The Gambling Thread

[JimfromOhio]

There are many many Christian believers who invest stocks like myself, my parents, and friends. Stocks can be defined as gambling. In a way it is however, stocks stimulates the economy so that classify as stewardship. Investing in stocks are part of daily activity in a finance world.

At the same time... farmers also gamble their livestocks or crops.

To many Christian Financial Experts (i.e. Ron Blue, Larry Burkett). Christian Financial Concepts and co-founder of the merged ministry of Crown Financial Ministries.

One of Larry Burkett's quotes:
"The rules about investing given in God's Word still work. Apply them and you will prosper over the long run. Violate them and you will lose all that you have worked so hard to accumulate."

Larry Burkett illustrates by following King Solomon's Advices. King Solomon probably was one of the riches man in the world ever.

For more information regarding investments see:
http://www.crown.org/

 

[ksen]

I have an idea...let's start a thread on "Is throwing your money out of a moving car a sin?"

Oh wait, this is that thread.

I'm glad I wasn't taking a drink when I read this.

 

[arunma]

One of Larry Burkett's quotes:
"The rules about investing given in God's Word still work. Apply them and you will prosper over the long run. Violate them and you will lose all that you have worked so hard to accumulate."

Do I smell the prosperity Gospel?

 

[JimfromOhio]

Do I smell the prosperity Gospel?

You have to bring that up? I had a debate on this topic in another thread.

Here's my thought regarding prosperity teaching

God does want us to be happy and prosperous. God is not against prosperity. There are many verses in the Bible that tell us that God wants us to prosper. God does cause his children to prosper. He wants us to prosper.

The scriptures, prosperity means something other than worldly prosperity. They say that these scriptures refer to fruitfulness, rather than a materialistic concept of prosperity. Indeed, the meaning of the term "prosperity" in Psalm 1 is related to fruit, as the psalmist uses the imagery of a tree to describe the person who meditates on the law of the Lord. Trees should produce fruit. Fruit, in God's eyes, is effective service of Him. Yet while this is certainly the kind of prosperity most valued by God, the kind He wants us to value the most, I do not doubt that some of the scriptures do say that God wants to give us worldly prosperity, and that He will do it if we ask in faith.

There are definitely poor people who are faithful. And you can't easily dismiss that by saying, well, they probably didn't ask for more than their lot. Without a doubt, Christian poor people have asked in faith for prosperity, and they have not received.

I am not saying that we have no right to ask God to prosper us more. Even I often pray for prosperity, success in my career and provide more for my family. My parents are very wealthy and at the same time as christians, they understand the biblical concept of prosperity. There is NOTHING wrong of getting rich. I have a GREAT job that pays me very good money plus great benefits. We have a wonderful home. I am rich spiritually as well as financially. I even have a great retirement plan (I have my own private retirement investment, i.e. stocks) so my wife and I can enjoy our retirement without worry.

All I am saying is that we can spend our lives in developing and refining our lives, in order to develop and practice desirable Christian behavior patterns. (This does NOT mean that we all have to become Monks.)

God does want us to be happy, and prosperous, but there are conditions He puts on granting our petitions. The main problem with prosperity theology is this. It's not that God doesn't want us to be prosperous. It's that God doesn't want us to make prosperity a priority. It certainly isn't His priority. It wasn't Jesus' priority. Here is what Jesus said: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).

It has to do with our heart’s longing and approach. Do our hearts long for these things and reach out for them? Do we pursue these things as our goals and view them as marks of success and accomplishment in life? Do we seek fleshly indulgence and the enjoyment of material well-being?

Quote:
Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man's real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man's true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man's character and how he handles his money. Richard C. Halverson, Perspectives

 

[JimfromOhio]

I have a question..... how many of us here are self-employed? Meaning... do you own a business?

Starting your own business is a gamble but its a chance that we have to take in order to make a living.

Owning a business is equal to owning stocks (owning a portion of a business).

Your thoughts?

 

[eldermike]

My family owns a small business. 20 years ago we stuck everything we had plus what we didn't yet have into it. I didn't see it as gambling. Also sale of stocks is the engine of busniness reinvestment in this country, without them there would be few big company jobs here. So even if you work at a burger place, the place would not be there without stock investments. Most business decisions are based on future earnings, stock is esential in the economy that we all enjoy.

But, I don't gamble and I know the difference. If everyone but me loses, it's gambling.

I have to add one thing. Christians are called out to be different, that difference may not lead you to riches, rich is common, The last time I looked my bible said I may be called in front of rulers and beaten or killed for His name sake. What I make in stocks is not my blessing, my blessing is being with the One that saved me. My 2 cents.

 

[TwinCrier]

Doing work is the perferred way of earning a living in the bible. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Owning a business or investing in stocks is a job. Scratching lottery tickets and throwing dice doesn't hold the same virtue as employment.