IS IT NATURE OR NURTURE? WHY (I) WE ACT AS (I) WE DO - PART 1

(Bible references are from the King James Version (KJV), Contemporary English Version (CEV), American Standard Version (ASV), Modern King James Version (MKJV) or Revised Version (RV). The use of a particular version of the Bible or reference to books, websites, etc. should not be considered as an endorsement by the author of all the information contained there.)

I want to make my motivations clear for much of the thinking, writing and ministry that I do. Obviously, these are my opinions and there is not enough space or time for me to try and explain why I feel or believe as I do. Suffice it to say that we are all products of nature and nurture.[1]
I believe (nature and nurture) that the Bible is the inspired, authoritative, infallible, inerrant revelation of God to man. I should, however, emphasize that “… faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17 KJV) not by reading commentaries (nurture). I also believe (nature and nurture) that the truth is not revealed by man, pastors, rabbis, priests, teachers, denominations, churches or religion but by the Holy Spirit.[2] That bumper sticker that says “God said it – I believe it – That settles it!” should be revised to look like, “God said it – I believe it – That settles it!” Whether I or you believe it or not really does not make any difference. In fact, “Our God is in the heavens, doing as he chooses.” (Psa 115:3 CEV) In my opinion, (nurture) religion may be defined as “Rules and regulations made by man to control the masses”. Jesus did not emphasize religion – He emphasized relationship with God.[3]
Man is a unique creation; one could say an "unrepeatable miracle" created in the image of God. To me that means (nurture[4]) man has abilities that are not necessarily shared by all other creatures on the planet, i.e., emotions, ability to plan and make decisions based on knowledge or desires, etc., the ability to learn, to communicate in multiple ways, to invent, to create..... Man also appears to be unique in his ability to make choices, which are based on motivational stimuli - desires, feelings, knowledge, beliefs, tastes, likes and dislikes, etc. – or perhaps just impulsive. In any case these choices are made either because of our nature (genetics) or nurture (what we have learned or been trained to do).
My beliefs have been nurtured by my education, experiences, sensory stimulation, etc. while my nature is what I inherited from birth. Given this meager attempt to explain my actions I will now act on my thoughts and try to summarize my rationale for my actions. However, I must be honest and say that sometimes I do foolish things impulsively and often disobey both God and man – “All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory…” (Rom 3:23 CEV)
Life is a very special gift from God and He desires that we voluntarily submit ourselves to Him. For those who do not know Him or accept His existence as real He has provided evidence which each must choose to either believe or ignore.[5] His plans are revealed in the Gospel of John. “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. (John 3:16 CEV)” and “The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2Pe 3:9 CEV)”
Personally I am convicted that it is not my job or mission to save anyone, judge anyone, or convict anyone as to whether their choices are right or wrong – the Holy Spirit will do all of that[6]. Choice is a wonderful gift and each must use it as they are convicted in their own hearts. I truly desire to show agape love[7] to all men regardless of their beliefs, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, hair color, etc. although I fail miserably on occasion. I also believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that death is inevitable (an absolute) – all WILL die in the flesh. I believe that there is life and death beyond the grave and that all will one day either be in eternal life with God or eternal death with satan – each chooses. Also I believe (nature and nurture) that God is righteous and just and He will judge each one according to their own heart – their desire to be obedient to His commandments – motivations, ambitions, reasons, … respecting both their nature (whether or not they were born that way) and nurture (what they have been taught, experienced or discovered).
It is not my intent to bash, hurt, harm, cause pain, etc. to anyone. My sole purpose is to provide a Biblical World View[8] of life for consideration by those who would listen. I desire to do this because of my beliefs and my desire to save others from eternal damnation. I always try to be tolerant, understanding of others feelings and opinions, respectful of their ideas and thoughts, etc. God is the final judge and the Holy Spirit convicts one of disobedience to God (sin) – not me. I sincerely desire to love God and to love my neighbors (everyone) as myself.[9] If you are offended by what I present I am always willing to listen to your point of view – I may not agree or approve but I will respect and honor your freedom to express it. For me the most important question is, “What if the Bible is true? The final choice of what we do with our lives and how we react to the circumstances around us is made by each of us as we spend our finite lifetime on planet earth. Remember, “Wherever you go – there you are”.

In Part 2 I hope to explain the reasons for pain and suffering providing appropriate Biblical references.

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[1] Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_versus_nurture
for a more comprehensive understanding of these terms.

[2] “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come.” (John 16:1 3 KJV)

[3] "Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, a philosophy of life, and a worldview." For a comprehensive discussion go to http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_defn.htm

[4] I have been adding “nature and/or nurture to emphasize where I believe I got this idea or thought. I will do this no longer.

[5] “For when the nations, who do not have the Law, do by nature the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law unto themselves; some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law. (Rom 2:14) This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned,” (Rom 2:15 CEV)
“For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness From heaven God shows how angry he is with all the wicked and evil things that sinful people do to crush the truth. (Rom 1:18) They know everything that can be known about God, because God has shown it all to them. (Rom 1:19) God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. That's why those people don't have any excuse. (Rom 1:20) They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark. (Rom 1:21) They claim to be wise, but they are fools.
(Rom 1:22ff)”(CEV)

[6] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7) And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8) of sin, because they believe not on me; (John 16:9) of righteousness, because I go to the Father, and ye behold me no more; (John 16:10) of judgment, because the prince of this world hath been judged. (John 16:11 KJV)

[7] Noun1.agape - (Greek) love (especially love that is spiritual and selfless in nature) http://www.thefreedictionary.com/agape

[8] For more information on “Biblical World view go to: http://www.godisforus.com/information/worldview/intro/intro.htm

[9] (Mar 12:28-31 CEV)”One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, "What is the most important commandment?" Jesus answered, "The most important one says: 'People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.' The second most important commandment says: 'Love others as much as you love yourself.' No other commandment is more important than these."

TOLERANCE YES - APPROVAL NO!

Nothing is politically right that is morally wrong.(Carved on the ceiling of the Missouri Senate Chamber.)

I am publishing on this blog and permission is given to all to distribute or use as the Lord leads as long as the content is not changed. You can add your thoughts but don't change mine! PBob

Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong. ~Richard Armour

299 word version

TOLERANCE YES - APPROVAL NO!

The New York State Assembly may soon be considering BILL A8590: An act to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to the ability to marry. The ability to marry is a rather asinine designation – the “right to marry one of the same sex” is really what we are talking about. Perhaps it would be to our benefit if the government gave us the ability to do what is right in our own eyes. We live in a country where we have freedom of choice and I respect that, but choices have consequences - if someone wants to live with someone that is their business but DO NOT EXPECT everyone to agree or to pay for their choices. “BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: The bill will require additional state expenditures for spousal benefits for those partners of state employees who are not eligible for such benefits under current law.” (Direct quote from Bill A8590)

If the people who represent us care what the people think this issue should be brought to a vote by the people and not railroaded into law by the Governor. If the government approves something, that does not make it right. What if there is a higher power or the Bible is true? Love YES - Tolerance YES - Approval NO! How long should those of us who believe in a higher power continue to sit back while our tax money is used to pass laws contrary to our beliefs? Perhaps it’s time to withhold our taxes to the extent that they are used to violate our conscience. We must make a choice between obeying God or man! Nothing is politically right that is morally wrong. Bill A8590 may be read in its entirely at http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A8590.

Robert J Paquet, PhD

Crying in the Wilderness Ministry

200 word version

Nothing is politically right that is morally wrong

The NYS Assembly may soon be considering BILL A8590: An act to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to the ability to marry. The ability to marry is an asinine designation – the “right to marry one of the same sex” is what it’s about. What if the government gave us the ability to do what is right in our own eyes? We have freedom of choice, but choices have consequences - DO NOT EXPECT everyone to agree or pay for your choices. “BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: The bill will require additional state expenditures for spousal benefits for those partners of state employees who are not eligible for such benefits under current law.” (BILL A8590)

If those who represent us care what we think, this issue should be brought to a vote by the people and not railroaded into law by the Governor. What if the Bible is true? Love YES - Tolerance YES - Approval NO! Should we who believe in the Bible sit back while our tax money is used to pass laws contrary to our beliefs? Perhaps it’s time to withhold our taxes when they are used to violate our conscience. http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A8590.

Robert J Paquet, PhD

Crying in the Wilderness Ministry

What If The Tomb Is Not Empty?

The sermon below was given on Easter Sunday 1999 at Hankins Assembly of God. Recently, a claim that the tomb of Jesus had been found was provided to the news media on February 26, 2007 and the Discovery Channel TV aired a special, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus”, on Sunday evening, March 4, 2007.

Consider the ramifications of this announcement if true …..On the other hand, “What if the Bible is True?”

(All scripture references have been taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, copyright 1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI 49530)

There has been no greater event in the course of human history than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the Bible tells us that the salvation of all men is dependent upon this event.

Imagine if the following headlines were broadcast world wide:

Dateline Jerusalem: On the eve of the annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the 1 million inhabitants of this city were shocked by the announcement that a body, identified as that of Jesus, was found in a long-neglected tomb just outside the boundary of the city. Rumors have been circulating the last week that a very important discovery was about to be announced. The news, however, far outstrips all of our wildest guesses. The initial reaction of Christians here and around the world has been one of astonishment, bewilderment, and defensive disbelief. We will have to wait and see just what effect this discovery will have on the 2,000 year-old religion. To the mind of this unbelieving writer, it appears that Christianity will have to take its place on the same level with other religions of the world. No longer can its followers claim that, unlike other religions, the tomb of its founder is empty. Evidently a 2,000-year-old lie has come to an end.
Ref: Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Green, M.P. (ed.), Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI (1989)

If this news release were true our faith would be in vain. In 1 Corinthians 15: 14-19, the apostle Paul writes, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead. But He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

The Bible teaches us that it is through Christ, the Son of God, that men have fellowship with the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6) In Ephesians 2:8-9 we are reminded, “For it is by grace (unmerited favor) you have been saved, through faith - that this not from yourselves, it is the (free) gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Words underlined were added for emphasis)

If Christ is not the Son of God; if Christ has not been raised from the dead then we have no hope - we are still dead in our trespasses and sin and our due reward is death. For the Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Easter is a time not only to celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; it is a time to rejoice in His triumph over death and the grave. You might say that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the, “Solution to a ‘Grave’ Problem”. The thought of death leaves many people distraught and frustrated as we discover how helpless we really are. A close look at the death rate in our area indicates that it is “one per person”. I say this not to be facetious but to remind us that one day each of us will die. Easter reminds us of our hope - it reminds us that there is life after death - it reminds us that there is one who has gone before.

1 Corinthians 15:54b-57 provides the comfort we have as Christians concerning death: “....Death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Finally, let us not be deceived for we will all be resurrected. Jesus speaks of a resurrection of life for the believer and a resurrection of judgment for the wicked: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out - those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:28-29) What if the Bible is true?

HE HAS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE! HALLELUJAH!

Below is the introduction to a recent article which was published on the “Answers In Genesis” website.
For additional information go to:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2007/0305lost-tomb-review.asp

“Jesus’ tomb found” claim as empty as Jesus’ [real] tomb

A review of Sunday evening’s television attack on the Resurrection

March 5, 2007

It’s the latest variation in a long line of lies that started in Matthew 28:11–15: a claim that the tomb—and ossuary (bone box)—of Jesus has been found and, along with it, the ossuaries of other members of Jesus’ family, including His mother Mary and His alleged wife, Mary Magdalene. Over 25 years ago, the bones in the boxes were removed and reburied in unmarked graves, but bone fragments remain in multiple ossuaries—including in that alleged to be Jesus’ coffin.

The implications are staggering to orthodox Christian belief, which is both built and focused on the Resurrection, divinity, and lordship of Jesus (see, in particular, 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, 12–22). If the remains of Jesus have been found (or, more precisely—as we’ll see—remains of the remains of Jesus), our faith is in vain. Thus, like the debate over origins, it is imperative that Christians closely examine and boldly answer the challenge, both to strengthen our own faith and to be ready to “give an answer” to an unbelieving world.

BOB PAQUET, Ph.D

Crying in the Wilderness Ministry

Christian Beliefs - Expect Persecution

Christian Beliefs

“Expect Persecution”

Note: I will be posting the responses referenced below in the near future.

In response to a letter to the editor which I wrote, “Gay Marriage or Civil Union: Is That the Issue”. Recent responses “All or Nothing”, “Tu Quo Que!” , “There’s No Defense for Bigotry”, and “Countering Bigotry”, have suggested a variety of derogatory terms to describe me and the Bible. I want to assure you that I am not intentionally homophobic, racial, prejudiced, bigoted, intolerant, ignorant, etc., human, yes, perfect no! I am certainly not against anyone’s civil rights. I am a sinner saved by the shed Blood of Jesus Christ. “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…,” (Romans 3:23) I also “….am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” (Romans 1:16). It is not my responsibility to convict, (ministry of the Holy Spirit) judge, (ministry of Jesus Christ) or lay a guilt trip (deception of satan) on anyone. However, I will continue to defend, proclaim and preach the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ. My intent is not to harm anyone, but to proclaim what I believe to be truth. What if the Bible is true? Jesus commanded His disciples to,” Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20). I expect that many will be offended and will oppose the Bible and the one proclaiming it (John 15:20; Romans 12:14); that is their choice – civil right. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Fortunately, I still have the freedom to proclaim the Gospel in love – not to bash, hate, or coerce (Matt.22: 37-40). In as much as I am able I want to show the love of Jesus Christ to all. All have freedom of choice but choice involves consequences. If you really thought that someone was going to jump from a tall building wouldn’t you attempt to stop them? To set the record straight, I believe: The Scriptures are the inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21); There is only One True God–revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22); In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God's son Jesus was both human and divine; In His virgin birth, (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31; Luke 1:35); In His sinless life, (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22); In His miracles, (Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38); In His substitutionary work on the cross, (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21); In His bodily resurrection from the dead, (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4); In His exaltation to the right hand of God. (Acts 1:9; Acts 1:11; Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3); That though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world, (Genesis 1:26,27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12-19); Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through 'Salvation' - accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness for sin, (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:5-7); Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christ like, ( Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12; Romans 6:1-11; Romans 6:13; Romans 8:1,2; Romans 8:13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5) ; The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin using love, not hate, bias or bigotry. I believe 'the Church' is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God's offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ, (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16); A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire, (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8). For additional information on my beliefs go to our website at http://www.cryinginthewilderness.org/. For additional information on what the Bible says about homosexuality visit http://www.sbministries.org/. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. … He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed …”(John 3:16-18). Consider (Ezekiel 3:16-21). What if the Bible is true?

If not me who? If not now when? As the Body of Christ and His chosen representatives if we don't bring the message - Who Will????

WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT GAMBLING

(Ref: What Does God Think About Gambling? By Gene Gregory www.sermoncentral.com)

Brothers and sisters, we have been chosen to be the light and the salt (Matthew 5:13-16)

– to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Our message has never been a popular one – but guess what – God has chosen us, He has equipped us, and He will hold us responsible. If not me who? If not now when? Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Rise up good men and do something!

Those who would cater to the lusts of the flesh would say “Play Responsibility” – “Have Safe Sex,” “Drink responsibly”. Such warnings – may justify the conscience of those involved in promoting social ills but does little to prevent or heal the harm caused to families, children and communities.

With gambling so prevalent in our country and our state and perhaps soon to be in Sullivan County, it is time we stopped to ask, “What does God think about gambling?”

I. GAMBLING IS NOT LOVING OTHERS AS YOURSELF

Mark 12:28-31

“And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" [29] Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; [30] and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' [31] "The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Jesus commanded us to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” When you gamble or encourage gambling, you do not love your neighbor as yourself. You are trying to take something from your neighbor, for yourself, and he is getting nothing in return. For you to win at gambling, others must lose.

In addition to the material goods lost, gambling hurts homes and families in many other ways. In areas where casino gambling has been legalized, it has been reported that:

• Gambling plays a part in 1/3 of divorces
• Domestic abuse cases increased over 300% in a 4-year period
• Calls to one Gulf Coast Women’s Center crisis line in Florida doubled within 3 years after the introduction of Casinos.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission reported, “Children of compulsive gamblers are often prone to suffer abuse, as well as neglect, as a result of a parental problem or pathological gambling.”

After they legalized casino gambling in the state of Mississippi, pawn shops became the fastest growing business in the state, as people pawned their possessions to pay their gambling debts.

In Kansas City, the number of pawn shops increased from 4 to 38 after casinos came to the area (Judy Thomas, “Pawnshops, Casinos thrive in KC Market,” The Kansas City Star, August 21, 1995, A1).

These are only a few of the devastating statistics.

Can we really say, “I love my neighbor when we are willing to contribute to the legal destruction of his life, the life of his children and family and the corruption of the community in which he lives?

What does God think of gambling?

He hates it because it does not show our love to our neighbor.

II. GAMBLING PREYS ON THE POOR

Proverbs 14:21

He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

Proverbs 14:31

He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

The Bible makes it very clear that we are not to oppress the poor. Gambling preys on the desperation of the poor:

According to The National Gambling Impact Study Commission:

• Those with incomes less than $10,000 spend more on lottery tickets than any other income group.

• On the national average, lottery gamblers with household incomes under $10,000 bet nearly 3 times as much on the lottery as those with incomes of more than $50,000.

• High school dropouts spend 4 times as much as college graduates.

• When the lottery was introduced in Kentucky, the stores in one community reported a 17% drop I grocery sales.

• Gambling, and lotteries in particular, are a tax on those who can least afford it.

What does God think about gambling?

He hates it, because it preys on the poor.

III. GAMBLING LEADS CHILDREN ASTRAY

Luke 17:1-2

“ And He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come! [2] "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.”

The Bible, God’s Word, says that we have a responsibility to teach children correctly, and that those who lead children astray will pay a terrible price - gambling hurts children.

George Meldrum of the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems says, “This is the first generation of kids growing up when gambling is legal and available virtually nationwide.”

The result?

According to a Florida high school gambling survey in 1995:

• 90% of all teens surveyed reported gambling at some time in their life. 6.6% of them are already problem or compulsive gamblers.

• Nationally, 1 in 10 teenagers have a gambling problem and 1 in 8 college students do.

What does God think about gambling?

He hates it, because gambling leads children astray.

WHAT YOU DO SPEAKS SO LOUDLY

I CANNOT HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING

IV. GAMBLING IS BASED ON GREED AND COVETOUSNESS

Exodus 20:17

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

1 Tim. 6:9-10

“But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.”

Why do people gamble? In a recent national poll, 2/3s of respondents stated that the reason they gamble is to win money. The Apostle Paul specifically warns us about the love of money, and God specifically forbids coveting what others own.

Gambling breaks both of those commands. In addition, gambling also displays a lack of trust in God’s provision and dissatisfaction in what He has already provided.

What does God think about gambling?

He hates it because it is a root to other sins and because it shows a lack of trust in Him.

As Christians, as those called to be light and salt what do you suppose we should do?

1. Refuse to gamble

Isaiah 5:20

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;

Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

2. Vote against it and let your representatives know how you feel and why According to the Bible the God-ordained purpose of government is to protect the welfare of its citizens and to suppress evil. State-sanctioned gambling does the opposite.

Romans 13:1-5

“ Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. [2] Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. [3] For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; [4] for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. [5] Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.”

3. Pray (talk to the Father) about it

Matthew 18:19

"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”

What does God think about gambling?

Who has been called to be light and salt?

If not me who? If not now when?

Is Gambling A Moral Issue?

Nothing is politically right that is morally wrong.

Carved on the ceiling of the Missouri Senate Chamber

The Democrat (Dec 21) reported that Les Kristt, Secretary of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, “said there were only two issues with gambling; morals and economics. He argued that gambling is no longer a moral issue, as churches and synagogues have long paid their bills through bingo. New York State has every conceivable lottery game available.” Are we to believe that church and state approval decides morality? With this kind of reasoning we should all approve: abortion, prostitution , gay marriage, violence, sex and profanity on TV, pornography on the Internet, genicide and euthanasia - each of these is approved by some government and/or church. Perhaps another standard should be considered. Just because some church (religion) or a government or the people approve does not mean that God approves. Greed, lust, pride, selfish ambition and envy are often motivators for each of these. If you do not believe in God look at the facts! Countless studies have shown that gambling destroys individuals and families, increases crime, promotes prostitution and drug use and has long lasting harmful effects on children. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Check it out - http://www.ncalg.org/; http://laplaza.org/~totem/gam1.html. Perhaps it is time for a class action lawsuit. Are we a society where there is no “right” or “wrong”? Where there is no “truth”? Where everyone does what is right in his own eyes? With freedom comes responsibility. Our representatives are expected to be responsible. “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” ( Edmund Burke) Rise up good men and do something! What if the Bible is true?

Bob Paquet
Crying in the Wilderness Ministry