Read Time: 2 min 35 sec | Listen to Podcast

BREWING QUESTIONS

WHAT YOU’RE ASKING

What is Bitcoin?

The cryptocurrency that started it all… 

Bitcoin is a digital currency. There’s no physical, printed version of it, and it’s not issued by any government.

So, how’s it different from sending digital U.S. dollars through Venmo?
Key word: decentralized. 

Venmo transactions are cleared through Venmo, a central point. This means Venmo (or the governments it’s subject to) can take fees, block/delay transactions, or freeze funds. Bitcoin is peer-to-peer, like handing someone cash. You don’t need permission from anyone.

Who tracks the transactions?
Anyone.

Bitcoin uses a public digital ledger called blockchain. Every Bitcoin transaction gets bundled with others into a “block” and added to the chain, which is maintained by a network of computers worldwide that anyone can join. Changing a single transaction would require recalculating every block after it, and updating all those changes simultaneously across every computer on the network.

The mechanics of blockchain are confusing, but the effect is remarkable: it’s really, really hard to change or tamper with.

How much is Bitcoin worth?
As of writing, 1 BTC = $77,381. But, you’d better check again here… it fluctuates often.

How do I get Bitcoin?
Option 1: mine it. Now, before you grab your pickax, Bitcoin mining is actually math done by computers. Back in 2012, you could’ve joined in on your Dell, but today it requires expensive, specialized computers. The computers are validating Bitcoin transactions and adding them to the blockchain; the first to solve the problem and add the next block is rewarded with 3.125 Bitcoin (~$240k).

Option 2: buy it. You can convert U.S. dollars into bitcoin on exchanges like Coinbase or Robinhood. Assuming 1 BTC is $77,000, you could buy 0.00129 BTC for $100.

What can I do with Bitcoin?
Spend it (some companies accept), pay friends, or hold it and hope it goes up in value. Most Bitcoin owners treat it as an investment rather than a currency.

Want to learn more about Bitcoin? Watch today’s episode of TPO Explains on YouTube (find the link in the Take It To Go section below!).

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
It can be easy to chase after shiny opportunities that promise us wealth and happiness, but Christians should remember that earthly possessions will always fail us. Our hope is in something priceless that will never change in value: the Kingdom of God. 

“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY

Solving this week’s TPO Mini Crossword!

Watching this turtle say “Wee!” (probably…)

Immersive audio storytelling that brings Scripture to life. Started by TPO reader Audra C., Bardago’s mission is to bring Scripture to life in a way that gathers families, sparks conversation, and turns everyday moments into something meaningful. Listen for yourself!*

*This is a free promo for a TPO-reader-owned small biz. Have your own small business you want us to know about? Fill out this form!

WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…

Top News Article: Artemis’s journey remained a fave this week, with footage of its splashdown getting the most clicks. 

Top Christian Perspective: A prayer for global peace. Download, save, and share it.

Top Whipped Cream: Just a lil’ doggo poppin’ in to say “hi!”

WHAT WE’RE RECOMMENDING

What We’re Lathering on Our Faces This Spring
Gray Toad Tallow*

Putting animal fat on your face sounds… questionable. But hear us out!

Gray Toad Tallow is made from organic tallow and organic olive oil. That’s it. No long ingredients list. No mystery chemicals. Just simple, skin-loving nourishment that actually works.

It’s been our go-to for dry patches, chapped lips, and irritated skin all winter—and it’s clutch in the spring too. Sunburn? Tallow. Long day outside? Their Sun Balm is perfect to apply before heading into the sunshine. 

Grab a Balm Sample Pack and use code TPO15 for 15% off your order.

WHAT WE’RE PRAYING

A Prayer for an Up-and-Down Market

Eternal, Changeless God, in this volatile, restless market I find a mirror for my soul: as cryptocurrency rides fleeting sentiments on a violent roller coaster, I too am carried along by the cares of the day, fickle and distractible and rootless; as the market churns relentlessly without closing bell, never satiated or finished, I am restless and busy, churning and buzzing in a frantic, ceaseless pursuit of more. But You are unmoving. Fixed. Faithful.

As I wade into churning waters today, Lord, be my anchor and buoy. The market, my endless feed, that nagging fear—it’s calling for my attention, pushing and pulling me to watch. Check again. One more time. Envy, covetousness, and greed are lurking nearby, ready to wrap their tentacles around me, dragging me into the deepness of more. May the monsters find no purchase in me. Amen.

Want more prayers to help you see the headlines from an eternal perspective? Join us in Praying the News, TPO’s new (free) Sunday newsletter.

LEARN WITH US

Each week, we do the deep shallow dive so that you don’t have to. We bring what we learn not only to this email, but we sit down in the office and talk about it, too. Check out this week’s episode of TPO Explains… just click on the episode below.

(You’ll still get our M/W/F news)