Is this a sin?

good samaritan · #1 01-15-2016, 01:29 PM

I hear people ask often whether or not I think something is a sin or not. I think that thinking process can be counterproductive. The lottery comes to my mind. I have no scripture that comes to my mind that I could win a debate over playing the lottery. I could appeal to someone's common sense though.

I have read statistic that the average American household spends an annual amount of $500.00 a year. If a person invested that amount in a savings fund of some kind there would be a principle amount of about 10,000 dollars not to mention the much added interests that it could have gained over 20 yrs. The lottery system is set up on losers. There are corporate guys who have hit a goldmine on hope of winning by poverty level Americans. America needs to wise up.

So many times people look to see if it is right or wrong in terms of whether we will go to hell or not. We should look at things as to whether they edify or build up or not. I believe Jesus died to deliver us from the ball and chain of legalistics and to lead us into a life of productivity for the kingdom of God. I am not saying that we should not condemn certain behavior or decisions, but more importantly we should lead people to a change of perception to right and wrong.

jfrog · #2 01-15-2016, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by good samaritan

I hear people ask often whether or not I think something is a sin or not. I think that thinking process can be counterproductive. The lottery comes to my mind. I have no scripture that comes to my mind that I could win a debate over playing the lottery. I could appeal to someone's common sense though.

I have read statistic that the average American household spends an annual amount of $500.00 a year. If a person invested that amount in a savings fund of some kind there would be a principle amount of about 10,000 dollars not to mention the much added interests that it could have gained over 20 yrs. The lottery system is set up on losers. There are corporate guys who have hit a goldmine on hope of winning by poverty level Americans. America needs to wise up.

So many times people look to see if it is right or wrong in terms of whether we will go to hell or not. We should look at things as to whether they edify or build up or not. I believe Jesus died to deliver us from the ball and chain of legalistics and to lead us into a life of productivity for the kingdom of God. I am not saying that we should not condemn certain behavior or decisions, but more importantly we should lead people to a change of perception to right and wrong.

500 is excessive. What about 10 dollars a month? It would total 2400 dollars in 20 years with a small bonus from interest

good samaritan · #3 01-15-2016, 02:12 PM

It is an average, I had read. There are many that I know personally that spend $10+ a week. There are many that spend less-to none weekly.

shazeep · #4 01-15-2016, 04:37 PM

regardless, that was very nice!

Monterrey · #5 01-15-2016, 08:11 PM

I like the thought pattern presented on this thread.

I do believe that there is a difference between salvation and prosperity.

Buying 10 dollars a week might not be salvational but it could definitely be a prosperity issue.

shazeep · #6 01-16-2016, 06:54 AM

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

KeptByTheWord · #7 01-16-2016, 08:26 AM

Well, I guess the age-old question here still works... what would Jesus do?

Would Jesus play the lottery?

Can you imagine Paul lining up every week to buy a ticket?

Just a good question (I'm sure there are others!) to ask someone who is sincere about serving the Lord, who may have never thought about it that way. Instead of condemning or passing judgment... ask questions... that is how Christ dug into the hearts of man while he was on earth. They would ask Him a question, and he responded in kind with the kind of question that, with its answer, caused them to back off.

Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to respond in kind to people who are seeking to circumvent the true meaning of the gospel with various and sundry questions and ideas.

YounginHope · #8 01-16-2016, 09:31 AM

Off subject a little but regarding the lottery. I seen and ad or something the other day that read; if you drive just 1 mile to buy a powerball ticket you are 8 times more likely to die in a car crash going to get the ticket than actually winning the jackpot. That's enough reason for me, lol.