ARE YOU GAMBLING WITH YOUR LIFE?
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

CHAPTER 1:

ARE YOU TAKING A CHANCE?

"Jesus said, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:34-38)

Today's world seems to be marked with a daring, adventurous, gambling spirit of chance.  Millions of people seemingly are gripped with the spirit of stupor and slumber as to the dangers of certain things and have resigned themselves to a 'let come what may" attitude.  There seems to be a real challenge involved in games of chance and gamble - a win all or lose all game does not seem to alert the player of participant to "count the costs" or to evaluate the situation.

In games of chance such as gambling, poker, pool, slot machines, crown and anchor and others, there seems to be no common sense, no reasoning or thoughtfulness involved. The player seem possessed with a fever for the competition, hoping and believing that this will be his winning hand, that he will hit the jackpot this time.

This spirit of chance does not warn the gambler to quit when he’s winning because of the deceiving spirit which keeps telling the player to continue because the BIG WIN is coming. The deceiving spirit fills the player with hope that he will become rich - even though perhaps for years he may have never succeeded in doing so - but yet the player continues to be deceived with the hope that the next one will be the big one and if he just tries one more time, he will win and everything will turn out all right in the end.

Then when the player is at the bottom, the deceiving spirit seems to tell him he MUST gamble to get his money back and fix everything. The deceiving spirit tells him if he just keeps trying he will get out the big black hole he has fallen into - - and so it goes - - on and on, the big, ugly, vicious circle with the gambler ensnared in the web of deceit, lies, covetousness and pride.

The gambler often forgets about his wife, children, his home and the loved ones in his life when he is under the spell of the deceiver. When the gambler is under the yoke of the "Monster" or "Demon of Chance", time means nothing and the appetite vanishes when this deceiving spirit takes control of a person. The lust for money and power, the pride of winning and the gratification of the flesh keeps the enslaved gambler in a stupor. Real values such as home life, spiritual accomplishment, and the results of the sin of gambling mean nothing as long as the fever rages in the gambler’s brain.

Gambling is demon inspired and has caused more domestic problems, poverty and suicides than many other sinful vices. Men have gambled away their inheritances, their homes, their pay checks and their furniture. In despair and bitter shame, many gamblers have obeyed the voices of the suicide demons who say, "It’s too late now - you can’t face your family or friends. Why not jump off the bridge or take an overdose of sleeping pills and end it all."

Many others, being afraid of death, are able to escape the suicide demons and instead follow the impulses of the spirits of lust who say, "Now that you’ve ruined you life, your good name, why worry - - get away from all the pressures and discipline of family life. Why don’t you pack your bags and hit the trail - - go get lost in the big city."

And many of these unfortunates end up on skid road as drunkards, drug addicts, sex perverts or working as prostitutes. Yes, my friends, gambling and games of chance are definitely demon inspired and will eventually bring heartache, remorse, divorce, even death.

ARE EVIL SPIRITS OR DEMONS INVOLVED IN CONTROLLING THE MIND OF A GAMBLER?

I believe there are at least 7 evil spirits or demons involved in the sin of gambling or chance and every gambler has been led astray by at least one of these demons.

1.  The demon of covetousness & greed
2.  The spirit of pride
3.  The lying spirit
4.  The tormenting spirit of lust
5.  The spirit of selfishness
6.  The spirit of rebellion
7.  The spirit of slumber, sleeping or drowsiness

The demon of covetousness and greed would certainly be evil spirit No. 1 on the list.  To desire unlawfully something which is unattainable or another person’s property in covetousness. The Bible says in Exodus 20:17, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt no covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid servant, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s." This is one of God’s Holy laws, found in the Ten Commandments. Also, the Word of God says in Luke 12:12, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

The spirit of pride which says, "Oh yes, you can do it, no one else may be able to, but you are better, and you will show them. You will not be defeated - you must prove that you are more skilled or stronger, that you are the best."  The spirit of pride continues to speak to you saying, "They might think you are a coward, or a chicken, you have to show them. Don’t let them get away with saying that, show them now you are man enough to do it. After all, what will the boys think? You must save face."

This is the evil spirit of pride at work on the mind. The spirit of pride makes men and women become victims of the terrible sin of "taking a chance." The Bible says in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Of course, the lying spirit, which deceives, in one of the worst destructive forces in the world today. That force that tells you to keep at the game of taking a chance because everything will be all right -- or the evil spirit which tells you to try it just once more because you will hit the jackpot this time -- or don’t worry, everything will come out in the wash, everything will turn out all right - just don’t worry about it, it will work itself out because time heals everything.

These suggestions are given by the false, deceiving devil or lying spirits. The Bible says in 1 Kings 22:22, "I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets," and in Galations 6:7-8 the Bible says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

The tormenting spirit of lust certainly does its ugly soul destroying work in thousands of lives daily around the world. The thirst for power and prestige or recognition often causes a man to enter into the game of the sin of gambling or chance. The desire to be with the wrong crowd, to feed upon the filthy conversations and to digest the sensuous music while drinking alcohol can bring people to the place of gambling. Certainly the demons of lust play an important role in the sinful practice.

The Bible says in James 1:13-15 - "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (1 John 2:15-17). "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

The sin of selfishness is no small factor in causing people to be carried away on the sea of deceit and on the road of chance. After all, it doesn’t take much effort to hang around the bookie joints, the gambling dens, the horse races and gambling casinos. You may think you don’t have much money - but there is no harm in just watching for awhile. 

You may just want to be a part of the crowd. It seems so interesting and exciting being apart of the jostling crowd of gamblers - and why worry about your wife and children at home - life is so dull around home anyway. As long as you are satisfied and have a good time - why worry about anyone else. The evil suggestions from the demons of selfishness begin to work on your mind. They tell you, "Why work 8 hours a day on a job, why sweat it out at work when you can take it easy and earn more money at the casino and get rich fast. Man, that is the life for you - eat, drink, carouse and be merry. Why work when you can have a good time making money fast - yeah, real fast money!!!"

Many a person has listened to the deceiving spirit of selfishness and hit the gambling trail. The Bible says, "This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In the book of Romans 12:17 is says, "Provide things honest in the sight of all men." Refer also to 1 Timothy 5:8 where the Bible says, "But if any provide not for his own, he is worse than an infidel." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). "Do your own business, and work with your own hands, that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

In Samuel 15:23 the Bible says, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is an iniquity and idolatry." Many people are stubborn, even though they know they are doing wrong, they will not acknowledge it. 

The evil sprit which causes this is tied so very closely with the spirit of pride. Because of stubbornness many people have gone the downward track, not willing to accept someone’s apologies, not willing to forgive or forget a grudge, and not willing to accept defeat or responsibility. Many people find it very hard to quit when they are losing for fear of ridicule or hurt pride and are not willing to admit they are wrong. Stubbornness has ruined many good people because they were not willing to listen to reason or to accept advice and change their mind and admitting defeat.

Lastly, there seems to be a spirit of complacency or false security - a spirit of slumber and sleeping or drowsiness. This includes not recognizing the danger, not seeing the evil in certain things and accepting everything that comes along as being all right.

I believe this spirit is most prevalent in the world today. People’s consciences have been seared with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:2) It seems many people are living in the "twilight zone" where everything is grayish - nothing is really black and nothing is really white but everything is a compromise color. What was at one time considered bad now is not really that bad - and nothing shocks you anymore. Things seem to be tolerated where they once were not tolerated. We are living in an age of tolerance, free thought and new moral standards.

My friend, the Bible says in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

In Isaiah 5:20 the Bible says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" There is no neutral ground with God. In Matthew 12:30 Jesus said, "He that is not with me is against me." 

The sin of gambling and games of chance is certainly soul destroying and is the brain child of the devil and concocted in hell. Be not deceived my dear friend, do not listen to Satan’s lies. Come to Jesus Christ, the Saviour, for full cleansing in His blood and be forever set free from the chains of these demons that have you bound. The curse will be lifted, the demons will go and the prison of sin will hold you NO LONGER as you walk the narrow road with Jesus.

Are You Gambling with your life?

CHAPTER 2:

I'LL SHOW YOU THAT I'M
NOT CHICKEN

Not only in the gambling dens and casinos has the devil placed his deceiving demons to wreck lives and ruin home, damning souls to hell. The devil has also positioned these demons of chance in places where many others are endangered and can be hurt.

Several years ago there was an accident which made headlines and radio news reporting. A number of young men were having a drinking party in a cheap West Coast hotel room when someone made the remark that he would bet anyone $10.00 that no one was brave enough to hang by his fingertips for 2 minutes from the open window of their room. The room was situated on the 18th floor of the hotel. A discussion arose and a strong young man about 22 years of age defied the challenger, announcing that he was not chicken and that he would show them. The young man had been suspended in the air for just a few seconds when suddenly, to the horror of the crowd which had gathered beneath and the other men in the room, his fingers slipped and he plunged 18 stories to the pavement below and to his death.

This is the result of his being under the influence of alcohol and the deceiving demons of chance that convinced him he was invincible. The destructive, deceiving soul destroying demons of chance, pride and stubbornness had done their demonic work and accomplished their goal. A healthy strong man in the bloom of manhood had joined the "ranks of the dead."

This is not an isolated case, but hundreds of similar cases happen each year around the world. You may say it just happened that way and you may feel that you are absolutely right, but I believe these things don’t JUST HAPPEN. I believe it was pre-planned by some evil, wicked demon spirits whose job it is to steal, kill and destroy. (Read John 10:10 and John 8:44) The devil has sent these lying evil demons to bring misery, heartbreak and ruination upon the human race.

WE’LL TAKE OUR CHANCES

In the month of January 1965 there was a terrible tragedy that took place in my own fair province of British Columbia, Canada. It had been snowing and raining heavily and the weather conditions continued until 1 1/2 miles of mountain side began to slide. One of the worst rock slides ever to happen, took place 8 miles east of Hope, B.C., burying the highway and miles of valley area.

This caused the drying up of a large creek in its onward rush and changing its course, sending it back in another direction. A new road was soon constructed and the bare mountain side only acts as a grim reminder of the gigantic slide which took place.

Under the giant boulders of rock which are strewn in every direction of the newly constructed highway, however, lie buried 2 young bodies as a grim reminder of the mountain slide. Here is the story:

Apparently a veteran truck driver was making his way toward Hope with a tank load of petroleum products when he noticed a few boulders on the highway in front of him. He quickly got out of the truck and notice more boulders rolling onto the road behind him. Unable to go ahead or back the truck driver decided to walk back 4-5 miles to a service station to telephone for help. While he thought on this, suddenly he heard a rumble. "Yes, there will be a great slide here tonight" he said to himself. "I must not stay here long, I must go back to the service station.

As he was planning to leave, a pickup truck drove up with a young couple in it. The truck driver began immediately to warn them, telling him he had heard a rumble and that he was sure there would be a slide there that night. The couple in the pickup truck were light hearted, carefree and not worried one bit. Finally after begging them not to stay and asking them to come back with him to the service station the couple became a little irritated and said, "We’ll take our chances don’t you worry about us."

Reluctantly the truck driver left the scene alone and retraced his way to the small service station. Within a few hours, suddenly, without warning, the whole side of the mountain gave out and millions of tons of rocks, trees, dirt, snow and debris came crashing down the mountain side and the 2 young people were buried alive under approximately 400 feet of slide material.

This story is unfortunate, yes, very unfortunate, but they were given sufficient warning, but alas the warning went unheeded. There is no doubt in my mind that it was the work of demons of chance causing the frivolous, carefree and stubborn spirit in the people to neglect the warnings of the truck driver.

But what about you, as you read these lines and have heard the Gospel message over and over again, and after hearing and knowing the truth of the Gospel message, will you also take the carefree attitude of chance and reject Jesus Christ?  Knowing deep in your heart that by heeding the warning that eventually you will be lost and doomed forever in an "Eternity without God?"

Will you like these young people who rejected the warning given to them, reject the Holy Spirit of God. There is a reason you are reading these words and the Holy Spirit is giving you the warning and also the opportunity to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. You can say an eternal yes to God and let Him rule and reign in your heart and life from this moment on. Eternity and where you will spend it is not something you want to take a chance on.

Are You Gambling with your life?

CHAPTER 3:

YOUR A SISSY

Some time ago a great tragedy occurred in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This tragedy really touched my heart. It had to do with the drowning of a little 8 year old boy in the waters of the Red River.

This incident took place just a few months before our great Revival Crusades in Winnipeg, in the summer of 1965. Our only son, Kenny, was just 5 years of age at the time. Kenny had accompanied me on a 5 week Crusade and was my constant companion. The account of this little boy drowning really touched his heart also. As we would drive across the bridge, over the river, Kenny would bring up the subject and we would talk about it together. Here is the story:

It seems that two young teenagers were standing beside the river bank when an 8 year old boy rode up on his bicycle. The 2 teenagers started poking fun at the younger boy calling him a sissy and "a fraidy cat." The little boy was a brave little soul and no coward and stood up to the 2 older boys declaring that he was "not a fraidy cat."

The 2 teenagers challenged him to walk out into the river up to his chest to prove he was not afraid. The 8 year old boy did just that, returning to the boys saying he had proved he wasn’t afraid. The brainless and unthinking teenager then decided to challenge him to do it again if he really wanted to prove he wasn’t a sissy.

Anxious to prove his bravery, the little boy foolishly walked into the fast flowing Red River when suddenly he disappeared under the water and did not reappear. The search crews were still searching for his body at the time of our stay there.

This incident was nothing more or less than the work of the devil and his deceiving, wicked spirits working through the older boys. The constant taunting of this little boy caused him to have to prove his bravery and caused an innocent child his life. And on and on it goes as Satan continues to deceive, lie and spread his evil around the world. The news is full of similar accounts of how the wicked, hateful devil has deceived, ruined and killed by the workings of his deceiving, lying spirits of chance.

Bank robbers who plan their holdups for months are motivated by the evil spirits which whisper to them, telling them how their plans are fool proof. This evil spirits continue to work on the mind, filling people with pride, greed and lust for money, power, fame and an easy way to take what does not belong to them.

The lying, deceiving spirits of chance work together with the demons of hate, jealousy, lust and murder. Many people have been bewitched into killing a rich uncle or murdering an unwanted husband, wife or relative, feeling completely secure that they will not be found out. These lying, deceiving spirits whisper lies and falsehoods into the hearts of those ensnared by lust, greed, hatred and deceit. These lying, deceiving evil spirits have taken many lives and completely destroyed them. Homes are broken, friendships completely ruined, and souls are lost. When the damage is done and the lives are ruined, the evil spirits have accomplished what they wanted and the devil and his evil spirits have a good laugh over it and continue on to their next victim.

Yes, my friend, there is a pay day for every sinner who sows in the flesh. The Bible says in Romans 8:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

In Galatians 6:7-8 the Bible says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Are You Gambling with your life?

CHAPTER 4:

THERE'S PLENTY OF TIME

A woman had a dream some time ago which confirms what I have mentioned previously.  And if you will consider it, you will see how true to life it really is.

In her dream, the woman was shown the regions of Hell and a great conference of evil spirits, gathered around the throne of Satan, upon which "The Master Deceiver" sat in full control.  The Conference meeting was to seek out new ways and means by which Satan and his demons could turn more people away from Christ and bring them into Hell.

One by one Satan allowed the demons to give suggestions on the subject.  The demons wracked their brains for improved methods on doing their evil work and came up with suggestions.  The "Master Deceiver" was not satisfied with any of the suggestions until one demon suggested, "I will go upon the earth and I will tell everyone that there is no God - and that they may live as they please, because there is no God."

The devil shook his head sadly and answered, "Try it, my faithful one, and you will gain a few, but we've been saying that for years and still Christianity is not extinguished."

Another bright eyed demon asked for permission to speak and when it was granted he said, "I will go to the earth and enter into false prophets and propagate a false religion called J.W.'s and I will deceive religious minded people with new thought, new theology and new curriculums to believe in.  I will deceive them to believe there is no hell and to doubt the veracity of the Holy Bible."

The devil laughed and said, "You will do all right, but I am not satisfied.  You see, we have these people already in our gang, we must come upon a plan to deceive all."

With a gleeful look in his evil countenance, a small snake like demon came forward and knelt before Satan.  Lifting his evil eyes towards his master, he begged leave to speak.  He said, "your most wicked majesty, I have a suggestion to give for your approval.  I will go back to the earth and I will tell people, "Yes - the Bible is true, yes - there is a God and there is a Hell" - but I will whisper into their hearts - "but don't worry about your soul's salvation, - take your time - get saved later."

I will go to Revival Meetings and I will sit on people's shoulders whispering in their ears while the preacher is giving the alter call.  I will whisper, "NOT TONIGHT; get saved tomorrow night.  You are still young - wait until you're ready to die before you accept the Lord Jesus Christ."  I will persuade them to wait until later, much later, until we have them in our grasp."

The Devil jumped off his throne clapping his hands in glee.  "That's it - that's it!  Tell them they have LOTS OF TIME.  Go - demons - go to deceive those who are being convicted by the Holy Spirit of God.  Go and we will bring many more souls to this cursed place, to share our torment."

Yes, I believe "the demons of Chance and Gamble" deceive thousands of people daily.  I believe the devil and his demons are working night and day deceiving, whispering and lying to people, telling them "there's plenty of time - take your time - have a good time."  When you are finished having a good time - then you can settle down and accept the Lord Jesus Christ - to GET RIGHT WITH GOD!

Even as you read this book Satan may be trying to persuade you to gamble with your souls and put off the time of your salvation.  DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!  The devil is a liar, the devil is a deceiver.  Listen to Jesus who says, "Come unto Me, all yea that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)  Obey the Voice of the Holy Spirit who says, "Now is the accepted time, TODAY is the day of salvation."

Let the Word of God make an impact upon your souls to receive Christ, NOW, while He says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, thought they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

Are You Gambling with your life?

CHAPTER 5:

KING BELSHAZZAR KNEW BETTER

"And thou his son, O Belshazzar, has not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this." (Daniel 5:22)  King Belshazzar took a chance on disobeying and mocking God and lost his soul.

He knew better because he had seen the judgment of God upon his father’s life, when pride had entered in and taken control of Nebuchnezzar’s heart. Even though Belshazzar knew better, he disobeyed God and committed willful blasphemy. What did he do? Here, read it for yourself,

"Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Belshazzsar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. 

 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel, thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting." (Daniel 5:1-6; Daniel 5:25-27)

And what was the judgment of God against him? "In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain." (Daniel 5:30) The enemy had tunneled under the walls and in the night time came upon a drunken, sleeping city and seized power, killing the king. That wasn’t the worst of it. Listen to this.... Even today, while you read these lines, King Belshazzar is in torment and pain in Hell forevermore. Yes, he gambled with his soul and lost.

REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE

Jesus said, "Remember Lot’s wife." (Luke 17:32) Why did Jesus want us to remember that terrible event? He wanted us to be sure that we do not follow in her footsteps - to use her for an example unto us. (1 Corinthians 10:6) Jesus warned over and over again, "Be ye therefore also ready; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." (Luke 12:40) "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) "Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for man, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Luke 13:24) "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3) And also in Luke 13:3 - "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

Yes, Jesus made many references to coming judgment and invited people to repent of their sins and believe the Gospel.

Since Jesus made definite reference to Lot’s wife, however, I feel we should take a little time to examine the facts concerning this event.

The Lord cam down to speak to His friend, Abraham, about His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wicked, perverted sins of homosexuality and sex perversion. Abraham pleaded before the Lord in deep intercessory prayers and supplications so that God would spare Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham asked God to spare the city of Sodom, to spare the righteous within her borders. He asked the Lord to spare Sodom from destruction if there were 10 righteous people there. To this the Lord consented, but because there were to 10 people in the city who loved god and hated sin, God destroyed Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities of the plains by fire and brimstone.

However, God first sent His Angels to warn Lot of the coming judgment and to command him and his family to leave for safety, immediately. As Lot still lingered, the Angels actually helped them out physically with the warning, "Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed." (Genesis 19:17) However, Lot’s wife gambled with her life and soul and was lost. She went against clear light and willfully disobeyed the command of the Lord. Her heart was in the city. Her interests were in Sodom and she did not want to leave. It may have been her beautiful new house or furniture, world associates, or maybe even a secret boyfriend. Who knows? We do not know about that, but we do know that her heart was in that wicked city.

The scriptures say, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21).

As Lot’s wife turned to look back, God’s judgment immediately fell upon her, she died on the spot and her body became a pillar of salt. That her soul took the downward plunge into a lost eternity is evidenced by the words of Jesus when He said, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) Lot’s wife took a chance on disobeying God and lost in her gamble.

There will be no excuse for Lot’s wife! Do not forget she was married to Abraham’s nephew - no doubt many times she had heard him speak about the things of God - Abraham, the friend of God, who was the Father of the Faithful had no doubt shared many faith sermons with Lot and his wife; even angels had warned her of coming judgment if she disobeyed, yet she took a chance and was doomed forever. No wonder Jesus said, "Remember Lot’s wife."

GOD COULD HAVE USED HIM

"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." (2 Kings 5:27) Gehazzi took a chance of lying and deceiving; gambled for a few material gains and became a leper because of God’s judgment. What a sad picture. Gehazzi, the man who could have been so mightily used of God, left the presence of God and Elisha, a leper forever. Gehazzi took a chance and gambled with God and lost. Let us be honest with ourselves, with God and with our fellow man and we will not follow in the footsteps of the man whom God could have used.

Elisha had been the servant of Elijah the prophet and had been prepared in this to become "the prophet of God" after Elijah was taken up into heaven. (II Kings 3:11), (II Kings 2:1-15)

If Gehazzi had not gambled by obeying the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye, he would not have been dishonest with God’s servant. As a result he became a leper, together with his seed after him. He lost his opportunity to become a Prophet of God after Elisha and may have lost his soul. Oh what a different ending could have been his if he had not allowed the spirits of chance to ruin his life. May this be an example to us today.

Are You Gambling with your life?

CHAPTER 6:

JUDAS WAS JESUS'
SECRETARY TREASURER

The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10 - "For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."  

Judas Iscariot was one of the most trusted of Jesus’ disciples. He was appointed the secretary treasurer of Jesus’ small group. Only an honest, trustworthy person would be given such a responsible position. There are those who argue that Judas never was saved and that he was a devil from the beginning, but this theory does not hold water when exposed to the Scriptures. They base their assumptions on the Scripture in John 6:70, where Jesus said, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 

Always in judging these matters, all Scriptures pertaining to the subject must be used. You cannot formulate any doctrine on one individual verse of Scripture because the Bible says, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (2 Corinthians 13:1) We read in John 13:17, "And after the sop Satan entered into him", "then Satan put it in Judas’ heart to betray Him." (Matthew 26:16)

If Judas was a devil, then Satan would not have to enter into him and would not have to put it in his mind, for if Judas really was a devil, he already (being a devil) would have had the thought in his mind. Also in Luke 22:3 the Scripture says, "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve."

What did Jesus mean when He said, "And one of you is a devil." (John 6:70) Let me ask you a question to answer the first one. What did Jesus mean when he said, "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come." (Matthew 11:14) Jesus speaking about John the Baptist, definitely called him Elias. Yet John the Baptist denied this when he said, "I am not he (Elias)" (John 1:21)

Was Jesus not telling the truth? Of course He was. It had been prophesied that one would come in the power and spirit of Elijah. (Luke 1:17) John the Baptist was not Elijah, but came in the same power and spirit as Elijah came, that power and spirit being the blessed Holy Ghost. (Luke 1:15)

Likewise, the other Scriptures I have mentioned previously, bearing me out, prove that Jesus was speaking about Judas being filled and motivated by the power and spirit of Satan. Any man to be elevated to the position of secretary treasurer surely must have been a most respected and honest man. 

Also, when Jesus told His disciples that one of them should betray Him they all asked, "Lord, is it I?" (Matthew 26:22), proving that Judas was certainly not in the least suspected over his associate disciples. Then, the Scripture also says, "Because he was a thief, and had the bag." (John 12:6) Does one become a thief immediately or does he fall into temptation and then begin by stealing a little, becoming entangled and taken captive by the sin of covetousness?

The Bible also says, "Judas by transgression fell." (Acts 1:25) He became ensnared when he began stealing, after listening to the tempter. Judas was one of the twelve disciples, (Acts 1:17); (Luke 22:3) but he fell into temptation and was overtaken. If he was never a Christian, but was a "devil" as some misinformed people believe, how could he fall? The devil certainly was a fallen angel, from the time of his revolt against God Almighty and his fall from Heaven, as God cast him out of His Holy presence. (Isaiah 14:9-17)

No, a thousand times NO, the devil certainly could not fall any lower than he had already fallen at that time. We realize that the devil was the Covering Cherub and Archangel, full of wisdom and beauty. We then know that because sin entered into his heart and his rebellion against God began he was cast out of Heaven. It was then the devil became evil, rotten, ungodly and filthy, a killer and a robber and all that is bad. (John 10: 10); (John 8:44) 

No, the devil could not fall any lower than he already had fallen. From these scriptures we note that Judas was a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ with power to work miracles in Christ’s Name - but the love of money was his downfall. He "fell" into sin and became a thief and eventually lost out with God, allowing Satan to enter into him. Judas’ final act of evil was to betray the Son of God into the hands of sinful men to be crucified.

Can you imagine a man who has lived with Jesus Christ for three and a half years falling for the temptation of covetousness. Judas witnessed for 3 1/2 years the life giving sermons of Jesus Christ. Judas personally witnessed the miracles of Jesus, as he watched Jesus heal the sick, cleanse lepers and raise the dead. Judas lived with Jesus Christ when he performed the miracle of the multiplied loaves and fishes. Judas witnessed Jesus actually walk on the water and calm the storm seas. But even more significant is the fact that Judas himself had been given power over unclean spirits and to heal the sick in Jesus’ name. 

Yes, Judas had actually preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Many people had repented by his preaching and turned to the Lord. Judas himself had cast out many devils and cured many sick people as he proclaimed deliverance to them in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Yet, after all of these events, Judas turned his back upon the Savior, betraying his Lord for a measly 30 pieces of silver. The love of money had taken a firm grip on his soul and he was overcome by the Spirit of Greed and "lust for money." Judas gambled with his soul and went to Hell.

You may say give me scripture and verse for the statements you are saying here. Well here are the truths on this matter. The Bible says concerning Judas Iscariot - "For he was numbered with us (Peter was speaking) and had obtained part of this ministry." (Acts 1:17) Peter speaking to the other 10 Apostles after Judas’ suicide said, "Judas was one of us" (one of the Lord’s chosen Apostles) and he had received from God the same ministry which the other disciples received - Judas was part of the ministry as well as the other disciples. "That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship for which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."

 Click here to continue reading - Chapters  7 to 13

Are you Gambling with your life - Click here for chapter 1 to 6
Are you Gambling with your life - Click here for chapter 7 to 13

SALVATION
 - Are you searching for happiness?
Jesus Christ is a life altering experience 
by:  Pastor Max Solbrekken, D.D.

Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

JESUS CHRIST OFFERS SALVATION AND A NEW LIFE

Are you searching for happiness?  Has life become meaningless and have things turned out much differently that you thought they would?  Read these words of hope and encouragement and find out how to get a new life with Jesus Christ.

HOW TO RECEIVE SALVATION AND JESUS CHRIST -  AND BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE & A LIFE ALTERING EXPERIENCE

Jesus Christ can offer you a new life.  Jesus Christ is a life altering experience....and its free.  

Perhaps you have lost your job, or lost your family.  Maybe you have become addicted to alcohol or drugs in the search for happiness.

You may have lost your ambition or even your faith in God or of other people.  You may feel there is nothing left in life and no where to turn.  Read these words and find the answers on how to get a new life.

Jesus Christ can offer you what you are looking for.  He can offer you a brand new life.  Jesus Christ can completely change your life and fill you with peace, joy and happiness.  You will have hope for the future and hope for all eternity.

Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28)

THE WORLD HAS BECOME A SELFISH, COLD PLACE

We are living in a world that has become a very selfish, cold place to live in and life can at times seem  very hard to bare.  Jesus Christ is your answer for a new life, for a new future and for a reason to continue with your life.  Let Jesus Christ become your life changing experience.  Once you turn to Jesus, you will not want to return to your old life.

You may think you have done so many things wrong that nothing can repair your life.  You may have a criminal record or be involved in illegal activity.  There is hope for you, Jesus Christ will not turn even the worst person away.  Read the words of Jesus Christ and find the wonderful truths that can give you salvation and new life.

#1 - FOR ALL HAVE SINNED

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  (Romans 3:23)

St. Peter declared, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."  (Acts 2:38)

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10)

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."  (Isaiah 53:6)

#2 - GOD HATES SIN BUT HE LOVES THE SINNER

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."  (John 3:16-17)

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."   (Isaiah  55:7)

#3 - GOD WANTS ALL MEN TO BE SAVED

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."  (1 Timothy  2:3-4)

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter  3:9)

#4 - JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS SO WE COULD BE FREE

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans  5:8)

"...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..."  (1 Timothy 1:15)

#5 - JESUS CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND HAS THE POWER TO SAVE US

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:12)

"...and Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)

#6 - HE WILL SAVE THE VERY WORST SINNER

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrew  7:25)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah  1:18)

#7 - WE RECEIVE HIM INTO OUR HEARTS BY FAITH

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians  2:8-9)

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."  (Acts 16:31)

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18)

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)

#8 - A NEW LIFE IS OPENED UP FOR YOU

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  (2 Corinthians  5:17)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And Iwill put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel  36:26-27)

#9 - ONLY JESUS CAN OFFER SALVATION - ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE YOU

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  (Acts 4:12)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."  (John 6:47)

"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:12)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  (John 14:6)

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."  (John 10:9)

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)

#10 - WHY DO WE ASK YOU TO COME FORWARD TO ACCEPT CHRIST PUBLICLY

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans  10:9-10)

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33)

#11 - WILL YOUR SALVATION LAST ? THAT WILL DEPEND ON YOU !

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."  (Philippians 1:6)

"...For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."  (2 Timothy  1:12)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 4)

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28)

"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:5)

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." (2 Peter  2:9)

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 24)

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans  8:38-39)

#12 - NOW THAT I HAVE GIVEN MY HEART TO CHRIST, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

Now that you have given your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ you will want to attend church regularly.  You will truly want to fully experience this life altering experience.

You should attend a church where pastor and people believe 100% in the Bible - its authority, validity, and infallibility.

I would like to recommend you to attend a church that teaches all that Jesus taught when He was here upon the Earth. I would strongly suggest that you attend a church that is Full Gospel and believes in present day miracles and healing for the sick, wrought in Jesus' name.

I would strongly recommend a church that believes in, and practices Water Baptism by immersion. After you have given your heart to Jesus Christ you will want to follow the Lord's command and be baptized in water.

I would encourage you to attend a church where they believe the Full Gospel and allow the Holy Spirit of God to have His way.

Jesus Christ is the only answer for a new life.  Without Jesus Christ in your life your life, there will always be an empty space in your heart.  But when you accept Jesus into your life, you will fill that empty hole and feel satisfied and whole.

THE BIBLE HAS THE ANSWER TO EVERY QUESTION & EVERY PROBLEM

Always remember that God's word is the final authority and the Bible has the answers to every question and problem. God will lead you and direct you.  You will now have the peace and assurance that not only do you have a new life, but you will go on to live forever with Christ Jesus when you die.  You can know for sure, in your heart, that your future is sealed, and you will live in Paradise with the Lord for all eternity.

Pray the SINNERS PRAYER a few paragraphs down, and believe the words you say.  Jesus Christ the Lord will hear your prayer and your name will be written down in the "Lamb's Book of Life".  You are now a child of God, you have a new Heavenly Father who cares about you.

For further spiritual counsel or prayer for unsaved loved ones, sick and suffering, please write me.  When you write, please let me know if you accepted Christ after reading these words.

MY CONFESSION OF FAITH

As God is my witness I do hereby solemnly declare that I NOW receive Jesus Christ into my heart and life. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for me on Calvary's Cross and rose again from the dead. By His grace and power I will live for Him the rest of my life.

Signature:

Date:

THE SINNER'S PRAYER

Almighty Eternal God, I come unto thee in the wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, thy Son - O Lord be merciful to me a sinner and save my soul from the power of the evil one. I now renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways and I repent of all my sins which are many. I have sinned against God and against my fellowman. I am willing to forsake my sins, with God's help. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me on the cross - arose again from the dead and is alive forevermore - come into my heart Lord Jesus - I receive you now by faith into my life as my Lord and Saviour.  I receive your gift of a new life and take it gladly.   In Jesus' Name. Amen.