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The Bible does not specifically forbid gambling, but there are several biblical principles that should make Christians hesitate to participate:
- God presents work as the normal way to get the money we need (Eph 4:28; II Thess. 3:12; Prov. 31). When a person cannot work, the second choice is prayer (Phil. 4:6, 19).
- All my income belongs to God, not me (Psa. 24:1), and I am not free to use it as I wish. I am a steward, who should use it for God's purposes. Christians are called on to meet the needs of their family (I Tim. 5:8), and share with others, particularly Christians who have needs (2 Cor 8-9; Gal. 6:6-10; 3 John).Ask: Does God want me to use His money to buy a lottery ticket?
- God uses money to accomplish important purposes in my life:
- Meet basic needs (Matt. 6:11; I Tim. 6:8).
- Build character (Phil 4:10-13)
- Give direction, by providing or withholding resources.
- Helping others through me.
- Show His power by providing miraculously.
Ask: Does gambling accomplish these results? Am I looking to God or to the lottery for my needs? - Greed and covetousness are sin (Ex. 20:18; I Tim. 6:9; Heb 13:5), and these are motives in most gambling.
- Proverbs warns of disaster for people who want to get rich quickly (28:20,22).
- Wealth that comes easily goes just as easily (Prov. 13:11).
- Wealth gained the wrong way breaks up families (Prov. 15:27).
- Gambling can be addictive, and even if you don't fall prey to it as a compulsive habit, your example may cause others to be enslaved by it (I Cor. 8:9, 13).
Gambling - Is it a sin? The subject of gambling is multi-faceted and something that can divide Christians. On one side of the fence, there are those who argue that it is only a game and, like anything else (eating, drinking, etc.), it is acceptable as long as it does not become controlling or addicting. We Christians are commanded to lovingly share the gospel with everyone, regardless of his or her religion. Part 1 of this series examined the Islamic view of God, the Trinity, and the Bible, along with the Christian response. Now let’s examine the Islamic view of sin and salvation, and look at ways to share the gospel with a Muslim.
- I'll allow my friend Jonathan Coe explain. Islam sees gambling as one of the great sins (great as in major, rather than really good, we assume). It should be noted, though, that it is placed alongside the seemingly respectable pastime of chess.
- Reza Aslan and his wife, Jessica Jackley. Photograph: Shayan Asgharnia When we – a Muslim and a Christian – fell in love, we didn’t think much about the differences in our religions.
- Some Christians believe that church raffles, bingos and the like to raise funds for Christian education and ministries are harmless fun, a form of donation involving a game. Their logic is that, as with alcohol, an adult should act responsibly. In those circumstances, it seems unlikely someone would lose a large amount of money.
- In spite of their differences, Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God September 5, 2017 11.08pm EDT Philip C. Almond, The University of Queensland.
- A detailed discussion about the regulations Islam has set in regards to dealing with crime in society. Part 5: A discussion of what the legislation of these types of punishment seeks to bring about in a society., A detailed discussion about the regulations Islam has set in regards to dealing with crime in society. Part 4: The second and third types of punishments, retribution and discretionary.
Author: Dr. John Bechtle
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Addiction is a word typically used to describe a person's dependence upon a substance or habit, either physically or psychologically. Though traditionally used in relation to the abuse of alcohol or drugs, people also use addiction to describe an unhealthy focus on other areas ranging from food to video games.
What does the Bible teach about addiction? First, the Bible clearly notes that addictions are a real problem people face in this world. For example, church leaders could not be addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Sexual purity is also often an area of emphasis in the Bible, teaching believers to flee from sexual immorality, highlighting the addictive nature of sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Gambling Christian Perspective
Second, the Bible is clear about finding help for addictions. This help ultimately comes from God as we replace old habits with new ones. Colossian 3:8-10 explains, 'But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.'Third, other people can also help against addiction. Galatians 6:1-2 shares, 'Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.' James 5:19-20 adds, 'My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.'
Fourth, the Holy Spirit helps provide power against addiction. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18, 'And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.' The solution to addiction to a substance or practice is to replace it with an 'addiction' or focus on God. This is also the teaching of Deuteronomy 6:5 that adds, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.'
However, it is also important to note that God may not take away every area of temptation. For example, the apostle Paul faced an unknown 'thorn in the flesh' though he repeatedly prayed for God to take it away (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). He continued to struggle with a personal issue though God gave him the grace to deal with it on a daily basis. In some cases, God may allow the temptation or struggle to remain; however, this does not mean we are to give up. Instead, it causes us to depend on God's grace: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness' (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Addictions are a very real issue, but they are not impossible to overcome with the help of God and God's people. Scripture offers much encouragement regarding the reality of addiction, God's power to fight addiction, the importance of other believers to help, and the strength of God's Spirit for the believer who seeks to fight against addictive struggles.