New Life Church | Sioux Center, IA https://www.nlrchurch.org Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:28:19 +0000 Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:28:19 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Ephesians: God's Riches At Christ Expense https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/09/16/ephesians-god-s-riches-at-christ-expense Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:18:06 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/09/16/ephesians-god-s-riches-at-christ-expense

Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ: Understanding God's Gift of Grace

When we think about gifts, we often consider what we've given or received. But have you ever stopped to consider the greatest gift of all? In Ephesians 1:1-13, Paul takes us on a journey to understand the incredible gift of salvation that God has given us in Christ.
Before diving into practical matters of Christian living, Paul wants us to "drink deeply from doctrine" and see the wonder of God's salvation. In fact, verses 3-13 form one long sentence in the original Greek—202 words! It's as if Paul gets so caught up describing what God has done for us that he can't stop.

What Is the Greatest Gift We've Ever Received?

Paul wants us to see three key aspects of our salvation: the gift, the grace, and the goal.

The Gift: Every Spiritual Blessing

"Praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
Paul begins by focusing on spiritual blessings. This doesn't mean physical or material blessings aren't important—we should certainly thank God for family, health, career, and daily provisions. But Paul wants us to recognize that our greatest need is spiritual.
Remember the story of the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through the roof to Jesus? Everyone expected Jesus to heal his physical condition, but instead, Jesus first said, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Jesus knew that the man's greatest need wasn't physical healing but spiritual restoration.

Already But Not Yet: Experiencing Heaven on Earth

These spiritual blessings aren't just future promises—we're already experiencing them now, although not yet fully. This is the "already but not yet" reality of the Christian life.
Think of it like being lost in the woods at night. When you finally see the light from your cabin in the distance, relief and peace come over you. Are you home yet? No. But you know you'll make it safely. That's how our spiritual blessings work—we're experiencing a taste of heaven now, even as we await the fullness to come.
What makes heaven "heaven" isn't just eternal life or reunion with loved ones. According to Revelation 21, heaven is about God dwelling with His people: "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."

How Do We Receive These Spiritual Blessings?

The Grace: In Christ

How do we receive these blessings? Paul's answer is simple yet profound: "in Christ." This phrase appears 11 times in this one long sentence. The world is divided into two groups—those who are in Christ and those who are outside of Christ.
Being united with Christ means:
  • Everything Christ achieved is yours
  • All death can do to you is get you to Jesus
  • Christ's righteousness becomes your righteousness
  • Your salvation is secure
As Jerry Bridges beautifully put it: "Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace."
We aren't united to Christ because we're good or have potential. It's entirely by grace through faith that we are saved and united with Christ.

What Should Our Response Be to God's Gift?

The Goal: Praise

Paul's one long sentence has one clear purpose: to lead us to praise. The Greek word used here gives us our English word "eulogy"—to speak well of someone, to ascribe worth to them.
Paul gives us reasons to praise each member of the Trinity:

Praise God the Father because:
- He gives every spiritual blessing
- He chose and pursued you
- He loved you before the foundation of the world
- He chose you for a purpose
- He adopts you into His family
- He chose you because it pleased Him
- He freely gives His glorious grace

Praise God the Son because:
- He died in our place
- He forgives our sins
- He gives us wisdom and understanding
- He will come again
- All authority belongs to Him
- We have indestructible hope in Him

Praise God the Holy Spirit because:
- We can hear and believe the Gospel
- Our salvation is sealed and secured
- We are heirs with God and co-heirs with Christ

Life Application

Think about the thief on the cross who simply asked Jesus to remember him. When asked how he got to heaven, all he could say was, "The man on the middle cross said I could come."

This week, take time to reflect on this incredible gift of grace. Ask yourself:

  • Do I truly understand that my salvation is entirely by grace, not by my own efforts?
  • How does being "in Christ" alter my perspective on my daily struggles and challenges?
  • What specific spiritual blessings am I experiencing right now that I can praise God for?
  • How can I live differently knowing that I already have "every spiritual blessing" in Christ?

I challenge you to find a better gift than the gift of grace. Let this understanding lead you to praise God daily for who He is and what He's done for you. If you've been lukewarm or just going through the motions with Jesus, today is the day to move from darkness into light, from death into life in Christ.

Ask yourself:
  • Where am I relying on my own strength rather than God's power?
  • How consistently am I engaging with God's Word?
  • In what areas of my life is Christ's light shining most clearly?
  • Where might God be calling me to be more faithful in representing Him
]]> Ephesians: Finding Strength in Christ https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/09/08/ephesians-finding-strength-in-christ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:30:05 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/09/08/ephesians-finding-strength-in-christ

Finding Strength to Be Faithful in a Dark World: Lessons from Ephesians

As we begin exploring the book of Ephesians, we discover a letter rich in both profound theological truths and practical guidance for daily living. The first three chapters contain rich doctrine, while chapters four through six offer practical advice on unity, temptation, marriage, and family relationships.
Paul's purpose in writing this letter was clear: to prepare believers to be faithful Christians in a hostile world. Let's examine how this ancient letter speaks to our modern challenges.

Understanding the Setting: Why Ephesus Matters

Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. The city was dominated by the worship of Artemis, whose magnificent temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
When Paul arrived in Ephesus (as recorded in Acts 19), he found only 12 disciples in this massive city. Yet God used this small group to transform an entire region.
Understanding the cultural context helps us see how Paul's words directly challenged the prevailing culture:
  • Each year, Ephesians celebrated by dipping a statue of Artemis into the harbor water, symbolizing cleansing and renewal.
  • Paul countered this in Ephesians 5, explaining that true cleansing comes "by the washing with water through the word" - pointing to Christ's sacrifice, not ritual ceremonies.

How Can We Stand Firm in a Corrupt World?

Paul begins his letter with a powerful statement: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." This simple introduction reveals two sources of strength for believers facing opposition.
1. Trust in God's Sovereign Will
Paul doesn't claim apostleship because of his intelligence, teaching ability, or moral superiority. He attributes it solely to "the will of God." This points to God's sovereign power and grace.

There are two ways to understand God's will:
  • The will of command: What God desires us to do (like "rejoice always" in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), which we don't always obey.
  • The will of decree: God's sovereign purpose that always comes to pass (Isaiah 46:9-10), which nothing can frustrate.

Paul's own conversion illustrates this. He wasn't seeking Jesus - he was actively persecuting Christians! Yet on the Damascus road, Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. As God told Ananias in Acts 9:15-16, "This man is my chosen instrument."
When everything seems out of control, we can find hope knowing that God remains in control. As Jesus promised, "On this rock I will build my church, and not even the gates of hell will prevail against it."

2. Rely on the Power of God's Word
In Acts 19, we see the transformative power of God's Word in Ephesus:
  • Paul taught "daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus" for two years (Acts 19:8-10).
  • As a result, "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord."
  • Many who practiced sorcery publicly burned their scrolls - worth approximately $9 million in today's currency!
  • "The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (Acts 19:20).

The story of C. Everett Koop, former Surgeon General under President Reagan, illustrates this power. Initially, he disagreed with everything he heard at church. But after consistent exposure to God's Word, he eventually found himself agreeing with everything. He couldn't pinpoint exactly when Christ captured his heart, but he knew he had been changed.

What Does It Mean to Be God's "Holy People"?

Paul addresses his letter "to God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus." The term "holy people" (or "saints" in some translations) simply means those set apart for God.
As one little girl beautifully explained when asked what a saint is: "A saint is a person the light shines through."

John 1 describes Jesus as "the light of all mankind" who "shines in the darkness." When we are united with Christ, this light shines through us. That's what it means to be faithful - to allow the light of Christ to illuminate a dark world through our lives.

The Power of Faithful Saints

Consider the story of Logan, a man who attended the same church service three times each Sunday for three weeks straight. When interviewed about why he kept coming despite not believing in God, his answer was simple: "I finally found people who love me and care about me."

Through the faithful saints who welcomed him, God was working in Logan's life - even before he recognized it. The light of Christ was shining through ordinary believers who simply showed love.

Life Application

How can we apply these lessons from Ephesians to our lives today?

  • Make God's Word a daily priority. Don't let Sunday be the only time you engage with Scripture. What if 300 people spent just 10 minutes daily in God's Word? That would be over 1 million minutes with God in a year! Imagine the transformation that could happen.

  • Remember that your identity is in Christ. Like the Ephesian believers, you are one of "God's holy people" - set apart for His purposes regardless of your circumstances.

  • Let Christ's light shine through you. In your school, workplace, neighborhood, or sports team, people should see something different about you. Your life should reflect the light of Jesus in a dark world.

  • Trust God's sovereign will. When facing opposition or uncertainty, remember that God remains in control. Nothing can thwart His ultimate purposes.

Ask yourself:
  • Where am I relying on my own strength rather than God's power?
  • How consistently am I engaging with God's Word?
  • In what areas of my life is Christ's light shining most clearly?
  • Where might God be calling me to be more faithful in representing Him?

Conclusion

We are called to be faithful and participate in something much bigger than ourselves. Let the light of the world shine through you each day, and watch how God impacts eternity through your faithfulness.

Prayer

Lord, help us to have living faith. Open our eyes to see where we can act in love and compassion. Deepen our relationship with You, so our faith is not just words but a vibrant, active part of our lives. Guide us to follow You more closely each day. Amen.
]]> https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/09/08/ephesians-finding-strength-in-christ#comments 0 Is Your Faith Alive? https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/01/30/is-your-faith-alive Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:25:41 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/01/30/is-your-faith-alive

Is Your Faith Alive?

Have you ever wondered if your faith is truly alive? You’re not alone. Many of us grapple with the question of whether our faith is genuine or just a facade. In the Book of James, we find a powerful message that challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. James 2:14-26 asks us to consider whether our faith is living or dead, urging us to reflect on the relationship between faith and works. This isn’t just a theological debate; it’s a call to action. It’s about ensuring that our faith is not just something we profess with our lips but something we live out in our daily lives. So, how can we know if our faith is real? Let’s dive into this question and explore how we can take concrete steps to follow Jesus more closely.

Living Faith vs. Dead Faith

James makes it clear that faith without deeds is dead. It’s like saying you love a dish but refusing to eat it. Your words say one thing, but your actions tell a different story. James uses the example of Abraham to illustrate how faith and actions work together. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was a demonstration of his faith, proving it was genuine. This doesn’t mean we’re saved by works, but rather, our works are evidence of our faith.
Think about it: If you claim to have faith but don’t show love and compassion to others, is your faith truly alive? James challenges us to look at our lives and see if our actions align with our beliefs. Are we helping those in need? Are we showing love to our neighbors? These are the markers of living faith.

Faith Expressed Through Love

The essence of living faith is love. Galatians 5:6 tells us that the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. This means that our faith should be visible in how we treat others. It’s not enough to simply believe; we must also act. When we love others, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, we are living out our faith.
Consider the story of the Good Samaritan. He didn’t just feel compassion; he acted on it. He helped the injured man, showing that true faith is active and compassionate. This is what James is calling us to do. He’s asking us to examine our lives and see if our faith is expressed through love.

The Heart of Faith

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that faith is just about having the right beliefs. But James reminds us that even demons believe in God. The difference is that they don’t have a relationship with Him. True faith is about more than just head knowledge; it’s about a heart relationship with God.
Do you see Jesus as beautiful? Do you find joy in His love for you? This is the heart of faith. It’s about knowing God and being known by Him. It’s about moving beyond fear and into a relationship of trust and love.

Conclusion

The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. He wants your faith to be alive and active, expressed through love and compassion. So, what will you do this week to ensure your faith is living? Will you reach out to someone in need? Will you take a step to deepen your relationship with God? Remember, without taking these steps, you might miss out on the fullness of what Jesus wants for you.

Prayer

Lord, help us to have living faith. Open our eyes to see where we can act in love and compassion. Deepen our relationship with You, so our faith is not just words but a vibrant, active part of our lives. Guide us to follow You more closely each day. Amen.
]]> https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2025/01/30/is-your-faith-alive#comments 0 Gratitude in Action https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/11/22/gratitude-in-action Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:57:09 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/11/22/gratitude-in-action
Thanksgiving encourages people to pause and reflect on what they are grateful for. In a world where there is so much divisiveness, anger, and hurt, taking time to acknowledge the good in our personal lives, in those we disagree with, and in the world, is a necessity. Reflecting on gratitude is humbling as we remember God’s mercy, grace, and His relationship with us, and it encourages us to live out our calling as children of God.
Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve. My brother-in-law wrestled at Northwestern, and he said that whenever a wrestler complained that they deserved something, coach Dahl would simply tell them, “No, you deserve hell.” While that comment may seem off-putting, it is absolutely true! Even when we are at our best versions of ourselves, the depravity of our sinful nature makes us unworthy to be in the presence of God. When the prophet Isaiah encountered the holiness of God, he exclaimed, ‘“Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty’” (Isaiah 6:5). Isaiah was a respectable man, but he could not bear to be in the righteous presence of God as it made him aware of just how sinful he was. Yet, God provided a way for us to not receive the punishment we deserve of spending our lives and eternity separated from Him (Romans 6:23). We have all likely experienced the relief of not experiencing the full negative consequences of our actions– perhaps it was after getting pulled over and anxiously waiting in the car expecting to get a ticket, only to be let off with a warning. The gratitude we experience after being forgiven for earthly situations is only a fraction of the gratitude that we get to experience when we accept the eternal forgiveness that was provided by the atonement of Christ.

Gratitude for God’s mercy develops empathy within us and a desire to extend mercy and compassion to others.

Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve. God not only saves us from hell, but he also gives us the free gift of eternal life with Him in heaven. In addition, God also gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can commune with Him during our life on earth. Jesus proclaimed to the apostles in Acts 1:8 ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (NIV). God desires to be in relationship with us, and it is humbling to recognize that even though God does not need us to accomplish His work, he chooses to let us participate in His work. When I was in elementary school, my dad would ask me and my sisters to help with random tasks on the farm, like assisting with building a hog barn or feed shed. While he could have completed many of the jobs more efficiently on his own, he asked his daughters to help because it allowed him to spend time with us and to teach us new skills. Similarly, God gives us the gift of partaking in His work because it allows us to develop a relationship with Him. When we listen to God and partake in His work, we get to know Him better as he teaches and transforms our hearts

Gratitude for God’s grace motivates us to make disciples, obey His teachings, and live generously.

Gratitude for all that God has done and is doing for us is a catalyst for change and transformation. It challenges us to address the ways that we are falling short as individuals and as a Church and encourages us to recognize and respect the Imago Dei in each individual. Although we live in a fallen world that will never be perfect, gratitude gives us a desire to strive for a world that upholds God’s original design for the world – union with God, self, others, and creation. Luke gave a beautiful depiction of the early Church in Acts 2:44-47, proclaiming that,

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (NIV).

The witness of the Church to the world is powerful when our mission and vision aligns with the vision God has for humanity in Scripture. The world influences us to live selfishly and in alignment with our sinful nature, but God and the Church influences us to live differently (Romans 12:12) and to live a life filled with gratitude and sacrificial love.
As we reflect on gratitude this Thanksgiving, let us also reflect on how gratitude changes the way we treat others and respond to situations occurring in our individual lives, our church, community, and the world. Let us ask how gratitude can help us to better resemble the early Church by trusting in the teaching of Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 which declares,

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (NIV).

]]> Reflecting on Scripture https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/04/21/reflecting-on-scripture Sun, 21 Apr 2024 18:07:45 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/04/21/reflecting-on-scripture

Joy in the Word!


I recently came across a survey discussed in a book regarding the progression of individuals in their faith journey. The findings were striking: regardless of the stage of faith development, reflecting on Scripture emerged as foundational for continuous growth. Whether individuals were new to their faith or had navigated its path for years, the significance of scripture reflection remained pivotal for maturity. While acknowledging the importance of other spiritual disciplines in nurturing spiritual growth, the recurrent emphasis on scripture reflection as the foremost discipline underscores its paramount role. Consequently, if scripture reflection holds such profound importance in spiritual growth, one may wonder: how does one engage in it effectively?
Reflecting on Scripture will take work. It is easy to read and close our Bible or close out the Bible app and forget what we read within minutes. But when we reflect on Scripture, God's Word can stay with us throughout the day.

I like how Bruce Ashford put it:
"After we have listened attentively to the Word of the Lord, we should reflect on it. We move from hearing his Word to entering into his Word. In this stage, we emplace ourselves in the context of the whole Bible. Although the Bible is composed of 66 books written in a variety of genres by many authors, its books and genres come together to form one master narrative, the true story of the whole world. For that reason, when we reflect on Scripture, we should allow ourselves to be absorbed into the biblical story. We should soak ourselves in Scripture, letting it feed us like water feeds the roots of a flourishing plant (Ps. 1). To switch the analogy, we should receive God’s Word so deeply in our hearts that it touches the inner strings and sets them vibrating (Ezek. 3:10–11)."


And when we reflect on Scripture, we can ask good questions like:


What does this verse or story tell about God's character?

Does this show me something wrong about myself for which I can repent?

In what ways does this scripture call me to obedience or specific actions?

Is there a warning in these verses for me?

How do these verses point me to Jesus?

As we read God's Word and ask ourselves questions, we can pray for the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds through the Word. Rest in these words of assurance from the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
]]> https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/04/21/reflecting-on-scripture#comments 0 The Great DeChurching https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/03/21/the-great-dechurching Thu, 21 Mar 2024 23:19:11 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/03/21/the-great-dechurching
I have recently been reading the book The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? By: Jim Davis, Michael Graham, With Ryan P. Burge.
I must admit that while reading the book, it was hard not to feel discouraged. This line from the book was tough to read:

We are currently experiencing the largest and fastest spiritual shift in America, with about 40 million that used to attend church regularly, are now no longer attending. This accounts for about 16% of the adult population. (The Great Dechurching)

Other significant religious shifts have occurred in America's history before, with the Civil War and the Great Awakenings. But with those events, the shift was to the net positive, not the decline we are experiencing today.

In the 1980s and 1990s, we saw the rise of the religion "Nones," those who identified with no religious affiliation. But over the last twenty-five years, the pace of people leaving the church has really accelerated, leading to this religious shift that some have called the Great Dechurching.
What has led to this shift?
According to the book, here are the top five reasons why people have left the church:

5 Top Reasons People are Dechurched:

1.  All their emphasis on culture war lost me over time – 14%
2. Their lack of joy, love, generosity, kindness – 14% 
3. Their inability to listen – 14%
4. Their inability to engage with other viewpoints – 13%
5. Their racial attitudes and/or actions – 13%

The researchers in the book realized that with so many people dechurching, there must be different categories or profiles of people leaving the church.

Understanding the different profiles of people and being willing to listen to why the dechurched are no longer attending church is essential for pastors and leaders if we will reach the dechurched and turn the tide.

While the book contained plenty of discouraging information, it also contained many things to be hopeful about.  
First and foremost, Jesus is on the throne! God is in control, and the church will continue to advance through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Second, some dechurched people are 100% willing to return to church. Other categories of the dechurched are willing to return if invited by someone or if they find friends in the church.

Third, one critical aspect of getting the vast majority of the dechurched to attend church is helping people feel a sense of belonging. Many dechurched said they would start attending church again if they felt this sense of belonging.  

In other words, if Christians build relationships and invite the dechurched to church, many are willing to attend worship services or other church-related events.
 
It makes me wonder if the church would take seriously the "one another" statements like serve one another, encourage one another, and love one another, to name just a few, would the dechurched feel a sense of belonging and return to the church?

Would they come back to the church?
Would they feel the love of Christ?
Would they feel like the belong?

There are reasons to be hopeful that God can change the narrative of what is happening in America. What is exciting is that God can and does work through His Church to spread the Gospel and bring about transformation. 

Matthew 5:14-16 - “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

What an adventure the people of God can join in on if we are willing to be a part of the mission of reaching people with the love of Christ!
]]> Christians and AI https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/02/23/christians-and-ai Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:28:19 +0000 https://www.nlrchurch.org/blog/2024/02/23/christians-and-ai
I have recently been doing quite a bit of research on Artificial intelligence (AI) and the role it will have on pastors and churches moving forward.

It has been fascinating to see the rate of adoption of AI in our culture today.
It took Netflix 3.5 years to reach 1 million users
It took Twitter (now known as X) 1 year to reach 1 million users
It took Facebook 10 months to reach 1 million users.
It took Spotify 5 months to reach 1 million users.
It took Instagram 2.5 months to reach 1 million users.

How long did it take ChatGPT, an AI language model tool developed by OpenAI, to reach 1 million users?

5 Days to Reach 1 Million Users

AI is part of our everyday world. Whether it is Siri, Netflix, or online shopping, we interact with AI whether we like it or not.
For some, AI is scary. We have seen so many science fiction movies that we are worried about machines taking over the world. Some are excited and running full steam ahead into the arms of AI, while a lot of us just aren’t sure what to make of AI and are struggling to understand the ethical implications of using AI in school, work, and life.

What is AI?

The term artificial intelligence (AI) was coined in 1956 by the American computer scientist John McCarthy, who defines it as, “getting a computer to do things which, when done by people, are said to involve intelligence.” There is no standard definition of what constitutes AI, though, because there is a lack of agreement on what constitutes intelligence and how it relates to machines.

According to McCarthy, “Intelligence is the computational part of the ability to achieve goals in the world. Varying kinds and degrees of intelligence occur in people, many animals, and some machines.” Human intelligence includes such capabilities as logic, reasoning, conceptualization, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, planning, creativity, abstract thinking, and problem-solving. A machine is generally considered to use AI if it is able to perform in a way that matches these abilities.  (Joe Carter)

What are the types of AI?

The two general categories of AI are general and narrow.

General AI (or “strong AI”) is the capability of a machine to perform many or all of the intellectual tasks a human can do, including the ability to understand context and make judgments based on it. This type of AI currently does not exist outside the realm of science fiction, though it is the ultimate goal of many AI researchers. Whether it is even possible to achieve general AI is currently unknown. But even if achieved, it is possible that such machines would likely not possess sentience (i.e., the ability to perceive one’s environment and experience sensations such as pain and suffering or pleasure and comfort).

Narrow AI (or “weak AI") is the capability of a machine to perform a more limited number and range of intellectual tasks a human can do. Narrow AI can be programmed to “learn” in a limited sense but lacks the ability to understand context. While different forms of AI functions can be strung together to perform a range of varied and complex tasks, such machines remain in the category of narrow AI. (Joe Carter)

SO, HOW SHOULD WE THINK ABOUT AI?

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
  • God is in control, even over technology. 
  • We can use technology to spread the Gospel and advance His Kingdom.
  • We must consider how to honor God through our use of technology. We must not let it become an idol in our lives.

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