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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encour...
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Singapore Moses
Supporter
Good question! Can Christians bet or gamble or buy lottery tickets? The State-run raffles are simply official gambling. Our Governments don't have absolutes in their moral standards. From an Editorial in Moody Monthly I read, "Gambling violates the Christian concept of providence. It's no coincidence that gamblers are notoriously superstitious. Having lost sight of the sovereignty of God, they grope for any method, no matter how dubious, to manipulate the forces of fate." Gambling/betting/Lotteries appeal to greed. The Bible sternly warns us against get-rich-quick philosophy. "An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end" (Prov 20:21). "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished" (Prov 28:20). These statements are proved again and again in the lives of most of the lottery prize winners who have only become more miserable (1 Tim 6:9,10). But when God makes one rich, He adds no sorrow! Beware of the beginnings! Bettings or Lottery players usually begin with one or two to begin with. Suppose they get a small prize of 100 or 1000 dollars, they are irresistably tempted to buy more tickets. Oh how many families are denied bread because the husbands and fathers are addicted to gambling! Money is like sea water which never quenches one's thirst but only increases it. Lotteries make a handful of millionaries by stealing from millions. Most of the gamblers belong to the middle and lower income groups. Can we anger the God of the poor? (Prov 22:16). Gamblers are also used by the rich to turn their black money into white. Some Christians justify betting/gambling/lottery by saying that they would give 50% to God if they won! Beloved, God abhors unclean money. Preachers and pastors should politely refuse offerings from such sources. If you are not able to make both ends meet, seek to do some extra work to supplement your income. Streamline your budget. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Ask God for daily bread and ask Him to bless it. "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Tim 6:6-8).
Brenda Mabaso
Supporter
According to my opinion, gambling is a sin. I experienced the situation whereby my husband was being addictive to gambling. There was no peace in the house, he always spent all the money at the casino, and when he came home he had no money to pay all the bills including school fees for our children. He ended up selling one of our taxis for the mere useless gambling. We always fought and he abandoned us, had no time for us but for the casino. The bible in 1Timothy 6:10 clearly states that,"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."One needs to listen to the voice of God, if He says "NO," one needs to stop doing what God cautions them to do. Our heavenly father is a God of Love and Peace. So, that means where these two lack, there is no God at all. Those who gamble lack faith. God said without faith it is impossible to please Him, when they gamble they don't believe that God will meet all their needs according to His glorious riches(Philipians 4:19).
Lynn Willis
Supporter
I've never had a gambling problem, but have known many who have/do and all I can see in their gambling is an addiction which is, in and of itself, idolatrous in that it becomes their one most important 'thing' in life. It consumes them... or in my newfound Christian eyes... satan uses it to keep them away from Christ, to take them down a sinful path of greed and exultation of earthly wants, not to mention the fact that I believe that believing in Lady Luck is nothing short of mystic occultism dressed up in cultural folklore. The fact that the Roman soldiers gambled over Jesus' garments at the cross is enough of a warning from my God to me that gambling is unclean: John 19:23: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. I trust that there is purpose and reason and truth in everything that is in scripture... a gift from God to us. I trust in God therefore, I trust that gambling only takes one farther away from Him, not closer. Blessings, in HIM, Lynn
Bishop Akosua kwansa
Supporter
The bible says some trust in chariots some horses....Psalms 20:7.its talking about betting, gambling, which is not the life of a believer. Believe in God to provide for you. Many have gamble and lost their families.monies to be used for the family care has been wasted.Remember gambling is addiction and can destroy a persons life. Don't tread on the devils territory. The bible says work with your hands. Did you work to win that money?
Vincent Mercado
Supporter
Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement. Unfair wagers and cheating at games constitute grave matter, unless the damage inflicted is so slight that the one who suffers it cannot reasonably consider it significant. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2413. Reflecting on this, we then ask where the money for gambling came from? Is it spare money for leisure? Or it is grocery money?
Aurel Gheorghe
Supporter
Gambling is an unnecessary expense that most of the time leads to addiction. God is the provider and blessed us with the necessary income to take care of our families and also bless others in need. Spending these moneys in any type of gambling activity is a sin and a waste of God's blessings. Proverbs 28:19-20 gives us an indication of how God views people who waste their time and money trying to get rich fast. "He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."
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