PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- MARCH 24, 2008
What our readers and listeners say
Gambling
You say in your article on gambling in the March 10th PTM Weekly Update, "Gambling is seductive -- it promises a huge bonanza and people are sucked into the idea of getting rich quick. But let's be honest, many churches do much the same thing. Health and wealth churches exploit the poor, by telling them that they will get wealthy . . . if they just give their money to the church." I'm not sure the above is a good example, Greg. If health and wealth churches exploit the poor, surely that is wrong. Our youngest son got terribly addicted to gambling and that was just horrible. I'm still not convinced that gambling per se isn't wrong, or at least best left alone. If no one gambled too much, we wouldn't even have to mention it. But there's so terribly much grief because of gambling, it's seems best to leave it alone. -- Manitoba, CanadaThis is my response and it can be very simple for any Christian -- does it prevent me from my worship and does it hinder my giving to the kingdom? Two simple questions. Too simple? -- Colorado
The reason I won't buy a lottery ticket or visit a casino has to do with the nature of the winnings. The "winner" doesn't pick money off a money tree; the "winnings" don't have an innocent, innocuous source. Included in the "award" is a hefty percentage of money having been gambled by many who can't afford to lose (although they nearly always do). There are a wife and children waiting at home for the man of the house to bring home the groceries and pay the mortgage and utilities, hoping that he won't spend his paycheck yet again on those lottery tickets or stop by the local casino for a drink or two and an evening at the "games." If I played and won, I would have at least a very uneasy sleep at night, knowing whose money was now in my possession. A clear, free conscience unfettered by legalism is one of my most prized possessions. Would Jesus buy a lottery ticket? You and others may ask, "Why not?" I would ask, "Why? What's to be gained by it? Could He do it to the glory of God?" -- Minnesota
"God will provide -- or Will He?"
In last week's article "God will Provide -- or will He?" John Bailey decries the use of the term, "God will provide."
I passed through different churches throughout my 81 years. I also encountered periods of financial hardship. Late one night, about 40 years ago, returning home from work, I heard a sermon on the radio titled "Jehovah jirah! The Lord Will Provide." But the preacher stressed that it isn't God's intention to provide your temporal needs, pay your mortgage or rent, and raise your kids while you relax in an easy chair and lift not a finger to tend to your responsibilities. Rather, it's God's intention to show you the way. He'll walk with you, talk with you and never leave your side, but you are responsible for the "doing." When stress again pressed on me, I prayed, "Jehovah jirah! The Lord will provide!" which immediately opened my heart and mind to Christ and my whole being became pliable to His guidance. When you are down, and joy enters you, you feel a surge of energy and want to "do" something. Renewed strength allows you to see what needs to be done to extricate you from whatever physical abyss into which you've fallen.
I read Mr. Bailey’s entire depressing piece and nearly determined to never praise my God again by trusting him and saying, "Jehovah jirah!" But, praise God thank you, Lord, you lifted me from Mr. Bailey’s muck. I know when the world pushes me, my Lord will lift my spirit and guide me to the door he's opened that will show me the way out of whatever temporary prison holds me. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. And thank you Lord God for CWR. -- Pennsylvania
• Thanks for your insight which comes from years of living and walking with God. John Bailey certainly was not implying that we cannot trust God with our physical needs -- or that we can't rely on him to guide us through adversity -- or that having Him by our side does not give us energy and resolve to work harder, as you have related in your own life. John's point was simply that the phrase "God will provide" has been misused by many in Christendom to manipulate innocent believers into irresponsible giving -- "Don't worry -- just give me all your money -- God will provide." An examination of Scripture and observation of life tell us that God will not always immediately rescue us from the consequences of reckless, irresponsible or poorly informed decisions -- and that includes situations where we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of (whether spiritually or physically). Hence, the New Testament instruction to "walk circumspectly" (Ephesians 5:15 KJV). Neither will God always provide for us in every way we would like. Nevertheless -- we continue to trust in him, because that is what faith is all about.
By the way, the term Jehovah jireh (anglicized Hebrew, "God will provide") is the name given by Abraham to Mt. Moriah, the place where the temple would later be built (Genesis 22:2, 14; 2 Chronicles 3:1). In a prophetic sense, this term refers to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the temple. In Jesus, God has provided his Son as the only sacrifice to reconcile humanity to himself.More about the chaplain
Greg, I have read the humble response from one who is obviously a fellow brother in Christ. It is an amazing thing when Christians of whatever persuasion can humbly discuss their differences and come to understand one another -- you, me, the chapain and the darling lady from England. Truly we are to be be recognized by others in the world by our love for one another. I wish the chaplain every success working with the young men and women of the USAF and that some if not many will be moved to come and worship with him in person. -- all my love, OhioRETURN TO PTM WEEKLY UPDATE CONTENTS PAGE
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