Writing Bible Studies with AI
Spontaneous Ponderings
It seems like AI and ChatGPT are all the rage right now, with AI being used for everything from writing poems to creating curriculum to developing videos and scripts. I even read a paper recently about university students in a musical composition class using AI to come up with lyrics for new musicals for stage production.
I think AI can eventually be a useful tool, but using AI to write a Bible study seems to take away that personal touch. For me, the research and work involved in writing the study is where I find the most value. So I doubt I’ll be using AI to write Grounded in the Bible anytime soon. In spite of that, I wanted to just play around with ChatGPT to see what it would come up with if I asked it to write a Bible study. These were the prompts I used:
Write a Bible study on John 3:16 in the style of Billy Graham
Write a Bible study on John 3:16 in the style of Dr. Seuss
Here’s what ChatGPT came up with:
Billy Graham:
Title: The Unfathomable Love: A Bible Study on John 3:16
Introduction: Welcome to our Bible study on one of the most well-known and cherished verses in Scripture—John 3:16. In this study, we will delve into the depth of God's love, as revealed through this powerful verse. Just as Billy Graham passionately proclaimed the Gospel, let us embark on a journey to understand the profound truths contained in this verse.
Setting the Context: John 3:16 is situated within a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, sought Jesus at night to understand His teachings. Jesus responded with profound insights about being born again and the Kingdom of God. It is within this dialogue that we find John 3:16.
"For God So Loved the World": The verse begins with the declaration, "For God so loved the world." These words encapsulate the essence of the Gospel message—God's profound, immeasurable love for all people. Billy Graham often emphasized the all-encompassing nature of God's love, reaching far beyond social, cultural, or religious boundaries.
Discussion:
Reflect on the magnitude of God's love for the world. What does it mean for you personally that God's love extends to all people, regardless of their background or past?
"That He Gave His Only Son": The verse continues, "that he gave his only Son." This phrase highlights the sacrificial nature of God's love. God, in His infinite love, sent His Son Jesus to the world as the ultimate expression of His compassion and redemption. Billy Graham eloquently preached about the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating God's love in its purest form.
Discussion:
How does recognizing Jesus as God's only Son impact your understanding of God's love for humanity? In what ways does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God's love?
"That Whoever Believes in Him": The verse further states, "that whoever believes in him." Here lies the invitation for each individual to respond to God's love and receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Billy Graham ardently proclaimed the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ as the means to experience God's love and receive eternal life.
Discussion:
What does it mean to "believe" in Jesus? How does personal faith in Christ transform our relationship with God and others? Share personal experiences or insights related to this.
"Should Not Perish, but Have Eternal Life": The verse concludes with the promise, "should not perish, but have eternal life." God's ultimate desire is for humanity to be saved from the consequences of sin and to enjoy everlasting life with Him. Billy Graham passionately emphasized the hope and assurance found in this promise, emphasizing the eternal significance of choosing to follow Christ.
Discussion:
Reflect on the concept of eternal life. How does this promise impact your perspective on earthly life? How does the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ bring hope and comfort in the face of life's challenges?
Conclusion: John 3:16 encapsulates the heart of the Gospel—God's unfathomable love, the sacrificial gift of His Son, the invitation for all to believe, and the promise of eternal life. Like Billy Graham, let us embrace and share the profound truth of this verse, allowing it to transform our lives and draw others closer to the boundless love of God.
Dr. Seuss:
Well, let's dive into the Bible, my friend,
And John 3:16, a message we'll send.
But in the style of Dr. Seuss, we'll explore,
A whimsical journey, so let's begin, galore!
"For God so loved the world," it begins,
With a love that transcends, through thick and through thins.
He sent His only Son, not to judge or condemn,
But to save all believers, and welcome them in.
"Not perish, but have eternal life," it does say,
A promise of hope that won't fade away.
For those who believe in this precious gift,
Shall have life everlasting, a spiritual lift.
Now, let's break it down, line by line,
With rhymes and rhythms, oh so fine.
God's love is boundless, like the ocean so deep,
A love that's unending, even when we sleep.
He loved the world, yes, every single one,
From the rising of the moon to the setting of the sun.
His love knows no boundaries, it knows no bounds,
And in His love, true happiness is found.
His Son, Jesus Christ, He did send,
To guide us, redeem us, and to be our friend.
He came not to judge or cast us aside,
But to save and embrace us, with arms open wide.
Eternal life, a wondrous treasure,
A gift from above, beyond all measure.
Through faith in Jesus, we're given new birth,
And the promise of heaven, a place of great worth.
So, dear friend, let's hold onto this verse,
In our hearts, let its meaning immerse.
For God's love is for all, and it's never too late,
To accept His Son, and embrace our fate.
In the style of Dr. Seuss, we've explored,
John 3:16, a message adored.
May its truth resonate, in our hearts so true,
And guide us in all that we say and we do.
What did you think? Did you find anything that seemed “off” theologically? Or did it seem pretty on point? Which version did you like better? I’d love to hear from you!