Gambling (2)

Gambling (2)
Tim Haile

“But you forsake the Lord, who forget my holy mountain, who set up a table for Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny” (Isaiah 65:11). “Fortune” and “Destiny” were Syrian pagan deities of luck and fate. Isaiah cautioned the Jews of his day against worshipping these false gods. Sadly, many people in our present culture share this same admiration for “luck” and “fate.” I have reference to those who engage in the practice of gambling. And though I do not charge these gamblers with worshipping pagan deities, I do charge them with possessing the same mentality as such worshippers. Both are driven by covetousness. Both place their faith in chance, rather than in the providence of God.

I pointed out in last week’s article that gambling is covetousness. Paul told Timothy, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:9,10). Many of us know people who have gone down this path and are miserable because of it. But, the worse is yet to come for covetous persons, for the loss of faith is the loss of salvation, which means ETERNAL misery is their fate unless they repent.

I also pointed out that gambling violates the divine principle of economy; the fair exchange of goods and services. “In all toil there is profit…” (Proverbs 14:23), but in gambling, there is no exchange of goods or services. The gambler seeks to take the property of others without giving anything in exchange. This means that gambling, in its basic form, is a type of theft. Studies have actually shown that among gamblers there is a much higher percentage of thieves and embezzlers. This is logical, for such people have grown accustomed to taking (or trying to take) what belongs to others and does not belong to them.

The Gambler “Hastens to be Rich.” The Bible warns against this approach to wealth. Solomon said, “Whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished,” and “A greedy man hastens after wealth, and does not realize that poverty will come upon him” (Proverbs 28:20,22). Perhaps you have seen examples, or heard stories that back up this proverb: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11). Perhaps you have heard stories or read reports of what happens to many lottery winners: their millions are soon squandered, and they end up in worse financial shape than before their winning.
Gambling Destroys Homes: “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household…” (Proverbs 15:27). Gambling places a terrible strain upon families. Parents are to “save up” for their children (2 Cor. 12:14), but the gambler usually loses his money at his games. His family is neglected, and in many cases, the stress and attendant substance abuse leads to abusive behavior and divorce. Gambling is closely associated with prostitution (and other sexual immorality), drug and alcohol abuse, and an increase in crime (including organized crime). Gambling is destructive to societies and to souls, and must be avoided.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Gambling (1)

Gambling
Tim Haile

To “gamble” is “to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance.” People, including those who profess religion, disagree over whether or not gambling is wrong. As with other questions of morals and ethics, we must look beyond our own opinions and experiences, and consider what God has said in His holy Scriptures.
The word “gamble” is not used in the New Testament. However, the New Testament does set forth principles of commerce and conduct that speak to the question of gambling. For those who say that gambling cannot be discussed from a biblical perspective due to the fact that the word “gambling” is not found there, I would point out that neither is the word “rape” found in the New Testament! Does this mean that “rape” is a good and moral act? No. It means that we must look to biblical principles to address the action. For example, though the word “rape” is not found in the New Testament, the acts of “malice,” “fornication” and “hostility” are found there. Rape combines these sins into one horrendous sin against God, and crime against mankind. If the “sexually immoral” are one day going to be “cast in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur” (Rev. 21:8), then all rapists (unrepentant ones) will certainly be cast there as well.

Let us consider some New Testament principles that address gambling.

1. Gambling Violates The Divinely Given System of Economy: God’s system is one of reasonable and fair exchange, whether a barter system, or one of money for goods or services. James condemned certain rich men for keeping back the wages of the laborers who had worked for them. He said that the voices of these defrauded workers had reached the ears of “the Lord of Hosts,” and that He would judge the defrauders (Jas. 5:4). This passage describes the exchange of money for services. Other passages speak of working in order to supply one’s own needs and the needs of others (Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11,12; 2 Thess. 3:10). Gambling does not fit this model. In gambling, one seeks to take from others without providing any goods or services in return.

2. Gambling Is Covetousness: The gambler desires what belongs to others, and he does not seek to obtain it by any legitimate means. The gambler hopes to profit by someone else’s loss (whether casino type gambling, or the lottery). This is not the way of Christ. A Christian does not wish for others to lose in order for him to gain. In business, there is agreement for the fair exchange of goods and services. BOTH parties get what they bargained for. This is not true of gambling. I know of no form of gambling where participants agree to pool their money and give it away to a particular person. That is what you call a gift. Giving gifts is not condemned in Scriptures, but covetousness is always condemned in the Scriptures. Paul even compared it to the sin of idolatry (Col. 3:5).

3. Gambling Is Addictive: I am amazed at many gambling addiction support groups and organizations have been formed over the past few years. The fact of their existence is proof that there is a big problem. Some gamblers obviously have more self-control than others, but too many people have lost everything they have in gambling, including their families and quality of life.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Faith Alone (3)

Salvation by Faith “Alone?” (3)
Tim Haile

Many faith-alone advocates hold their position due to a misunderstanding of the meaning of faith. The faith that is held by many is inactive. It is confined to man’s thoughts and measured by his feelings. However, Bible faith is active and obedient. Let us consider some samples of genuine faith. These examples are given by the Holy Spirit, and are provided to illustrate the nature of real, God-approved faith. I refer to Hebrews chapter 11, which lists several men and women who lived by faith. In describing the actions and conduct of various people of God, the Holy Spirit described them by the words “By faith…” It is well worth considering that these familiar words are often followed by some action that was taken, or activity that was performed by the person being commended for his faith.

By faith Abel offered a sacrifice (Heb. 11:4)
By faith Noah prepared an ark (Heb. 11:7)
By faith Abraham obeyed (Heb. 11:8)
By faith Abraham offered up Isaac (Heb. 11:17)
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed (marched) about seven days (Heb. 11:30)

Several more examples could be cited from this chapter, but these suffice to make the point. People were commended for their faith when they were commended for what they did by faith! True faith involves action and obedience.

Though the connection is real, many people have difficulty harmonizing faith and works. The Holy Spirit had no such difficulty. The inspired writer, James, cited two examples of justification by works: Abraham (James 2:21) and Rahab (James 2:25). Please consider the actual verses: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (Jas. 2:21). “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” (Jas. 2:25).
With these plain statements in mind, consider that the Hebrew writer attributed their justification to faith (Heb. 11:8-19, 31). Harmony between Hebrews and James is only found when we dismiss the false notions of men and their creeds, and focus exclusively upon the teaching of the Scriptures. Harmony is seen when we combine the faith with the works, which is exactly what Hebrews and James do. To really appreciate this harmony let us consider the entire context of James 2:20-26:
(20): But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21): Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (22): Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23): And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24): Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (25): Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (26): For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Interestingly, James 2:24 is the only place in the Bible where the words “faith” and “only” are used together and in that order, and James here affirms that salvation is “not by faith only”! Salvation is the result of a combination of faith and works. Faith without works is dead. Dead faith is an empty, meaningless, worthless faith. Such faith “avails” nothing. To the saints of Galatia, Paul wrote, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). Paul’s statement seams together three great Bible doctrines – faith, works and love, and attributes salvation to a combination of them all, and to neither by itself. Abraham and Rahab were justified by faith AND works, not by either one of them alone.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com.

Faith Alone (2)

Salvation by Faith “Alone?” (2)
Tim Haile

In last week’s study we learned that salvation is not accomplished by any one thing “alone.” But, that it is actually attributed to several things in the Bible. This second article will show that not all “believers” will be saved. It is possible for one to "believe" without being saved.
The Bible actually teaches that some believers will not be saved. Consider John’s words from John 12:42, 43:

42: Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Though these people “believed on” (Jesus), yet they met with God’s disapproval. Why was this? It was because they “did not confess Him.” Their desire to please men was greater than their desire to please God. They feared men more than they feared God. They believed, but refused to confess. The fact that they were rejected by God proves that faith alone does not save people from their sins. More is required. One must do everything that God requires in order to please Him. We may not merely choose the thing that least offends others and that most conveniences us. Peter said that we must fear God and work righteousness in order to be accepted by God (Acts 10:34, 35). The inspired James wrote,

19: You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20: But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19, 20).

James’ argument is that if men are saved by faith alone, then the devils will also make it to Heaven, for they believe in God as much as any man, provided that one defines “belief” as belief alone! Of course, we know that these believing devils will actually be cast into Hell (Rev. 19:20; 20:10). So, what do we make of the fact that they believe? The answer is obvious, especially in the context of James chapter two: the devils have faith alone. They have, therefore, a dead faith which cannot please God or save the soul. James 2:19 proves that salvation is not by faith alone.

I find it particularly interesting that James described the devils as both believing and trembling. It should be noted that, even though their faith will not save them, the devils have a faith that causes them to tremble at the mere thought of God’s existence and power. I fear that many advocates of the faith-alone doctrine do not fully appreciate the implications of James 2:19. The devils have far more than a mere acceptance of God’s existence: they have faith in God’s omniscience and omnipotence, His eternal attributes. My point is that even this kind of faith will not save! Obedience to God’s commands is essential, as is indicated in the very next verse.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com.

Faith Alone (1)

Salvation by Faith “Alone?” (1)
Tim Haile

All who truly believe the Bible believe that salvation is by faith. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Most Bible students agree that this verse contains the theme of the book of Romans – justification by faith. Sadly, many people make the mistake of thinking of faith alone when they think of justification by faith. Please notice, however, that the passage affirms justification by faith: It does not affirm the concept of justification by faith only! There is a huge difference between the two doctrines. Justification by faith means justification by all of the things that faith includes. Whereas, faith “alone” involves only a mental assent of faith, and excludes everything else that is required by God.

Advocates of the faith only doctrine often attempt to defend themselves by accusing their opponents of believing in justification by “works.” Many intend to leave the impression that their opponents believe in salvation by works “only,” which is not necessarily true. Some religionists do believe in the concept of salvation by meritorious works, but their concept is entirely unbiblical and it has not the agreement or support of Bible believers. Let us avoid the prejudicial and unproductive rhetoric of those who are dishonest, and let us seek to understand the Truth on this important topic.

Is Salvation By Anything ALONE?

Would it be right to say that salvation is by “grace alone?” No, such would not be accurate. Salvation is “by grace” (Eph. 2:8), but not by grace alone. It must be seen that if salvation were wholly and exclusively by grace, that is, by grace “alone,” then it could not possibly be also “by faith,” and certainly not by faith “alone!” Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

Notice that salvation is not attributed to either grace or faith alone. Ephesians 2:8 harmonizes with itself only if salvation is attributed to both grace and faith, and to neither “alone.” Peter stated that we are saved by baptism (1 Peter 3:21). Did he mean baptism alone? No, he meant by baptism along with everything else that is involved in salvation, both man’s part and God’s. The Bible attributes salvation to several different things, but it never attributes salvation to one thing alone. We are saved by hope (Rom. 8:24), but not by hope alone. We are saved by belief and baptism (Mark 16:16), but not by belief and baptism alone. We are saved by repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38), but not by repentance and baptism alone. We are saved by confession by mouth (Rom. 10:10), but not by confession alone. We are saved by faithful living (Matt. 10:22), but not by faithful living alone. There are other things that could be cited (see the list in Romans 5:6-11), but these suffice to make the point. Salvation is by nothing “alone.”

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com.