Playing Cards

Dear Brother, I have an issue with playing cards or any game for money (gambling). I am with a group of ladies who play cards and various games, and everyone puts up a few dollars ($2 per game).I’ve seen gambling much of my life as my dad was a professional gambler. As much as I enjoy gambling (but they say it is not gambling), I choose not to put up any money even if it is only $2. I have been ridiculed and been told that I’m way off. I make it a point not to condemn anyone who puts up money, but stand firm on my conviction. To me, gambling is gambling, like you can’t be half-pregnant, and though they allow me to play some laugh at me.I do not play bingo for money, but do provide gifts for members of a senior group who win the gifts—some say that it is still the same.As seniors, some of us go regularly to casinos.Please tell me what the Bible has to say about this. Thank you. -L. Durand, FL


Arno's Answer:


The fact that you have doubts, your father was a professional gambler, and you enjoy gambling are sufficient reasons to keep with your convictions and not participate in such activity. The words of Romans 14 are instructive, particularly the last sentence of verse 5, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Culture plays an important role in the life of a Christian. I was brought up being told that, “A deck of cards is the devil’s prayer book.” Thus, I do not tolerate a deck of cards in my house.

Things must be under your control; it must not control you. If you are master of your own self and your actions, then you are at liberty to act in accordance with your conscience, keeping in mind the Scripture warning, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Midnight Call - 02/2015

1045bLetters to the Editor
by Arno Froese
Item #1045 - 438 pgs.

Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.

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