S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Poker is often considered a sinful activity due to its close relationship with gambling. The Bible instructs us to keep ourselves from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). The Word of ...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Todd Rushing Supporter

Someone was overheard at our church talking about going to a casino, and it raised eyebrows. I explained that it needs to be taken in context. In the new testament, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. The last of the three was scolded for only returning the original one talent. The master said that he should have returned the funds with interest. Well, there wasn't a Chase Bank on every corner, so there were no savings accounts. The custom of the day was to use 'speculators' of commodities. This was gambling that a particular commodity would go up or down in price and earn you profit. This was their form of gambling. 

When you vacation, you set aside money to spend. Is it more sinful to spend $100 at Disneyland or use the same $100 for entertainment in a casino? As long as it's not a compulsion, or played strictly to gain a profit, it remains a form of entertainment. But by the same token, if it destroys your witness before men, I would argue that it then becomes a sin. Everything we do in life is watched by the world, so we must avoid the appearance of evil. If you have a poker party with church friends, does it benefit each other spiritually? It does provide fellowship, but is there someone who has a weakness for gambling? It's the argument of the difference between a stepping stone and a stumbling block. My thoughts are that it's just better to avoid.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report