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Evil isn’t just a flaw or illness—it’s a choice, and the path you follow reveals whose voice you’re truly listening to.

If you had a quarter for every time you heard the word “transform” or “transformation” in church, you’d probably have enough money for a nice vacation, wouldn’t you? Dr. Robert Jeffress explains that transformation isn’t just an over-used word—it’s truly worth getting excited about!

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Some tend to think that God only uses perfect people . . . people with no blindspots, no failings, no shortcomings. But the more we study the Bible, the more we see how God used imperfect people to do remarkable things for His Kingdom. How can we be the kind of person God is looking for? Pastor Greg Laurie answers that today here on A NEW BEGINNING as we examine the life of a great leader of Israel who God chose personally, over and above other candidates who appeared more impressive.

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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

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“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” - Proverbs 28:20

Powerball jackpots and scratch-off tickets might seem like a shortcut to financial freedom, but should Christians be buying in? Dr. David W. Jones returns to our financial ethics series today to help us think biblically about the lottery and whether it aligns with a life of faithful stewardship.

Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.

Proverbs 13:11 warns, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Hebrews 13:5 exhorts believers to “keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” These passages highlight the value of work, patience, and contentment—virtues that stand in direct contrast to the quick-fix allure of lottery winnings.

The lottery promises flourishing without labor, but God’s design in Genesis 1 calls us to be co-creators with Him—to work, to produce, and to flourish through effort. Skipping that process isn’t just unwise—it violates God’s design for human flourishing.

Is playing the lottery merely harmless entertainment? We should pay close attention to what our financial decisions reveal: Jesus taught, ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Matt. 6:21). If someone regularly spends money on lottery tickets, it could point to deeper issues—discontentment, greed, or misplaced hope.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our actions—including how we spend—are often the most honest indicators of our spiritual condition.

While scratching a ticket at a birthday party may seem harmless, there’s a big difference between a one-time event and a habitual lifestyle of gambling. And even if the act is permissible, that doesn’t make it wise (1 Cor. 10:23).

We must also consider the industry behind the lottery. It preys upon the poor. Statistics show that the lowest-income Americans buy more than half of all lottery tickets, with some spending up to 6% of their income. In many ways, it functions like a regressive tax, taking from those who can least afford it.

Some believers wonder whether it's ethical to accept scholarships or grants funded by state lotteries. Of course, there’s room for Christian liberty here. Some will choose to opt-out due to conscience. Others will recognize we live in a fallen world and may receive such benefits without directly participating in the system. Either way, we should be aware of what we're engaging with and remain open before the Lord.

If you're feeling convicted, confess it to the Lord. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us’ (1 John 1:9). And as with any area of struggle, don’t walk alone. Seek accountability and encouragement through your local church.

Ultimately, the Christian life invites us to a different kind of ric

Marriage coaches Les and Leslie Parrott offer practical advice on how spouses can avoid destructive conflict and learn to "fight a good fight" that will strengthen, rather than damage, their relationship.

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"Be the captain of your own destiny"; "follow your heart"; "you only live once"---such slogans sound positive but often only create anxiety, weariness, and self-absorption. Alisa Childers will expose the deceptions underlying the thinking of progressive Christianity, offering encouragement to grip the soul-restoring truths of God's Word. Find the freedom to live the way your Creator designed you to!

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