DON'T PLAY THE LOTTERY FOR GRACE CHURCH

The West Virginia pastors who accepted Jack Whittaker's tithe on his $170 million "Powerball" booty should be ashamed of themselves. One of them said: "That's a blessing to have that kind of backing." I don't think so (John Piper).

With the opening of the RWS Casino many Singaporeans are flocking to this gambling den. I won't be surprised that there are many Christians amongst them too. I am also not shocked if these Christians were to pray to the Lord to help them strike big so that they will give a love-gift to the Lord and His church in tithe and offering.

Don't play the lottery for Grace church! I go on record now that I will not knowingly take any money won from gambling. And I will do my best to lead the Session of our church from accepting any money offered to us from the proceeds of gambling. We are followers of Jesus and we will not dishonour His name through such means.

John Piper said, "The lottery is another opportunity to pierce your soul with many pangs, and lead your children into ruin". The Bible says, "Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. . . . Some by longing for it . . . and pierced themselves with many a pang (1 Timothy 6:9-10). In other words, the desire to be rich is suicidal. And endorsing it is cruel".

Brethren, you keep away from the gambling dens of RWS and the up-coming Marina IR Casino. We are Christians and we should have a high and holy calling. Our hard earned money is from the Lord, and we should honour Him in the way we use it.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said in ST Feb 19, "Go to Sentosa and take a look. They want to gamble… I don't understand why. They definitely will not win! They feel their luck is good during the festive season. On the first day, the House earned $3.5 million. The second day, the House earned $3.7 million. They said, why do we not open more casinos? No, two is enough." It is reported in "AsiaOne Business" that the Casino made $40 million in the first two days of its opening.

Do not fool yourself that you will win and be rich quickly. That is the devil's lie. Stay clear of it. I know of Christians who buy lottery tickets. Such practice is not well-pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

Pastor