Click to join the conversation with over 500,000 Pentecostal believers and scholars
Click to get our FREE MOBILE APP and stay connected
Jim Price | PentecostalTheology.com
With the big lottery drawing tonight, I remembered a CoG lottery winner of about 10 years ago ( Ohio as I remember ) the story I heard was that he wanted to give a big donation to Hdq’s and that a church executive took a plane to receive the money. My question is; have you heard the story? Did it really happen? Do you know what the donation amount was? Is it theologically acceptable to take this kind of money? What are the ethics involved?
Terry Wiles [01/13/2016 12:20 PM]
Why is it always to headquarters. 🙂 Send it my way I’ll use it for building the Kingdom.
Steven J. Toole [01/13/2016 12:34 PM]
Andrew Jackson “Jack” Whittaker, Jr. (born c. 1947 in Jumping Branch, West Virginia) is the winner of a 2002 lottery jackpot. When he won US$314.9 million in the Powerball multi-state lottery it was, at the time, the largest jackpot ever won by a single winning ticket in the history of American lottery. After winning the lottery, he had several brushes with the law, as well as personal tragedies.[1]
Whittaker was the 55-year-old president of Diversified Enterprises Construction, a contracting firm in Putnam County, West Virginia, when he chose the winning numbers for the December 25, 2002 drawing. Whittaker already had a net worth of over US$17 million before his Powerball windfall. Whittaker purchased the winning Powerball ticket at a supermarket in Hurricane, West Virginia, where he had stopped for a deli breakfast sandwich and to get fuel for his vehicle.
The jackpot that day was a US$314.9 million annuity or US$170.5 million cash. Whittaker chose the cash option of US$113,386,407[2][3] and received a check for approximately US$83 million after tax withholdings.
Edit
Whittaker pledged 10% of his winnings to Christian charities—including several churches affiliated with the Church of God—in southern West Virginia. One of the beneficiary congregations constructed a multimillion-dollar church in Hurricane. He also donated $14 million to establish the Jack Whittaker Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides food and clothing to low-income families in rural West Virginia. Moreover, for the deli manager who served the biscuits at the convenience store where he purchased the winning ticket, he purchased a $123,000 house and a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and gave her a check for $44,000.
Ricky Grimsley [01/13/2016 12:56 PM]
I dont see how there would be any ethics involved. What scriptures would you use to say gambling is a sin. Whats the difference in blowing 500 $ on chance to more or blowing 500 on something else you dont need. We could all be better stewards.
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 1:31 PM]
interesting WHY Jim Price posted this question at this time?
Jim Price [01/13/2016 1:52 PM]
In case you are wondering I have never bought a lottery ticket. In general I believe gambling to be a sin. But I do see attitudes changing within the church.
Ricky Grimsley [01/13/2016 1:57 PM]
Why is it a sin?
Sandy Inman [01/13/2016 1:58 PM]
According to the Luther Catechism – translated by Gornitzka – lotteries are stealing because the money is taken from poor people and given to people who have not worked for it. Just sayin’
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 2:03 PM]
Ricky Grimsley because Luther said so Henry Volk confirms http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/should-christians-play-the-lottery/
Ricky Grimsley [01/13/2016 2:08 PM]
Well common sense would tell you that lottery isnt stealing.
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 2:09 PM]
Since some here claim GOD dont know the future, He can play the lottery too and it will be all fair 🙂
Ricky Grimsley [01/13/2016 2:11 PM]
He wouldnt have to play He could make the numbers be whatever he wanted with a word.
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 2:13 PM]
Claiming God is not ALL-knowing makes him not all-powerful as well. Cannot be all-powerful without the power of all-knowing…
Ricky Grimsley [01/13/2016 2:26 PM]
God knows all that can be known and has all power that can be had. Most of our differences in this area are what the words mean. Its like saying God is unchangeable. Obviously he has essence and character yesterday, today, and forever. But if you take that to mean he can never change in any way then you are in error. He lowered himself and became a man on a specific day. He repents and gets angry based on information.
James L Alldredge [01/13/2016 2:39 PM]
Ethically, unless you ask each person who gives what the source of their gift is regardless of amount given you cannot say for certain you have never accepted money from gambling or other “sinful” pursuits. Gambling itself, like alcohol and drugs has a high risk of addiction for some personality types, which can lead to severe personal, familial and social damage. While I cannot condemn someone for buying a lottery ticket, it does prey upon the desire to be rich which according to scripture is the source of many evils. In addition gambling may fall under the Romans 14 prohibition against putting a stumbling block in front of those with weaker consciences. Full disclosure, I have participated in occasional work related pools for fantasy football and other strategic “lottery/raffle” style contests, so I am clearly not throwing any stones. Although primarily for entertainment and bragging rights I cannot say I ever felt any conviction from the Spirit. I am not one who is prone to this particular temptation so I would not be able to speak for those who are…
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 2:40 PM]
well many churches now have BINGO nights – so #BINGO
Timothy D McCune [01/13/2016 4:24 PM]
put up scripture and verse where it says buying a lottery ticket is a sin, saying because luther said so. Or because this person thinks so or that person is not good enough.
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 4:25 PM]
So Timothy D McCune now you think you know the Bible better than Luther?
Charles Page [01/13/2016 4:26 PM]
seems like something TL Lowery would have done!!!
Timothy D McCune [01/13/2016 4:30 PM]
I think if Luther did not provide scripture to back himself up and if you or no one on here can then that should settle it. I do not condone blowing all of ones paycheck on gambling and putting the welfare of his or her family at risk. But i would not call someone a sinner for buying a 2 dollar lottery ticket once every 6 months or so.
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 4:33 PM]
would you call a sinner if it was every 3 months or so? – this argument is so weak
James L Alldredge [01/13/2016 4:33 PM]
The issue is not necessarily about sin, but rather the abuse of liberty, “all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.” “The desire to be rich is a snare…”, “the love of money is the root of all evil…” The Spirit filled believer is governed by 3 laws; the law of faith (whatsoever is not of faith is sin), the law of love (owe no man anything except to love one another), and the law of conscience (why do you destroy your brother for whom Christ died). Even if my conscience is clear, I am still bound by the weaker conscience of my brother
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 4:34 PM]
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathers by labor shall increase.
Timothy D McCune [01/13/2016 4:46 PM]
I have worked with my hands at one job or another since i was 13 iam 44 years old now, i have worked at my present place of emploment for 17years i have done all manner of jobs. Landscaping, roofing, working with horses pool maint: etc…… so Brother I know what it means to gather my increase by laboring for it, just dont be so high and mighty and call me a sinner for buying a single lottery ticket.
John Kissinger [01/13/2016 4:50 PM]
Where did I call you a sinner? Just discussing the issue at hand
Timothy D McCune [01/13/2016 4:53 PM]
Maybe its because i said every 6 months and you responded with, would you call a sinner if it was every 3 months or so. It really does not matter im not here to get into petty arguments.
Varnel Watson
David Lewayne Porter Have you ever noticed that lots of Christians play the lottery saying God dont know the future? Ricky Grimsley Tony Conger
Ricky Grimsley
Its like “putting a fleece before the lord”. If he wants me to win I will win. Proverbs 16:33 KJVS
[33] The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord .
Tony Conger
I know very few Christians who believe God doesn’t know the future
Varnel Watson
Many simply circle around the issue with philosophical argumentation thus denying the total sovereignty of GOD over His own creation
Ricky Grimsley
God has sovereignly chose to let us freely choose him. Sovereignty does no mean meticulous control.
Tony Conger
Calvinists will say you don’t believe in God’s sovreignity since you believe you have a choice in anything
Varnel Watson
Is Sovereignty defined as Sovereignty over some things or over ALL things ? Over some knowledge or over ALL Knowledge? Who is the ultimate source of all knowledge ?
Ricky Grimsley
God is sovereign over all things. He could speak a word and end all things right now but he has chosen to give us free will to chose him or the adversary.
David Lewayne Porter
Exactly, and He knew what we would choose before He even created us.
Ricky Grimsley
David Lewayne Porter so he intentional sent the majority of people to hell on purpose. Sounds fair.
David Lewayne Porter
Ricky Grimsley
No,
Let’s cover it again.
He does not send people to hell.
They willing, by personal freewill choose to go.
He created them with freewill and freedom of choice, did you forget about Eden having a garden containing a tree and an admonishing by God to man to make a personal conscience decision to leave fruit alone.
Sounds totally fair.
We answer for our own actions, even though God knew in advance.
Why does He want only those who are created and forced to love and forced to choose Him?
Are you sure you are not Jehovah Witness?
Have you been studying their literature?
Tony Conger
Do you believe you have a choice? If so does that make God less sovereign?
Ricky Grimsley
In their heart of hearts they dont believe in real choices.
David Lewayne Porter
Ricky Grimsley
If you have a problem with God knowing everything in detail ahead of time what do you do with discerning of spirits and people that have the gifts of the Holy Spirit being enlightened by him to what’s going to happen or what’s going on behind the scenes seeing it has it been revealed to their humanity and human senses yet?
Can the God that can let us discern spirits to things unseen be any less God and Him not know ahead of time?
How do you handle Revelations God knowing which Kings are going to be involved in the battle in the valley of Megiddo for the battle of Armageddon? How did you handle the other aspects of foretold prophecy that have not been fulfilled? When did God know that? How does that work into what’s going to happen as a result of individual freewill and they’re going to do it just as soon as they get to the situation?
We have not implied meticulous control.
We assert
1) God’s exhaustive foreknowledge;
Prefectly existing and including
2) man’s personal freewill.
Ricky Grimsley
But those things can’t coexist because your view has a settled future. As For the the gifts of the spirit, i dont even know why you brought that up. God knows all things as they are and can certainly relay that to us.
David Lewayne Porter
Oh, they not only can coexist but they do coexist.
Limited human understanding is the issue.
Ricky Grimsley
You already said the future is settled.
David Lewayne Porter
The future is already known by God and as far as the Spiritual realm it is settled.
Man has to get there when the fulness of time is ripe and ready and make the decision that God already knew before hand that we would make using their own personal freewill.
I thought you had already figured out by now exactly what I believe.
We have covered it many times and I change not.
Ricky Grimsley
I do understand what you believe. Just hoping the light will click on.
David Lewayne Porter
Yes you need to flip your switch and take off your shades.
Ricky Grimsley
I would sure love the spirit to open my eyes to that truth if it is. Its a big burden to be the only open-theist at my church and also the only non-pretribber. It makes it troublesome to teach bible study as well. People like yourself can articulate what you believe but most i come into contact with simultaneously believe God’swill is always done but we have free-will and god is always in control and all that.
David Lewayne Porter
Define God’s will Ricky Grimsley, for there you will have an issue.
You see
1) God is not willing that any should perish
Yet
2) God was willing to create us with freewill and place us in the exact same spot as it was. He also pointed out the consequences for our future failure.
So a God willing to let us personal choose is not willing that any perish.
Yup considering we are tempted and drawn away by our own lust.
Ricky, I agree with those as you just described except not being a pre-tribist.
Thomas Henry Jr.
God knows the future. If he does not he is not God just that simple.
Varnel Watson
If you have problem with God knowing everything, you will have to stay on earth during the Great Tribulation 🙂
Ricky Grimsley
That makes no sense
Street Preacherz
As to gambling, that’s what the soldiers did. They cast lots over the clothes of our Lord. If that doesn’t break you. There are other means…
Tony Conger
Any scriptural commands against it? It was sin for the soldiers because they were crucifying and stealing from an innocent man. Not because the casting lots was a sin. Remember they casts lots for the 12th disciple also
Street Preacherz
Those were the only two cents I had.
Tony Conger
??
Susan Collins
Trust God. I’ve literally been given thousands before. Also, my Church is mortgage debt free. God can bless you without the means of the lottery.
Tony Conger
Since I don’t believe in adding to bible I’m just looking for something scriptural
Susan Collins
Trust God to meet your needs. That’s scripture. He’s more than enough to provide.
Tony Conger
So it’s not sin?
Susan Collins
Is it trusting “God” to provide?
Tony Conger
We work to provide don’t we?
Susan Collins
Lottery is playing not working. Go to work and be paid for your labor.
Tony Conger
The real question is really not whether or not you’re convinced is wrong, but rather that no matter how convinced you or anyone else is that we shouldn’t do it doesn’t mean we can peach it as if it’s a commandment of God. This concept is exclusively dealt with in Rom 14. People are always trying to preach their convictions as if it was Gods word
Susan Collins
1co.10.23-24.AMP
All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.
Susan Collins
Just because something is legal doesn’t make it scriptural. Even if it’s scriptural being we have freedom to do a thing we should not do it if it causes a weaker person to stumble.
Tony Conger
Agree completely
John Houston
If you have to ask it is best to just stay away. If it troubles you then your conscience is speaking, and no matter what anyone says, if you believe it might be wrong, then to you it probably is. You need to stay away from the stock market as well. That is pretty much the same thing only with better odds, sometimes. For example, I know many Christians who have used the stock market to earn big money and for them, there is no sin in it. They know and understand that particular beast, but for me, I would be very reluctant to dabble because of a lack of knowledge and wisdom. For me, it would be a sin. My own heart judges me one way and judges my friends who know what they are doing, another. Consider this. If you think that eating meat is a sin, then for you, it is. You will be judged not because you eat meat, but because you eat meat thinking in your heart that it is wrong. For me, in my heart, it is not a sin. Therefore, I am free to consume meat. Romans 14:1-23 and Acts 10:9-15 might be helpful. The principles are very similar, if not the same.
Varnel Watson
Stan Wayne Difference between stock market and gambling is in the laws of economics (set by Protestants BTW)
Street Preacherz
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
– Colossians 3:5
Varnel Watson
One cant serve 2 masters
Tony Conger
Doesn’t make sense…. one can make anything another master
Street Preacherz
Thus Christ mastery is demanded
Ricky Grimsley
This thread is like talking to my mom. Next we will be singing “the church of god is right hallelujah to the lamb.
Street Preacherz
Mine would saying wait til your father gets home
Varnel Watson
Bro Jim Price started this discussion originally but not sure why the OP is not available on FB any longer
Paul Hughes
No, gambling is a vice, as has been recognized since ancient times. It tends to be addictive, and those who indulge in it profligate (wasteful). The gambler seeks to profit from the loss of others, and not from his own labors. Every penny he wins has been lost by somebody else. Gamblers love money, whereas “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10). Also look up the word “covet” in both testaments.
Its root is GREED, and usually also LAZINESS. The Apostle Paul instructed believers to do their own work and eat their own food (2 Th 3:12), moreover “that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (3:10). “There is no such thing as a free lunch”–unless, of course, you are eating somebody else’s. Paul instructed, “that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing” (1 Th 4:11).
Usually, the gambler does not profit in the long run, but ends up being dependent on others, and letting those dependent upon him, like his own children, go hungry. And of course Paul also wrote, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Th 5:8).
And what about just a “little” gambling? “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor 5:6, Gal 5:).
Jim Price
Good answer Paul.
Varnel Watson
Paul Every penny a store makes is a loss to somebody else.
David Lewayne Porter
Not if exchanged for an item that they deem worth that amount.
Varnel Watson
True not an item but a product. Gambling is an entertaining product where everyone goes by choice not forced to do it. With this said I do not condone it in anyway just trying to state that if agree with the stated by Paul Hughes and Jim Price we might as well reject capitalism where everything is a product or an item produced to satisfy the personal egocentric desire of someone. This egocentric desire is in the foundation of capitalism. Take it away and you end up with …
David Lewayne Porter
It comes back to the sign for the end times that people go after wants and desires instead of needs.
Kenneth Gentles
What’s the difference with gambling at the casino; gambling at a designated poker spot; horse race; cock fight and the lottery? Answer: lottery has a bigger pot.
Paul’s answer makes sense.
Anonymous
Does @everyone think there are some real NT ethics involved here? With the big lottery drawing tonight, I remembered a CoG lottery winner of about 10 years ago ( Ohio as I remember ) the story I heard was that he wanted to give a big donation to Hdq’s and that a church executive took a plane to receive the money. My question is; have you heard the story? Did it really happen? Do you know what the donation amount was? Is it theologically acceptable to take this kind of money? What are the ethics involved?
Andrew Jackson “Jack” Whittaker, Jr. (born c. 1947 in Jumping Branch, West Virginia) is the winner of a 2002 lottery jackpot. When he won US$314.9 million in the Powerball multi-state lottery it was, at the time, the largest jackpot ever won by a single winning ticket in the history of American lottery. After winning the lottery, he had several brushes with the law, as well as personal tragedies.[1]
Whittaker was the 55-year-old president of Diversified Enterprises Construction, a contracting firm in Putnam County, West Virginia, when he chose the winning numbers for the December 25, 2002 drawing. Whittaker already had a net worth of over US$17 million before his Powerball windfall. Whittaker purchased the winning Powerball ticket at a supermarket in Hurricane, West Virginia, where he had stopped for a deli breakfast sandwich and to get fuel for his vehicle.
The jackpot that day was a US$314.9 million annuity or US$170.5 million cash. Whittaker chose the cash option of US$113,386,407[2][3] and received a check for approximately US$83 million after tax withholdings.
Edit
Whittaker pledged 10% of his winnings to Christian charities—including several churches affiliated with the Church of God—in southern West Virginia. One of the beneficiary congregations constructed a multimillion-dollar church in Hurricane. He also donated $14 million to establish the Jack Whittaker Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides food and clothing to low-income families in rural West Virginia. Moreover, for the deli manager who served the biscuits at the convenience store where he purchased the winning ticket, he purchased a $123,000 house and a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and gave her a check for $44,000.
Anonymous
Let the Peace of God Rule- Do not let religious men rule you.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts……..”
Colossians 3:15
, “forgetting those things which are behind, and press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14). The word “rule” used in our text comes from the Greek word, “brabeuo”, meaning TO ACT AS JUDGE OR PRESIDENT. Let PEACE be the ruling principle to decide and settle with finality all arising issues. We give three other translations to help bear out the scope of meaning:
“Let the peace which Christ gives settle all questionings in your hearts….(Weymouth).
“(act as umpire continually) in your hearts – deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds – , …” (Amplified).
“Let the ruling principle in your hearts be Christ’s peace, for in becoming members of one body you have been called under its sway. (Goodspeed). The word PEACE is defined as: a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from fears, agitating passions, etc. including freedom from moral conflict. What conflict we endure trying to decide if the matter be right, or wrong; not necessarily if it be sinful or holy, but to decide which are the right issues, the right step, or the right stand to take. And so for all of this, what should become the ruling factor in making decisions? LET THE PEACE OF GOD ACT AS THE UMPIRE. The word does not say, let revelation be the umpire, to rule in our hearts. This was a thought to consider. Surely a progressive revelation is needed today, in fact it is an imperative necessity. But how often do men cry to God for revelation to decide, settle issues, and if there be no revelation, then they are at a loss to know what to do. Or again, many will seek for a “prophecy” to answer the question. But God does not always speak by just the manner we demand, nor is it wise to run across our land seeking prophecies.
Revelations are the illuminated unfoldings of truth, a spirit-quickening of divine principles which can become the undergirding foundation and the guidelines for our life, providing that stability and knowledge needed to follow on into God’s fullness.
Anonymous
Troy Day should God be offended by accepting the money, I would be happy to accept it. 😉
Anonymous
Troy Day Amem!
Isaiah 55:12 KJVS
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
We need to be led with peace by the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 KJVS
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
❤️🙏❤️
Anonymous
I heard A preacher say once: “Yes, take the money! The devil has had it long enough! In reality, we gamble every day in one way or another”
Anonymous
John Miller We need to be led with peace – meaning what?
Anonymous
Dennis Briscoe meaning what?
Anonymous
Tom Phillips meaning what?
Anonymous
George Banagis Greek word, “brabeuo”, meaning TO ACT AS JUDGE OR PRESIDENT. – meaning what?
Anonymous
Meaning if somebody wants to tithe to the church, take it. Where the money came from is between the giver of the tithe and God
Anonymous
Dennis Briscoe so drug money and blood money still good?
Anonymous
Meaning when you are not sure of your direction trust God’s Spirit.
Anonymous
George Banagis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3NZ0uvk5Pg
Anonymous
So the peace of God is a familiar Spirit? Is not Jesus the prince of peace?
Anonymous
Do you not believe God is not able to take from the wicked and give to the righteous? Money is not God! God is God! Money is A tool. If you had A flat tire in the middle of the night but had no tire tool, and A drug dealer offered you one, would you not take it?
Anonymous
Who knows if God would use you to lead the drug dealer to Jesus?
Anonymous
Dennis Briscoe the Bible says that the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous. People “gamble” in church when they buy tickets for church events. Buying tickets for homemade quilts and cakes. What’s the difference? Right?
Anonymous
Dennis Briscoe agreed! I don’t think we should do as a regular Thing. But if it happens, give it to God!
Anonymous
Dennis Briscoe taking their money for what now? Pretty masonic
Anonymous
Troy Day I cannot find any scripture that forbids gambling. It’s something we can consider in light of the principals of scripture.
— It isn’t exactly earned money.
— It isn’t exactly money someone gave you.
The Bible says that the lot falls in the lap, but the decision is from the Lord. Just based on personal experience, if this lot verse applies, then it doesn’t seem like the Lord is seeing to it that all people, or all Christians , win money off of these tickets.
Given how gambling generally turns out.
There are also ethical issues of some types of gambling. If you play cards for a lot of money with your co-worker who has a gambling problem, who also has little kids, you may be winning your co-worker’s children’s milk money. If two men bet on a ball game they watch together as a social event, and the one supporting the losing team buys dinner, and no one gets bent out of shape or is hurt by it, I don’t see that as an ethical problem. The next time, the other one buys. There is a social end to this– eating dinner together. But it is still a form of gambling. I don’t think raffles for fund raising are necessarily evil. I don’t see where scripture condemns this.
Scripture teaches against greed. But one can be greedy and work, or beg to get money. The fact that a greedy person could gamble doesn’t prove gambling is evil or forbidden.
I would not rule out the idea that God could lead or direct someone to buy a ticket or buy a ticket with a certain number to generate funds for something. I say this because I do not see where gambling is a sin based on scripture.
On the political side of things, I would not support casino gambling in my state. Casinos often attract people with gambling problems and all kind of other immoral and criminal elements. Even lottery tickets suck a steady stream of income from people who want to have some hope of randomly getting money instead of investing in something that produces a smaller, possibly more predictable return.
I was standing in line in McDonald’s while in grad school when I had limited resources. I was thinking of buying the Big Mac deal instead of my cheaper order just to get to play the Monopoly game instead of my normal cheaper order. I struck up a conversation with the guy behind me in line and I said the price difference was like gambling. It was like I was paying a couple of extra bucks to get a chance to win something.
Then I said gambling is a voluntary tax for people who are bad at math. Then the guy said that Jesus was speaking to him through me, and that he needed to start going back to his gambling support group meetings.
I wouldn’t say gambling is a sin. But it’s something certain people have problems with. If there is no gambling available, someone who has an urge to gamble could direct those same urges to other things like day trading or trading gold on margins.
For me personally, I think I might have bought a ticket to a raffle fund raiser once or twice. I don’t remember. I’ve made some investments that, in hindsight, were too risky. Otherwise, I can’t remember ever gambling.
Anonymous
Troy Day The priests used blood money to buy a burial plot rather than put it into the temple treasury.
I can think of one verse that addresses the source of funds:
3 John 1:7
Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Anonymous
Is gambling addictive? Like a drug? A small businessman with a used car lot in SE Oklahoma said he never had a problem with people making their car payments on time until a Casino opened nearby and suddenly he began having issues with people who could not make their payment. When I heard this, I wondered how their gambling losses were affecting other areas of their family and life?
Anonymous
Link Hudson if you cannot find gambling in the BIBLE you need to read it a bit more until you find it – luckily you are no canon for Scripture
Anonymous
Eddie L. Hyatt a used car lot which never had a problem with people making their car payments is just NOT realistic if you ask me
Anonymous
Troy Day I can find gambling. I find no scriptures that forbid gambling. Why don’t you quote me one if there is one?
Maybe if you look in the Book of Opinions, which is right after the Book of Kenneth Hagin, you can find ‘Thou shalt not gamble’ right after that verse that tells women not to wear panty hose that don’t have seams.
Anonymous
there you go – do you judge it was a good and moral thing ?
Anonymous
Eddie L. Hyatt The Old Testament does forbid Hebrews from charging each other interest, but I cannot find a command against gambling. Can you, Troy Day?
Anonymous
gambling OR NO gambling a used car lot which never had a problem with people making their car payments is just NOT realistic
Anonymous
Link Hudson What makes anything a sin is whether or not God would do it.
Anonymous
Ken Van Horn OK – that makes NOT a lick of Biblical sense if you ask me
Anonymous
Troy Day Really? On what basis then did Jesus expand murder and adultery to include our thoughts? And why didn’t the Pharisees argue with Him when He did?
Anonymous
Ken Van Horn really not following the gambling OP are you ?
Anonymous
Troy Day Really haven’t given the nature of sin much thought have you?
The teaching of Jesus on divorce is based on what God does in the Book of Hosea. God Himself is the standard, not the Law.
Anonymous
I actually given much thought but you are way OFF topic here
Anonymous
Troy Day This is the simplest answer to whether or not gambling is a sin… though it does require applying it to the question at hand.
Anonymous
Troy Day How is it off topic? If gambling is sinful or not has a lot to do with whether or not a church should receive profits from gambling as an offering or the title about whether Christians should play the lottery.
Anonymous
No, not at all. Let us be more cautious.
Anonymous
Rasiah Thomas how plead thee with Isara Mo ?
Anonymous
Troy Day Let God open his eyes to the inner man first. One of our Group participants, Br. Jay Slik Ferguson says “Like a bald guy who just won a comb.”
Anonymous
Troy Day Simply because something works it doesn’t mean it is legit .
The source of money &the money cannot be cleansed because the donor gave it to church..
Lottery isn’t unethicical Troy but I am trying to figure out the “how’s and why’s ” of lottery.
Lottery has many names including gamble , lotto,raffle ,sweepstakes,tombola effect are mostly legit games..But what is its purpose other than gaining quick money without sweating. God told Adam he will get his food by the sweat of his brow..and promised the children of Israeli He will bless the “work of their hands”
Is Lottery the “work on ones hands?”..
Just because a beer has the color of wheat it doesn’t make it bread…
Why do people play the Lottery ?..
Reading through an epistle I find this //
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Timothy 6:9 KJV//
I think lottery is a foolish and hurtful lust(my views) can cause someone to reverse the faith definition in Hebrews 11 …and end up living by sight rather than by faith .
A little further down the quoted scripture there are these famous words //
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.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 KJV//
If you dont love money surely you won’t play Lottery ..but then who doesn’t love money ?
If i ask brother Troy to send me two thousand USD as a gift (?) he will quote 1Tim 6:10 to deter me…lol
I.never play Lottery ..it is just within me .Never read whether the Bible allows it or not but I just can’t..
Anonymous
Rasiah Thomas
The moment something thrives or depends on luck(Win Worley said luck is an abbrev for Lucifer!)then it is not faith..
I can’t see Satan playing poker but I can see our desires for quick money ,a quick fix behind the MOTIVE of playing lottery .
I know lots of Christians play Lottery .earn an instant wealth .give a 10th to the Lord and the church goes agog with a loud “Amen ..hallelujah ” and life goes on..
But If the govt can collect taxes from a Lottery just as they do from a Brewery (and there are Christians employed in breweries who bring their weekly offerings to church) then I personally don’t think it is unethical to play Lottery in our eyes so let the peace of Christ decide inside of you ..
In the Book of Acts chpt 1 the 120 prayed to God to show them who would replace Judas in ministry and this is what it is written //..Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:26 NIVUK
They cast “lots” …does the word “Lottery” originate from here..? I dont know.
A definition of “cast lots” goes like this ”
Cleromancy is a form of sortition (casting of lots) in which an outcome is determined by means that normally would be considered random, such as the rolling of dice (astragalomancy), but that are sometimes believed to reveal the will of a deity.
In classical civilization//(Wiki)”
A deeper look at lottery might reveal our inner human natural urge for divination (my view) and if that is the case then lottery isn’t right for a Christian because God is against ALL forms of divination.
But I dont seen any open scriptural objection to the game rather than inferences or insinuation to the objection.
Anonymous
Troy Day oh, I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t of posted that. I don’t know you.  When I make a decision as a pastor, I pray. I feel like the Lord leads me. And often, after I pray, I have peace toward a particular decision. I believe the scripture I posted. I start my day with prayer and I go out with Joy from prayer.  And if I don’t have peace about a certain decision to lead the church, I do not make a decision. Have a great day in your church!
Anonymous
George Banagis so basically you are gnostic giving yourself to sin?
Anonymous
John Miller so basically you are OK taking drug money and all ?
Anonymous
Link Hudson makes NO sense as usual – just for starters Your cog organization has given you the basic Scriptura as a rule of life – what else?
Anonymous
Troy Day Oviously you do not know Gods peace.
Anonymous
Troy Day God would not lead me with peace to take drug money. The Holy Spirit would convict me of sin. There have been people in the past trying to buy me and my pastorate with their money, and I felt in my heart to immediately reject it. They were not drug dealers. It was not gambling money. But strings were attached to the money and because of that I could not take it. Because I was LED BY PEACE! By the Prince of Peace. My conscience is clean!
Anonymous
God is big enough. He can bless without folks playing the lottery. God isn’t out blessing just random lottery players who are mainly in the poverty class of society.
Don’t limit how God can give.
Anonymous
Susan Collins how do you mean?
Anonymous
Susan Collins agree
Anonymous
Susan Collins I can agree to this, but you got some people that can’t pay like they should or won’t, and the doors are about to close the door’s because of it. I’ve heard of drug dealers handing churches thousands of dollars. I bet they took too!
Anonymous
Alan Smith was it this one?
Anonymous
Kevin Ray Dunn very rare…not every lottery player gives to a church.
Anonymous
Troy Day this what?
Anonymous
I don’t think it is a sin to play lottery, its not being a good steward of what God had given you.
It all belongs to HIM.
quit looking to man, for your answers, ask God and then allow HIM to convict you.
Anonymous
I personally would not buy A lottery ticket. God has been good to me. I may be in poverty by this world’s standard, but in reality, I have never been richer!
Anonymous
Dennis Briscoe integrity is what you will not do…
Anonymous
Like most such issues: if folks play occasionally for fun and don’t turn it into an idol, or a ongoing mechanism of seeking blessing or baptize playing by telling everyone how they’ll use the proceeds for good (etc.), then it harmless. Gambling + ‘name it and claim it’ = idolatry and all around bad stewardship. I buy 2 or 3 tickets a year as an old family tradition, and that’s all. Kingdom implicates Luke 14:28, and using the lottery as an object of faith or means to realizing vocation is sin. That’s my understanding.
Anonymous
Jack Marsh so when does it officially go beyond occasionally. Is an occasional adulterous affair for fun also qualify? Just justification.
Anonymous
Um, there is no explicit biblical command prohibiting gambling. Assuming a responsible budget, if one uses entertainment funds (say, what one would have spent on a movie or ice cream) to play low stakes poker and can keep it that, no problem (unless the Holy Spirit has already told you not to, or you know your gambling addict, etc.). So it’s an issue that falls under individual conscience in most cases to be governed by the law of love, as Paul discussed in 1 Cor. The point of my comment was to marginalize the misuse of gambling in NICI kinds of deceptions, and warn about trying to baptize potentially problematic behavior; but to warn while being honest about the ambiguous status of gambling, and without being sanctimonious. Since no one here is arguing about adultery, I’ll ignore that part of your comment.
Anonymous
Jack Marsh John Mushenhouse WHEREAS gambling is a violation of the golden rule, resting on a scheme that the few winners will receive their profits from losses suffered by the many losers (Exodus 20:15; Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:3,4; Romans 12:10; 13:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Galatians 6:2; James 2:8); and
WHEREAS Scripture commands love for God and our neighbor (Matthew 23:36-40; Mark 12:28-33), teaching us to do all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and in friendship (John 15:13) to seek our neighbor’s good (Romans 14:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15), while gambling seeks personal profit at the expense of others; and
WHEREAS Scripture emphasizes the sovereignty of God (1 Chronicles 29:11-13; Matthew 10:29-30); Philippians 4:19) while gambling encourages reliance on luck and chance; and
WHEREAS Scripture emphasizes the virtues of work (Exodus 20:9; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Genesis 3:19; 1 Timothy 5:8) thrift and saving (Proverbs 6:6-11), contentment and virtue (Philippians 4:11) and peace (I Corinthians 14:33), while gambling encourages risk-taking and a something-for-nothing attitude; and
WHEREAS Scripture teaches Christian stewardship of resources, which holds that all things belong to God and that we are to use all earthly possessions as His agents in accordance with His will (Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Luke 12:42-48; 1 Corinthians 10:26; 2 Corinthians 8:5) while gambling encourages selfishness and reckless abandon; and
WHEREAS proper use of money does not include gambling, but instead: provides basic needs (2 Thessalonians 3:10); supports the family (1 Timothy 5:8); contributes to God’s work (1 Corinthians 16:1-3); meets human needs and gives to the poor (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Corinthians 9:6-15); and pays taxes (Matthew 22:21—Romans 13:7); and
WHEREAS Scripture condemns greed, covetousness and materialism (Exodus 20:17; Matthew 6:24-34; Philippians 3:18, 19; Colossians 3:5,6), while gambling encourages these sins of the flesh, lusting after unearned and undeserved prize money in clear violation of God’s law (1 Timothy 6:10; Luke 12:15); and
WHEREAS Scripture teaches us to avoid all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and to hate what is evil (Romans 12:9), while gambling is a major source of income for organized crime, attracting criminal elements and encouraging participation in other vices and illegal activities; and
WHEREAS Scripture encourages saving with the hope of secure return (Matthew 25:27) and invites us to lay up our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), which is very different from risking them for almost certain loss in gambling; and
WHEREAS Scripture condemns the exploitation of employees (James 5:1-4) and emphasizes their right to earned wages (Luke 10:7); and gambling is a threat to the economy, to legitimate industries and businesses, and to positive forms of entertainment and recreation; and
WHEREAS gambling produces an increase in unpaid bills, embezzlement, bankruptcy, and job absenteeism; and
WHEREAS gambling is an addictive behavior which enslaves its victims, robbing them of their personal dignity and financial well-being (1 Corinthians 8:13; 2 Corinthians 6:3); and
WHEREAS gambling is injurious to its addicts, to their families, to other innocent persons and to society (Romans 14:19-21); and
WHEREAS gambling is personally selfish, morally irresponsible and socially destructive; and
WHEREAS gambling interests often corrupt police and government officials. undermining the welfare of society and their respect for law enforcement;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Church of God strongly affirms its opposition to Gambling in every form as a violation of God’s perfect will for His people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge our members to express their opposition to any government proposals that promote and/or legalize any form of gambling in their states and communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will refuse to seek personal profit at the expense of other persons and families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we support laws, lawmakers and law enforcement officials who oppose gambling; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will work within civic, community and business organizations to prevent their sponsorship of gambling in the community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we actively oppose any government efforts to expand and/or promote the legalization of gambling; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we commend legislators and government officials who oppose the legalization of gambling and support them in the defense of morality (67th A., 1998, pp. 54-57).
Anonymous
Troy, many good points there. But perhaps much sound and fury that on scrutiny fails to lend the force you desire for the normative conclusion you assert, at least at the level of generality you are asserting.
Anonymous
Jack Marsh just like if you get drunk occasionally for fun ?
Anonymous
Jack Marsh just like if you get drunk occasionally for fun ?
Anonymous
I don’t play the lottery anymore, I did at times when I was younger, but I came to the conclusion that man would not make me rich, and that God will supply all my needs.
Anonymous
Josh Mayo I totally agree
Anonymous
It is unwise and inappropriate for Christians to gamble; this includes the lottery.
The real name for the lottery is:
“a tax on the poor“
Anonymous
right on the money HEY now Neil Steven Lawrence Alan Smith Melvin Harter wasnt gambling quite strictly forbidding in the practical commitments of cog folk Susan Collins Link Hudson out there ???
Anonymous
Troy Day i don’t recall. I don’t gamble anyway.
Anonymous
Link Hudson I posted the exact wording from the declaration here https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/should-christians-play-the-lottery/
Anonymous
No when I think of gambling I think about them casting lots for Jesus Clothes
Anonymous
Isn’t playing the Lottery gambling? If a person believes God supplies all their needs, why would they need to gamble?
Anonymous
Judith Smith it should be for cog ppl Neil Steven Lawrence Melvin Harter
Anonymous
Neil Steven Lawrence Dale M. Coulter Tony Edwards Tony Richie Alan Smith Link Hudson Susan Collins Jim Price Philip Williams …
WHEREAS gambling is a violation of the golden rule, resting on a scheme that the few winners will receive their profits from losses suffered by the many losers (Exodus 20:15; Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:3,4; Romans 12:10; 13:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Galatians 6:2; James 2:8); and
WHEREAS Scripture commands love for God and our neighbor (Matthew 23:36-40; Mark 12:28-33), teaching us to do all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and in friendship (John 15:13) to seek our neighbor’s good (Romans 14:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15), while gambling seeks personal profit at the expense of others; and
WHEREAS Scripture emphasizes the sovereignty of God (1 Chronicles 29:11-13; Matthew 10:29-30); Philippians 4:19) while gambling encourages reliance on luck and chance; and
WHEREAS Scripture emphasizes the virtues of work (Exodus 20:9; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Genesis 3:19; 1 Timothy 5:8) thrift and saving (Proverbs 6:6-11), contentment and virtue (Philippians 4:11) and peace (I Corinthians 14:33), while gambling encourages risk-taking and a something-for-nothing attitude; and
WHEREAS Scripture teaches Christian stewardship of resources, which holds that all things belong to God and that we are to use all earthly possessions as His agents in accordance with His will (Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Luke 12:42-48; 1 Corinthians 10:26; 2 Corinthians 8:5) while gambling encourages selfishness and reckless abandon; and
WHEREAS proper use of money does not include gambling, but instead: provides basic needs (2 Thessalonians 3:10); supports the family (1 Timothy 5:8); contributes to God’s work (1 Corinthians 16:1-3); meets human needs and gives to the poor (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Corinthians 9:6-15); and pays taxes (Matthew 22:21—Romans 13:7); and
WHEREAS Scripture condemns greed, covetousness and materialism (Exodus 20:17; Matthew 6:24-34; Philippians 3:18, 19; Colossians 3:5,6), while gambling encourages these sins of the flesh, lusting after unearned and undeserved prize money in clear violation of God’s law (1 Timothy 6:10; Luke 12:15); and
WHEREAS Scripture teaches us to avoid all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and to hate what is evil (Romans 12:9), while gambling is a major source of income for organized crime, attracting criminal elements and encouraging participation in other vices and illegal activities; and
WHEREAS Scripture encourages saving with the hope of secure return (Matthew 25:27) and invites us to lay up our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), which is very different from risking them for almost certain loss in gambling; and
WHEREAS Scripture condemns the exploitation of employees (James 5:1-4) and emphasizes their right to earned wages (Luke 10:7); and gambling is a threat to the economy, to legitimate industries and businesses, and to positive forms of entertainment and recreation; and
WHEREAS gambling produces an increase in unpaid bills, embezzlement, bankruptcy, and job absenteeism; and
WHEREAS gambling is an addictive behavior which enslaves its victims, robbing them of their personal dignity and financial well-being (1 Corinthians 8:13; 2 Corinthians 6:3); and
WHEREAS gambling is injurious to its addicts, to their families, to other innocent persons and to society (Romans 14:19-21); and
WHEREAS gambling is personally selfish, morally irresponsible and socially destructive; and
WHEREAS gambling interests often corrupt police and government officials. undermining the welfare of society and their respect for law enforcement;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Church of God strongly affirms its opposition to Gambling in every form as a violation of God’s perfect will for His people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge our members to express their opposition to any government proposals that promote and/or legalize any form of gambling in their states and communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will refuse to seek personal profit at the expense of other persons and families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we support laws, lawmakers and law enforcement officials who oppose gambling; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will work within civic, community and business organizations to prevent their sponsorship of gambling in the community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we actively oppose any government efforts to expand and/or promote the legalization of gambling; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we commend legislators and government officials who oppose the legalization of gambling and support them in the defense of morality (67th A., 1998, pp. 54-57).
Anonymous
Troy Day COMPLETE
Anonymous
Neil Steven Lawrence its about right if you ask me – be it resolvED
Anonymous
Troy Day ia a raffle for charity a violation of the golden rule? How about playing poker for pennies. Losses are negligible and nonmaterial.
Is it a violation of the gilden rule to sell a suboptimal whole life insurance policy that is not a good value for money? What about a Christian marketing director marking up barnd name balogna when the generic is the exact same product?
There a lot of jobs that seem to not benefit society much or not at all. I want my work to be beneficial. There are other wvonomic and financial decisions not specifically covered in scripture. Like gambling. Not all gambling fits the description described above.
Also a lot of Christians oppose gambling but have no problem with someone entering a sweepstakes to get money he doesn’t earn. Is accepting scholarships forbidden? What about marketing promotions like a discount on a second Big Mac.
Gambling isn’t greed. People can earn money and be greedy.
Anonymous
Link Hudson not sure of what you said
to tell you if its a violation of anything
It seems you are not upholding cogS teachings
Anonymous
Troy Day I am not gambling. If everyone that is in the COG..or attends… had to agree with every word, they would never make changes to the declaration at the GA.
Anonymous
The lottery is a game of chance, like any other gambling crap shoot
Anonymous
I don’t and never have God provides for me all the time and he’s always there for me and my family.
Anonymous
The devil had the money too long ! Use the money for the glory of God ! This man’s heart was not wrong ! He used it for the Kingdom ! I personally never have purchased a lottery ticket ! Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling ! God Bless !
Anonymous
so much rationalizations.
Anonymous
you never gave your 2 cents there Peter Vandever Terry Wiles Philip Williams
Anonymous
Troy Day No worse than the sin of gluttony.
Anonymous
Terry Wiles a fat gambling preacher being on TOP of the scale Peter 🙂
Anonymous
Kyle Williams St. Augustine: “wrong is wrong, even if everybody is doing it, and right is right, even if nobody is doing it.”