Question: We have two children, 12 and 14. Many times we play cards and watch a church program on TV. I was taught that gambling and playing cards on Sunday was a sin. Also, can you tell us what age is too old to make your kids go to church? What is your opinion and can you give us any Bible verses that will help? Mr. & Mrs. _____ .
Answer: As long as your children are in your home and under your care, they are to accompany you to church. Grown children living at home are another issue. You and your wife should attend church regularly, as it is commanded in Hebrews 10:25.
"Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching."
Both of you should be setting the example as Ephesians 6:14 admonishes,
"And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture ("discipline") and admonition of the Lord."
Your two children are to
"...obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1).
Playing cards is only a game and gambling is not speci-fically prohibited, in the Bible. Playing cards on Sunday or any other amusement, when you should be in church, is a sin. James 4:17 clarifies this.
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him is SIN."
With all the attendant evils which accompany casino gambling, it cannot be a good thing to train your children toward. 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 says,
"...hold fast that which is good. Abstain from ALL appearance of evil."
Children’s card games, OK. Poker, Blackjack, etc., No!
The most important thing to know is that you, your wife, and children have all accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have the peace of knowing they have everlasting life. (John 3:16). The second most important thing is to adhere to the Lord’s will for your family, as recorded in Titus 2:11,12.
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men...Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."
