What Does the Bible Say About AI and the Future of Faith?

Tier 3  Tech-Savvy Millennials

The Bible teaches that while technology like AI is a tool created by human ingenuity, our faith must remain anchored in the unchanging truth of God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. As we navigate the future, we use technology to advance the Gospel while prioritizing real human connection and biblical discernment.

WHY: I want our Memphis community to feel confident using modern tools with biblical wisdom—so we stay grounded in Jesus, love people well in the 901, and keep the Gospel at the center.

We’re living in wild times here in Memphis. You can ask your phone almost anything, and AI can write, summarize, and generate images in seconds. It’s fascinating, a little scary, and it definitely raises some big questions for those of us trying to follow Jesus in the 901.

So what does the Bible actually say about artificial intelligence and the future of our faith? Spoiler: Scripture doesn’t have a verse that says, “Thou shalt not use ChatGPT.” But it absolutely has timeless wisdom that applies to every tool, every technology, and every innovation we encounter, including AI.

For starters, Romans 12:2 tells us not to be “conformed to this world,” but to be “transformed by the renewal” of our minds. That’s a huge check on how we use technology: AI can shape habits fast, but Jesus is the One who transforms us.

And Daniel 12:4 describes knowledge increasing in the last days. That doesn’t mean every new capability is automatically godly—but it does remind me that rapid change shouldn’t surprise believers. Our job is discernment, not panic.

This isn’t about fear or avoidance. It’s about walking forward with biblical clarity, Holy Spirit discernment, and a commitment to the truth we hold at First Assembly Memphis.

Quick local note (Today, March 9): we have a Pastoral Meeting at 9:00 AM. If you’re trying to connect with a pastor, that’s part of our real rhythm of care here—no hype, just people shepherding people.

And if you’re joining us on Sunday, our schedule is simple: Sunday Classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Let’s dig in.

God Gave Us a Mandate to Create and Steward

Right at the beginning, God gave humanity a job. Genesis 1:28 tells us to “fill the earth and subdue it.” That’s not a call to passivity, it’s a mandate to create, innovate, and exercise dominion over the earth under God’s authority.

Every piece of technology, from the wheel to the printing press to the smartphone, is an expression of that God-given creativity. We’re made in the image of a Creator God, so of course we create things. AI is just the latest chapter in that long story.

But here’s the key: stewardship. We’re not autonomous creators doing whatever we want. We’re stewards accountable to God for how we use what He’s entrusted to us. Proverbs 1:7 reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” That means our pursuit of knowledge—whether it’s coding algorithms or using AI tools—must start with reverence for God and submission to His Word.

Definition Block: Technology Stewardship

Technology Stewardship is using tools (including AI) under God’s authority—so our choices stay aligned with Scripture, shaped by the Holy Spirit, and aimed at loving God and loving people. It means we don’t hand our conscience to a machine, and we don’t treat technology like a savior.

AI can be a tool for good. It can translate the gospel into languages we’ve never reached. It can improve healthcare, connect communities, and solve problems we couldn’t tackle before. But it can also be weaponized, misused, and turned into an idol. The tool itself isn’t the issue, it’s the heart behind it.

The Bible Warns Against Pride and Overreach

If you’ve read the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, you know what happens when human ambition runs ahead of God’s purposes. The people said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.”

Notice the motivation? Not “let’s honor God,” but “let’s make a name for ourselves.” They had the technology. They had the skills. But their hearts were in the wrong place, and God scattered them because of their pride.

AI has incredible potential, but it also tempts us with the same pride. We can start believing that we’re powerful enough to solve every problem, predict every outcome, and maybe even transcend our humanity. That’s dangerous territory.

Isaiah 40:18 asks, “With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him?” God is incomparable. No algorithm, no matter how advanced, will ever rival His wisdom, His knowledge, or His sovereignty. And when we start treating technology like it’s godlike, when we trust it more than Scripture or lean on it more than prayer, we’ve crossed into idolatry.

AI Will Never Surpass God’s Sovereignty

Here’s some good news for anyone feeling anxious about AI: God is still on the throne. His sovereignty isn’t threatened by human innovation. Not even close.

God’s knowledge is infinite, inerrant, and eternal. AI might process data faster than we can, but it’s still limited, flawed, and dependent on the humans who program it. AI “hallucinates”, it generates false information. It gives you what it thinks you want to hear based on patterns, not truth. Scripture, on the other hand, is the unchanging Word of God. It never lies, never drifts, and never needs a software update.

The book of Revelation gives us a clear picture of the future, and spoiler alert: it’s not a technological singularity. It’s the return of Jesus Christ, the establishment of God’s kingdom, and the restoration of all things. AI isn’t part of that ultimate plan. Jesus is.

As Assemblies of God believers, we anchor ourselves in the 16 Fundamental Truths, including the truth that Jesus is coming back, that He alone is Lord, and that our hope is not in human progress but in divine redemption. And if you want the bigger picture of why we do what we do, you can read our Mission and Vision.

Practical Wisdom for Believers in the AI Age

So how do we actually live this out? How do we use AI wisely without compromising our faith or losing our way? Here are a few principles rooted in Scripture and Assemblies of God convictions:

AI Capability vs. Biblical Boundaries (and How the Kingdom Can Use It)

AI Capability	Biblical Boundary	Kingdom Use
Summarizing information fast	Scripture is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Don’t treat AI like a Bible interpreter or spiritual authority.	Study support: quick summaries of notes, organizing Scripture reading plans, helping you ask better questions.
Writing drafts (emails, outlines, posts)	Truthfulness matters (Ephesians 4:25). Don’t copy lies, exaggerate, or present AI output as “God told me.”	Clear communication for ministry updates, testimonies (with accuracy), and encouragement that points people to Jesus.
Generating images and creative ideas	Guard your heart from idols (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21). Don’t let novelty replace prayer and obedience.	Visual explainers for the Gospel, family discipleship tools, and content that makes biblical truth more accessible.
Personalized recommendations and “advice”	Seek godly wisdom (James 1:5). AI can’t replace prayer, counsel, or pastoral care.	Practical help like meal planning, budgeting templates, or next-step checklists—paired with real discipleship and community.
Translation and accessibility	Love your neighbor (Mark 12:30–31). Don’t use tech to manipulate—use it to serve.	Sharing the Gospel more widely, improving accessibility for people who need language or learning support.

1. Let Scripture Be Your Final Authority

AI can give you information, but it can’t give you truth. Only God’s Word does that. Use AI as a tool, not a teacher. Check everything against Scripture. If an AI-generated answer contradicts the Bible, the Bible wins. Every time.

2. Stay Spirit-Led

One of the core distinctives of the Assemblies of God is our belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). The Holy Spirit gives us discernment, wisdom, and guidance that no algorithm can replicate. Don’t lean on AI for decisions that require spiritual discernment. Pray. Seek God. Listen to the Holy Spirit.

3. Use Technology for Kingdom Purposes

AI can be a powerful tool for ministry. We can use it to serve people in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, and the 901. We can create clearer communication, organize outreach, and serve our community more effectively. Just make sure your use of technology always points people to Jesus, not to the technology itself.

4. Guard Your Heart Against Idolatry

It’s easy to become dependent on technology, to trust it more than we trust God, to spend more time with our devices than in prayer. Be intentional. Set boundaries. Don’t let AI (or any tech) become a functional god in your life.

AI and the Memphis Church

Here in the 901, we’re not hiding from the future. We’re engaging it with faith, wisdom, and the power of the Holy Spirit. At First Assembly Memphis, I want to use every tool available (including AI) to help people take their next step toward Jesus and connect with real community in Memphis.

Our Constitution language is simple: digital tools are missionary tools—not replacements for the Church. AI can help us communicate clearly, remove language barriers, organize needs, and get the Gospel in front of people who might never walk into a building on day one. That’s a win.

But the heart of discipleship still looks like people praying together, opening Scripture together, serving together, confessing struggles, and learning obedience with encouragement and accountability. AI can support the mission, but it can’t be the mission. Community isn’t a download—it’s a family.

As we navigate this brave new world, let’s do it with humility, discernment, and a commitment to biblical truth. Let’s use AI where it serves God’s purposes and reject it where it doesn’t. And let’s always remember: our hope is not in what we build, but in the One who built us.

A Prayer for Wisdom with Technology

Jesus, You are Lord over every generation and every invention. Give me wisdom to use technology without being mastered by it. Help me stay anchored in Your Word, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and committed to real love for real people. Use every tool in my hands to bring glory to Your name and to advance Your Gospel. Amen.

Want to Go Deeper?

Want to talk faith and technology with real people (not just your algorithm)? Jump into one of our Life Groups and bring your questions—no shame, no weirdness, just growth.

Today (March 9): our Pastoral Staff Meeting is at 9:00 AM. If you’re trying to connect with a pastor, that’s part of our real rhythm of care.

Sunday grounding: if you’re in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, join us in person. Sunday Classes are at 9:30 AM and Worship is at 10:30 AM: 🌐 www.famemphis.net.

If you’re outside our area or unable to attend locally, you can still be part of the community through Boundless Online Church: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

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