#80 My Double Life: Gambling Addict & Thief – Jeff Parker
Summary
I grew up in a typical middle-class family without much church involvement. After my parents nearly divorced when I was around thirteen, I discovered the gospel through a youth group and committed my life to Christ. However, I slipped into a pattern of hiding sins—especially sexual sin and, later on, gambling. When I got married, I only partially confessed my past relationships to my wife, Stacy, thinking that was enough. I also pretended to have a strong Christian walk in small groups but secretly struggled with pornography and, eventually, online poker.
A trip to Las Vegas for my 30th birthday pushed me over the line, and I used my Christian media company’s credit card to fund my gambling. I managed to “pay it back” quietly, and in my pride and shame, I believed I could handle it on my own. Over the next few years, I siphoned larger amounts of money to support my habit, juggling credit card charges, day trading, and even paying personal bills with company funds. My double life was increasingly exhausting and filled with fear. Deep down, I knew I had to confess, but I kept hardening my heart—fearing man’s judgment more than God’s truth.
Time Chapters
- 01:20 Parents Nearly Divorce
- 04:10 Embracing the Gospel
- 07:25 Hidden Sexual Sin
- 09:52 Entering Marriage With Secrets
- 13:15 Joining Igniter Media
- 15:45 First Gambling Confession
- 18:10 Returning to Poker in Secret
- 23:40 Credit Card Theft in Vegas
- 29:15 Deeper Lies and Embezzlement
- 38:05 Convicted Yet Refusing Confession
—————– Source —————–
Jeff was the successful Vice President of a Christian media company. Their products were used in churches around the world every Sunday and the company was thriving. Yet Jeff was carrying a secret. A secret that no one in his church, small group, or work could know about, but that ultimately could destroy him. Would Jeff continue on his secret path of destruction, or would he confess and repent of his sin, before it was too late?
Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/jeff-parker-pt-1
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