Gambling Christian??

[Run the Century]

To Cue Nut

I believe Jesus would have given anybody the 6 out for their soul.

 

[cuenut]

I believe Jesus would have given anybody the 6 out for their soul.

To: Run the Century



Take care.

 

[cornerstone]

the word of God

In both cases, there is something of value at the end outcome that both or all parties covet.

We were given free will to make our own choices, decisions, and opinions. The bible was not written by God, it's a product of man, and either way has been translated and reworded over thousands of years. The word of God has been twisted into something of prejudice and chauvinism.

Hello , I wish to share some info that people are un aware of.The word of God (bible) is penned by man and inspired/guided by God.the old testament written in aribac/ the new tesetament in greek and hebrew!old thestament aprox3700 years old -new 1900-2000 years old.all three still used lang. today( not a dead unused toung) and if you go back to the early scrolls and have them transulated today. you would come up with what we call the bible! until 1952 your arugument was the (big one ) and then the critics found the dead sea scrolls dating back to the 1st century .and after 34 critics 18 of them athiest 7 musilum-5 jews-4 christian scientest translated it and came back to be word for word accurate! the word of God is not predjudice it call all who are open to hear the message of a loving father who is willing to sacrafice it all for just you!it is not a book of restrictions but of freedom!freedom from the things that bind us and keep us from God.it lets us know that not one of us is good enough to get to heaven ,we ALL fall short! but the GIFT is a sacrafice to pay for all of our short commings,and that is JESUS CHRIST! for any one ( no race restrictions there) that accepts him!

 

[cornerstone]

God Inspired

Hello , I wish to share some info that people are un aware of.The word of God (bible) is penned by man and inspired/guided by God.the old testament written in aribac/ the new tesetament in greek and hebrew!old thestament aprox3700 years old -new 1900-2000 years old.all three still used lang. today( not a dead unused toung) and if you go back to the early scrolls and have them transulated today. you would come up with what we call the bible! until 1952 your arugument was the (big one ) and then the critics found the dead sea scrolls dating back to the 1st century .and after 34 critics 18 of them athiest 7 musilum-5 jews-4 christian scientest translated it and came back to be word for word accurate! the word of God is not predjudice it call all who are open to hear the message of a loving father who is willing to sacrafice it all for just you!it is not a book of restrictions but of freedom!freedom from the things that bind us and keep us from God.it lets us know that not one of us is good enough to get to heaven ,we ALL fall short! but the GIFT is a sacrafice to pay for all of our short commings,and that is JESUS CHRIST! for any one ( no race restrictions there) that accepts him!

the bible is the most attacked book of all time and it has held up to the most powerful critics!if we look intently into it we find god telling us to look to him for guidence like. until 1492 we believed the earth was flat and the word told us, God suspends the circumfrance (circle)of the earth into space! also there is 1734 scriptures for telling of the future in the old testament and 512 in the new testament=2256 of those 1952 have come ture to date most of them telling of christ birth, life, birthplace, death and resurection(some are psalm22-isiah53) very detailed and accurate!and written aprox1500 years prior.and the other 304 are of end times that are yet to come (the book of revelation)! even the most renownd profet nosterdamos had a accuracy of less than2% of his 3100 fortelling scripts!and the koran Musilum Book only has 1 profisecy and that is that mohamed will come back to the holy land,and has not been fulfilled!I could write pages about how accurate the WORD OF GOD IS! I have searched many diff religons looking for the true way and I always came back to the creator of the universe!Iam glad he took me back!

 

[Lupo]

Drake
As I said to you privately, this sounds more like a debating question rather than an inquiry into a Christian point of view. In response to JimS, sin is not based on opinion from anybody. We are all born with a sin nature. Sin begins in the heart. From the standpoint of a Christian, I always try to see what Jesus Christ would do in any situation. I fail to see him walking into a pool hall with a cue case hanging on his shoulder scouting out gambling prospects to line his pockets with easy cash - whether or not the odds were in his favor or not. So that being said, you go back to the popular question:
What Would Jesus Do? I don't think he'd be gambling. I hope that answers your question. I am somebody that has been on both sides of the coin, so I have a perspective of both sides of thsi issue. Prior to accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior I justified my behavior - sometimes brutally. It still didn't make what I was doing right in the eyes God. Being a Christian is not about holding yourself on a pedestal and looking down upon others. It's about walking with Jesus Christ.

Even Christians are tempted to sin. Nobody is perfect, nobody is any better than anybody else, and nobody is immune from temptation. There are several patterns of attack the devil uses to sway us off course, and I would say being tempted into gambling by the lure of dollar sign$$ would be a pattern of attack. I fell for that one over and over. When I gambled I was motivated by greed. I wanted to take and take and take. "What's in it for me?" Today I try to go to the opposite extreme and I try to give and give and give, and my question is, "What can I do for others?" Big difference. The Blackjack of 1985 would have flipped off the Blackjack of 2005. So if you don't agree with what I've said here, I've been there too.

I can't go along with your "What would Jesus do" argument. I can't envision Jesus becoming a soldier and killing others in defense of his country either, but that doesn't mean Jesus is against soldiers or the right of a country to defend itself. In fact, there's a story in the New Testament where Jesus honors a soldier. I'll look it up if you don't know it. The fact is that Jesus had a specific mission in life which was neither playing pool nor defending his country. Hustling unsuspecting innocents is obviously a wrongful practice. On the other hand, hustling other hustlers who are out to take advantage of innocent victims does not seem such a bad thing. And finally, matching up on an honest basis, with two players going head to head for a wager seems to me to be an honorable and admirable endeavor. Of course, I believe it's always wrong to bet more than you can afford, or to bet money that others (like your family) are dependent on. But a good match for a sizable wager seems to me to be a great test of courage, discipline, skill, nerves, etc., etc. and maybe for some even a testament to their faith in God. I'd be interested in your reaction to this, which is my honest feelings and belief. Respectfully yours.

 

[Sweet Marissa]

Slavery is condoned in the bible. Does that make it right?

 

[Coop1701]

It is in the Marissa, good one.

It also says anyone who doesn't have 20/20 vision should not approach the altar of thy lord.

So all you near sighted people are in trouble. ha ha

 

[cornerstone]

slavery

Slavery is condoned in the bible. Does that make it right?

slavery in biblical time was very differant than slavery of 100 years ago,in christ time becomeing a slave was done as a humble servant,free to come and go as they wish to a master who took care of them and their familys for lifeand treated there servants with the utmost respect!

 

[poolplayer1988]

Yikes!!!

Not trying to be hateful or rude, but man you are WAAAAY off! The OT was written in Hebrew, with a very, very few verses written in Aramaic. The NT was written in what is called Koine Greek,which is now what's called a "dead language", as there is no one in the world that still uses that. I'm not 100% sure about your dates, but they sound almost right. As far as the translation stuff goes, I'm not sure on your numbers there either, but you're close.

Hello , I wish to share some info that people are un aware of.The word of God (bible) is penned by man and inspired/guided by God.the old testament written in aribac/ the new tesetament in greek and hebrew!old thestament aprox3700 years old -new 1900-2000 years old.all three still used lang. today( not a dead unused toung) and if you go back to the early scrolls and have them transulated today. you would come up with what we call the bible! until 1952 your arugument was the (big one ) and then the critics found the dead sea scrolls dating back to the 1st century .and after 34 critics 18 of them athiest 7 musilum-5 jews-4 christian scientest translated it and came back to be word for word accurate!

 

[poolplayer1988]

Hmmm.....

There goes our friend Marissa again, making claims against the Bible she can't back up. Please show us where the Bible condones slavery....

Slavery is condoned in the bible. Does that make it right?

 

[poolplayer1988]

Hmmm....

Care to give us some BCV (book, chapter, verse) on that claim, so that we can see it for ourselves and make sure you're not taking that out of the Old Testament or out of context?

It also says anyone who doesn't have 20/20 vision should not approach the altar of thy lord.

So all you near sighted people are in trouble. ha ha

 

[poolplayer1988]

.........

I can't go along with your "What would Jesus do" argument. I can't envision Jesus becoming a soldier and killing others in defense of his country either, but that doesn't mean Jesus is against soldiers or the right of a country to defend itself.

Not everyone is cut out to be a soldier, so Jesus probably wouldn't have been a soldier. However, the "what would Jesus do" argument is a valid way of looking at things. After all, Jesus did say, "If you love me, keep my commandments". Jesus didn't say, "do as I say, not as I do", He said to follow Him and His actions.

In fact, there's a story in the New Testament where Jesus honors a soldier. I'll look it up if you don't know it. The fact is that Jesus had a specific mission in life which was neither playing pool nor defending his country. Hustling unsuspecting innocents is obviously a wrongful practice.

Amen to that!

On the other hand, hustling other hustlers who are out to take advantage of innocent victims does not seem such a bad thing.

Proverbs 14:12 says: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

And finally, matching up on an honest basis, with two players going head to head for a wager seems to me to be an honorable and admirable endeavor. Of course, I believe it's always wrong to bet more than you can afford, or to bet money that others (like your family) are dependent on. But a good match for a sizable wager seems to me to be a great test of courage, discipline, skill, nerves, etc., etc. and maybe for some even a testament to their faith in God. I'd be interested in your reaction to this, which is my honest feelings and belief. Respectfully yours.

The main problem with gambling is this: is using your money to take a chance at anything, pool, lottery, bingo, etc., ever a good way to be considered a "good steward" of God's blessings? Is there ever a circumstance where doing wrong is okay because it seems the right thing to do? Of course not.

 

[poolplayer1988]

If Jesus where around today he would have been playing pool most likely. In his day he hung out with Prostitutes and Tax Collectors (you go where the sinful are).

Go where the sinful are, yes; participate in their sin, absolutely not. Jesus didn't "collect any taxes" or any other of the things the sinners around him did. He taught them, pure and simple.

I dont see anything wrong with playing pool either in tournaments or playing for money. I have heard the argument about being viewed as a hypocrit or causing another to stumble if I order a beer - come on! If I am eating dessert after dinner and a fat person in the booth next to me stumbles by seeing this am I guilty? You cant take responsibility for other people's sins.

Paul did say that if by him eating meat, that he would cause his brother to sin, he would NOT eat meat "while the world standeth". Causing your brother or sister to stumble is a sin and is just as bad as any other sin.

Many churches raise money with Bingo. Is this a sin?

Yes, gambling is a sin, especially in a house of God.

The sin in all this is when it is not done in moderation (like drinking).

Sin is sin, whether you do it in moderation or not.

 

[Coop1701]

Here you go Poolplayer.... I'll defend me and Marissa.

Slavery in the good ole bible...

Leviticus 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us.


20/20 vision in the bible??? I think so,.. read carefully.

Leviticus 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight.

Here's another good one for ya, since the debate is open...

My Stepfather insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.
Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or should we ask the police to do it?

Please know, that many people take the bible seriously. But in this day and age,.. Can you honestly call homosexuality a abomination, or for that matter going to the Red Lobster and eating shell fish? ...,am I really not suppose ever come into contact with a woman during her menstrual cycle. Most women I know get upset if you ask. Is there a good way to avoid that one.

Just some more food for thought....

 

[poolplayer1988]

Good questions....now for some Biblical answers....

Here you go Poolplayer.... I'll defend me and Marissa.

Slavery in the good ole bible...

Leviticus 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us.

There are two statements here to be made about the OT. First, the OT NEVER applied to anyone EXCEPT the Hebrew nation. That does not include you or I or anyone else on here. That fact alone means that it is fruitless to try to use OT laws to condone anything sinful.

Secondly, the laws of the NT, the ones that Jesus Himself spoke and taught, are for the Christians, and none of them advocate anything sinful, including slavery and being a poor steward of God's blessings, which include gambling in all its forms. The laws of the NT overwrote the OT laws upon Jesus' death on the cross, thereby making the OT laws of no effect to the people it APPLIED to, again those were the Hebrew nation.

20/20 vision in the bible??? I think so,.. read carefully.

Leviticus 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight.

Again, this law doesn't apply to you or I. Especially since we don't even HAVE altars like they had back then.

Here's another good one for ya, since the debate is open...

My Stepfather insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.
Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or should we ask the police to do it?

I know this is going to blow your mind, but guess what? We aren't now, nor have we ever been, under the Ten Commandments. WOW, you say? How's that, you say? Read the above explanation concerning the OT laws and who they applied to and the abolishment of those laws. Now, if you don't like your step-father and want to kill him, that's a whole other story. ;-)

However, since Jesus DID speak all of the Commandments, except the Sabbath Day, then we do follow all those principles except the Sabbath Day commandment. Not even Jesus Himself kept the Sabbath Day. Remember, Jesus Himself said, "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath".

Can you honestly call homosexuality a abomination, or for that matter going to the Red Lobster and eating shell fish?

Yes, homosexuality is a sin and an abomination in both the OT and the NT. Eating shellfish? That's an OT law, so it's no longer in effect.

...,am I really not suppose ever come into contact with a woman during her menstrual cycle. Most women I know get upset if you ask. Is there a good way to avoid that one.

Another OT law, and you know what that's about. Not in effect anymore.

Just some more food for thought....

 

[Lupo]

Not everyone is cut out to be a soldier, so Jesus probably wouldn't have been a soldier. However, the "what would Jesus do" argument is a valid way of looking at things. After all, Jesus did say, "If you love me, keep my commandments". Jesus didn't say, "do as I say, not as I do", He said to follow Him and His actions.



Amen to that!



Proverbs 14:12 says: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.



The main problem with gambling is this: is using your money to take a chance at anything, pool, lottery, bingo, etc., ever a good way to be considered a "good steward" of God's blessings? Is there ever a circumstance where doing wrong is okay because it seems the right thing to do? Of course not.

Where does the Blble say that gambling (if playing a game of skill for money is even gambling) is a sin?

It's not a sin to give a person money, so why is it a sin if one makes the winning of a game the condition for giving the money? As long as I can afford it, I don't believe there is anything sinful about gambling.

People go to movies or concerts for entertainment. So what if I find entertainment in gambling at pool? Am I any less a good steward of my money than the concert goer? Does all disposable income have to go to the missions to avoid being a sinner? Come on!

Jesus described heaven as a place of many mansions. "Maybe" if someone gives all their money to the missions they will inherit the largest mansion, but I by no means will be condemned to hell because I devoted some of my money to gambling. You can make book on that.

Proverbs 14:12 also applies to misunderstanding of Bible truth.

 

[2wld4u]

I pray to defeat my enemies in battle, with all my might, I will succeed...


2wld4u

 

[poolplayer1988]

Where does the Blble say that gambling (if playing a game of skill for money is even gambling) is a sin?

Not every lesson learned from the Bible is stated in so many words. However, we are commanded to 1) be good stewards of God's blessings to us i.e. our money, and 2) not to covet anything of our neighbors. Is gambling being a good steward of God's blessings? Absolutely not. Does gambling promote coveting and cause a person to break one of the ten commandments, that of not coveting? Yes, absolutely.

It's not a sin to give a person money, so why is it a sin if one makes the winning of a game the condition for giving the money? As long as I can afford it, I don't believe there is anything sinful about gambling.

Giving with conditions isn't truly giving out of a pure heart. Giving with some hope of gain in return is not giving at all, but outright greediness. How can you compare true giving with greed?

People go to movies or concerts for entertainment. So what if I find entertainment in gambling at pool? Am I any less a good steward of my money than the concert goer? Does all disposable income have to go to the missions to avoid being a sinner? Come on!

The pursuit of pleasure isn't what life is all about. Sure, you can enjoy entertainment, as long as it isn't against God's divine commandments in the Bible. You can watch a movie, as long as it isn't pornographic; you can go to a concert, as long as it isn't Satanic and God-hating; you can play pool, as long as you aren't coveting what another has. This is how a Christian should live. No, you do not have to donate all your money to missions to avoid being a sinner. But you do have to be a good steward of YOUR blessings, and not covet OTHERS goods or money.

Jesus described heaven as a place of many mansions. "Maybe" if someone gives all their money to the missions they will inherit the largest mansion, but I by no means will be condemned to hell because I devoted some of my money to gambling. You can make book on that.

Well, if you can't get the principle of being a good steward of God's blessings and not being covetous right, you're probably not going to get to heaven in the first place. Those are some of the basic principles, and if you can't understand something that simple, you're going to have a hard time with other principles that you may or may not need to apply to your life. And that is in the GOOD BOOK!

Proverbs 14:12 also applies to misunderstanding of Bible truth.

Where did you get that from? And if that is true, wouldn't you say that you are misinterpreting truth if you are indeed not following God's principles concerning your money?

 

[cmartor3]

from what i've learned...& i'm not that religious..but god loves all His/her/whatever children no matter what... & gambling is not really a sin, as long as you're winning!!haha.. & if i've ever seen a terrific match it was hillbilly playing at Valley Forge 2005 I don't know who he was playing (if anyone knows, please fill me in) but he was running that bar sized table for hours, he had a match at like 9am & it was only 4am he was still playing....I remember he told me that he won on the bar table, after he lost his AM match. I gained so much respect after watching him play.

 

[jsp]

Gambling is a tough subject...there is a lot of gray area. I would not say that gambling (or games of chance), in of itself, is intrinsically evil. It all depends on the attitudes and the potential consquences of the parties involved that can make gambling immoral. It's similar to drinking. A glass of wine over dinner for enjoyment wouldn't be considered a sin by anyone. However, if instead the motive is to abuse alcohol by getting drunk over two bottles' worth, then I can argue that would be sinful.

I'm a Catholic...so I may have certain viewpoints that differ from other protestant demoninations or fundamentalist Christians. I'll just revert to what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches...

"2413 Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement.