Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • John J Rezzetti - 2 years ago
    I NOTICE IN THE WORD OF GOD, "Casting Lots" is used several tmes. Does this pertain to rolling dice? Does it pertain to fortune, future telling? Have a blessed day!
  • Grae - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hello John . There is some evidence of the kind of thing that I think u r talking about . In Exodus Ch 28 we read of the Urim and Thummim , which were stones carried in the high priests breastplate . They r only mentioned about half a dozen times in the Old Testament and if u read Num Ch 27 v 21 and 1st Sam Ch 28 V 6 , it does appear that they were used to make decisions . This was a very specific method given to the Israelites at that time , I don't believe we should b trying in any way to recreate them . There's a very good book about making decisions based on foolish divination practises , it's called the Dice Man by Luke Rheinhart .
  • Casting Lots in the Bible - In Reply - 2 years ago
    The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In spite of the many references to casting lots in the Old Testament, nothing is known about the actual lots themselves. They could have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones like coins, or some kind of dice; but their exact nature is unknown. The closest modern practice to casting lots is likely flipping a coin.

    The practice of casting lots occurs most often in connection with the division of the land under Joshua (Joshua chapters 14-21), a procedure that God instructed the Israelites on several times in the book of Numbers ( Numbers 26:55; 33:54; 34:13; 36:2). God allowed the Israelites to cast lots in order to determine His will for a given situation ( Joshua 18:6-10; 1 Chronicles 24:5,31). Various offices and functions in the temple were also determined by lot ( 1 Chronicles 24:5, 31; 25:8-9; 26:13-14). The sailors on Jonah's ship ( Jonah 1:7) also cast lots to determine who had brought God's wrath upon their ship. The eleven apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas ( Acts 1:26). Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on. This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments ( Matthew 27:35).

    The New Testament nowhere instructs Christians to use a method similar to casting lots to help with decision-making. Now that we have the completed Word of God, as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us, there is no reason to be using games of chance to make decisions. The Word, the Spirit, and prayer are sufficient for discerning God's will today-not casting lots, rolling dice, or flipping a coin.

    Mishael: people ought always seek the Lord for answers to problems and decisions. Sometimes, NO answer is the answer. Be sure your question is a Godly one. also, God appointed prophets to speak the answer of the Lord: do this or do that. Today: we pray.
  • ELB - In Reply - 2 years ago
    John, God is no respector of persons, he does NOTHING because of who we are, he does EVERYTHING because of who HE IS.

    Casting lots is simply so we can understand that it's God's work and God's appointed timing. We receive these benefits of mercy and truth at God's appointed time and by HIS WORKS.

    1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received of him ABIDETH IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it (the anointing) has taught you, you shall abide in him.

    Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery....CHRIST IN YOU.....

    Philippians 2:13 For it is God (CHRIST IN YOU) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

    You are THE BODY OF CHRIST, the new BIRTH.
  • Suze - In Reply - 2 years ago
    God bless you ELB . Much love in Christ .
  • GiGi - In Reply - 2 years ago
    John

    Casting lots was a form of divination for some and for others it was akin to "drawing straws" to determine an outcome. It was often used to discover the will of God in a situation such as choosing an apostle to replace Judas.



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