A recent article intrigued me with its assertion that it is better to understand Bitcoin as gambling than investment: “An asset that never pays a dividend but has a price that keeps rising is a bubble. An investor can believe Bitcoin is a bubble and rationally invest so long as she expects to sell out before the bubble pops. But that isn’t investing; that’s gambling, and it’s a zero-sum game.” Being largely unfamiliar with Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, I wanted to think this matter through. I know a number of believers who are enthusiastic about Bitcoin and blockchain, not just as it pertains to personal finances but also as it may serve ministry purposes. What follows is an article these men wrote that makes a basic Christian case for Bitcoin and the blockchain technology behind it. It provides an alternate perspective for those of us just beginning to think this through. I hope you find it helpful.

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As Christians, we are responsible before God to approach every area of our lives as an opportunity to glorify His name, advance His Kingdom, and steward His creation. It shouldn’t surprise us that many believers approach the financial and investment world with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, Wall Street does very little to improve on its reputation as a place where all moral standards are eclipsed by pure greed.
So when we venture one step further, into the uncharted territories of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, the landscape appears even more extreme. Many believers see a culture of wild betting and extreme risk that seems at odds with scriptural calls to contentment, wisdom, and financial prudence. But shouldn’t we of all people ought to know not to judge by outward appearances? And if volatile prices and risk of loss are going to deter us, well we might as well just keep our money in a hole instead of investing at all (Matthew 25:14-30). But in Jesus’ parable it wasn’t the servant who played it safe in his stewardship who received a commendation.
Faith is a necessary part of everything the Christian undertakes. We shouldn’t expect it to be any different when it comes to our finances. Instead, the wise steward evaluates risk and reward with clear eyes. The wise steward seeks for opportunities to make better returns on his Master’s resources. So what does the world of Bitcoin, blockchain, cryptocurrency and what’s being called “web3 technology” have to offer the church? And how should Christians be engaging with this technological revolution?

Source: Fabric Ventures
Technological Revolution
In just over a decade, crypto has grown from a tiny fad for fringe computer nerds to a major force in today’s financial world. That’s because blockchain, the underlying technology that is used by cryptocurrencies, has the potential to prove one of the most profound innovations since the printing press.
Already we are seeing blockchains enable a huge variety of different communities to spring up, cooperate, and build something new without the gatekeepers or infrastructure that would have been essential in the past. Blockchain technology addresses some of the most urgent concerns with modern monetary policy and in that way promises to help protect the poor and most vulnerable by securing property rights, thwarting theft, minimizing inflation, and giving access to a monetary system that traditional banks or financial institutions would not. It is true, however, that many of these projects will turn out to be ill-fated moneymaking schemes, silly memes, or worse. But that is true in the business world and the world of the internet as well. The existence of bad actors does not mean that wise investments and godly creativity cannot occur in the same space, using the same technologies.
Though sin may find expression through tools, its source is the human heart. Human history proves again and again that the technologies that may be used to do evil can also be used for godly ends. As Christians, therefore, our approach to technology must not be fearful but hopeful, because we have been given the mandate to subdue and rule over the world for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26–28). New technologies, then, simply provide the industrious Christian with opportunities to see if new tools can be used for that sacred task.
We’ve Seen This Before
One of the best historical examples we have for this hopeful attitude is the technological explosion that God used to propel the theology of the Reformers throughout their world. The innovations of the printing press, distribution networks created by a financialized economy, and the creation of a public forum for the debate of ideas all allowed Martin Luther’s theological contentions to become more than the disgruntled opinions of a fringe academic.
Luther himself realized the opportunity and maximized his access to these new technologies. Although many predicted the problems that could arise from opening the flood gates of information to the general population, Luther knew that the same freedom afforded by these technologies could also be the means of amplifying the message of the Gospel. While chaos and trouble did indeed ensue, so did a movement that God used to purify and advance His Church.
Web3 & The Future of the Church
The Church stands at the beginning of what may prove to be a similar technological revolution as the web3 world continues to mature. Not only do cryptocurrencies provide sound, permissionless monetary systems able to be used by believers in repressive countries, they also provide an accessible and proven engine for financial creation that stands to benefit the Church and the individual believer.
Some critics call crypto a “casino” for “price speculation,” but such detractors may fail to recognize that their criticism can apply equally to the Christian holding mutual funds in their company 401(k) or that with the rise of inflation and the weakening of a dollar’s purchasing power, we are in a significantly different place than we were in times past. We are in the early days of crypto, and with the newness comes a greater level of volatility and speculation, yet also a greater level of opportunity. We are, of course, wise to exercise wisdom and caution. But if we are morally comfortable with the concept of putting funds at risk to grow their value over time, then we must be careful not to dismiss opportunities simply because they involve new risks.
The web3 space offers increasing ways to wisely and carefully invest, with decentralized finance staking rewards and interest-bearing custodial accounts incentivizing and rewarding patience. For every dog-themed meme coin there are now tens or hundreds of carefully created projects with actual real-world value.
To participate in the present web3 economy, Christians need not become discontented or greedy. They can walk in this new world the way we have always walked, by applying the same biblical wisdom and Spirit-filled guidance that lead us in every other area of their life, financial or otherwise.
Embracing the Inevitable
But perhaps the most compelling reason for Christians to be involved in this space is that the last ten years have proven that crypto is not likely to go away. And current events are showing it will play an increasing role in our future. Just as the Body of Christ has historically embraced the advent of new technologies and chosen to use them for good while wisely avoiding their dangers, so we are faced with that choice today.
Web3 as an investment vehicle or a mode of currency transfer is only the beginning. Already we are seeing decentralized organizations, backed by tokenized resources and supported by geographically scattered networks, show themselves as a real possibility. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will open new doors for Christian art and mutually supporting economies. Churches are recognizing that good stewardship will soon require them to integrate crypto assets into their financial plan.
Additionally, the blockchain minimizes costly transfer, banking, and credit card processing fees which currently take a bite out of almost all financial donations and transactions. It allows resources to move freely to aid Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) ministries, churches, and missionaries inside countries that suppress the church by restricting currency transfers. This allows for censorship-resistant and cost effective transfers of funding to Christians in situations where they need to be supported, but without attracting state attention. And we are certain there are far more possibilities that we have not yet considered and not yet imagined.
While crypto is in its early days, now is the time for Christians to carefully explore and experiment with the possibilities, for the advance of the gospel, for the good of others, and for the glory of God. We are convinced that Christians will all soon agree that crypto is not a curse to be feared, but a blessing to rejoice in, fully under the control of the One who has overcome the world.
Take heart, we’re going to make it.
Pr0ph3t writes about the intersection of Christianity and crypto on Twitter and Substack at Theofuturism.
Stephen McCaskell is a filmmaker and Web3 enthusiast. He purchased his first bitcoin in 2013, unfortunately he hadn’t yet learned the principle of hodl. He resides with his wife and four sons in Orlando, Florida.
Reagan Rose is the founder of Redeeming Productivity, a ministry which explores personal productivity and technology from a biblical worldview for the glory of God. He lives with his wife and two children in Detroit, Michigan.

Good morning. Grace and peace to you.

We are seeing some Kindle deals related to ETS. They are worth checking out.
(Yesterday on the blog: The Beauty of an Heirloom Bible)
Assurance of Things Hoped For: Christians Will Meet Again in Heaven
You know what I love about blogs? That people write content as good and encouraging as this, and then joyfully give it away for free. “‘You’re welcome,’ I replied, mostly because those were the only words that formed in the weight of the moment. If he noticed my emotion, I’ll never know. For he simply returned to reading the open Bible in his lap. Our visit to Maine was filled with times like this—long periods of quiet introspection, beside an octogenarian who has been a significant force in my life for more than thirty years, with staccato spurts of outward expression.”
Capturing A Moment
Here’s another great example. “The warm sunlight is filtering through the trees, there’s music in the air, and amid the bustle of the servers and the clink of the cutlery there’s a constant hum of lively conversation. I’m not there. I don’t even know where it is, but when I look at the painting of this scene that hangs over our mantle, I can hear it all. I can feel it all, and I love it.”
The 2021 Reformed Gift Guide
Having trouble checking off your Christmas list? Here is a curated guide packed with great ideas that is sure to make them smile! Also, don’t miss out on the early Black Friday deals. (Sponsored Link)
Why did God wait to reveal the Trinity?
That’s a very good question! Dr. Blair Smith answers it in this video from RTS.
Book Tribalism
It’s worth reading Jim Elliff’s little tale about a tribe that was exposed to the Bible and then, a while later, to Christian books.
Why Did God Give Us the Book of Revelation?
Many of us are about to begin reading Revelation in our Bible-reading plans. Here’s an article from Lucky Mogakane that reminds us why God gave us that particular book. “When asked, most Christians will admit they haven’t read the book of Revelation. And those who have, usually say they will never read it again. Forgetting that it was written for our blessing (Revelation 1:3), many Christians are fearful of Revelation.”
Until You Pray
Glenna Marshall discusses what it means to “pray until you pray”—an old Puritan expression.
Flashback: Satan’s Great Trick
Satan’s great joy is to convince you that the sin you are about to commit is very small and the sin you have just committed is very large.

The choice is not whether you will be a Christian soldier or a Christian civilian but whether you will be a prepared Christian soldier or an unprepared one. —Iain Duguid

As we head toward gift-giving season, publishers are turning up their presses and releasing quite a number of key books. Most of the noteworthy releases from September have already landed in my mailbox and, after looking through them, I have narrowed my list of new and notables to these 10. In each case I’ve included the editorial description. I hope there is something here that you’ll enjoy reading!

The Right Kind of Confident: The Remarkable Grit of a God-Fearing Woman by Mary Kassian. “What if we stopped placing our confidence in the things of this world—and instead put our trust in the only one who is truly trustworthy? As you begin to apply each chapter’s material, you’ll discover the true meaning of confidence, the difference between negative fear and positive fear, and how to turn the Enemy’s tool of fear on its head with strong confidence. Be honest: Who among us isn’t plagued with fears, insecurities, and self-doubt? Popular wisdom says the solution is to simply believe more strongly in ourselves. But award-winning author and speaker Mary A. Kassian explains that the way to combat fear is with more fear—fear of a different kind. In this follow-up to her popular book The Right Kind of Strong, Kassian again draws on her vast biblical knowledge to show us a better way to navigate life. She compares the Bible’s definition of confidence with the world’s well-worn self-help formulas and sets us on the right path. Whether you’re seeking more confidence or already feeling full of it, when you lean into a source of confidence that is unchanging, firm, and trustworthy, you’ll become more like the bold, courageous woman God created you to be.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane C. Ortlund. “’Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’ How do Christians grow? Few question the call of the Bible to grow in godliness, but the answer to exactly how this happens is often elusive. In this book, Dane Ortlund points believers to Christ, making the case that sanctification does not happen by doing more or becoming better, but by going deeper into the wondrous gospel truths that washed over them when they were first united to him. Drawing on wisdom from figures throughout church history, Ortlund encourages readers to fix their gaze on Jesus in the battle against sin, casting themselves upon his grace and living out their invincible identity in Christ.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Blessings of the Faith Series by Various Authors. “Reformed theology can seem like a whole different language, and even those of us who have sat under Reformed teaching for years need reminder lessons of its nuances, grammar, and context. The books in the Blessings of the Faith series serve as primers on three components of the ‘Reformed language’: covenantal baptism, expository preaching, and prayer. Each book provides a biblical description and explanation of its topic as well as answers to frequently asked questions and common objections. Informative, encouraging, and practical, these short hardback books are giftable helpful tools for pastors, elders, small groups, and any curious minds seeking to learn or grow more in their understanding of the concepts. Learn why infant baptism is practiced in Presbyterian churches, how expository preaching can spiritually benefit individuals and congregations, and why prayer is such a crucial component of the Christian life. Then you can help your audience do the same!” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Holier Than Thou: How God’s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him by Jackie Hill Perry. “If God is holy, then He can’t sin. If God can’t sin, then He can’t sin against you. If He can’t sin against you, shouldn’t that make Him the most trustworthy being there is? Bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, in her much anticipated follow-up to Gay Girl, Good God, helps us find the reason we don’t trust God— we misunderstand His holiness. In Holier Than Thou, Jackie walks us through Scripture, shaking the dust off of “holy” as we’ve come to know it and revealing it for what it really is: good news. In these pages, we will see that God is not like us. He is different. He is holy. And that’s exactly what makes Him trustworthy. As it turns out, God being “holier than thou” is actually the best news in the world, and it’s the key to trusting Him.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Old Testament Use of Old Testament: A Book-By-Book Guide by Gary Edward Schnittjer. “Old Testament Use of Old Testament, by Gary Edward Schnittjer, surveys the hundreds of Old Testament allusions within the Old Testament and provides hermeneutical guidance for interpreting these interrelated scriptures. The handbook takes an easy to navigate book-by-book approach. Schnittjer provides a list of Scripture allusions for each book and follows with an interpretive profile of how that book uses passages from elsewhere in the Old Testament. Specific criteria are applied to each allusion, providing readers with evaluation of the significance of each interpretive allusion. Minor allusions caused by style, figures of speech, and other minor elements are not included. Responsible exegesis requires careful attention to interrelated scriptures, yet there is a host of interpretive difficulties related to Scripture’s use of Scripture. Designed for ease-of-use for any serious student of the Bible, Old Testament Use of Old Testament offers a thorough, systematic tool to aid in evaluating scriptural interpretation of Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility by Ray Ortlund. “Your Battle against Porn Isn’t about Porn. It’s about Hope. Pornography may seem inescapable, but God can free us from its destructive power. The gospel replaces the dehumanizing lies of pornography with this surprising truth: God created us as royalty. How then can we reclaim our God-given identity to take a stand against—and ultimately starve—the predatory porn industry? In The Death of Porn, Ray Ortlund writes six personal letters, as from a father to his son. Ideal for individuals and small groups, it will give hope to men who have been misled by porn into devaluing themselves and others. Through Scripture and personal stories, Ortlund assures readers that God loves them the most tenderly in their moments of deepest shame. The Death of Porn inspires men to come together in new ways to fight the injustice of porn and build a world of nobility for every man and woman—for the sake of future generations.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church by Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson. “This book is intended to equip pastors, church leaders and church members to respond with the heart of God to situations of domestic abuse that occur in their local church. Prioritising the safety of the victim at all times, Jeremy Pierre and Greg Wilson seek to help you be the kind of church leader, church member, friend, parent, sibling, or neighbor who responds wisely. We want the church to be a new normal for those grown accustomed to abuse. A home that doesn’t hurt those inside, but instead welcomes them into the tender care of the Lord. This very practical, pastoral book acknowledges the reality and the horror of domestic abuse, but also the reality and power of God to heal. It will be a helpful guide to anyone who suspects abuse within their church family but is unsure how to help without making things worse.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God by David Mathis. “How do I humble myself? Humility, according to the Bible, is not something we can just up and do. Both the negative and positive examples of Scripture–from Pharaoh to Rehoboam, from Josiah to Ahab, from Hezekiah to Manasseh, and even to Christ himself–teach us that humility first comes from the hand of God. He initiates the humbling of his creatures. And once he has, the question confronts us: Will you receive it? Will you humble yourself in response to his humbling hand, or will you kick against him? This concise, accessible study of Scripture’s humble-self language uncovers two surprising lessons about the pursuit of humility in the Christian–both what we cannot do and also what steps we can take.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Bold Evangelist: The Life and Ministry of Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon by Priscilla Wong. “Many associate the names George Whitefield and John Wesley with the eighteenth-century Evangelical Revival, while the name Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon, is less familiar. But this remarkable woman played a crucial role in the revival in Europe, interacting and forming friendships with many of its key players. The Countess leveraged her wealth and high position in English society to widen the evangelistic impact of the revival. Her sacrifices would ultimately see, among her many efforts, the establishment of over 60 chapels and a college for training ministers. Readers will be encouraged not only by how steadfastly Selina laboured but also by how she persevered in the face of illness, the deaths of her husband and children, and devastating setbacks in her gospel ministry. Yet trusting wholeheartedly in Christ her Saviour-and not the vanity and riches prized by her aristocratic peers-Selina lived out a faith characterized by boldness, zeal, and love. One evangelical leader described her influence: ‘I feel from Lady Huntingdon’s example an increasing desire both for myself and for you and all our friends that we may be active and eminent in the life of grace.’” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
Love Me Anyway: How God’s Perfect Love Fills Our Deepest Longing by Jared Wilson. “There may be no more powerful desire in the human heart than to be loved. And not just loved, but loved anyway. In spite of what we’ve done or left undone, in spite of the ways we have failed or floundered. We long for an unconditional, lavish love that we know intrinsically we don’t deserve. If you are tired, sad, yet always longing, bestselling author Jared C. Wilson has incredible news for you: that kind of love actually exists, and it is actually something you can experience–whether or not you’re in a romantic relationship. In his signature reflective, conversational, and often humorous style, Wilson unpacks 1 Corinthians 13 to show us what real love looks like. Through engaging stories and touching anecdotes, he paints a picture of an extravagant God who not only puts the desire for love into our very souls but fulfills those desires in striking, life-changing ways.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)