With stories of aliens, UFOs, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness monster, it’s intriguing to ponder why some find it challenging to believe in Jesus. I decided to explore this paradox and draw from Scripture to shed light on the nature of belief.

In our modern age, fascination with the unknown is undeniable. People readily entertain the possibility of extraterrestrial life, mysterious creatures, and unidentified flying objects. Yet, when it comes to believing in Jesus, who offers the most profound message of hope and salvation, doubts often arise.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

1. Seeing Isn’t Believing: The essence of faith lies in believing in something unseen. While aliens, UFOs, and Big Foot may capture our imagination, the Christian faith hinges on trusting in the unseen reality of God’s presence and the work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:18).

2. Personal Encounter: Many who claim to have encountered UFOs, Aliens or Big Foot rely on personal testimonies. Similarly, belief in Jesus often begins with a personal encounter—a transformative experience with the living God through Christ (John 14:6).

3. Historical and Biblical Evidence: Just as some researchers cite historical evidence to support their claims about unexplained phenomena, the historical and biblical evidence of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provides a strong foundation for faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Believing in Jesus can be more challenging because it involves a commitment to a personal relationship with God, repentance, and surrendering one’s life to His will. It requires acknowledging our need for a Savior and embracing a life of discipleship.

You see, I think this is where people get stuck and don’t WANT to believe.  Believing in Jesus goes far beyond acknowledging historical evidence or embracing an abstract concept. It invites us into a deeply personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. This relationship is unlike any other and requires a level of COMMITTMENT that sets it apart from simply acknowledging the existence of aliens, UFOs, or mysterious creatures.

1. Commitment to a Personal Relationship: Believing in Jesus means entering into a personal and transformative relationship with God. It’s about recognizing that God desires an intimate connection with each of us. This relationship involves prayer, worship, and a continuous dialogue with the Divine. It’s about experiencing the presence of God in our daily lives and finding comfort, guidance, and purpose in Him (John 15:5).

2. Repentance and Surrender: Belief in Jesus necessitates a willingness to confront our own shortcomings and sins. Repentance is the acknowledgment of our need for a Savior, a turning away from a life of self-reliance, and an embrace of God’s grace and forgiveness. Surrendering our lives to His will means relinquishing control and allowing God to shape our character and guide our decisions (Romans 12:1-2).

3. Acknowledging Our Need for a Savior: One of the most profound aspects of believing in Jesus is the recognition of our utter dependence on Him as our Savior. It requires humility to admit that we are incapable of saving ourselves and that we need His redemptive work to bridge the gap between our sinful nature and God’s holiness (Ephesians 2:8-9).

4. Embracing a Life of Discipleship: Belief in Jesus extends beyond a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong commitment to discipleship. Discipleship involves learning from Jesus, growing in His teachings, and seeking to imitate His life. It’s about living out our faith through acts of love, service, and compassion toward others (Matthew 28:19-20).

In a world where belief systems can range from the ordinary to the extraordinary, the belief in Jesus stands as an invitation to the extraordinary—a life marked by a personal relationship with the Creator, genuine repentance, and a transformative surrender to His will.

John 20:29 (NIV) says “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

The world is filled with mysteries and unexplained phenomena, it’s important to remember that faith in Jesus offers the greatest hope and transformation. While some may believe in aliens, UFOs, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness monster, our faith in Christ goes beyond the earthly and tangible. It is a faith that leads to eternal life, forgiveness, and a deep relationship with the Creator of the universe.

Believing in Jesus may indeed be more challenging than accepting unexplained phenomena, but it offers something far more profound and life-changing—a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father, forgiveness for our sins, and the promise of eternal life. As we embrace the call to personal relationship, repentance, and discipleship, we discover the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10) and become witnesses to the transforming power of His love and grace.

Let us take to heart the words of Jesus in Mark 9:23 (NIV): “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Just as some are drawn to the mysteries of the unknown, may we be drawn to the mystery of God’s love and grace, finding the greatest miracle of all in Jesus Christ.