Does God Pick Lottery Winners?

AP | Dec.26,2002 | self

[davidtalker]

AP- "I just want to thank God for letting me pick the right numbers — or letting the machine pick the right numbers," said Powerball winner Andrew "Jack" Whittaker Jr., dressed in black with a big black cowboy hat.

Does God pick winners in a Powerball Lottery? Does God even want you to play the lottery?

I have real problems with this gentleman. I don't think he has thought through this question. The Bible has nothing to say SPECIFICALLY about gambling. However, Genesis makes it clear we have a bond with God to work by the sweat of our brow. This is repeated elsewhere, I am, by no means, a Bible expert. As a matter of fact, I have only been a Christian for eight years. However, I do know gambling is at odds (oun intended) with the Christian walk. If one becomes hooked on gambling this can lead to sinful behavior on numerous levels. Ignoring your family's needs clearly puts you at odds with God.

I attend a large, and very Conservative, Baptist Church here in Texas. I once asked the assistant Pastor who discipled me what the Church would do if someone offered lottery winning as a tithe to the Church. He said they would refuse to accept the money. My guess is, most Churches will accept these gifts. This man will give a hefty sum of money to his Church in West Virginia. It will be interesting to see whether this Church accepts the money. Your thoughts.

[Mr. Mojo]

Yes

[Revolting cat!]

Did G-d invent beer?

No, but she did invent cheese and wine, for which we oughta all be thankful on this thread!

[Balata]

However, I do know gambling is at odds (oun intended) with the Christian walk. If one becomes hooked on gambling this can lead to sinful behavior on numerous levels. Ignoring your family's needs clearly puts you at odds with God.

If you listened to the news conference today you would know this man does not ignore his family's needs. He goes to work at 5:30 every day, runs three businesses, has a payroll of 117 people, etc. Sounds like a very hard working family man who helps his fellow man to me.

So, what's your problem?

[Monitor]

To heck with the cat. I don't believe that Heisenberg existed. Except that sometimes, I do.

Even Heisenberg was uncertain of his own existence.

[NEWwoman]

Actually, Jesus opened a cheese factory in the Holy Land and called it: Cheeses of Nazareth. ;-)

[Revolting cat!]

I know of a Jesus Gonzalez who works at a cheese factory in the holy land of Tijuana, Mehico. Would that be the same one?

[Senator Pardek]

Man made beer - God made pot.

Whom do you trust more?

[Ecliptic]

Read Romans 8:28...God's hand is everywhere...

[RnMomof7]

Nothing happens theat is outside of Gods control ..so I do not think he was suprised that the man played the lottery or won

[NEWwoman]

Could be. Jesus is everywhere. (And if he made Mexican chocolate sauce, he could call it "Holy Mole.)

[Forgiven_Sinner]

I've always felt gambling in general violated the tenth commandment against coveting. Generally, our motivation in gambling is to get something for nothing, something for which we did not work, which is coveting. This is so common today, it is not even remarked upon.

My wife, who is also a Christian, says she buys lottery tickets not for the prize, but for the entertainment value of dreaming about the prize. Similarily, I see no problem in playing penny ante poker, which I consider entertainment, since the money is nomimal.

Christians will differ, but ultimately each of us is responsible to God about how we use the money He has given us.

As far as refusing to accept tithe money from lottery winnings, I think that is foolish and contrary to Jesus example!!! What am I talking about? The "principle" behind such a view is that by accepting the money we accept the practice of lotteries. I disagree with that "principle" and so did Jesus. The example I have in mind is when Jesus accepted a year's worth of spikenard anointing on his head and feet --from a prostitute. Yes, our Lord and Savior accepted the offering from a year's earnings of a prostitute.

So why is accepting a tithe from a lottery winner "worse" than that?

[RnMomof7]

LOL

[Humidston]

It will be interesting to see whether this Church accepts the money.

Somehow I think it'd be much more interesting to see if your church would turn down several thousand dollars in a lump sum donation.

[RnMomof7]

I've been known to mutter THANK GOD when the Dallas Cowboys ever win a game,

I pray for the Bills..but I suspect they are under a curse:>)

[Torie]

I can't think of one single principled reason why government is in the business of hawking lottery tickets. Not one, nada, nothing. It simple is a scheme to induce the relatively poor to part with their money. It is close to being, dare I say it, EVIL.

[Revolting cat!]

I gotta say, I luv theological discussions!

[Consort]

Bernardine of Siena is the Patron Saint of gambling addicts; compulsive gambling; uncontrolled gambling.

[Ecliptic]

Most likely a repentent prostitute

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Yes. When I heard the news, I said to the Lord, "I sure hope it was a Christian, Lord." Then I saw an interview. The first thing he did was give thanks to God. Then he said that the first thing he would do when he got the money was sit down and write three checks totalling 10%. LOL

[Bella_Bru]

10 bucks on a Powerball ticket is not an addict. Blowing your kids' college tuition on it is.