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Divine Rights vs. Reverse Discrimination-pg. 4
Beware! Another area of false religion which the Romanists are often involved in is entertainment. How many times do you hear the word "Bingo" today? People are lured into thinking they are going to get something for nothing, or "win" something. However, they have to spend their time--time that would be well spent studying the Bible, praying, relating God's truth and goodness, and having fellowship with Christians--whether they win or not. This kind of entertainment may seem like fun to the deceived, but it is not beneficial to society. I realize it is not the sole enticement that leads to gambling, but on the other hand, it does not convict people not to covet either! To covet something means to desire something. Sinful people gamble and make excuses that it is not a bad thing to go to race tracks, to buy lottery tickets, to play cards, to attend the casino, and to fill their lusts and greed. However, we do not need and should not want what the world offers for gain. The way we spend our time and money is important. We should not let our lives be influenced by worldly pressures, unedifying music, deceitful games, harmful and violent sports, the influence of movies and television, and the enticement for chance gain of advertisements. Even the food stores offer "win" prizes. We should not be looking forward to winning anything as an opportunism of buying or investing, even if it requires only filling out a form or adding a postage stamp. Rather, we should be believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, and freely giving of the things he has given us. Freely given, we should freely give (Mt. 10:8). If we look unto God he will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). We have no need to be looking for rewards from any kind of chance endeavors--so please don't! There are warnings against the desire for financial gain. Do not let people who are not fulfilling God's will mislead you so as to turn you from trusting in God's provision alone--that means stay away from any form of gambling or chance investments offered through the media. "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and rainment let us be therewith content. 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. 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." (I Tim. 6:7-10) Again, beware of covetness. It is one of the characteristics of false teachers: "an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children" (II Pet. 2:14). From a day to day viewpoint, a Christian should work, even if it is for someone else, until he is able to learn a trade or invest in his own private business, and live by faith to avoid being a partaker of the financial sins of others, especially usury (directly or indirectly). By the way, see my sermon concerning the ministry of prosperity.
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