After playing carefully for about an hour, she went for it all in a hand and lost. Except the Tournament Director put her out -- and he decided against putting her out, mainly because she was relatively new. The woman received a "rebate" of chips. Within minutes, she won several big pots -- and as we recall, she wound up at the final table.
This woman told us early in the evening she's a Bible reader. After watching her comeback, we had a suggestion: "You should read the verses on new life."
The Tournament Director provided that to the woman -- and Jesus Christ offers it to you....
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - II Corinthians 5:17
New life comes from being "in Christ." For that to occur, Christ actually needs to be in you:
But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. - Romans 8:10
Poker players know "drawing dead" is no fun. It means you've lost the hand, even if the river card is the best one possible for you. But in the eyes of God, death can lead to new life....
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4
Baptism performed the Biblical way pictures death - being buried under water. Coming out of that watery grave and having hands prayerfully laid upon you can bring Christ into you, through the Holy Spirit.
Have you repented of the sins which have your life drawing dead? Have you taken those other steps, to ensure a new life in Jesus -- which can lead to life everlasting?
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