Is it wrong for Christians to be interested in UFOs?,,,
You ask Elim experts the questions. This month, it’s Pastor Mark Ryan, who is Senior Minister at Kensington Temple/London City Church.
Is it wrong for Christians to take an interest in UFOs?
Space exploration and astronomy are legitimate sciences that can enhance the human experience and knowledge here on earth. As Christians we shouldn’t become too narrow in our interests because we might miss out on making a vital bridge to people who are interested in the study of the planets. After all, ‘the heavens and the earth’ are all God’s creation.
Where we need caution is when the study of UFOs is driven by fear. This is our Heavenly Father’s world, and he has its future and sustainability in his gracious hands.
Others investigate UFOs from an unhealthy escapism. Dressing up as alternate characters can be fun, but can also be an unhealthy fascination with an identity that’s not ours to pursue.
Fear and escapism can block us from finding our true identity and worth in Christ.
Can Christians have an impact on the timing of Jesus’ return?
God is in control of the timeline of the return of Christ and the conclusion of this world as we know it. Because of the magnitude of this we should always live as if the coming of Christ is near. But if there is any way that God’s people can affect the willingness of the Father to reduce the timeline of the end times, it is from the fact that God loves us so much that he does not want us to suffer.
Although there are varying interpretations as to who Jesus meant by the ‘elect’ in Mark’s Gospel, it is clearly the heart of God to reduce the timetable of the end if it means his people don’t suffer. Jesus said: “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them,” (Mark 13:20).
God can also be grieved over the state of the world and the fact that his people who are pursuing holiness must live in the brokenness of what is going on. 2 Peter 3:11-12 says: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
If you could ask Jesus one question, what would it be?
This depends on when I get to ask it. Right now, I would ask something like, “How can I serve you more?” There are other times when I might ask, “God, I understand that you know all things but why did that particular suffering happen; what are you accomplishing through it?”
My questions have changed over time, and they have become more prayers and pleas than questions. I find myself praying, “Please help me to be wise in my dealing so that I may glorify you.”
I used to pray, “Can I have more power?” Life changes you. I have all the power I need for each situation, but even so I pray, “More Lord!”
If I were to ask Jesus one question at the end of time, it would be, “Lord, would you please forgive me for that which I failed to do or missed from you?”
Thank God, one day my questions will turn into ceaseless praise and his perfect kingdom purpose.
From Direction Magazine issue 240
