Provided by Thierry Fender. Watch the YouTube video here.
Thierry asked ChatGPT (days before the election of Pope Leo XIV),
“If you were chosen to be the next pope, what reforms would you make in the Church to return to the teachings and life of the first Christians in the time of Jesus?”
ChatGPT said:
Excellent and profound question! If I were chosen as pope and my goal was to bring the Church back to the spirit, teachings, and life of the first Christians, here are the 10 major reforms I would launch — rooted in the New Testament:
️ 1. Radical return to the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ
Center all teaching and preaching on the risen Jesus, grace, repentance, new birth, and the Kingdom of God.
Eliminate vague or overly political sermons.
Put the Bible at the center: "Sola Scriptura," but lived out with love.
Galatians 1:8 – Even an angel from heaven cannot change the Gospel!
2. Restore spiritual authority to the people of God
Decentralize sacred functions: every believer is a "priest" (1 Peter 2:9).
Make disciples, not just Sunday spectators.
Encourage spiritual gifts in local churches, not just among clergy.
Acts 2:17 – “I will pour out my Spirit on all people...”
3. Biblical baptism based on personal confession of faith
Return to baptism by immersion, after faith and repentance, as in Acts.
Clarify that baptism is not a magical ritual, but a conscious commitment to Jesus (Romans 6).
Acts 2:38 – “ Repent and be baptized, every one of you...”
4. A simple Church, close to the poor and free of luxury
Live like the early believers: no palaces, no golden thrones, no extravagance.
The Church should serve, not dominate.
Acts 2:44 – “They had everything in common...”
5. Powerful preaching, Spirit-filled — not merely intellectual
Restore preaching that is alive and transformative, not just academic.
Preach like Peter at Pentecost: clear, direct, Christ-centered.
1 Corinthians 2:4 – “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
6. A Church of prayer and miracles
Encourage fervent prayer gatherings, like in Acts.
Do not fear spiritual gifts, if properly discerned and guided.
Acts 4:31 – “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit...”
7. Restore the fellowship of the early Christians
Authentic relationships, shared meals, deep brotherly love.
Not just ceremonies, but a committed church family life.
Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship...”
8. A persecuted Church? Let it be faithful, not compromised
Better a small, pure, persecuted Church than an influential but corrupt one.
Refuse compromises with political, economic, or religious powers.
Revelation 3:15–16 – “I will spit you out of my mouth...”
9. Active global mission, not inward focus
Every believer is a missionary in their own life.
Restore mission as the Church’s core identity, not a side activity.
Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
10. Train servant leaders, not religious bosses
Replace the idea of hierarchical leadership with humble service (John 13).
Form pastors and bishops who wash feet, not seek thrones.
Mark 10:45 – “The Son of Man came to serve...”
In summary: a Church that is...
Simple, Spirit-filled, biblical,
Centered on Jesus,
Full of brotherly love, mission, and truth.
If you’d like, I can turn all of this into a sermon series, teaching guide, or New Testament Church manifesto.
You said: Yes, sermon series.
ChatGPT said:
Perfect! Here's a 10-part sermon series on the theme:
“Returning to the New Testament Church”
A series to awaken faith, purify the Church, and walk as the first Christians did.
️ 10-week sermon series – 1 per week (or adjust to your rhythm)
Sermon 1: Jesus, the Center of Everything
Title: "Re-centering the Church on Jesus Christ"
Main text: Galatians 1:6–10
Goal: Expose distorted gospels and affirm that only the Gospel of Christ saves.
Sermon 2: God’s People Are a Royal Priesthood
Title: "All Called, All Sent"
Main text: 1 Peter 2:9
Goal: Show that every believer is a minister, not just church leaders.
Sermon 3: True Biblical Baptism
Title: "Born of Water and Spirit"
Main text: Acts 2:38 / Romans 6:3–5
Goal: Clarify the meaning, timing, and form of baptism according to the New Testament.
Sermon 4: A Poor Church, Yet Powerful
Title: "The Wealth of Simplicity"
Main text: Acts 2:44–47
Goal: Contrast today’s excesses with the simple, shared life of early Christians.
Sermon 5: A Message That Shakes the Soul
Title: "When the Gospel Disrupts"
Main text: 1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Goal: Return to Spirit-filled, powerful preaching — not just intellectual discourse.
Sermon 6: A Spirit-Filled Church
Title: "Pentecost Fire for Today"
Main text: Acts 4:31
Goal: Encourage believers to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit today.
Sermon 7: Living the Fellowship of the Saints
Title: "No Spectators in Christ’s Body"
Main text: Acts 2:42 / 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Goal: Rediscover true community and active brotherhood.
Title: "Standing Firm in a Hostile World"
Main text: Revelation 3:14–22 / Matthew 5:10–12
Goal: Prepare believers to stay faithful without compromise.
Title: "Sent into the World, Not Withdrawn From It"
Main text: Matthew 28:18–20 / John 17:15–18
Goal: Remind the Church of its call to make disciples — not just fill pews.
Sermon 10: Leaders Like Jesus
Title: "Servants, Not Lords"
Main text: John 13:12–17 / Mark 10:42–45
Goal: Call pastors, bishops, and priests to Christlike humility and service.
End the series with a time of prayer, repentance, and commitment.
Hold a public baptism if people are touched by the messages on faith and baptism.
Offer a PDF or printed guide to help church members reflect personally throughout the series.
