23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the LORD’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. ~ 2 Timothy 2:23-26
I recently met a couple who wouldn’t come to church because they didn’t like something the pastor said online a few years ago. To my surprise, it wasn’t false doctrine that upset them, or sinful speech, or anything of the sort. It was one video he did on aliens and the Bible. The pastor said online that there isn’t evidence for aliens in the Bible. He didn’t say there is no such thing as aliens. Or you’ll go to hell if you believe in aliens. Or anything of that nature. He said you can’t prove aliens exist using the Bible, which is a true statement. There are no planets in the Bible. There is no other intelligent design in the Bible. In the Bible, according to Genesis 1, everything was created around Earth. Heaven directly above. The sun, the moon, and the stars in between. There is no room for other planets, intelligent life forms, etc. in the Bible. None.
Think about how silly it is to keep your children from church, from learning about God, because the pastor said there aren’t aliens in the Bible. Paul warned against frivolous arguments causing division such as this. The moment we put science above Scripture and demand others do the same is the moment we replace God with Science. God is our source of Truth. His Word is how we know Him and His Truth. If we demand the Bible fit science, it’s no longer about God and His Truth. It’s now about man and what man has decided is truth.
Something as simple as whether or not the pastor believes in aliens should never keep us away from church. Ever. Is he teaching Truth? Is he using Scripture? Is it sound doctrine? Are you growing from his teachings? These are things that matter. These are the things that make going to church worth it. If the shepherd of the flock is blind, deaf, or mute, then the entire flock is in danger. The pastor is the shepherd of the flock in his church. His congregation. He is responsible for feeding them the Word of God, leading them into the presence of God, and teaching them sound doctrine. We use any and every little excuse to not come to church, when there are those in the underground Church willing to risk their lives just to hear someone talk about God. Talk about Jesus.
We let the simplest things separate us from God. Who cares whether aliens exist or not? What does that matter in the grand scheme of things? Nothing. It matters not. What matters is “Do you know the LORD?” “Do your children know the LORD?” Imagine standing before the LORD on Judgment Day and having to explain to Him that you refused to go to church because of your strong belief in aliens. Where is your strong belief in the LORD? Where is your strong desire to learn about the LORD and all that He has done for you?
Our time left on this earth is very short. We don’t have much time left here to sacrifice our time of worship and gathering together as one body to learn about our God. We don’t have that much time left. So, what are you doing with that time? Are you making time for God? Are you making time to go to church and learn of Him? Are you making time to fast and pray? Are you making time to grow spiritually in Him and with Him? Don’t waste what little time you have left dividing yourselves with frivolous arguments and beliefs. The Church should never be divided unless one teaches another Gospel than Christ.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Throw Away The Frivolous.