Point well taken! I used a broad brush in my statements intentionally. I personally view these things as black-and-white. My views are my views, and I make no apologies for them. But should I expect everyone to see things the exact same way?
For something like this, where I already stated my opinion that there is no clearly explicit teaching from scripture about gaming/gambling, the principle is there. And, for me it would be sin to spend 'disposable income' on gambling. But now we're back to the same old "holiness standards" style debate. Principles need to be applied at a personal level - based on convictions and the leading of the Holy Spirit. If it's not explicitly in scripture, how can someone expressly teach it as sin on a global level?
I knew you weren't initially making such an extreme statement, but rather I was just responding to what I felt was its logical conclusion. There is a line that Vegas casino's use which is "Only gamble what you can afford to lose". It is a bit simplistic and most people who DO gamble will lose far more than they intended..... but what if you DO have enough self control to blow 20 (or 200) at a casino and walk out thinking "....at least I had fun"?
I don't think gambling (as in "casino gambling") is the best way for most people to have fun..... but I just stop short of calling it fundamental sin.
This teaching is to help us keep our witness in the world from being unspotted.
So then, spending a week in Atlantic City and flaunting the $750,000.00 I just won to the man who I am witnessing to and happens to be struggling with a gambling addiction is not wise and is indeed SIN.
Going to the Circle K and purchasing $20.00 of lottery tickets and not flaunting it to the lost is not condemned.
And Why Should My Freedom Be Judged By Another's Conscience?
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWayne
I knew you weren't initially making such an extreme statement, but rather I was just responding to what I felt was its logical conclusion. There is a line that Vegas casino's use which is "Only gamble what you can afford to lose". It is a bit simplistic and most people who DO gamble will lose far more than they intended..... but what if you DO have enough self control to blow 20 (or 200) at a casino and walk out thinking "....at least I had fun"?
I don't think gambling (as in "casino gambling") is the best way for most people to have fun..... but I just stop short of calling it fundamental sin.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherri
I can't say it's a SIN, but it's very poor judgment.
Yep!
__________________
Instead of studying to make sure what we believe is supported by Scripture, we MUST study the Scripture to see what IT TEACHES... then BELIEVE THAT!
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2.15 KJV
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world;
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied).
9 But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.
10 For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many [e]acute [mental] pangs.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart.
Matt.6:24 NIV
24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falla39
In your opinion, would gambling fit into the catagory of godly living
or ungodly (worldly) living?
Falla39
I think verse 9 delineates the difference between hoping to hit the powerball and investing in 401k's and retirement accounts.
I think it is very difficult to make the argument that $20.00 in lottery tickets is the same as $2,000.00 wasted in a slot machine.
Next thing you know, folks will be saying that Christians shouldn't play Spades or Poker (even without cash).
__________________
"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
Dear Brother,
You are an adult! Do what you want! I am not your judge! This is a discussion
board! My posts are just my input!
I once heard a story about an ambassador who was going to be out of the
country for an extended period of time. He ran an ad for a driver for his wife
and children. who were very dear to him.
They lived in a lovely home, high in the mountains, but to reach it, there were
many sharp curves and dangerous roads.
He decided to interview three men and decide on a driver for his family.
The first person told him he could drive very close to the edge of the treachous
roads but never go over. The second man interviewed insisted that he could
drive so close to the edge that it would seem that only two wheels remained on
the road and still never go over the edge. He then interviewed the third man
trying out for the position. "And how well can you drive and still not ever be
in danger of going over the cliff. His reply. "Sir, I stay just as far away from that
edge as I possibly can". Needless to say he got the job".
My desire is to stay as far away from the edge of the world as I can". Safer!
Dear Brother,
You are an adult! Do what you want! I am not your judge! This is a discussion
board! My posts are just my input!
I once heard a story about an ambassador who was going to be out of the
country for an extended period of time. He ran an ad for a driver for his wife
and children. who were very dear to him.
They lived in a lovely home, high in the mountains, but to reach it, there were
many sharp curves and dangerous roads.
He decided to interview three men and decide on a driver for his family.
The first person told him he could drive very close to the edge of the treachous
roads but never go over. The second man interviewed insisted that he could
drive so close to the edge that it would seem that only two wheels remained on
the road and still never go over the edge. He then interviewed the third man
trying out for the position. "And how well can you drive and still not ever be
in danger of going over the cliff. His reply. "Sir, I stay just as far away from that
edge as I possibly can". Needless to say he got the job".
My desire is to stay as far away from the edge of the world as I can". Safer!
Just some thoughts,
Falla39
Ma'am, I understand.
It's best to simply continue to seek the face of God so that the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace.
I've no real desire to play the lotto, but have a real problem calling it sin so easily.
__________________
"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
It's best to simply continue to seek the face of God so that the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace.
I've no real desire to play the lotto, but have a real problem calling it sin so easily.
Bro. Jermyn,
Your first sentence is profound and SO TRUE, whatever the issue may be!
You are still young and I am older and while I have not experienced many
things in my 69 yrs., I have observed those who did. and I saw the damage
it did to themselves and their families. We each see these things from where
we are sitting and come to our own point of view.
As I said before, as adults we each choose what we will indulge in and teach
our children. I was taught godly principals from a child, saw it modeled from a
child, see the wisdom of what I was taught and have taught it to our own
children. We have all been spared many things. Doesn't mean we haven't gone
through tests and trials. Just means when trials come our way, we feel no
condemnation when it's time to pray.
)
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