POWER BLOG

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Is it a sin for a Christian to play the Lotto? The only example in the bible where it was truly a sin to gamble, was when the centurians were drawing lots (gambling) for Jesus` clothes. But then, the centurians were "not" Christians.

There are really no scriptures against it. If you do it for fun and you can afford it, then do just that! Have fun. Know that your chances of winning big are small to almost non existant, but have fun.

I've had people write in and ask me to pray for them to win the lottery. (and I do) They say, if I won, I'd give money to the Church and to the poor. But the truth is if you're not giving any money to the church or to the poor now, it's highly unlikely that God will answer that prayer.

It may sound real good to say, but the truth is, if your not giving anything now, you won't give anything after you win the lottery either. God knows that, and in your heart, you know it.

However, if you can afford a dollar a week, have fun with it. If it ever reaches a point where you are spending money on the lottery and can't afford to pay your bills or put food on the table, the lottery is "not" for you and you would do wise to avoid it.

If you play the lotto, you're not sinning, but if you give a dollar to promote the work of God, you'll be storing up riches in heaven. If you give a dollar to the poor, or even a neighbor kid to buy an icecream, at least you get a smile in return for your investment.

The best way is: "Do both" (if you can afford it)

Read more on this: http://powerofaith.com/lotto.htm

Link: http://www.powerofaith.com

Are you one? To our discredit, I believe we all are, at one time or another. It's funny, but in our righteousness, we tend to butt into other peoples personal relationship with God, when we think they are not doing it right. Or sinning, or doing something "we" have risen above.

If we see "brother Bill" walking out of a bar or tavern, we feel it's our duty to tell everyone. If we see sister Sarah standing outside her workplace having a cigarette, it's our duty to inform everyone.

And what about that low cut dress sister Margaret was wearing Easter? It is our duty "as hit men for Jesus" (or women) to put them in our sights and "shoot" them with gossip!

Because we have risen above certain things, we now have the right to brag about ourselves, by belittling them. Even though, according to the bible, these things are not mentioned as sin, gossip surely is! (scripturally)

These are the things Paul compared gossip too.

Romans 1:29 - being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,

Jesus never once condemned a sinner, so what gives us the right? Do you think your verbal attacks are justified by the teachings of Paul? Although Paul did criticize certain Church members at certain times, this does "not" give "you" the right to do the same.

I hate to burst your bubble, but, YOU ARE NOT PAUL! Jesus said to remove the log from your own eye.

Matthew 7:5 - "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

It's possible that Paul did just that! You are not Paul, and I am not Paul. We were not called to be "God's policemen", or "Hit men for Jesus". (No one on earth is ordained to judge or point out the faults or sins of others)

If you want to be a hit man, then set your sights on those things that separate you from God. (like gossip) Then aim and assassinate. You'll be doing yourself a service.