4. Gambling violates all three of these.
         1. Gambling is essentially covetousness, because it seeks rewards for another's labor.
         2. Covet is to "long inordinately for something that is another's" and is condemned (Col. 3:5).
   3. Gambling places an unequal yoke on Christians (2 Cor. 6:14-17).
   4. Gambling wields a bad influence on others (Matt. 5:16).
   5. Gambling is a corrupt tree (Matt 7:16-20).
   6. Gambling is not conducive to Godliness.
      1. Can you picture Jesus financing his work in a card game or shooting dice, even betting on a horse race or having a raffle in view of 1 Pet. 2:21-23?
      2. Gambling is not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, etc. (Phil 4:8).

         CONCLUSION:

   1. Gambling does not involve gain by reason of labor, exchange or love and does not fit into God's scheme of things reflecting his nature.
   2. For reasons both temporal and spiritual, gambling is a sin. As such Christians cannot participate in it.
   3. If it is a sin, then it is a sin regardless of the amount wagered.
   4. The sincere child of God will keep himself from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22); keep himself unspotted from the world (Jas. 1:27); will not love the world (1 John 2:15-17)

      -- Jerry L. Henderson