As we noted in last week’s article, when the Bible speaks of wine, we must consider the context to determine whether the wine being spoken of is alcoholic or not. This being the case, it requires us to reason through the Scriptures and determine whether or not what is being suggested is positive or negative so that we can determine whether we as Christians should or should not drink alcohol. The first context we must consider is the first mention of “wine” in our Bibles. In Genesis 9:20 (NKJV), we learn that Noah plants a vineyard. Genesis 9:21 tells us that Noah “drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent.” The text goes on to reveal that Noah was in such a state that one of his sons reveled in his “nakedness” while the other two sons thoughtfully covered their father’s nakedness (Gen. 9:22-23). Based on the context, Noah was acting in a way that was out of the norm. In fact, it was not until he “awoke from his wine” that there was any recognition of what had taken place (Gen. 9:24). What we see in Genesis 9 is a negative example of alcoholic wine. The next context we might consider is Genesis 19:30-38. In this context, Lot and his daughters have fled from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and have arrived to the mountains outside of Zoar. While staying in this cave, Lot’s daughters scheme together to “make [their] father drink wine” …

As God created the heavens, the earth, and all therein, He continually recognizes that His creation is “good” (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, NKJV). After the sixth day, when God’s creation was complete, God says that His creation is, “very good” (Gen. 1:31). This being the case, God’s creation in its purest form is good – but man does not waste much time before corrupting what God has made good. In Genesis 3, man makes his choice to sin. By Genesis 9:20ff, we find that man has learned about vineyards and wine. With God’s good creation in mind, we might wonder, is alcohol good? Over the next several weeks, we will examine the subject of alcohol in light of God’s word to consider whether or not we as Christians have the right to drink. Searching for the term “alcohol” in our Bibles is not going to yield any results. Based on context, we understand that certain terms refer to alcohol – such as “strong drink” (Prov. 20:1; 31:6; Isa. 24:9) and “wine” (Gen. 9:21; Prov. 20:1). Even in these terms, we must be careful to always consider the context and not always assume it is in reference to alcohol. For example, “wine” can refer to alcohol, but it can also speak of grape juice. Based on context, the “wine” mentioned in Genesis 19:34 is alcoholic, but in Isaiah 16:10 or Isaiah 65:8 the reference to “wine” must be speaking of that which is fresh grape juice not having …

Over the past four weeks, we’ve examined numerous reasons why gambling is sinful. Now that we’ve established this fact, questions naturally arise about what precisely qualifies as gambling. While casinos and betting establishments are clearly included, there are other activities that some may wonder about. In the first article of this series, I raised several questions, and in this concluding piece, I will provide answers to them. It’s important to note that the answers will be based on the principles established in the earlier articles. A key question that often arises is whether investing in stocks qualifies as gambling. One principle discussed earlier was how gambling often preys on the less fortunate. When someone hits it big at a casino, their winnings come at the expense of someone else’s loss, which contradicts the biblical principle found in Galatians 6:10, and Matthew 22:39. In contrast, investing in the stock market involves putting money into a company that you believe will continue to prosper. In this case, all investors as well as the company invested in share in the potential gains and losses. If my investment grows significantly, it’s important to reflect on stewardship principles (Matt. 25:14-30 NKJV). Am I risking large amounts of money that could be better used elsewhere? Additionally, if my focus shifts to constantly strategizing and moving money, it may be crossing into the realm of addiction, where I’m playing the odds rather than making sound decisions. Seeking advice from a financial advisor can help distinguish wise investments …

            In recent weeks, we have been carefully studying gambling to gain a deeper understanding of why it is considered sinful. While one person may win a large sum, it comes at the expense of another’s loss. Despite claims from city officials and other influential figures that casinos will benefit a community, statistics consistently show the opposite. The fruit test (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV) reveals that gambling causes more harm than good. At its core, gambling is driven by covetousness and greed, and it can become highly addictive.              Another important principle to consider when discussing gambling is stewardship. In Genesis 1:28, God instructed man and woman to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth.” While we often refer to humanity as the crown of God’s creation, entrusted with dominion over all things, we must never forget that we ultimately belong to Him. We are stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us.              Good stewardship involves using our resources such as time, talents, and finances, responsibly. In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the master gives three servants a portion of “talents” (currency) and leaves with the expectation that they will invest and increase what he has entrusted to them. Two of the servants did so, but one did not. The servant who failed in stewardship was called a “wicked and lazy servant” …

 In last week’s article, we explored gambling through the lens of the fruit it produces. As mentioned previously, Jesus introduced the concept of the fruit test to help identify false teachers. He said, “Therefore, by their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV). This same test is effective when assessing activities like gambling, and the fruit it yields has proven to be negative. This week, we will delve into the true nature of gambling and its addictive qualities. At its core, gambling is driven by covetousness and greed. Whether it’s poker, blackjack, roulette, slot machines, scratch-offs, or pick 6, these games are played with the hope of striking it rich on the next roll of the dice or pull of the lever. When you’re sitting at the table, weighing whether you have the right cards to win, it’s your neighbor’s money that you covet. The last of the Ten Commandments warns, “You shall not covet.” But what is it that should not be coveted? It says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (Ex. 20:17). Jesus cautioned in Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses.” In his letter to the Colossians, Paul urged the brethren to “put to death covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). For the majority, …