The definition of Gambling as stated in Wikipedia free
encyclopedia states, “Gambling is the wagering of money or something of
material value (referred to as “the stakes”) on an event with an uncertain
outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material
goods. Typically, the outcome of the wages is evident within a short
period."
With such a definition, the purpose of this article is to bring about an awareness and to educate the general public on the unrighteousness of this act. Also to prove that the act of Gambling is a sin from a Biblical perspective in the world today.
With such a definition, the purpose of this article is to bring about an awareness and to educate the general public on the unrighteousness of this act. Also to prove that the act of Gambling is a sin from a Biblical perspective in the world today.
The fact that the word gambling is not mention in the
Holy Bible to indicate whether it is a sin or not, gives way to many persons
including Christians to think that it is not a sin and many see it as an excuse
to continue to gamble as if they are posses with an addictive spirit.
There is a story in the book of Acts that comes close to indicating that it is a sin to indulge in such an act when we compare the definition of gambling and the word of God as it relates to this story reference to gain. Act ch 16 verses 16-19, states, " And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying: These men are the servants of the most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the market place unto the rulers." Both Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for what they did.
There is a story in the book of Acts that comes close to indicating that it is a sin to indulge in such an act when we compare the definition of gambling and the word of God as it relates to this story reference to gain. Act ch 16 verses 16-19, states, " And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying: These men are the servants of the most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the market place unto the rulers." Both Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for what they did.
The above paragraph shows clearly that acts of this
nature is a clear act of idolatry and is not of God. This is the reason why the
spirit was cast out of her.
Many persons are addicted to this type of lifestyle and have place themselves in position where they must be in possession of a dream book, seeking for numbers in their dreams to purchase the next day, also listening out for someones age or age of ones death and any other form of number scam they can imagine in hopes of winning some monetary or material gain.
For one to put their trust in a game of chance for monetary or material gain rather than their faith in God, is Idolatry and an abomination to the Lord. This lust and greed for monetary and material gain has spread throughout the world and sad to say even in the Church through preaching and teaching prosperity; rather than repentance and keeping Gods commandments, from the pulpits giving the impression that Gods people must be rich through giving seed offerings etc.
Many persons are addicted to this type of lifestyle and have place themselves in position where they must be in possession of a dream book, seeking for numbers in their dreams to purchase the next day, also listening out for someones age or age of ones death and any other form of number scam they can imagine in hopes of winning some monetary or material gain.
For one to put their trust in a game of chance for monetary or material gain rather than their faith in God, is Idolatry and an abomination to the Lord. This lust and greed for monetary and material gain has spread throughout the world and sad to say even in the Church through preaching and teaching prosperity; rather than repentance and keeping Gods commandments, from the pulpits giving the impression that Gods people must be rich through giving seed offerings etc.
This doctrine is contrary to the word of God. Yes! We must continue to pay our tithes and free
will offering. However, 1st Timothy verses 3-10 states, " if any man teach
otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud,
knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof
cometh envy, strife railings, evil surmising, perverse disputings of men of
corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:
from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For
we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be
rich fall into temptation and in a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful
lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is
the root of all evil: Which while some coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
As the hearts of men continue to debate and judge the
various issues of life which includes "Gambling" to satisfy their
personal lust for prosperity, we as Christians must keep in mind this scripture
in Colossians chapter 2 verses 16-18, "Let no man therefore judge you in
meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the
Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of
angles, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by
his fleshly mind." Yes, we as Christians live in this world but we are not
of this world.
Many wonder from day to day, what has brought on so much
unrighteousness in the hearts of men from the beginning of time to now? The
answer to this question can be found in Ecclesiastes chapter 7 -verse 29 where Solomon said, "Lo, this
only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out
many inventions." Gambling is just one of the many inventions of man to
empower themselves with monetary and material gain to fulfill their lust for
the flesh.
As people worldwide focus on their constitutional rights
and have their laws amended to accommodate and promote gambling for economic
empowerment, we as Christians must focus on the Holy Spirit that dwells within
us to lead us into all truth and righteousness. Christians are to make the
right decision to avoid the numerous inventions of men that goes contrary to
the word of God. Having read the above article ,one can see that there is
nothing righteous about Gambling, therefore, it must be a sin and should be
avoided.
One of the ways to avoid the very thought of gambling is to focus on this scripture in the book of Luke chapter 3 verse 14 as John the Baptist states, "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."
One of the ways to avoid the very thought of gambling is to focus on this scripture in the book of Luke chapter 3 verse 14 as John the Baptist states, "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."
Roderick R. Mckenzie SR.