Is gambling a sin?

[Homie]

I gamble and I don't feel my conscience kicking in. I know the Bible warns about Gambling, but does it forbid it? It probably warns about it because some people cannot control their gambling and it may ruin their life. So isn't gambling warned against to protect these people rather than being a sin. Because a sin always leads to misfortune for someone.

If you think gambling is a sin, please post scriptures. Thank you.

Edit: An embarrassing typo

 

[SUNSTONE]

No the bible isn't sin.

The word gamble isn't in the bible.

 

[Live4Jesus]

Personally i think that for a truly saved person, one who has a relationship with Jesus Christ, to walk into a casino, or easier, just play the lottery, is tempting God.

It's like saying in your heart, God I know you are here... do this for me... because surely you know He can... but to do so He would have to rob the piggy banks of many dumb and blind poor souls who probably do not know Him...

And then if you lose you are going to say 'God do you not see me here?"

Most definitely i would feel as though I were tempting God. Tempting Him either to steal from others for me, or to simply let me fall and lose bunches of my own money to prove my own ignorance to me...

God will provide for you, you don't need to gamble...

 

[SUNSTONE]

Thats what I keep telling God when I play the stock market. I say, Lord, take all of the heathens money and give it to me.

Do you know whats a real gamble? Renting out movies. When I rent out movies, I tell God, "Lord make this a good movie."


If you walk into a casino, and ask God to cheat for you? Yes that is tempting Him in a wrong way.
But if you walk into a casino to have fun, wether you win or loss, or go there because your a professional poker player, built on skill and not built on God cheating for you? Then no it isn't tempting God.

Farmers plant seeds, and they take chances, that the crops will grow or not, or even make it to the harvest.

The temptation that Jesus was talking about, is when you try to force the Lord to show you He is there, by jumping into some kind of harm.
Life is full of chances, and risks. You ask a girl out, she might say no. Goto a job interview you might not get hired. You buy a house for investment, it might get destroyed. Play the stock market, you could lose.

 

[Live4Jesus]

I don't know, I simply rely on Him to provide for us and He does... I don't bother with chasing stocks or anything, seems like a headache to me... but thats me...

We're not rich by any means but we are far from poor.

I suppose if you got money to burn you may as well do it in a casino long as you aren't looking to God for a big pot... same as spending it at disney world...

I think though we were suppose to try to be good stewards of what He gives us.... I have noticed that when I give it away, to the right place, He sends it right back many times tenfold... that's my share I guess... try that sunstone, it's better than stocks for me... give away a whole bunch of money, not just to anyone, make sure it's a place He's given the OK on... and see how your efforts multiply...


More reliable than stocks in my op too.

 

[SUNSTONE]

Originally posted by Live4Jesus
I don't know, I simply rely on Him to provide for us and He does... I don't bother with chasing stocks or anything, seems like a headache to me... but thats me...

We're not rich by any means but we are far from poor.

I suppose if you got money to burn you may as well do it in a casino long as you aren't looking to God for a big pot... same as spending it at disney world...

I think though we were suppose to try to be good stewards of what He gives us.... I have noticed that when I give it away, to the right place, He sends it right back many times tenfold... that's my share I guess... try that sunstone, it's better than stocks for me... give away a whole bunch of money, not just to anyone, make sure it's a place He's given the OK on... and see how your efforts multiply...


More reliable than stocks in my op too.

Amen

 

[Blade]

Originally posted by SUNSTONE
Thats what I keep telling God when I play the stock market. I say, Lord, take all of the heathens money and give it to me.

 

 

 

[Homie]

So the Bible doesn't even warn about it? I thought it did.
I see in "Similar threads" that Sunstone had opened a thread about this already. I guess I should have checked that out, sorry.

 

[ZiSunka]

It depends on whether you think your money comes from you or from God.

If it comes only from your own labors and God doesn't have a hand in giving you a brain and health to become trained to do a job, had nothing to do with opening the doors that got you your job, and has nothing to do with you keeping the job and getting paid, then, no the money is yours to do whatever you want.

But if everything you have is a gift from Him, then gambling is a waste of God's money. Money that He gave you to take care of your own needs and extra to do good things for His kingdom, and you are throwing it away on something that gives little or no return, things that are questionable, if not immoral. If you it's God's money and you are merely His steward, then it is indeed a sin for you to waste it on gambling.

 

[SUNSTONE]

What about going to Disney World, and spending money?
It is very expensive, and has no return chance at all. It also supports the gay lifestyle. They have "gay day".

I am not saying support or not support Disney, but I just want to know if you think that spending money there is a sin, or wrong, or whatever.

 

[ZiSunka]

Originally posted by SUNSTONE
What about going to Disney World, and spending money?
It is very expensive, and has no return chance at all. It also supports the gay lifestyle. They have "gay day".

I am not saying support or not support Disney, but I just want to know if you think that spending money there is a sin, or wrong, or whatever.

What do you think?

 

[SUNSTONE]

Originally posted by lambslove
What do you think?

I will let you know what I think, after you let me know what you think.

 

[ZiSunka]

If they are taking your money and spending it on unhealthy, anti-Christian and immoral things, the I think only a fool would give them money.

 

[SUNSTONE]

Originally posted by lambslove
If they are taking your money and spending it on unhealthy, anti-Christian and immoral things, the I think only a fool would give them money.

Your probably right.

There are Christians that work there, and they need to make a living too. They could get another job, but if we did this with every company, then what companys could we trust?

How far do we take it? The government supports abortion, and that in my mind is more distructive than gay rights. So do we not support the government?

Its a tough question, and the answers don't seem black and white on either side. Atleast not to me.

 

[Rafael]

Proverbs 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Proverbs 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want.
Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 

 

[SUNSTONE]

What happens if you get rich quick, like lets say the stock market?

 

[ZiSunka]

Originally posted by SUNSTONE
Your probably right.

There are Christians that work there, and they need to make a living too. They could get another job, but if we did this with every company, then what companys could we trust?

How far do we take it? The government supports abortion, and that in my mind is more distructive than gay rights. So do we not support the government?

Its a tough question, and the answers don't seem black and white on either side. Atleast not to me.

Sometimes you have to change things from within. If a company is doing immoral or unethical things, maybe Christians should flock there in droves to work, to be able to influence the policies and decisions the company is making.

 

[Pastor N.B.]

Hi,
I figure your question is about 'my' convictions? Right? Ok: I am a Born Again Christian. When this took place for me, a COMPLETE change also took place! (and I will not get into that 'old' way of life) Christ became my 'NEW' Master. OK? do you understand what I am saying so far?

You talk about your conscience? I can't or would not want to do that, talk about [your] conscience. But you also ask about gambling?? So let me tell you [my] conviction on that issue. (and remember that it is the 'same' Holy Spirit that talks & leads us by our conscience! see Rom. 8:14)

Gambeling to me is not only the tossing of the coin, lottery, cards, and on!
Gambling to me has the DEEPER meaning, that FACT OF 'SPIRITUAL' gambling. What does that mean? Well, 'sin we are told is the trangression of the law'. (law of God first)

God tells us that we can be PARTAKERS of sin in Rev. 18:4! And the bottom line is that He SAYS that if we are?? ".. that [ye be NOT] PARTAKERS of HER SINS, [AND THAT YE RECEIVE NOT OF HER PLAGUES".]
So the THOUGHT IS, to not follow this Rev. 18:4 TRUTH that you question, and ask about GAMBLING ... is this verse not showing that, as the Word of God says, that of 'MY PEOPLE', if they do not obey this verse, that they ARE TAKING THE BIGGEST GAMBLE OF THEIR LIFE?

And is not driving down the road 100 miles an hour while praying, Lord, ... watch over me, a Gamble? Moreover, it is more than that for me. For me it would be a PRESUMPTOUS SIN or GAMBLE. Read Psalms 19:13. So yes, for [me] any kind of 'gamble' that we can not ask Gods approval on is, wrong.
Just to not be misunderstood, we have the story by Christ of the steward & the burrying of the talent.
P/N/B/

*********

Originally posted by Homie
I gamble and I don't feel my conscience kicking in. I know the Bible warns about Gambling, but does it forbid it? It probably warns about it because some people cannot control their gambling and it may ruin their life. So isn't gambling warned against to protect these people rather than being a sin. Because a sin always leads to misfortune for someone.

If you think gambling is a sin, please post scriptures. Thank you.

Edit: An embarrassing typo

 

[sracer]

Live4Jesus is right on the money, IMO. (pun intended)

Spending $10 for a movie or $10 in a slot machine is the same... it goes for personal enjoyment/entertainment. And as long as you are being good stewards with what the Lord has given you, and tithing, donating, and taking care of both the immediate and future needs of your family, then I believe that it is acceptable.

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (KJV 1 Cor 6:12)

Here Paul speaks about Christian liberties... that while we are free to do many things, not all of them are beneficial...and that we shouldn't do things that will control us. So, if a Christian is susceptible to gambling addiction, then he/she should refrain from gambling.

There is also a verse in Corinthians (1 Cor 8:9-13) that talks about avoiding things that will cause a brother (in Christ) to stumble. So that means, even if YOU don't have a gambling addiction, if you are hanging out with someone who does, then you should refrain from gambling.

It all boils down to responsiblity... to yourself, your family, your brothers, and most importantly to the Lord.

 

[Pastor N.B.]

I respect your views. But that is not the question, is it? The post is a good one, but it still leaves a question for [me]! (not you perhaps?) That is the one on MOVIES? Where ever they appear. T.V. or whatever??

The verse comes into [my] mind, that I am to 'shun every appearence of evil'? Are there any movies that do not highlight evil today? Personally when my wife & I were Born Again, we lost the desire for our old way of life. (thank you Lord!) It just seems [to me] that it would be a hard thing to imagine Christ setting down to watch a 1 or 2 hour movie of any kind of even 'hinted' immorality, even fake evils being protrayed or even the dollar cost involved?? (not to imagine even, the wasted time)

Often times, it even comes in the written form perhaps? Or pictures ect. I think of some past minister's, Jimmy Swaggart for one (of many) & wonder where his start of 'shunning every appearence of evil' went wrong?? But of course we are much stronger than that, huh? (surely some of us think so)

Yet, his qeneration was much more cautious of the 'picture shows' ect.
So does the Lord teach that we are becoming better in having real 'FAITH' as Christians, or are we winding down in 'f'aith?? And why, if it is the latter one? perhaps you touch on the answers?

And on the 'judging' part of your message? Is it not the parents that are to set the pattern for character building for their children?? Are we not to judge them in life?? Yes, I think that you are saying that we are? I agree.

In the closing thought, let me ask again, do you think that God will keep us when we GO ON THE 'd'EVILS GROUND? (tempting God) Try Isa. 59:1-7 for where most of these movies are conceived from. ---P/N/B/

*******

Originally posted by sracer
Live4Jesus is right on the money, IMO. (pun intended)

Spending $10 for a movie or $10 in a slot machine is the same... it goes for personal enjoyment/entertainment. And as long as you are being good stewards with what the Lord has given you, and tithing, donating, and taking care of both the immediate and future needs of your family, then I believe that it is acceptable.

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (KJV 1 Cor 6:12)

Here Paul speaks about Christian liberties... that while we are free to do many things, not all of them are beneficial...and that we shouldn't do things that will control us. So, if a Christian is susceptible to gambling addiction, then he/she should refrain from gambling.

There is also a verse in Corinthians (1 Cor 8:9-13) that talks about avoiding things that will cause a brother (in Christ) to stumble. So that means, even if YOU don't have a gambling addiction, if you are hanging out with someone who does, then you should refrain from gambling.

It all boils down to responsiblity... to yourself, your family, your brothers, and most importantly to the Lord.