The minister talked about two "heroes" in the Bible who took a big risk. OK, it wasn't for a poker hand - but it was something bigger. One risked his life to help an apostle in the early church....
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow workers and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger…. he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me. - Philippians 2:25, 30
The radio preacher put it this way: "God honors people like that - people who are willing to gamble it all away, risk it all, for the service of Christ."
Anytime a poker player goes all-in, his "life" in the tournament or cash game is at risk. A loss means elimination, or at least a trip to the ATM for more money. But that man with a long name risked everything "for the work of Christ." What sort of service is that? You might be surprised....
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance form the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do," the verse says. If you're working for Jesus, be diligent about it. Can that include a poker night, which might not really be "work?" We think it can, if you focus on serving the Lord instead of your own desires of the flesh.
For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. - I John 2:16-17
The point is to go all-in for God, not yourself. Be an example and a witness for Jesus. And if you can have some fun along the way, enjoy it. That's what Epaphroditus did. Are you willing to take the same sort of gamble?
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