Q:Does the Bible say anything about gambling?

A: There is no eleventh commandment explicitly prohibiting gambling, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the pitfalls. Gambling is a lot like quicksand in that so often you take one step and discover you can’t get out. The Bible declares, “All things are lawful for me, but I will be mastered by none,” (1 Cor 6:12). Therefore, the only time our freedom is protected is when borders are in place.

Paul wrote, “If anyone will not work, neither should he eat,” (2 Thes 3:10). How can Christians say they trust God, but also believe in luck which is a pagan concept? God blesses us according to His riches in glory, not luck. (See Phil 4:19.) Gambling maximizes covetousness and celebrates irrationality. Gambling is simply not a very good bet, while Jesus Christ is the sure thing.

Remember, the power to resist temptation is promised only to those who walk in the Spirit. (See Gal 5:16.) We walk in the Holy Spirit by giving Him permission to take control of our lives. God wants us to surrender our attitudes, desires and self  to Him. (See Rom 12:1.)

Q: Is hell a real place?

A: Hades is translated as the word hell ten times in the New Testament, and the word abyss is used eight times. Hell was created mainly for the devil and his fallen angels. (See Mat 25:41.) Many religious leaders will go there when they die. (See Mat 7:21‑23.) Many coming world leaders will also go there. (See Rev 19:19‑20). It’s a place of everlasting punishment and you don’t want to go there. (See Mat 25:46.)

Q: How do you think the seeker friendly style of church fits in the kingdom of God today?

A: Where it fits is God’s call, not mine. I’m not enamored with movements, titles, fads or organizations. I don’t care if a church calls itself seeker, user, friendly or unfriendly; and I don’t care what people call me, as long as the Bible is taught. Personally speaking, I decided thirty‑three years ago to simply believe whatever I found in the Bible. Churches change, but the authority of the book remains.

Therefore I teach the entire volume of Scripture. Why would I want to leave out any of God’s truth, which God says He magnifies above His name?

(See Psa 138:2.)

Advertising strategy says, “Sell the sizzle, not the steak;” but the Bible declares, “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world,” (Rom 12:2).

Everybody enjoys growth, but booming numbers in the pews do not justify worldly methods. Who wins if the church is filled with tares that never become born again in the end?

If all we had was a Bible, I believe we would do fine in any culture, season, time or generation; but that’s just me.