Bit Coin Bug
E.A. Johnston warns against the dangers of chasing quick riches through speculative schemes like bitcoin, urging believers to seek wealth through righteous means.
In this topical sermon, E.A. Johnston addresses the modern phenomenon of bitcoin speculation, drawing parallels with historical financial bubbles and biblical wisdom. He cautions believers against the temptation of quick riches fueled by greed and urges them to pursue wealth through righteous means. Using Jeremiah 17:11, Johnston highlights the folly of gaining wealth unrighteously and encourages trust in God's provision over risky financial schemes.
Full Transcript
In every century, there is always a get-rich craze that captures the attention of a nation and the world. Usually it's tied to the emotions of greed and ends up in a euphoric bubble that pops in the end and lands with a resounding crash. There has been wild speculating occurring in cryptocurrencies which are not recognized as legitimate currency by any regulatory agency like the SEC or the NASD.
There have been rumors that 13-year-olds have become sudden millionaires and people all over this country and all over the world are taking loans against their mortgages and borrowing money to get in on the bitcoin craze so not to be let out and miss out on a possible fortune. People are selling their homes and asking to be paid in bitcoins only. There's even a national jewelry chain that is only accepting bitcoins for their jewelry.
I even saw a ministry recently post that they were now accepting donations in bitcoins. Well, I'm not accepting any bitcoins, friends, so please do not send them to me. I wouldn't know what to do with it anyhow.
But I do have a bible verse that applies to this get-rich scheme and it's found in Jeremiah 17 11 which reads, As the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not, so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. History has proven time and time again that bubble manias eventually collapse whether it's the Holland Tulip Mania or the British South Sea Bubble or dot-com bubbles. Crash they will and ruin many who thought this was a quick way to sudden wealth.
Don't get bit by the bitcoin bug, friend. It may come back to bite you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Historical examples of get-rich crazes
- Emotional drivers behind speculative bubbles
- Consequences of greed-driven manias
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II
- Current bitcoin craze and its societal impact
- Risks of borrowing and selling assets for speculation
- Ministries and businesses accepting bitcoin
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III
- Biblical warning from Jeremiah 17:11
- The folly of gaining riches unrighteously
- Lessons from past financial crashes
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IV
- Call to avoid the bitcoin bug
- Encouragement to pursue wealth rightly
- Trusting God over speculative schemes
Key Quotes
“In every century, there is always a get-rich craze that captures the attention of a nation and the world.” — E.A. Johnston
“As the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not, so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” — E.A. Johnston
“Don't get bit by the bitcoin bug, friend. It may come back to bite you.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Avoid chasing quick wealth through speculative investments that lack biblical integrity.
- Evaluate financial decisions through the lens of scripture and godly wisdom.
- Trust God’s provision rather than relying on uncertain and risky financial trends.