*Here is a slightly edited version of my Easter 2024 sermon
Hope and Artificial Intelligence
I began preparations for my Easter 2024 sermon by turning to Artificial Intelligence. No – not for AI to write my sermon but for AI to answer a few questions.
I first asked, “Where do we find hope?”
ChatGPT answered: “Hope can be found in various places, including within ourselves, in our relationships with others, through our faith or spirituality, in the beauty of nature, in moments of kindness and compassion, and in the resilience of the human spirit.”
I followed up, “But which place is correct?”
ChatGPT answered: “There isn’t a single correct place to find hope—it can be found in different ways and places for different people. What matters most is finding what gives you hope and strength to keep moving forward in challenging times.”
I followed up once more, “What is the source of eternal hope?”
ChatGPT answered: The source of eternal hope can vary depending on one’s beliefs and perspective. For many people, faith in a higher power or divine purpose provides a sense of eternal hope. Others may find eternal hope in the enduring values of love, compassion, and the human spirit. Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal concept that can differ from person to person.
I asked three questions to ChaptGPT. No surprise – AI did not return a Christian answer.
Our hope is found in the completed and sufficient work of Jesus symbolized in the empty tomb of Easter morning.
False Hope
In my 18 years of pastoral ministry, I’ve encountered a number of people who have wrongly placed their hope. Here’s an anecdotal list comprised of conversations in my office:
False Hope #1: Achievement
Sarah sat in my office and expressed, “I thought I’d be happy once I got married. I thought I’d be content once I had kids. I thought I’d be fulfilled once I began my career. I thought I’d sleep better when I got the promotion.” Every achievement fell short of providing lasting hope.
False Hope #2: Money
Jimmie expressed how he’d work, work, and work until he started to make “real money.” Once he made “real money,” he committed to take more time for his family once he reached a specific sales goal. Once he reached the sales goal, he committed to slow down once he could finally provide a specific house for his family. No mate how many paychecks and no matter the size of the paycheck – there was never enough money.
False Hope #3: People
Allison carried the scars of a rough upbringing in her teens. Allison was heartbroken when she was backstabbed by friends in her 20s. She was devastated, and rightfully so, when her husband was unfaithful in her 30s. Every person in her life made for a very poor Savior.
False Hope #4: Positive Thinking
Doug always had a positive outlook. He thought the best of every person he met and was optimistic about every situation he faced. But after a wayward child, the death of parents, and his own cancer diagnosis, Doug began to run out of positive thoughts.
False Hope #5: False Religion
Samantha didn’t claim to be a follower of a false religion, she merely borrowed her favorite things from a collection of religions. When she came to a question to which she did not know the answer, she was fond of speculation or making up an answer which made her feel good.
Biblical Hope
Where do you place your hope? Is it false hope or lasting hope?
Biblical hope is the space between a God-given promise delivered and a God-given promised fulfilled. This is not the pop-culture notion of hope based on wishful thinking and wild speculation. This is hope based on the promises of God guaranteed by the completed and sufficient work of Jesus.
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. He created man and woman to bear His image and joyfully worship and obey. Yet, Adam and Eve obeyed a distorted and deceptive word over the word of the One True God. Humans have rebelled against God ever since. Our sin carries the consequence of physical and spiritual death.
The Old Testament is a testimony to God’s rescue plan revealed by God choosing the family of Abraham to show God’s blessings to the nations. Yet, the nation of Israel, like Adam and Eve, rebelled. Repeatedly, God provided circumstances and prophets to bring his people back.
The New Testament is a testimony to the life and ministry of Jesus, the fulfillment of the rescue plan. He spoke the words of God, demonstrated the character of God, and did the work of God. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead to provide victory over sin and death. In time, Jesus will return for his church.
The empty tomb of Easter morning is a symbol of the completed and sufficient work of Jesus. The empty tomb provides lasting hope.
Promises of Hope
Through the empty tomb we are provided many things. I give you three:
Promise #1: Forgiveness of sin
Your sin deserves death. Jesus graciously paid your debt.
Promise #2: Reconciliation with God
Your sin damages your relationship with the Holy God. Jesus graciously reconciled the relationship on your behalf.
Promise #3: Eternal life in Heaven
Your faith in the completed and sufficient work of Jesus allows you to share in Jesus’ victory over sin and death and allows you to experience eternal life.
Truth Claim
Here is where ChatGPT gets it wrong: Christianity does make a truth claim. Jesus alone provides lasting hope – everlasting hope.
Thank God, truly thank God, for hope.
Jeff Gravens 
Thank You
LikeLike
AMEN!!
LikeLiked by 1 person