The Problem with the Lottery (01.12.23)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re talking about the lottery. The Mega Millions jackpot, at the time of this recording, is at $1.35 billion, and it will go even higher if there is no winner after the drawing this Friday. When the jackpot gets insanely high like this, many people buy lottery tickets who would not ordinarily do so. For many others, buying lottery tickets is a way of life – hoping to pick the lucky numbers that will instantly transform their life. Is this harmless fun, or is it wrong and something to be avoided? Let’s consider some things that the Bible has to say to help us answer that question.Continue Reading

Sports Betting and the Growing Acceptance of Gambling (02.17.22)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re going to be talking about the rise of sports betting and its impact on how religious people view the issue of gambling. The Super Bowl was played this past Sunday and billions of dollars were wagered on the game. Religious groups who strongly opposed gambling not long ago are now accepting it. We’re going to discuss this in our episode.Continue Reading

Is Gambling Wrong? (Sermon #37)

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Is Gambling Wrong? (Sermon #37)

We’re in between season 11 and season 12. During the break we’re posting audio sermons each week instead of the regular episodes. The sermon for this week was preached on September 16, 2018 at the Eastside church of Christ in Morgantown, KY.

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The Entitlement Mentality

Minimum Wage

Our society has developed what is often called an “entitlement mentality” – particularly among the young, but it is still widespread through all ages. Those with this attitude believe that because they exist, they are entitled to certain things (standard of living, happiness, interpretation of truth, etc.).

The Israelites adopted this mindset while they were in Egypt. Despite their sufferings, they became accustomed to what they enjoyed there. While they were enslaved, they “cried out” to God “for help because of their bondage” (Exodus 2:23). After a series of plagues, God delivered them from bondage (Exodus 13:3). However, even with their newly acquired freedom, they complained about what they lacked:
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Elders in Every Church (Part 2): Character Qualifications for Elders #1

Elders in Every Church (Part 2): Character Qualifications for Elders #1

First, a word about the qualifications in general. Some have attempted to say that the qualifications for elders are not really qualifications, but are only meant to present a general description of those who can serve as elders. This argument is made to defend the appointment of a man who does not fit all of the qualifications. Those who argue this will often say that since the list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 does not match the list in Titus 1, then we cannot combine the passages and strictly follow them because Timothy and Titus were able to appoint elders without having the other list.

There are two problems with this argument. First, it assumes that Paul was writing to Timothy and Titus about something he had not discussed with them previously. This cannot be the case. Paul told Titus he was to appoint elders “as I directed you” (Titus 1:5). The things that Paul taught, he taught “everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17). Therefore, he had given uniform instructions to both Timothy and Titus about the qualifications for elders. Second, it is difficult to imagine anyone who would qualify using one list but not the other. We must see these qualifications as exactly that – qualifications that must be met for one to serve as an elder.
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I Have Given Them a Possession (3/11)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Deuteronomy 1-2.

The Israelites were God’s chosen people and would be given the promised land of Canaan. Yet this did not give them license to take anything they wanted and destroy any nation they chose to destroy. God gave some specific prohibitions on lands they were not to take and nations they were not to destroy.

You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, even as little as a footstep because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession” (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).

Do not harass Moab, nor provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot as a possession” (Deuteronomy 2:9).

When you come opposite the sons of Ammon, do not harass them nor provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the sons of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot as a possession” (Deuteronomy 2:19).

The children of Israel were given a possession by God. But the sons of Esau and Lot were as well. The Israelites were not even to take food and water from these nations without paying for it (Deuteronomy 2:6).
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Is Gambling Wrong?

Poker

This question comes up from time to time. Is it wrong for a Christian to gamble? Gambling is never specifically condemned in the New Testament. This is often pointed out by those who defend it. However, something can still be wrong without being specifically condemned. Can we say that gambling is wrong, despite no specific condemnation? Let us consider the question.
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