Would Jesus play a game of Poker?

['67Scofield]

Just started playing online Texas Holdem about a month ago.
Lost about $200 learning the finer points. lol
A little tip: If you decide to try your hand (pardon the pun) at poker, try it with play money for a while.

The site is one of the largest online.
I joined a tournament there Sunday for $1.00, along with 64,999 others to make a new Guiness record of largest online tournament. I came in 37,000. No winnings though. 1st place won $13,000.00

So you can play for a very nominal amount of money.

I have come to enjoy the $.05/$.10 tables. That means every round you must put up $.15. That's usually every 7-9 hands which is the avg. # of players.
But hands can get 'interesting' and you can lose it all quickly. Which on those tables can be anywhere from $2.00 to $15.00 on a single hand.

It's a very fun and interesting game and I can see how it could consume someone's life.
It actually has taught me some things.
The game is all about power(of your hand), attitude (whether to be bold or subtle), and reason (there always that chance thing where tides can turn with a flip of a card, so you must reason what are the chances of it doing so.)

Another reason is the social aspect. There are people from all over the States and the world there. Many players don't chat. Some do. I do.
Last nite there were 3 Atlanta Braves (incl. me) fans at the same table out of 100,000 + players from all over the world. We three thought that was pretty cool.

I know what that place is about. It's mostly about taking people's money.
It's not why I go there. And some, at least one anyway, has noticed I may not be the run of the mill poker player. I've noticed some of the same players come to the table I'm at which cannot be chance because of the size of the site. One of them last nite said he might look me up on site. Said I was an interesting man. I haven't said I'm a Christian yet, but if they keep talking to me, I know how to get them curious.

Ok, I think you get the gest.
Thoughts and/or questions.

[Willy]

... Jesus bluffing??

bluffing

1. To mislead or deceive.

2. To impress, deter, or intimidate by a false display of confidence.

3. To try to mislead (opponents) in a card game by heavy betting on a poor hand or by little or no betting on a good one.

v.intr. To engage in a false display of strength or confidence.:nosmiley:

...first bluff ... the serpent ... Genesis 3

Willy:tiphat:

[CoreIssue]

Ah, Willy, but by that thinking most sports would fall into the same category since bluffing is integral to the game.

And when I read the Bible I see a lot of mind games and bluffing going one. A lot in the areas of wars we read about, a number of them authorized by God.

As with the man who finds something of great value on someone's field. He goes and buys the field without telling him the thing of value is there. So where does that fall in the scheme of the question?

Or when Christ deliberately played mind games with the Pharisees and such to achieve his goals without revealing anything before its time.

It is a good question since nothing in the Bible directly addresses the issue.

[roman8]

i was just reading Luke and in chapter 24 Jesus kind of bluffs twice I always wondered about that, v19 and 28.

I guess the question is, is gambling a sin ? I wont even buy a lottery ticket now because I was told its a sin . Although I would like to. My mother in law likes to go to the casino about twice a year I went with her last year for her birthday , but I felt guilty about it. I know we are to be good stewards with what we are given, but wouldnt me spending 4$ on a starbucks coffee be a waste as well?

[CoreIssue]

i was just reading Luke and in chapter 24 Jesus kind of bluffs twice I always wondered about that, v19 and 28.

I guess the question is, is gambling a sin ? I wont even buy a lottery ticket now because I was told its a sin . Although I would like to. My mother in law likes to go to the casino about twice a year I went with her last year for her birthday , but I felt guilty about it. I know we are to be good stewards with what we are given, but wouldnt me spending 4$ on a starbucks coffee be a waste as well?
Good points.

The basis of calling it a sin is the rolling of dice for Christ's clothes.

Is it any worse to waste money on things one cannot afford? Taking risk opening a business? Sin or bad judgment to spend more on anything than we should?

Gets back to the reason behind doing it. Making a buck at business from greed is a sin to me.

The rich getting richer, is that sin?

A lot of background issues that make waste a sin in many efforts and doings.

Is risk a sin? Business people do it all the time. We do it driving to work.

Not passing judgment as to yea or nay. Just trying to open it up the a greater context of issues and thinking.

[Jessie]

I enjoy black jack, we rarely go to the casino, if we do its for lunch.
and about once every couple yrs. I dont play thinking I'm gonna win a fortune.
last time I won enough to pay for our lunch. I dont continue. I dont think thats a sin,
but if I thought ok I'm gonna go big and win a lot (greed) then it would definetly be a sin or losing the money for bills ect. when it should be going somewhere else.

besides I'm not fool enough to think I could win a lot.


would'nt that fall under a liberty thing?

[Willy]

Ah, Willy, but by that thinking most sports would fall into the same category since bluffing is integral to the game.

... if it's third and long and the Lord Jesus fakes me outside, cuts inside for six points ... I got no trouble with that.:D

And when I read the Bible I see a lot of mind games and bluffing going one. A lot in the areas of wars we read about, a number of them authorized by God.... for purposes greater than fleecing your neighbor.


As with the man who finds something of great value on someone's field. He goes and buys the field without telling him the thing of value is there. So where does that fall in the scheme of the question?... now we are talking about the battle to save His Bride. ... and will add... it was His major strategy.:nod:

Or when Christ deliberately played mind games with the Pharisees and such to achieve his goals without revealing anything before its time.
... absolutely but He never lied to them and the parables never misrepresented the truth.

It is a good question since nothing in the Bible directly addresses the issue.... If He went all in ... would you call Him?:D

I have every confidence that young Scofield will glean something of value from His experiences in this endeavor.

I know what that place is about. It's mostly about taking people's money.
It's a very fun and interesting game and I can see how it could consume someone's life.Willy:crutches:

[CoreIssue]

Ah, Willy, but by that thinking most sports would fall into the same category since bluffing is integral to the game.

... if it's third and long and the Lord Jesus fakes me outside, cuts inside for six points ... I got no trouble with that.:D
Still strategy to mislead and win something.
And when I read the Bible I see a lot of mind games and bluffing going one. A lot in the areas of wars we read about, a number of them authorized by God.... for purposes greater than fleecing your neighbor.
Fleecing means to defraud or swindle. You know the stakes and purpose when you gamble, so it isn't fleecing.

As with the man who finds something of great value on someone's field. He goes and buys the field without telling him the thing of value is there. So where does that fall in the scheme of the question?... now we are talking about the battle to save His Bride. ... and will add... it was His major strategy.:nod:

Nope. Nothing to do with his Bride. The man selling thinks only the property is at stake. He is unaware he owns something greater and is loosing it without knowing it. The man buying does it for personal gain at the cost of the owner.
Or when Christ deliberately played mind games with the Pharisees and such to achieve his goals without revealing anything before its time.
... absolutely but He never lied to them and the parables never misrepresented the truth.
Nor are you lying in gambling. You are bluffing and letting them get false impressions on their own.
It is a good question since nothing in the Bible directly addresses the issue.... If He went all in ... would you call Him?:D

I have every confidence that young Scofield will glean something of value from His experiences in this endeavor.
Life experience is of value.
I know what that place is about. It's mostly about taking people's money.
So was the man buying the field. And war is about taking the enemy.

It's a very fun and interesting game and I can see how it could consume someone's life.Willy:crutches:
Agree. Just as some get obsessed with their careers and making money, which isn't healthy either.

Complex issue. The Bible does not condemn it. But, you can see human failures within it that you can also find in many other areas of life. All about self control and motivation.

[Willy]

... at what point does gambling become covetousness?

Exodus 20:17

“You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
... it is a complex issue Core but looking at where it leads many people ... should we not be very careful here?


Some 55 million Americans play lotteries once per month, spending $88 million per day — more than they spend per day on groceries.... I think the above stats are old ... James Dobson.


Willy:tiphat:

[CoreIssue]

... at what point does gambling become covetousness?
Depends on the individual.

Exodus 20:17

“You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
... it is a complex issue Core but looking at where it leads many people ... should we not be very careful here?Careful, yes. But not going excessive like some do by declaring drinking any alcohol a sin when it is not sin until it is in excess. There are whole denominations who commit the sin of false accusation when they do that.

Some 55 million Americans play lotteries once per month, spending $88 million per day — more than they spend per day on groceries.... I think the above stats are old ... James Dobson.
And that means what? Some never play. Some a buck a week. Some never drink alcohol or do drugs but abuse it and it is a problem in this nation. Some abuse food, either in gluttony or self starvation. Theft is a big problem in this nation but not all steal.

My point is those who are going to abuse gambling are going to abuse gambling be it legal or not. That does not make it a sin to gamble in and of itself anymore than it does to declare drinking a blanket sin.

How many issues in the OT were resolved by lots? God even gave instructions to use lots.

We take changes of many kinds every with the goal of gain. Just because it is money does not make it any different.

The Bible does not call it a sin. Do you not think it would if it was? Would God use devices of chance if it were?

Dobson is a Southern Baptist. Southern Baptist give blanket labels to things the Bible does not. Like drinking alcohol, which Christ did. Or cast lots, etc, which God used as a tool.

It is a sin to accuse someone of sinning when it isn't a sin. False accusation. So, we have to be careful of doing that as an easy out to an issue.

Bible never says life is simple to live. :D

[Willy]

Exodus 28:30

Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord. NIV

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. NIV
Urim and Thummim

Urim = "lights" …….. Thummim = "perfection"

… stones kept in a pouch on the high-priest's breastplate, used in determining God's decision in certain questions and issues.
... don't think the casting of lots in the Old Testament had anything to do with chance when used as directed by God. ... as in Saul and Jonathan ... stones were right.

... as McGee puts it "the dice of God are loaded."

... there seems to be a perversion of God's instruction as in Joel 3:3 when the people started casting lots for other purposes.

... Roman soldiers etc. in New Testament same thing.

... still working on this one ... and undecided.


Willy:tiphat:

[CoreIssue]

Exodus 28:30

Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord. NIV

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. NIV
Urim and Thummim

Urim = "lights" …….. Thummim = "perfection"

… stones kept in a pouch on the high-priest's breastplate, used in determining God's decision in certain questions and issues.
... don't think the casting of lots in the Old Testament had anything to do with chance when used as directed by God. ... as in Saul and Jonathan ... stones were right.

... as McGee puts it "the dice of God are loaded."

... there seems to be a perversion of God's instruction as in Joel 3:3 when the people started casting lots for other purposes.

... Roman soldiers etc. in New Testament same thing.

... still working on this one ... and undecided.


Willy:tiphat:
Look up the verses. Does not say Urim and Thummin were cast like lots anywhere. That is a Mormon interpretation.

Also clearly they were not used in the allotments of land, etc, spoken of a number times. Says cast lots. No mention of the priest who possessed the Urim and Thummin having any role. So you are reading in meaning context does not allow for.

I repeat, the Bible does not call it sin, so how can you? Abuse of anything is sin.

Now, tell me where it every labels the Roman soldiers casting lots being a sin? It does not. It says that is how they decided who got it. No different than high card or short straw wins or gets the job.

We got a lot of people calling things sin that the Bible does not, in example, in the areas of sex, drinking and this area.

Gambling covers a whole lot larger area than cards, dice and similar games. Just using different labels does not change that reality.

[Willy]

... thanks core ... I will check all.

... overall I agree with you ... just trying to refresh and explore.

... I have several Christian friends that don't handle gaming that well, one couple almost losing their home, another will not be retiring till about 90 and has turned in all credit cards

... so for them it is a stumbling block.

... my position with them is "all things are lawful but not expedient."

... so, this post is a help.

Willy:tiphat:

[CoreIssue]

I understand and agree.

But, I bet you know more people damaged by credit cards than gambling. That is not gambling but poor stewardship.

I have found Man can take almost anything and turn it into a personal problem. A universal 'talent.'

[a.baker]

67Scofield if its something for fun that's enjoyable no harm done. It actually may be a good way to keep your eye open for friends that are in deep and don't don't Christ to help them to Him. For some, just like MANY things in this world , it can become an addiction.

As long as you keep your eyes open for temptation and no one gets hurt, I see nothing wrong with some fun. Of course I personally would use the money to invest in something wiser, but I'm a different person with different interests :)

['67Scofield]

67Scofield if its something for fun that's enjoyable no harm done. It actually may be a good way to keep your eye open for friends that are in deep and don't don't Christ to help them to Him. For some, just like MANY things in this world , it can become an addiction.

As long as you keep your eyes open for temptation and no one gets hurt, I see nothing wrong with some fun. Of course I personally would use the money to invest in something wiser, but I'm a different person with different interests :)


Well since I posted last, I definitely have learned some things.
I'm about $400 -$500 down since starting playing, but I'm now starting to win more than I lose. It's all about appropriate betting and understanding why your opponents are betting the way they are on a certain hand.
I'm the kind of person that is compelled to master something like this.
Now that I have mostly learned the strength of each card and their combinations, i'm not as compelled to play as often.
There have been times where I had to tell myself that I'm spending too much time with it.

My tithes have been up because I've matched my losses with tithes to my church. lol
Not that I feel guilty, but if I give my $ to this, I certainly should be able to give God the same. If I can continue winning, God will get 50%, unless He wants more.

My main problem was betting too high, early, (pre-flop) and not folding when the pot was high and I felt I was beat and called anyway. (When you're beat, you're beat; no reason making it worse.)

If I had to pick one thing... It has taught me descretion.

[InTheWind]

Just a personal opinion but I think a person that gambles is walking a thin line, doesn`t the Bible say that if we could handle it it would be better if we stay single so we can spend more time with God. Drinking, gambling or any activity like that takes you to places where the majority of those around you are sinners.
I think people make a lot of excuses to justify their wants and needs.

[CoreIssue]

Interesting con trast, ITW. Actually I cannot dispute it.

Also interesting is what we spend money on for leisure. It is money we could spend elsewhere for more showable benefit. But don't we suffer if we don't spend it more?

Humans just don't make it easy figuring it all out, do we? :scratch::playfire:

['67Scofield]

Just a personal opinion but I think a person that gambles is walking a thin line, doesn`t the Bible say that if we could handle it it would be better if we stay single so we can spend more time with God.
That's not neccessarily time alone with God. If you are not married, you can devote more time and energy serving God instead of supporting a family. It also frees you of some obigations and respondsibilties, such as being able to travel and to go places at times when some one who is married couldn't or shouldn't.
Gambling was popular in Jesus' time, I'd bet that he sat down a played a round or two. Probably before his public ministry, maybe during. One thing I can garantee you is that he would have revealed some wisdom concerning the kingdom of heaven at some point during the game.


Drinking, gambling or any activity like that takes you to places where the majority of those around you are sinners.
Like a football game? Or the grocery store?


I think people make a lot of excuses to justify their wants and needs.
This is true. One should re-evaluate their motives often and ask God to show them where that thin line lies.


:aah:

[InTheWind]

I'd bet that he sat down a played a round or two. Probably before his public ministry, maybe during. One thing I can guarantee you is that he would have revealed some wisdom concerning the kingdom of heaven at some point during the game.

I`d very much doubt that but seeing either of us were there we won`t know for sure will we. I am pretty sure Jesus wouldn`t want us to be at any place that would tempt you into sin. My bet would be He would advise you to leave after a short time of preaching, dust the dust off your sandals type thing. ;)


Drinking, gambling or any activity like that takes you to places where the majority of those around you are sinners.
Like a football game? Or the grocery store?

Not hardly the same, as with a gambling establishment where most there are far from Christan's.
Don`t worry I fully understand there are lots of people that call themselves Christians and make all kinds of excuses to justify their sins.

['67Scofield]

I'd bet that he sat down a played a round or two. Probably before his public ministry, maybe during. One thing I can guarantee you is that he would have revealed some wisdom concerning the kingdom of heaven at some point during the game.

I`d very much doubt that but seeing either of us were there we won`t know for sure will we. I am pretty sure Jesus wouldn`t want us to be at any place that would tempt you into sin. My bet would be He would advise you to leave after a short time of preaching, dust the dust off your sandals type thing. ;)


Drinking, gambling or any activity like that takes you to places where the majority of those around you are sinners.
Like a football game? Or the grocery store?

Not hardly the same, as with a gambling establishment where most there are far from Christan's.
Don`t worry I fully understand there are lots of people that call themselves Christians and make all kinds of excuses to justify their sins.


Matthew 11:19 (New International Version)

19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

[InTheWind]

Your still not convincing me that example makes sinning on a regular bases right.
Even if Jesus did drink a glass or two of wine that does not mean that He would suggest making a habit of it.
If Christ spent His life gambling and drinking i`m sure there would be more written about it.
When I first became saved I thought preaching in bars was the right thing to do but after time I realized for most people the temptation to sin by being around sinners was to great.
It`s always been my opinion that if ya wallo with the pigs your just as dirty as them.
Hey i`m just telling you my opinon, everyone has one.
Take certain Christian motorcycle ministries for example, I know of one that goes to outlaw parties on a regular bases. IMO the risk of sinning because of the sin they are around is not worth the risk for the small number they save.
If your trying to convince me that Christ drank and gambled on a regular bases your wasting your time.

['67Scofield]

Your still not convincing me that example makes sinning on a regular bases right.
Even if Jesus did drink a glass or two of wine that does not mean that He would suggest making a habit of it.
If Christ spent His life gambling and drinking i`m sure there would be more written about it.
When I first became saved I thought preaching in bars was the right thing to do but after time I realized for most people the temptation to sin by being around sinners was to great.
It`s always been my opinion that if ya wallo with the pigs your just as dirty as them.
Hey i`m just telling you my opinon, everyone has one.
Take certain Christian motorcycle ministries for example, I know of one that goes to outlaw parties on a regular bases. IMO the risk of sinning because of the sin they are around is not worth the risk for the small number they save.



If your trying to convince me that Christ drank and gambled on a regular bases your wasting your time.

So your saying he did gamble a couple of times, just not on a regular basis.:yowza:
No, Jesus was not called to be a professional gambler.

Do you think God would call some one to be a professional gambler?
Btw, It's not a retorical question.

[InTheWind]

So your saying he did gamble a couple of times, just not on a regular basis.

I didn`t say that, I said if He did.

[roman8]

Your still not convincing me that example makes sinning on a regular bases right.
Even if Jesus did drink a glass or two of wine that does not mean that He would suggest making a habit of it.
If Christ spent His life gambling and drinking i`m sure there would be more written about it.
When I first became saved I thought preaching in bars was the right thing to do but after time I realized for most people the temptation to sin by being around sinners was to great.
It`s always been my opinion that if ya wallo with the pigs your just as dirty as them.
Hey i`m just telling you my opinon, everyone has one.
Take certain Christian motorcycle ministries for example, I know of one that goes to outlaw parties on a regular bases. IMO the risk of sinning because of the sin they are around is not worth the risk for the small number they save.



If your trying to convince me that Christ drank and gambled on a regular bases your wasting your time.

So your saying he did gamble a couple of times, just not on a regular basis.:yowza:
No, Jesus was not called to be a professional gambler.

Do you think God would call some one to be a professional gambler?
Btw, It's not a retorical question.

You are twisting ITW words , I think you know that though. He is telling you his opinion in love because he has been there with the drinking and bars thing. Council of the saints, Perhaps you should listen or at least be respectful when someone is trying to help.

IMO, you started this post because you were not sure about what you were doing. I dont know where buying a lottery ticket or 20$ spent at the casino a couple of times a year falls. But I think you are getting into this too deep , you are in enemey territory. God does not need your money or mine or any one elses it all belongs to him already , so saying you are doing it to give 50% to Lord is silly , sorry but true .

The Salvation Army was offered a large sum of money from someone who won a lottery and turned it down , not because they didnt need it , they do , but on principle , they have seen too many lives and families destroyed by gambiling
so they could not accept it . Also it could cause a weaker Christain to stummble .

Im worried about where you are at , and I think you know or you wouldnt be so defencive. :hug:

['67Scofield]

Your still not convincing me that example makes sinning on a regular bases right.
Even if Jesus did drink a glass or two of wine that does not mean that He would suggest making a habit of it.
If Christ spent His life gambling and drinking i`m sure there would be more written about it.
When I first became saved I thought preaching in bars was the right thing to do but after time I realized for most people the temptation to sin by being around sinners was to great.
It`s always been my opinion that if ya wallo with the pigs your just as dirty as them.
Hey i`m just telling you my opinon, everyone has one.
Take certain Christian motorcycle ministries for example, I know of one that goes to outlaw parties on a regular bases. IMO the risk of sinning because of the sin they are around is not worth the risk for the small number they save.



If your trying to convince me that Christ drank and gambled on a regular bases your wasting your time.

So your saying he did gamble a couple of times, just not on a regular basis.:yowza:
No, Jesus was not called to be a professional gambler.

Do you think God would call some one to be a professional gambler?
Btw, It's not a retorical question.

You are twisting ITW words , I think you know that though. He is telling you his opinion in love because he has been there with the drinking and bars thing. Council of the saints, Perhaps you should listen or at least be respectful when someone is trying to help.

IMO, you started this post because you were not sure about what you were doing. I dont know where buying a lottery ticket or 20$ spent at the casino a couple of times a year falls. But I think you are getting into this too deep , you are in enemey territory. God does not need your money or mine or any one elses it all belongs to him already , so saying you are doing it to give 50% to Lord is silly , sorry but true .

The Salvation Army was offered a large sum of money from someone who won a lottery and turned it down , not because they didnt need it , they do , but on principle , they have seen too many lives and families destroyed by gambiling
so they could not accept it . Also it could cause a weaker Christain to stummble .

Im worried about where you are at , and I think you know or you wouldnt be so defencive. :hug:

Yes, I was twisting his words. On a very trival point.
He chose to concentrate on that.

Actually I was much more interested in what he would say to my question.


He is telling you his opinion in love because he has been there with the drinking and bars thing. Council of the saints, Perhaps you should listen or at least be respectful when someone is trying to help.
I didn't realize I was being disrespectful, if you could show me where you feel i was, I would welcome that. People keep bringing up bars and drinking as if that is a neccessity to play poker. Well it's not anymore due to Internet. And even if I did go somewhere in public to play where there was drinking, what's wrong with that?
You don't go anywhere alcohol is served?
You know, not EVERY bar is the home of every foul demon. There are actually some bars that have more 'Christian' clientele than some churches.

God does not need your money or mine or any one elses it all belongs to him already , so saying you are doing it to give 50% to Lord is silly , sorry but true .
LOL, I am not playing poker to give money to God.


The Salvation Army was offered a large sum of money from someone who won a lottery and turned it down , not because they didnt need it , they do , but on principle , they have seen too many lives and families destroyed by gambiling
so they could not accept it .

What a insult to that person who thought enough of them to offer it.
"We don't want your dirty money."
Baby out with the bathwater there.
Someone needs to learn to turn on the light instead of cursing the darkness.

Im worried about where you are at , and I think you know or you wouldnt be so defencive.

This thread is getting interesting. I'm not angry. Stay with me. ;)

[roman8]

Your still not convincing me that example makes sinning on a regular bases right.
Even if Jesus did drink a glass or two of wine that does not mean that He would suggest making a habit of it.
If Christ spent His life gambling and drinking i`m sure there would be more written about it.
When I first became saved I thought preaching in bars was the right thing to do but after time I realized for most people the temptation to sin by being around sinners was to great.
It`s always been my opinion that if ya wallo with the pigs your just as dirty as them.
Hey i`m just telling you my opinon, everyone has one.
Take certain Christian motorcycle ministries for example, I know of one that goes to outlaw parties on a regular bases. IMO the risk of sinning because of the sin they are around is not worth the risk for the small number they save.



If your trying to convince me that Christ drank and gambled on a regular bases your wasting your time.

So your saying he did gamble a couple of times, just not on a regular basis.:yowza:
No, Jesus was not called to be a professional gambler.

Do you think God would call some one to be a professional gambler?
Btw, It's not a retorical question.

You are twisting ITW words , I think you know that though. He is telling you his opinion in love because he has been there with the drinking and bars thing. Council of the saints, Perhaps you should listen or at least be respectful when someone is trying to help.

IMO, you started this post because you were not sure about what you were doing. I dont know where buying a lottery ticket or 20$ spent at the casino a couple of times a year falls. But I think you are getting into this too deep , you are in enemey territory. God does not need your money or mine or any one elses it all belongs to him already , so saying you are doing it to give 50% to Lord is silly , sorry but true .

The Salvation Army was offered a large sum of money from someone who won a lottery and turned it down , not because they didnt need it , they do , but on principle , they have seen too many lives and families destroyed by gambiling
so they could not accept it . Also it could cause a weaker Christain to stummble .

Im worried about where you are at , and I think you know or you wouldnt be so defencive. :hug:

Yes, I was twisting his words. On a very trival point.
He chose to concentrate on that.

Actually I was much more interested in what he would say to my question.


He is telling you his opinion in love because he has been there with the drinking and bars thing. Council of the saints, Perhaps you should listen or at least be respectful when someone is trying to help.
I didn't realize I was being disrespectful, if you could show me where you feel i was, I would welcome that. People keep bringing up bars and drinking as if that is a neccessity to play poker. Well it's not anymore due to Internet. And even if I did go somewhere in public to play where there was drinking, what's wrong with that?
You don't go anywhere alcohol is served?
You know, not EVERY bar is the home of every foul demon. There are actually some bars that have more 'Christian' clientele than some churches.

God does not need your money or mine or any one elses it all belongs to him already , so saying you are doing it to give 50% to Lord is silly , sorry but true .
LOL, I am not playing poker to give money to God.


The Salvation Army was offered a large sum of money from someone who won a lottery and turned it down , not because they didnt need it , they do , but on principle , they have seen too many lives and families destroyed by gambiling
so they could not accept it .

What a insult to that person who thought enough of them to offer it.
"We don't want your dirty money."
Baby out with the bathwater there.
Someone needs to learn to turn on the light instead of cursing the darkness.

Im worried about where you are at , and I think you know or you wouldnt be so defencive.

This thread is getting interesting. I'm not angry. Stay with me. ;)


I dont know how to multi quote havent figured that out yet a little tec challenged, but I willreply to each one indivdually.

I feel its disrespectful to twist someones words when you know they are trying to help you , its like you are playing a game .

I brought up bars and drinking because it is the point that ITW used to show an example of how easy it is to fall into sin, to be self decieved , by thinking you are doing right when really you are just falling into the hands of the enemy .

You are the one who said you were giving 50% or more to God ,

As far as the Salvation Amy is concerned they did the right thing. They stood by their beliefs and did not waver even with all that money offered, they could not be bought. I applaud them, they deal on a daily basis with families that have been torn apart and completly destroyed by gambiling and other issues, but gambling is a big one, they would have been hippocritesto take it. It has become an Idol to those people.
No insult to the person who offered it , Would you think it was insult to not eat meat offered to idols? The Lord says it is for their benifit that we refuse it.

If you want to continue gambling and can do it with a clear conscience , hey go for it, but something tells me your conscience is not quiet clear on this one.

I have decided after this thread ,(because the truth is I really didnt know where I stood on this issue ) that I will not gamble , I may be someone who can handle it, I may not be, I dont want to find out , but for the sake of my weaker brothers and sisters I wont . I wouldnt want them to see me gambling and they end up in bondage because of it. :(

[InTheWind]

I have decided after this thread ,(because the truth is I really didnt know where I stood on this issue ) that I will not gamble , I may be someone who can handle it, I may not be, I dont want to find out , but for the sake of my weaker brothers and sisters I wont . I wouldnt want them to see me gambling and they end up in bondage because of it.

Great point roman8 and we should remind ourselves that if we claim to be Christians that others are watching and could be led down the wrong path by our actions.
Obedience to God keeps coming to mind more and more as I see far left liberal Cristian's bend Gods word to fit their lifestyle. :(
I don`t think it is a good idea for a Christian to be in a bar or part of a restrant that serves booze even if they can handle it, leaves a bad image to a lot of people.
Porn can be watched from the privacy of your home too but most Christian would feel a little convicted about looking at it and should be.
I`m not sure how I feel about playing poker at home on your computer, for free yes, for money no probably.

[Willy]

There are few things in life that are a sure thing and many things in life that are a "gamble" in the broadest sense of the word.

Consider physical death. If the Lord tarries there is no escaping this event.

For the Christian there is salvation.
John 3:16-18

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[fn6] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[fn7]

fn6,7 or “only begotten Son”
Notice that with God salvation is black or white, "yes" or "no" ... there is no thought of "chance" in His Son. ... if you have Him, you are not condemned ... if you don't, you are condemned already. No middle ground.

Our God id not the God of "chance" ... He is the God of "yes" or "no" ... a God of absolutes ... a God who is righteous and must condemn sin and yet a God of love who gives His Son an offering (for that sin) of atonement even for His enemies.

For those that reject God's Son there is condemnation. ... no "chance" of escape.

Now, for the "Christian" whose salvation is assured and based on the finished work of our Lord Jesus ... we are to preach "repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus name" not on the "chance" that someone will be saved but rather, that those that are God's should hear and believe ... unto life, ... and those that are not, should hear and reject the Gospel, standing condemned and without excuse before a Holy God. (solemn thought)


Should our walk in this world not reflect the absolutes that represent God's dealings with us?

Romans 12:1,2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Now, lets look at this world's favorite word.

Gamble:

v., -bled, -bling, -bles.

v.intr.

1.
1. To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest.
2. To play a game of chance for stakes.
2. To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit.
3. To engage in reckless or hazardous behavior: You are gambling with your health by continuing to smoke.

v.tr.

1. To put up as a stake in gambling; wager.
2. To expose to hazard; risk: gambled their lives in a dangerous rescue mission.

n.

1. A bet, wager, or other gambling venture.
2. An act or undertaking of uncertain outcome; a risk: I took a gamble that stock prices would rise.

Can you seriously read the meanings of this word and not see the destruction of our planet. Can you not see the starving people, globalization, greed and war? :scare:

['67Scofield]

There are few things in life that are a sure thing and many things in life that are a "gamble" in the broadest sense of the word.

Consider physical death. If the Lord tarries there is no escaping this event.

For the Christian there is salvation.
John 3:16-18

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[fn6] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[fn7]

fn6,7 or “only begotten Son”
Notice that with God salvation is black or white, "yes" or "no" ... there is no thought of "chance" in His Son. ... if you have Him, you are not condemned ... if you don't, you are condemned already. No middle ground.

Our God id not the God of "chance" ... He is the God of "yes" or "no" ... a God of absolutes ... a God who is righteous and must condemn sin and yet a God of love who gives His Son an offering (for that sin) of atonement even for His enemies.

For those that reject God's Son there is condemnation. ... no "chance" of escape.

Now, for the "Christian" whose salvation is assured and based on the finished work of our Lord Jesus ... we are to preach "repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus name" not on the "chance" that someone will be saved but rather, that those that are God's should hear and believe ... unto life, ... and those that are not, should hear and reject the Gospel, standing condemned and without excuse before a Holy God. (solemn thought)


Should our walk in this world not reflect the absolutes that represent God's dealings with us?

Romans 12:1,2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Now, lets look at this world's favorite word.

Gamble:

v., -bled, -bling, -bles.

v.intr.

1.
1. To bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest.
2. To play a game of chance for stakes.
2. To take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or a benefit.
3. To engage in reckless or hazardous behavior: You are gambling with your health by continuing to smoke.

v.tr.

1. To put up as a stake in gambling; wager.
2. To expose to hazard; risk: gambled their lives in a dangerous rescue mission.

n.

1. A bet, wager, or other gambling venture.
2. An act or undertaking of uncertain outcome; a risk: I took a gamble that stock prices would rise.

Can you seriously read the meanings of this word and not see the destruction of our planet. Can you not see the starving people, globalization, greed and war? :scare:

I think some of you haven't took the time to read this from the beginning.
I can understand if it was a mile long, but this one's not. I find that disrespectful and lazy. So there.:snooty:
edit : oh yeah, if you would have you would have seen the statement that we deal with risk and money all the time in everyday life. It's what our finanical system is built on. Risk and Return, bud.
Twisting his words? Gesh, it was a attempt a levity. I think some people have there panties in a twist around here. lol

Ok, is someone going to answer my question? :(

First, is gambling a sport?
and again, Would God call someone to be a professional poker player?

And one more thing, some of you need to get their mind out of the gutter. :nod:

[InTheWind]

First, is gambling a sport?
and again, Would God call someone to be a professional poker player?

And one more thing, some of you need to get their mind out of the gutter.

No and no imo.
And everyone started out just trying to give there opinions on the subject but that wasn`t good enough. Now your getting mad and insulting people, i`m sure it was me that your reffering to about being in the gutter. I was just trying to make a point.
This thread ends here.