Deal or No Deal - Gambling (click here for podcast)

As we continued our series Deal or No Deal, on September 21st, I taught from the topic of Deal or No Deal - Gambling. Below is the outline of that sermon.

What is gambling?

1. To play a game for money of property
2. To bet on an uncertain outcome

Examples of gambling:

• Casinos
• Internet gambling
• Racetrack betting
• Raffles
• Bingo
• Office pools
• Lottery

Is gambling a sin?

• This is big debate upon the Christian circles. There is nothing specifically and literally in the Bible that say gambling is a sin.


• However, it is morally and spiritually dangerous game to play. You are on a very dangerous and then plane of ice, and before you know it you're drowning


• Example, look at the soldiers who crucified Jesus did at the cross. Luke 19:24

Compulsive Gambling - the psychological disorder characterized by the persistent inability to resist the impulse to gamble.

New York Times (December 1997) - "Suicide rates in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Reno is four times higher than other non-gambling cities the same size.

Study Judges 14:12-19

Three sins that may occur as a result of gambling.

1. Covetousness - the desire to have more (Exodus 20:17)


2. Greed - an "excessive desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves (Ephesians 5:3)


3. Love of Money -a form of covetousness and greed. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Crossroads Challenge

1. Compulsive Gambling Woes
   http://www.nongamblerwoes.com/
   
2. 21 steps to Stop Gambling
   http://www.money-school.com/