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The Gospel Observer
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you,
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"
(Matt. 28:19,20).
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August 23, 2015
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Contents:
1) Should a Christian Gamble? (R.J. Evans)
2) Historical & Literal (Cougan Collins)
3) The Dreaded Task (Richard Massey)
4) News & Notes
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-1-
Should a Christian Gamble?
by R.J. Evans
In 1931, the state of Nevada legalized most forms of gambling.
The city of Las Vegas, in particular, became the center of gambling
in the U.S. Over the course of time, it has been referred to
as "Sin City," which is not surprising. Now, the city has
developed a marketing catchphrase -- "What happens in Vegas,
stays in Vegas." Need I say more?
Since 1931, many forms of gambling have become a thriving "vice" in
America, especially casinos. At present, Nevada and Louisiana
are the only states where casino-style gambling is legal
statewide. In other states, casino-style gambling is
restricted to certain small geographic areas like Atlantic City, New
Jersey, the Mississippi gulf coast, or the American Indian
reservations.
I have never been to a gambling casino (and I have no desire to go
to one), but I have seen enough TV commercials to get an idea of
what they are like. I find it interesting what they use to
lure people in -- the bright lights, the glitter, entertainment,
prizes, and especially the food. The buffet-style food is a
big draw. The commercials displaying colorful scenes of appealing
foods give evidence of the fact that they know they can get to
people's wallets or pocketbooks through their stomachs. In these
establishments, it is as if the average person is playing against a
"stacked deck." The "odds" are always in the casino's
favor. Games of chance are like that -- if that were not
so, casinos would lose so much money they would have to go out of
business. The gambling patrons win just enough to whet their
appetite to keep coming back -- it is always "wait till the next
time -- I'm going to hit it big!" The sad part is that a good
percentage of these folks are already having financial difficulties.
At this point, we raise the question of our title: Should a
Christian gamble? To gamble is "to play games of chance
for money or some other stake; to bet on an uncertain outcome." Some
reason that since the word gamble is not specifically mentioned in
the Bible, then it must be okay. Of course, there are other
terms not specifically mentioned in Scripture, but are still in
violation of what the Bible teaches. Words such as "rape,"
"abortion," or "suicide" would come under the category of what is
considered wrong, based upon Bible teachings and principles.
In this article, let us observe some biblical principles that are
violated when someone gambles, what it can lead to, and why it is a
sinful vice. Consider the following:
1. Gambling destroys the incentive to work.
(Gen. 2:15; 3:19; Eph. 4:20; 2 Thes. 3:10; Acts 20:34-35)
2. Gambling is unjust gain. (Prov. 28:6-8; Ezek.
22:12-13)
3. Gambling is a form of covetousness. (Eph. 5:3; Jer.
22:13; Hab. 2:6)
4. A gambler is greedy and becomes a lover of
money. (1 Tim. 6:5-10; Col. 3:5)
5. Gambling breaks the second greatest
commandment. (Matt. 22:37-40; Rom. 13:10)
6. Gambling violates the "golden rule." (Matt. 7:12)
7. A gambler robs his family. (Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:8)
8. A gambler destroys his influence for good. (Matt.
5:13-16)
9. Gambling is a form of evil. (1 Thes. 5:22)
10. Gambling is addictive. (1 Cor. 6:12-13)
Based upon the biblical teachings mentioned above, Christians need
to stand firmly against all forms of gambling.
-- Via bulletin for the Southside church of Christ (8/16/15),
Gonzales, Louisiana
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-2-
Historical & Literal
by Cougan Collins
Those who attack the authenticity of what the Bible says about
creation will say that Genesis 1-11 is mythology. In other words,
they say it did not really happen and it is nothing more than a
fairy tale. They understand if they can convince people that it is
mythology, they can destroy the credibility of the Bible and promote
their man-made teaching of evolution with its billions of years.
Let's see what the Bible says. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus quotes from
Genesis 1 & 2 as being true. In John 8:44, Jesus called
Satan the "father of lies" referring back to Genesis 3:4. In
Matthew 23:35 Jesus spoke of Abel in Genesis 4:2-10 as a historical
person. In Matthew 24:37-38, Jesus spoke of the Flood of Noah in
Genesis 6-9 as a historical event. If Genesis 1-11 is a myth,
then Jesus was mistaken in all of these instances.
In 1 Corinthians 11:8,12, Paul states that man was created first,
then woman just as Genesis 2:18-23 states. In 1 Timothy 2:13,
Paul called Adam & Eve by name, and in Romans 5:14 he says
"death reigned from Adam to Moses." In 1 Corinthians 15:45,
Paul says, "The first man Adam became a living being." If Adam
was only a mythological character, then everything Paul said is
false. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul says, "But I fear, lest
somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your
minds may be corrupted." I am afraid many minds have been
corrupted by believing that Genesis 1-11 is nothing but a fairy
tale.
The New Testament shows that the first 11 chapters of Genesis are
historical and literal. In fact, there are more than 100 references
in the New Testament that refer back to the first eleven chapters of
Genesis. Besides this internal evidence, there is ample proof of the
global flood as described by the Bible because over 100 cultures
historically record a global flood. Also, the fossil record proves
that every mountain on earth was covered by water. For example,
marine fossils have been found high in the Himalayas, the world's
tallest mountain range. When one begins to examine the internal and
external evidence of Genesis 1-11, one will be overwhelmed with
proof that the Bible is true and not mythology.
-- Via The Beacon, October 28, 2014
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-3-
The Dreaded Task
by Richard Massey
"I found the task that I had dreaded so,
Was not so difficult when once begun;
It was the dread itself that was the foe,
And dread once conquered means a victory won"
(The Dreaded Task by Margaret E. Brown).
How true is the above statement. The first time brethren asked me to
teach a Bible class (it was fifth and sixth graders), I recoiled --
grimly dreading even the thought. I guess the elders were hard
pressed for teachers, so my arm was twisted until I finally
relented. Once I got started, however, the task became such a joy
that I did not want to stop. I even enjoyed decorating the classroom
with my own homemade posters. I have been teaching ever since, and
enjoying every minute.
It is the "getting started" that seems to be the real hurdle. If we
can get past that, the rest goes easier. Is there a hurdle between
you and attendance at Bible class, or attendance on Sunday nights?
Is there a hurdle for you in leading a public prayer, or inviting
your neighbor to church? There are precious benefits that accompany
each victory we win over dread. One result is we become a fruitful
and stronger Christian. Dread makes us weak and unproductive.
Are there important things that you should be doing, but because of
dread you have not accomplished them? Let me encourage you to get
past the dread. Look to the Lord for strength (Ephesians 6:10-11;
Philippians 4:13). Lean on your brethren for support (Galatians
6:2). Remember, it is "not so difficult when once begun."
-- Via articles from La Vista church of Christ
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"...I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in
Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt
bountifully with me" (Psalm 13:5,6).
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-4-
News & News
Let those of us who are of the family of God be praying for the
following people:
Dexter Roberts was diagnosed with cancer back in March
2014. It appeared that he had been improving, but then took a
turn for the worse a few weeks ago. The cancer had been in his
throat, but now has also gotten into his lymph nodes, lungs,
stomach, and back. Recently, he had radiation treatment on his
back.
The catheterization Shirley Davis recently had to eliminate
the blockage in her leg went well, but has left her with some pain
for the time being. She is also to be very careful on that leg for a
while.
Pat Joyner's surgery last Friday for breast cancer also went
well. Probably by the end of this month, she will hear an
update on her condition.
Let us also remember:
Jewell Wilson (hospice care), Rex Hadley (bypass
blockage and possible stone), Steve Vesta (critically ill),
Eleanor Roberts (Alzheimers'), Henry Roberts (pain in
back and feet), Brittany Royals (recovering well from
surgery for broken hip), Judy Daugherty (slowly recovering
from a fall to the head which caused a pea-size tumor), Mary
Vandevander and Sue Wooten (shut-ins), Dolly
Moody (fractured bone), Benny Medlock (mild stroke), Sunny
Nichols (Parkinson Disease), Jean Beach
(gastrointestinal problems), Michelle Rittenhouse (PVCs) Raylee
Metts and Lexi Crawford (cancer), Betty Miles
(stroke), Buddy Gornto, Don Hill (cancer), Colleen
Henson, Donell Wells, and Kelsey Williams
There will be a gospel meeting at the Oak Grove church
of Christ in Jennings, Florida, September 6-11 with Paul
Earnhart (from Louisville, Kentucky) as the guest
speaker. The church meets at 2922 NW 76th Terrace, Jennings,
Florida. Weeknight services will begin at 7:30. For
additional information, call 386-938-5047.
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation
1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes
(Rom. 10:17; John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24;
John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts
8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water for the
remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal.
3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21)
6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation
can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Sunday services: 9:00 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 5 PM
(worship)
Wednesday: 7 PM (Bible class)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 614-8593
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/go
(Gospel Observer website)
https://thegospelobserver.wordpress.com/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html
(audio sermons)