Gambling is becoming prevalent in the United States, Britain, Australia and other nations (see the excellent article, "The Growing Menace of Gambling" in the December 2004 World News and Prophecy).

Besides horse racing and private betting on sports contests and cards, many states have lotteries and licensed casinos. Even churches have bingo games and raffles.

But is gambling approved by God? What does the Bible say? The Teen Bible Study Discussion Guide on "Gambling" leads readers through 11 passages and 24 questions to discern what God's mind is on the subject.

The passages covered are: Haggai 2:8, Psalm 50:10; Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 8:18; Luke 16:1-2, 10-13; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:5; Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:10; Philippians 2:3-4; and Ephesians 4:28.

Sample questions include:

• Are we stewards of what God has given us?
• Do good stewards waste the wealth with which they were entrusted?
• Is gambling ever wasteful? Is it risky? What are the chances, say, of winning a state lottery? Would a good steward gamble?
• Does gambling ever become addictive?
• Does gambling promote lust for money?
• Can desire for "easy money" have spiritual effects?
• Does gambling take from others without giving anything in return?
• Does gambling create wealth? Or does it just change the possessor of it?

For more, see www.ucg.org/teenstudy/gambling.htm.