...a sin to gamble, playing lottery or gambling at...

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Answer by soluod
Submitted on 5/14/2004
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Jesus taught a a parable against covetousness that indicates that the tenth commandment - "Thou shalt not covet" - is broken by more than just coveting after your neighbor's whatever. "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (This is a quotation from the KJV. You can read the whole teaching in Luke 12:13-21.) The point is that there is more to being covetousness - this really is a commandment regarding greed - than just coveting someone else's property. A Christian with a true experience with God automatically "knows" that playing the lottery - or anything else that even smacks of gambling - is wrong. This shows the work of the Spirit of God in that life. The Spirit of God will teach a man the things that He doesn't want. This is according to Jeremiah 31:33, which says, "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (This is quoted in the New Testament in Hebrews 8:10. as applying to Christians.) The point is that those who have an experience with God are convicted by the Spirit of God of gambling in any form - including, but not limited to, the lottery. Gambling, playing the lottery, etc., violates the law of God. Those who call themselves Christians, but nevertheless do this, need to repent before God.

Answer by micah
Submitted on 12/9/2004
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dear jay, I believe that if you were to put the 25 dollars, or whatever amount, into the pot for the sole reason of entertainment that in a sense you would not be gambling, but instead paying for the entertainment derived from the game. This could only be the case if such a contribution to attain entertainment instead of to a corporation which could so much more productive things with such fundings is not affecting your family or those who might depend upon you. Also, when you do this, you must consider the friends playing with you and anyone who knows of your actions; as stated by Paul, it would be a sin to take any action to cause a person to stumble or question their faith. When you put the money in, think about your motives and the results of your actions; is this wise stewardship? are my motives primarily self-centered? am I affecting others in a detrimental way? If none of these questions cause you to in turn question you conscience, then I believe it would not be a sin.

Answer by Lionhardt
Submitted on 8/30/2005
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I am a youth pastor and play poker with the students. I usually put up the winnings like gift certificates or play for free. However I do get together with people and play for money. The money comes from money me and my wife set aside in our personal spending money for entertainment stuff, and if we win we treat oursef to dinners out, or some extra things here and their. To say that gambling is a covet I think is going a little far, most that I play with are just competitve, and to put some money on it makes the win feel better and the loss feel worse, which is what I love about the game. I have also met more non-Christians through poker and are church is hoping to set up a tourney, for outreach puposes

Answer by Dana
Submitted on 10/27/2005
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So, do you believe that investing in the stock market is gambling? You are gambling that you make the right decisions to make money, but you could lose it all. Only God and yourself truly know your heart. Are you playing poker for greed of money or for fellowship with others? I play occasionally with friends. Some people play golf weekly with friends, and pay much more money for that leisure than I do playing poker. In fact, I have not spent a dime playing poker, as I have a small stash of money that I have used for the past year. As most things in life, the answer to the question is not black and white. If you pray for guidance from God and research the Bible, God will lead you to the correct understanding. Don't take my word for it, find the answer in the Bible.

Answer by BJ
Submitted on 9/18/2006
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The fact that people (even Christian people) covet is not up for debate. the issue is and always will be what GOD says in HIS word (the bible)and what the heart of those who call on him out of a pure heart know to be true. The bible warns of the entrapment of instant riches, the exploitation of the poor and the single minded or even the equality of your search for riches with GOD, HIS righteousness and his kingdom. Many legal and outwardly moral business practices actually do exploit those who can least afford it.(see minimum wage or oil/gas prices). We cannot however judge ourselves by what other sinful men do. So I believe in light of GOD's word and in light of men's heart we must be thoroughly persuaded in our own minds. Do not be fooled by rhetoric. There is no such thing as Luck, Chance or Coincidence! Therefore GOD alone remains sovereign as to who receives what. For many it would be best not to play games of "chance" for their hearts are bent toward greed or worse divided between GOD's will and Money. We all must choose. I would venture to say that most of us should avoid it as a practice or rely on it for our well being ( idolatry)while others enjoy the recreation and the fellowship or even the joy of winning and competition not to the detriment of their livelihood or families. Every thing in life we do affects someone else (EVERYTHING!) I don't believe the lottery or gambling is theft or necessarily exploitation. No more than any other business that sells a product. We all make choices. And from any angle the bible also says that the treasures of the wicked are laid up for the righteous. Every person must examine their heart and purpose for what they do. GOD is still THE SOVEREIGN JUDGE.

Answer by Rich
Submitted on 11/5/2006
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God is ultimately omniscient. Therefore capable of seeing into the hearts and minds of men. I believe the sin is committed in your heart. Because God understands how greed works for our own destruction, in His infinite wisdom, He tries to spare us from our own weaknesses. For example, if you don't want to be a lustful person don't poison your mind with pornography. Sex, within the context in which God intended, builds intimacy allows us to procreate and enriches the quality of our lives. But abusing our minds with porn works toward our own destruction by consuming ourselves with lust and pulling us away from what God has planned for our lives here on earth and later after we've past. I believe playing the lottery depends on what's in your heart. If you play 2 or 3 dollars a week and win $9 million, then you gave 10% to the Church, 10% to the poor and the sick i.e. St. Jude's hospital for Children with Cancer. Perhaps, giving to your community, by rebuilding a couple of houses in a low income area to provide for less fortunate families. You would still have an abundance left over to meet your needs and create a financial plan for your future. I think if we won the lottery God would be more interested in how we blessed others. Not so much as whether the act itself is a sin. The Pharisees and other Jewish elders used to gather in a Sanhedrin. In the Sanhedrin they would debate and discuss such things as; if you wore sandals with too many tacks in the soul would it be considered work on the Sabbath to walk in them. Jesus talked about this in Mark 7 vs. 1-23. The sin comes out of your own hearts not the lottery.

Answer by Ronnie
Submitted on 2/21/2007
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I understand all the statements, this is a touchy subject I believe. I by no means am trying to defend gambling of any kind, but I do have to go out on a limb here. To me it seems that gambling has to have some type of moral standing that sin takes effect once that moral has been breached. The reason I say this is because if something such as buying a lottery ticket is a sin (Not buying tons or being addicted, but one from time to time) Then is it also a sin for me to get into my car and go to work? To drive on a raining day or snowy day? Would I not be gambling with my life? What about eating to much or even buying something I have not eaten before, or not sleeping enough, or smoking to much. Or what about even buying a movie ticket, am I not gambling to rather or not the movie will be good? When you step outside the boundaries of money and gambling it seems there is a lot more gray area to take into consideration. Anyhow this is my two cents and thank you for taking the time to read it. GOD bless.

Answer by MYKAL
Submitted on 4/22/2007
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So often we tend to make a mockery of everything. We judge, we criticize and do all sorts of things contrary to the will of God. The bible clearly states that God is against sin and its wages are death. When we get to the point as to where we can stop adding and taking away from his word, it is then that we can truly say that we have found him.In other words we need to stop making a sin of the things which we don't do, but others do. If you don't gamble then that is your thing but don't criticize those that do choose to do so. Rather than spend the time which God has allowed you here on this earth judging others for the things which they may do but you don't do, you should spend the time worrying about the things which you do that you know that God is against. I truly believe that this world is at war in all and everything because of the many opinions when the only opinion which matters is the one of yourself when you can be real to you. God states that the love of money is the root to all evil. I truly believe that gambling for money is not a sin, but your intents of what you will do with the money is what God judges. The outcome of one's own life is at stake everyday and we don't have the time to try and judge others because God states that we all fall short of his glory so until one can empty the dust pan of all the trash in his or her life then you cannot sweep around someone else's backdoor. Be concerned about whether you yourself will hear the words, "Well Done Thou Good And Faithful Servant".

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Question by todd hunt
Submitted on 8/30/2003
Related FAQ: soc.religion.quaker Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
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is it a sin to gamble, playing lottery or gambling at casinos

Answer by FROSTY
Submitted on 9/10/2003
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I DO NOT THINK IT IS A SIN. IN ACTS, THE 11 DISCIPLES "CASTS LOTS" TO SEE WHO WOULD REPLACE JUDAS. AND IN MATTHEW 20:15 JESUS STATES "IS IT NOT LAWFUL FOR ME TO DO WHAT I WISH WITH MY OWN THINGS?". I BELIEVE GAMBLING FOR ENJOYMENT THAT DOES NOT JEOPARDIZE YOUR OR YOUR FAMILIES WELL BEING IS OK. YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO COVET WHAT YOUR NEIGHBOR HAS AND YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE POOR, BUT IF YOU ARE ONLY DOING IT FOR ENJOYMENT AND NOT FOR FOOLISH GAINS THEN I BELIEVE IT IS NOT A SIN.

Answer by Troy
Submitted on 9/11/2003
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Could you please define "foolish gains" I'm playing online poker and my co-worker said its sin. i started with $50 bucks and still playing with it . If i lost that money i had decided to not put anymore money in there and leave it at that ifi lost. By that way the $50 didnt hurt my food , clothes , gas or any bills ect... i just found something i enjoy and im pretty good at it but... no matter how much i like it i dont want to sin ... am i ok to play or what?

Answer by dave
Submitted on 4/18/2004
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casting lots for a new disciples like picking names out a hat isnt it? I wouldnt think that the disciples were marching to oneida to spend their pay checks, gamblings wrong because even if you win your taking from others, and your misusing what God gave you because everything comes from him. You play by risking what should be used for good purposes, and your decisions also effect other people, regardless if its yours or not, you also covet for things you dont have, and it can stem into greed and obsession

Answer by jay
Submitted on 7/9/2004
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is it ok to have a few friends over to play poker? we each put25$ in the pot to make the game a litle more interesting mainly just an activity to do whall we talk and have agood time I feel the loss of 5 or 25 dollars is well worth the time spent with friends

Answer by Sonya
Submitted on 10/3/2004
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Though it's a legalize way of gaining money, It's still not sinful. I positively believe it's not a sin.

Answer by john
Submitted on 11/12/2004
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I have a hard time understanding why you would have to consult scriptures written thousands of year ago to find an answer to a question like this! Where's common sense!!? It doesn't take a Jesus to figure out that gambling that hurts your family 'cause you can't pay the rent or buy your wife or husband a present probably isn't a great thing.

Answer by JC
Submitted on 12/15/2004
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It is not a sin to play the lottery, or other games of chance. The very process of gambling in itself is not wrong. I becomes a sin if it is done in excess, or not of full faith. Plus if more Christians play, then more Christians will win, and that is more money for the kingdom of God.

Answer by lt
Submitted on 1/2/2005
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I agree having a little fun playing poker or slots with friends is well worth the money. I believe that I've had an experience with God and I apply scripture to my life. But, I do enjoy playing a fun game of poker occassionally.

Answer by G
Submitted on 10/14/2005
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Gambleing is a very addictive habit. In the beginning it will seem very harmless but the end results are devastating. Most gamblers will tell you that they very ment for their habits to get out of hand. Jesus blessings are sure and they last forever. I want the blessings of God. Think about it, when people commit sin, they are not condemed by their feelings, but the word of God. If it violates God word, then we must ask for his help to resist those things. Please believe me when I say I an not condeming anyone. I want to see you all in heaven. Keep the faith and keep Jesus burning in your hearts. God bless

Answer by tomeika alexander
Submitted on 11/11/2005
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i believe that it becomes a sin when you find your self gambling often. Jesus on got mad when they were gambling in the temple, and if you think about it, it is wrong to gamble in a place of worship. when you gamble all the time and find your self at the boat in the wee hours of the night, you are a certified gambler. When you gamble to pay a bill you have a problem, because you have become a dependent on gambling. the point I'm trying to make is gambling becomes a sin when you find your self doing strange things to gamble. it's only suppose to be for fun, but people make it a habit, then find themselves in trouble with God and your home.

Answer by Bev
Submitted on 12/1/2005
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sure it may seem fun, but consider all the poor people you are exploiting, if you want to play games bet with food or plastic counters. a fool and his money are soon parted. if you want to play the lottery and gamble it is your choice. but dont call yourself a christian, as gambling is against a major christian rule, i am only 13 and I KNOW THAT. murderer can kill with good intentions, just as maybe you just bet for fun. but your motives are not at issue, you are throwing jesus' teachings back in his face.

Answer by digga
Submitted on 8/1/2006
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No, the bible says greed is a sin and playing for money that you can afford to lose is ok, now if your playing strictly to gain money and it becomes a habit that takes away from money you need then its bad. But lets say you play with a $1000 buy-in thats ok if your income is around 500k a year its not even a tenth of your income. I think its on your conviction, Romans 14 and you have to get firm on what you feel. if you have greed then quit, but if it just for fun and money is an added bonus, why not?

Answer by gaggy
Submitted on 10/20/2006
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I believe that God will tell all after this life we are living. The bible talks about killing, and is misread all the time. You can't work on Sundays. Everyone does. You cannot lie, geeze with just the working system the way it is a lot of people are in trouble. People talk out the side of their mouth all the time and that is called deceit or lies. If gambling is a sin then throwing away your money on things you don't need should be too......

Answer by mZ.Rita
Submitted on 10/27/2006
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I don't believe the lottery is a sin because it bless people who may or may not need it so to say its a sin is unbeknowest to me due to many passages in the bible I read. To take a risk is to take a risk the lottery is a chance you take in the hopes of winning sometimes its a blessing for people and sometime its a curse

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Answer by Tom
Submitted on 12/24/2006
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http://www.bibleprophecyrevealed.us/2004/playing-poker.html copy and paste it to the website tab.

Answer by john_doe
Submitted on 2/6/2007
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I believe that gambling in or itself is not sinful as long as it does not get out of hand. If one was to gamble just for entertainment and if they limit themselves then it's not sinful but gambling can become sinful if it becomes an obsession or if it gets out of hand to where a person looses so much money to where they cannot buy food for their children and family and if a person does it with a desire to get rich quick rather than just to have fun.

Answer by macksheez
Submitted on 4/15/2007
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i have just lost my temp job, i am an honest hardworking, committed christian. I spend most of my time appying for new jobs, i am qualified to a high degree but have been unable to find a job for a very long time. I have had two temp jobs in the last 4 years. I tithe and give offerings. I am playing the lottery because i am doing everything available to me to have legitimate money however large or small coming in. I dont believe i am wrong or sinful. Winning, any amount would be really good for me my family and friends. If i get a permanent job that pays me sufficiently i don't see myself going to play the lottery

Answer by Danny
Submitted on 6/19/2007
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So...does anyone who believes in "no gambling...period" invest in the Stock Market? Of course anything can get out of hand if idolized and there is a certain proverb about he who wins all his money by gambling, but I'm not jumping to conclusions saying it's a sin to gamble.