By Stan Cox, on August 10th, 2011
I recently read a novel that contained a passage describing gamblers playing slot machines at a casino in Las Vegas. The description noted that the gamblers were not having a particularly good time. In the author’s words, “There were no smiles, no backslapping, just intense manic concentration, as if by so focusing, the winning bars would magically line up and pay off.” The author’s conclusion? “Greed was supposed to be fun, but apparently it was only fun if you were winning.”
As usual, the world grasps the truth of a vice, while some Christians who struggle with worldly desires can only rationalize. The appeal of gambling is in the winning of filthy lucre. It is popular because of the greed of men. Those who gamble entertain the basest motives, and contribute to what is a drain and scourge on our nation and it’s culture.
There is a reason that Las Vegas is known as “Sin City.” Gambling is not the only sin to be found there, but it is certainly the most prominent. As Christians, we have spent enough of our past lifetime engaging in profane activities (cf. 1 Peter 4:3), and should now aspire to holiness.
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry ” (Colossians 3:5).
By Stan Cox, on February 1st, 2009
While a man can covet just about anything, and thus sin against God, the primary point of this lesson is to avoid the sin of covetousness as it relates to material things. Achan (Joshua 618-19) is given as an example of one who coveted the “accursed things.”
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on July 29th, 2008
Guest speaker Joshua Cox establishes from scripture that as Christians we are to live lives of contentment. The pursuit and love of money is problematic in the Christian life.
One exception to note: A Christian must not be content with regard to his knowledge of God’s word. He must press on, and strive for perfection.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on May 25th, 2008
It is difficult for a rich man to enter heaven, due to pride, covetousness, and the corruption that riches can bring. There is also the possibility that the riches themselves may have been garnered unrighteously. The sermon deals with the problems of the rich, then points out that we all can struggle with the dangers of riches in our society.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
By Stan Cox, on November 14th, 2006
(Gospel Meeting: Mark Mayberry) Sixth in a series of nine lessons based on 1 John 2:15-17. The lust of the eyes is examined, with a special emphasis placed upon the sin of covetousness.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Comments are closed 