Memorandum from R J Fear and P S Green
(DGB 97)
1. We understand that on Thursday 8 January
2004 you and members of your Committee will be considering evidence
from christian groups in respect of the above.
2. We write as believers on our Lord Jesus
Christ, members of a worldwide christian fellowship known as brethren.
We respect Government as ordained of God and constantly pray that
Governments may be given wisdom to rule rightly: 1 Timothy 2 v
1 & 2 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men; For kings, and for all that are in authority."
3. Regarding the Draft Bill we appreciate
the intention of the Government to introduce regulation to certain
aspects of gambling which are not currently subject to British
legislation. We also welcome the elements in the Bill relating
to the protection of children, young people and other vulnerable
persons.
4. Our conviction, however, is that gambling
is evil in principle. It contravenes one of the ten commandments
given by God to Moses; "thou shalt not covet anything that
is thy neighbours." Deuteronomy 5 v 21. . . . thou shalt
not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto
thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to
the Lord thy God" Deuteronomy 7 v 25.
5. Legalised Gambling is a positive incitement
to the vices of greed, avarice, covetousness, and to corruption.
The enemy (Satan) is working overtime to ensare men in reckless,
addictive pursuit. The following references from Scripture, the
indited Word of God, are relevant:
a. "He that is greedy of gain troubleth
his own house". Proverbs 15 v 27.
b. "Woe to him that coveteth an evil
covetousness to his house Margin note: "or, gaineth an evil
gain" Habakkuk 2 v 9.
c. "And he said unto them, Take heed
and beware of covetousness" Luke 12 v 15.
d. "Being filled with all unrighteousness
Covetousness haters of God" Romans 1 v 29;30.
e. "for had not known lust, except the
law had said, Thou shalt not covet".
f. "Let your conversation be without
covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have"
Hebrews 13 v 5.
All scripture references are taken from the
King James Version of the Holy Bible.
6. We trust these comments may be of some
benefit to you in your deliberations and ask that, if possible,
they be publicly addressed to your Committee. Many thanks.
December 2003
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