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, …

What kind of fruit does it produce? Jesus gave us a way to evaluate such matters—what we might call the “fruit test.” Whatever the topic, teaching, or activity, we can measure it by the fruit it produces. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV). Now within the context this passage was dealing directly with false teachers, but the principles can still apply in activities of life. Two questions asked by brother Don Blackwell, in his book titled “The Truth About Moral Issues,” are as follows: (1) “When legalized gambling arrives in a new community, does it raise the moral standards of that community?” (2) “Does it help to lessen the hardship of families in the area?”[1] Studies show that casinos and gambling establishments erode a community’s ethical and moral fabric that often leads to higher crime rates, including theft, fraud, and money laundering. It can also cause social disruption, with widespread addiction breaking down families, relationships, and increasing divorce rates due to major financial losses and even bankruptcy. Additionally, casinos often target vulnerable, low-income individuals who may view gambling as a …

             The topic of gambling has been the subject of much debate among Christians seeking to determine whether it is right or wrong in the sight of God. Many understand it to be sinful but are uncertain how to prove this from scripture, while others use the absence of a direct command against gambling as a justification for it. The truth is, there is no verse that specifically says, “Thou shalt not play the slot machines, roulette, or blackjack.” That being the case, we must look at the principles taught throughout scripture to better understand why gambling is a sin.             To begin, let’s define gambling. The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “the activity of playing games of chance for money or betting on the outcome of future events, such as races or games.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the practice or activity of betting: the practice of risking money or other stakes in a game or bet.” From these definitions, and the given fact that there are winners and losers involved we can conclude that gambling is: (1) the act of risking money or something of value on the outcome of an event or game, with the primary goal of winning more money or prizes; (2) it involves elements of chance, risk, and uncertainty, where participants place bets on unpredictable or random events; and (3) this results in a winner who gains financially at the direct expense of someone else. In simple terms, gambling is wagering on chance with the …

            At the close of last week’s article, we considered how tattoos are ultimately left in the realm of opinion – so long as one’s tattoos do not violate the principles of modesty or stewardship. Notice the so long in the last sentence. If one’s tattoos cause him or her to be immodest or violate stewardship principles, there may well be a need for repentance. If one’s tattoos harm his or her influence and ability to effectively share the gospel, there may well be a need for repentance. But what does repentance look like for something that we cannot just wipe off our bodies?             Obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ requires one to repent of His sins and to be baptized (Acts 2:38). In baptism, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5). While this is true, baptism does not wash away one’s tattoos.[1] Therefore, when an individual with tattoos displaying sinful images, offensive signs, or foul language obeys the gospel, he or she will exit the waters of baptism with their tattoos still on their person. This being the case, one has several options. It might be that based on where the inappropriate tattoos are, he or she can easily cover them up by wearing long sleeves or long pants. Perhaps it is a situation where one needs to cover a tattoo with a bandage to keep it hidden. It might even be the case that an unforeseen consequence of taking care of one’s past sinful decisions …