Gambling and the Bible
Recently in a southern city a young man was canvassing the community selling chances on $25.00 to be given away by local church of which the boy was a member. After carefully learning from the youngster the facts, one of his contacts asked him, "Isn't that gambling?" The reply was, "Not if I do it for the church".
It is a modern tragedy that some religious organizations resort to methods of gambling in order to raise money for their operations. Here a boy was being taught by a religious group to feel that a thing wrong in itself was all right if done in the interest of his church. The New Testament teaches the Christian to give of his free-will unto God and the church (I Corinthians 16:1-2). This story illustrates that not only secular groups, but religious groups as well are involved in this widespread sin of gambling. The argument that the end justifies the means is not new. It has been the rallying cry of every tyrant throughout history. It is a double tragedy, however, when it it used as a means of justifying the sin of gambling by those who claim to represent God's work.
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
I believe any activity can become a sin, even hunting if it becomes too important to you. I don't believe gambling is intrinsically sinfull though I believe it is an activity that can easily develop into a sinfull obsession. I don't believe there is any biblical reference that indicates that to wager is a sinthough I could be wrong.
Money for the Church?
What does the Bible say about selling in the church as a way of financially supporting the church? I know that some churches allow selling to take place.
Answer
The only mention in the New Testament of any means for churches to get money is through free-will contributions by members.
[blockquote]"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me." (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)[/blockquote]
[blockquote]"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)[/blockquote]
Although both of these, as well as some other passages about individuals giving directly to those in need, are about contributions for specific needs, they do set a pattern for giving in the church. The passage in 1 Corinthians 16 specifically mentions a treasury ("in store").
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
my church sometimes holds a poker night and the winner always donates the winnings to the church. just a way to get together for some fun and raise a little extra cash
I'm not sure. All the money waisted trying to hit the big one could feed alot of hungry people. I think it is all about priorities.
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Arrows and Words. Use them wisely, once released they can't be brought back.
Chris Miles
Ulitmate Camo Web Site http://ultimatecamo.com/ UltimateCamo Water Transfer Imaging http://liquidprintone.com/
It can be a fun game but it sure can bring out the worst in people too. Seems like the number of people that can actually just play poker for fun are few and far between.
Poker
