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That Gambling Is A Sin? By: Gary Colley
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That Gambling Is A Sin? By: Gary Colley
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The word "gambling" is not found in the Bible, but this is not to say that the practice does not conflict with the principles set forth and condemned in the Bible! The practice of gambling whether for bingo, sports events, dice, cards, lotteries, punch boards, slot machines, horse racing, or buying chances, is simply thievery by consent! It is contrary to God's command to Adam after his sin in the garden of Eden, "In the sweat of they face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground. . (Genesis 3:19)." Gambling is gain by the sweat of someone else's brow. It is an attempt to get something for nothing. It has been legalized in some states, and it is simply legalized stealing. Paul wrote, "Let him that stole, steal no more: bur rather let him labor, working with his hands that thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need (Ephesians 4:28)." Gambling wrecks homes, promotes laziness, and quenches the desire for honest work which God commands. Again Paul writes, "Look therefore carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17). Gambling is covetousness, based on greed, which breeds dishonesty, deceit, drug abuse, prostitution, and an inordinate love for money (Colossians 3:5). The Bible says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (I Timothy 6:6-10). One correctly said, "Gambling is a form of entertainment that robs the poor, corrupts the national character, and erodes the moral fiber of our nation." Statistics on the real impact of casinos, river boats, and other places of betting, show more than the strong gambling lobby wants the public to know.
--Three years after the arrival of casinos, Atlantic City rose from 50th to 1st in the nation among cities in per capita crime.
--One year after Mississippi welcomed casinos, bank robberies increased from 1 to 13 and armed robberies tripled.
--Biloxi, Mississippi, has averaged 400 additional crisis calls for spousal and child abuse per month since the advent of casinos.
--Americans will legally wager more money this year than they will spend on food.
Gambling is sin!