no Christian can be faithful to his Master, and at the same time hold membership in such an insitution as the Masonic Lodge. Some may try to disregard the significance of this issue, they do so at their own peril.
We live in a time where each is committed to self-fulfillment. Little that is considered appealing is denied. Lasciviousness, intoxication, gambling, and excesses of every type is the norm, and the idea of refraining from such activity is thought by many to be laughable. It is against this backdrop that the Christian must practice self-control.
Regardless of the world’s attitude, the Bible is God’s word. It is worthy of our respect and study. We can’t “hold it in high regard”, and yet not read it. Such paradoxes simply show that the world is under the sway of the wicked one. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).
Young people, I implore you not to waste breath attempting to defend the immoral dress and dance of our day. You convince no one, least of all the Almighty. As Paul stated in Ephesians 3:15, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.” Be wise, and serve your Lord with modesty and devotion.
Homosexuals are depraved, and deserving of the condemnation of society. Let us not be guilty, either through action or simply through apathy, of promoting or considering their lifestyle as having any legitimacy whatsoever. They are perverted, and their sin is an abomination before God!
There is no more obscene and flagrantly disrespectful activity than treating a woman commonly. To be “familiar” with a woman who is not your wife is to act as a savage, one who is ruled by lust instead of virtue. It has caused fornication, adultery, and heartbreak.
Situational ethics is a frontal assault to the concept of lawfulness and absolutes. In contrast, Jesus condemned those who were claiming to do many “wonders” in His name, because they practiced “lawlessness” (cf. Matt. 7:23). Scripture is clear on this point. Any activity that is unlawful, or done without authority, is iniquitous.
The Bible clearly indicates the need for corporal punishment. “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24). “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). Let God be true, and every man a liar!
In 1984, Americans wagered an estimated $177 Billion — twice as much as they spent on higher education, 15 times what they donated to churches, and over half what they spent on food. Illegal gambling had the biggest share of that total, with 28 percent; but state lotteries ran a close second with 22 percent.
I was in a 7-11 just a few days ago, waiting in a much longer line than usual, to purchase a few groceries. The reason for the long line was the lottery. Almost to a man, the people in front of me bought 1,2,5,6 lottery tickets, all hoping for the possible lucky ticket. It struck me at the time that the behavior of the people could be summed up in one word…GREED! Or to use a biblical term, COVETOUSNESS!
The state of Texas is one of many states that run a lottery. This rapidly growing phenomenon brings to the forefront questions concerning the morality of gambling. Is gambling a sin? This article will attempt to answer honestly that question by an appeal to scripture.
It is certain that if we practice our faith, a world filled with evil and with error will certainly persecute us for our practice. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
