Will the church change it's mind about gambling?
 

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

Where does the bible teach against gambling? Last time I checked they drew lots to see who the person would be to replace Judas!

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

I think they are talking about the kind of gambling where you put money down to get more and potentially lose it

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

You don't have to use the scripture to know whether gambling is good or not. All you have to do is use a calculator and understand just ONE basic rule:

The house NEVER loses!

I have NEVER, even as a sinner, purchased a lottery ticket. I have never taught that it would be a sin to purchase a lottery ticket. I DO teach that it is like someone putting a vacuum hose in your wallet or purse and is extremely unwise.

However, I do believe that the scripture takes a dim view of quick gains such as these. :D

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

My feelings exactly.

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

I am not trying to promote gambling but I seriously don't recall a single instance of it being talked about in the bible other than it mentioning that the Roman soldiers gambled for Jesus' garment or belongings when he was crucified.

I could just be forgetting a passage but I don't recall one.

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

You're right. It is just the overwhelming amount of scripture that deals with financial things and takes a dim view of quick gains. :D

Which precisely why I don't declare it a sin. It IS a sin if your family suffers from someone gambling.

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

To play Devil's Advocate, what's the difference in paying a dollar for a lottery ticket, and investing your money in the stock market, or 401K?

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

I hope not. I hope the church continues to teach against something that is potentially addictive and has a proven track record of ruining lives and families. The book of Proverbs has several references that indicate that gambling is for fools. Hopefully we are still in the business of encouraging folks to seek wisdom.

One is a game of chance, the key operative being the word 'GAME,' and the other is purchasing a portion of a business, with full faith and credit that those running the business are doing everything within their power to make that business succeed and grow.

Re: Will the church change it's mind about gamblin
 

Is it possible to lose your money in the stock market?