Recap:

As we close out our series Connected in the Age of AI, we’re asking one final question: Is it eternal, or is it temporary?

Technology is advancing quickly, and some are even pursuing the idea that AI and science may eventually help humanity overcome death. But Scripture reminds us that no technology can give us what only Jesus can give: eternal life.

In Luke 12, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who had more than enough. His solution was to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and store everything for himself. But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” The man’s problem wasn’t that he had possessions. His problem was that he lived as though his possessions were the point.

The first truth is simple: stuff is temporary. God gives us resources, opportunities, and possessions to fulfill His purposes, but they can never become our purpose. The question we have to ask is, What is the gift for? Are we using what God has placed in our hands only for ourselves, or are we allowing Him to use it to bless others?

The second truth is that our lives on earth are temporary too. We don’t like to think about death, but Scripture says God has placed eternity in the human heart. Deep inside, we know we were made for more. Our world is trying to find ways to imitate immortality through technology, AI, and even digital replicas of people who have died. But a simulation is not a resurrection. AI can imitate life, but Jesus gives life. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, defeating sin and death so that everyone who places their faith in Him can have eternal life.

Finally, we will give an account for how we lived. Our breath is a gift, but our life is a trust. God has entrusted us with our time, resources, relationships, abilities, and opportunities, and one day we will stand before Him.

So the message leaves us with three questions: What are you holding that God wants you to use? What are you postponing because you assume you have more time? And where have you placed your hope for eternity?

Group Questions:

Icebreaker: What’s one thing you own that you probably don’t need but would have a hard time getting rid of?

Discussion:

  • The sermon centered around the question: Is it eternal or is it temporary? What part of that idea stood out to you most?
  • Read Luke 12:13–21. What do you think was really wrong with the rich man’s response to his abundance? Was the problem his wealth, his mindset, or something else?
  • The message said, “Stuff is something we use to fulfill our purpose, but stuff is never our ultimate purpose.” What does that look like practically in everyday life?
  • One of the questions from the sermon was, “What is the gift for?” Think about the resources, abilities, relationships, or opportunities God has given you. Where might God be inviting you to use something you have for a purpose beyond yourself?
  • Why do you think it is so easy for us to live as though this life will last forever, even though we know it won’t?
  • Ecclesiastes says God has placed eternity in the human heart. Where do you see that longing for something more showing up in our culture today?
  • The sermon contrasted technological attempts at immortality with the Christian hope of resurrection. How is resurrection different from simply trying to preserve or imitate life?
  • The message said, “A simulation can resemble someone we’ve lost, but Jesus promises resurrection power.” How does the hope of resurrection change the way Christians can think about death and grief?
  • One of the strongest lines in the sermon was: “Your breath is a gift, but your life is a trust.” What does that statement mean to you?
  • Read Romans 14:12. If we really believe that each of us will give an account of our lives to God, how should that affect the way we use our time, money, relationships, and opportunities?