ARE YOU GAMBLING
WITH YOUR LIFE?
Gary Waddell - Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee - 5/12/19
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa 64:6
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him (Pro 28:22).
Billions of dollars are being spent on gambling in the United States each year by those who are seeking wealth and substance so they may live the ‘American dream,’ or to live a similar life of luxury like Hollywood celebrities and other wealthy people in the world. Their chance of winning a lottery is about 14 million to one but yet they will spend their money on that 'fool's game' instead of using that money for God’s kingdom. And by the way, your chance of getting struck by lightning is 2 million to one - a lot more likely. The Bible states that the “love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10) but still even Christian brothers and sisters, will play the lottery even at times stating “I will use it for God’s purpose.” That's between God and those who gamble with their money which God has provided. I personally take it seriously when the Bible says, "God will take care of me". He has numbered the hairs on our heads and knows when a sparrow falls (Matt 10:29-30). And He knows what we need.
Most believers know verse: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). This is not just ‘finances’ but ALL our need. There are Christians (followers of Christ) who know this verse but often push it aside to gamble. Again, all I can say is that it is between them and God. Those who are not saved (or the lost), do not even have to justify their desire to spend money on gambling because it is a game to them, and they have fun. They do not understand that God is the supplier. In the end, the lottery systems are the ones who win. They rake in billions and billions of dollars on the backs of those who gamble.
So by gambling with your money, you could lose it and even go broke.
Read (Pro 28:22)
HOWEVER, there is another gamble that multitudes
take each day that will end up very badly.
Are you gambling with your life??
The 'gamble' I am speaking about is the gamble of one's life because he or she chooses to reject the Son of God who has provided a way out of their sin (and gives one life everlasting). Many believe there is “no fire and brimstone” (Rev 21:8) and reject it that way, but most of the lost (those without Christ), believe that their own “righteousness” will get them to heaven because their “good deeds out-weigh the bad deeds.” They think they will be accepted into heaven because of the 'good' they have done in their lives. That is the belief that one can "work their way to heaven". Are you one of those who believe this? The Bible states that “all have all sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23) and the word ALL, means ALL. God cannot allow sin into heaven. If one does not believe they need a Savior, they are gambling with their own life. Whether you think you are “good enough,” or “righteous enough,” know that the Bible says you must believe by faith in Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9). And there is no certain "denomination," "church" or "religious figure" that will give you a free pass either.
For some of you reading, it is possible that you think that this short message is too simple or even too silly. You are gambling with your life. But God wants us ALL to understand so even a child can know. He sent His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for all humanity (John 3:16-17) to be saved if they “choose” and if they "receive Him" (John 1:12-13). Please stop gambling with your life and turn to Christ Jesus to save you from hell. He spoke of hell more than anyone. Burning without dying. Unimaginable. There is a sobering incident told by Jesus in the book of Luke about a rich man being tormented in hell (Luke 16:22-25). Jesus spoke, "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:47-48).
Jesus fulfilled more than 30 prophecies perfectly from the Old Testament and the odds of any one person doing that is astronomical. The chances for that happening are trillions and trillions to one. In my own comparison, it would be like an F-5 tornado going through a neighborhood and creating a beautiful mansion with manicured lawns. Sound silly? Well, Jesus is who He says He is and is the only way to heaven. Please listen to Him as He wants none to perish (2 Pet 3:9). I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by Me (John 14:6). Do not gamble with the most precious item you possess; your life. Stop taking chances and know that Jesus is God in the flesh and He will save you. He has already paid for our sin debt - receive the greatest gift to all humanity (John 1:12).
Take an honest self-examination (2 Cor 13:5) and see if you are who you think you are.
It is not too late to call upon Him while on this earth if you still have breath in your lungs.
None of us know about tomorrow
As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment
(Heb 9:27).
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
(Romans 10:13)
Confess, Believe, Repent (turn), and Follow Him
Gary Waddell - Thanks for “Taking 5" - Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
iamnotashamed.com - God bless and bless GOD