Phenomenology of religion studies continually show very little difference between Christians and non-Christians with respect to their chosen lifestyles. A turn around factor to change this situation is the nurturing and accountability provided in a small group. Not a Sunday School class, which is more informational than transformational, involved more with getting the Word out instead of getting the Word in.

Instead, a weekly small group meeting that focuses on acting on the Word will put to use all the good teaching our pastors provide and thereby cause a “good news” story within us to finally rise up. Rightly implemented, small groups will not implode but will produce an evangelism that far exceeds our present efforts.

I think this person needs to dive into the scriptures and find out for himself what the Bible really says. I would suggest the book of John for starters.  I think it’s a slap on Jesus’ face when we start attaching conditions to salvation, as if His sacrifice was not enough. There is a lot of dangerous and erroneous doctrine out there, and people need to be in the Word, finding out what God says.  As a Baptist, I am a strong advocate for baptism; as an outward expression of my salvation, and as a symbolic picture of something that has already happened. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Gambling is becoming the number one addiction for teenagers, surpassing drugs and drinking. 

We need to do something to help those who become sick from it and not just turn our backs and say that it is not our problem. It is our problem and with more gambling being allowed in our state it will only get worse. Please let people know how gambling can affect a persons’ life forever and hurt the ones that love the person who becomes ill from it.