Believe and Win

Unless you're in the blinds, why do you bet during a poker hand?

Silly question, you may say. I'm betting because it's the only way to win the pot.

Yes, but why do you bet what you bet? In some cases, players are bluffing. But most of the time, players throw chips in because they think they have a winnable hand. (Of course, that perspective could change if the wrong cards show up on the flop.)

As the hand goes on, you may become sure the pot is yours. You believe your two pair are good, for instance -- until an opponent surprises you with a pocket pair which makes three of a kind.

Believing in a hand can be risky. But in most countries which allow religious freedom, believing in Jesus doesn't have to be. (We should pray for God to protect believers in difficult countries and situation.)

Remember the earlier post about the online player with believer in his handle? He told us he believed in Jesus. That won't necessarily win you any pots, but you can gain something much more valuable.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved," Paul and Silas told a jailer in Acts 16:31. That means you're saved from your sins -- sins which lead to death (Rom. 6:23).

But it means more, as Hebrews 1:14 says believers "will inherit salvation." That's a future thing, as Jesus "will appear a second time.... to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him" (Heb. 9:27). It's an eternal salvation, for "heirs having the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 3:7).

This is good news, and Jesus told people years ago we should "repent and believe" it (Mk. 1:15). If you want to believe in Jesus but aren't sure how, leave a comment. We'll be happy to help explain it to you.