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Gambling is  
More
than a game.

"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." - 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Gambling addiction quiz

United Excel Social Justice Institute is a research-based organization designed to bring knowledge and awareness to the community.

OUR VISION

As part of the visionary goals of United Christian Faith Ministries (UCFM), we aspire to cultivate a church environment characterized by love, reconciliation with God, and the imparting of skillful living based on God's Word—addressing moral, social, domestic, economic, and spiritual facets of life.

Within UCFM, the United Excel Social Justice Ministry undertakes a crucial role in advocating for our families, friends, and the broader community. The "It's NOT a Game!" Campaign, initiated by this ministry, is dedicated to raising awareness about the profound and detrimental impacts of gambling. Our campaign focuses on:

1. Promoting Truth:
   - Disseminating accurate information about the origins, promotion, and negative effects of gambling to foster awareness and understanding.

2. Providing Support:
   - Extending support to those affected by gambling through a combination of faith and spiritual assistance. Additionally, we offer practical, tangible aid and collaborate with trusted partners to ensure comprehensive support.

3. Advocacy for Stronger Regulations:
   - Championing the cause for robust regulations aimed at protecting the vulnerable from the adverse consequences of gambling.

Through the "It's NOT a Game!" Campaign, we aim to create a powerful and multifaceted initiative that not only sheds light on the realities of gambling but also provides a compassionate and supportive framework for individuals grappling with its challenges. Together, we advocate for positive change and a more secure future for our community.

A Biblical Perspective

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Exodus 20:17: Gambling is a form of covetousness, which is forbidden by the tenth commandment
1 Timothy 6:10: Gambling also involves the love of money, which is the root of all kinds of evil
Acts 20:35; Ephesians 4:28; Hebrews 13:5: Gambling can lead to addiction, greed, and ruin, which are contrary to God's will for his people
Proverbs 13:11: Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase
Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth
Luke 16:13: No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon
Romans 13:8: Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law
1 Peter 4:10: As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God

The 10th Commandment

Commandment number ten found in Exodus 20:17 talks about coveting which is the root of many of our problems. What is one of the reasons that people gamble and play the lottery? They covet money, which they hope to make in a quick and easy way.
 1 Timothy 6:10 declares that "the love of money is the root of all evil." Therefore, the enticement of gambling and playing the lottery comes under these texts. But there is more. God has given to each person certain talents, which includes time, money, and influence. God is going to have each person give an account of how their talents were used. If talents are wasted and dissipated, often the indulgent ones are not the only ones who pay the price. Families often must go without basic necessities because of one member's addiction.
The Bible understands that idolatry extends beyond the worship of images and false gods. It is a matter of the heart, associated with pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony ( Php 3:19 ), and love for possessions ( Matt 6:24 ). Gambling feeds on human greed and invites persons to place their trust in possessions rather than in God.  Satan cannot force us to sin. He cannot control the behaviors of a believer but he can place thoughts into our minds and lead us into temptation as a powerful strategy to lure us into sin. The enemy uses temptation as a strategic tool “to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain.
 "The lust of the eye and the pride of life are two of the three things that the world offers to tempt people to sin, according to 1 John 2:16. The lust of the eye is the desire for riches and possessions that the eyes see. The pride of life is the vanity and arrogance that comes from one's status, achievements, or appearance. Both of these are not of the Father, but of the world, and they can lead people away from God.
The very principle of the gamble is to put one's trust in luck, chance and trickery, denying what God says in His word about hard work, stewardship and diligence, however this could be that the person has not heard the Word or if he has, has not embraced it as truth. This is way it imperative that with love and humility, we come together to extend mercy and the resources the God has provided to teach, preach, reach and restore our brothers and sisters and thereby helping ourselves SELAH

Resources

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UCFM Life Coaching
Men's Ministry

Prayer Request
Women's Ministries
Dear friend,

We care about you and your well-being. We know that gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it can also have serious consequences for your health, finances, relationships and happiness. Gambling can become a problem when you lose control over how much time and money you spend on it, or when you feel unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite the negative impacts it has on your life.
If you are struggling with gambling, please know that you are not alone and that help is available. There are many effective treatments and support services that can help you overcome your gambling problem and regain control of your life. You don't have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed of your situation. There is hope and recovery is possible.
We urge you to seek professional help as soon as possible. You can start by contacting the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting www.ncpgambling.org. They can provide you with confidential and free advice, information and referrals to local resources that can help you. You can also talk to your doctor, therapist, family or friends about your gambling problem and ask for their support.
Please don't hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to live a happy and healthy life, free from the harms of gambling. We are here for you, and will support you in any way we can. You are not alone in this journey.

Sincerely,
United Christian Faith Ministries

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