Sharon:
Mike, we’ve talked about a lot of things. We don’t always agree, but we both love Jesus. Still, sometimes I wonder—can people with such different views about the Bible really stay in the same church?
Mike:
That’s something I think about too, Sharon. I know we see Scripture a little differently, but I believe God wants His people to stay united. Jesus prayed that we would be one, even when we’re not the same.
Sharon:
I believe in unity. But unity doesn’t mean we let go of truth. If one person believes every word of the Bible is literal and another person thinks most of it is symbolic, how can they study it together?
Mike:
That’s a fair question. But I think we can still walk together if we keep the main thing the main thing. We both believe Jesus is Lord. We both trust in His death and resurrection. That’s the center. That’s what holds us together.
Sharon:
Yes, Jesus is the foundation. But if we start teaching different things in the same church—like one group teaches a real six-day creation, and the other says it’s just a story—won’t that confuse people?
Mike:
It might. That’s why I think it’s important for churches to be honest and clear about what they believe. But I also think we can have conversations like this without breaking fellowship. It’s okay to say, “We don’t see that part the same, but we still worship the same Savior.”
Sharon:
I guess I worry that people will think all beliefs are equal. Like, “You believe your way, I believe mine,” and then no one really knows what’s true.
Mike:
That’s not what I want either. I believe some things matter more than others. What we believe about Jesus, salvation, grace—that’s core. Other things, like how to read Genesis or how to understand Revelation, those might be secondary.
Sharon:
So you’re saying there’s a difference between essential truth and other truth?
Mike:
Yes. I think some truths are like the walls of a house—you need them, or the house falls down. Other truths are more like paint colors—still important, but they don’t break the house if they’re different.
Sharon:
That’s a simple picture. I like that. But even paint can change the feel of a house. What if one teaching starts to push people away from the truth?
Mike:
That’s where love and wisdom come in. We don’t just accept every idea. But we also don’t throw people out because they’re growing or learning. A church should be a place where we help each other grow stronger, not a place where everyone has to agree on every detail.
Sharon:
But what if someone teaches something that could lead others away from the truth? Shouldn’t the church say, “That’s not okay”?
Mike:
Yes, if something goes against the gospel, it has to be corrected. But if it’s a difference in how we read poetry or prophecy, maybe we can leave space for discussion. We need strong teaching, but also humble hearts.
Sharon:
That makes sense. Still, I feel safer when people in my church believe the Bible the same way I do. It helps us stay focused.
Mike:
I understand that. I feel comfortable with people who ask questions, because that’s how I grow. But I also admire your bold faith. It reminds me to stand firm when I’m tempted to overthink.
Sharon:
Maybe God uses both kinds of people. Some who are like rocks. Some who are like rivers. We balance each other.
Mike:
That’s a beautiful way to say it. Rocks give strength. Rivers bring life. And we’re both part of God’s family.
Sharon:
So, do you think we can be in the same Bible study, even if we read certain verses differently?
Mike:
I do. As long as we listen to each other with respect and stay focused on Jesus, we can both learn something new.
Sharon:
What about Sunday morning? Should pastors talk about both views from the pulpit?
Mike:
That’s up to the church, I think. Some churches teach one view strongly. Others give room for different understandings. But whatever the case, the gospel should always be clear. That’s the message everyone needs most.
Sharon:
I agree. People need to know who Jesus is and what He’s done. If we agree on that, maybe we can walk together, even if we take different roads to get there.
Mike:
Yes. And maybe those different roads help us see God in ways we never thought of before.
Sharon:
As long as we’re not going in opposite directions.
Mike:
Right. Unity isn’t about sameness. It’s about walking toward the same Savior.
Sharon:
I’m still going to speak up when I think someone is going off track. I believe that’s my job as a believer.
Mike:
And I’ll keep asking questions and learning from others—even when we disagree. I believe that’s how God stretches me.
Sharon:
So we won’t always agree.
Mike:
Probably not. But we can still sit at the same table, pray together, and serve together.
Sharon:
And we can keep the conversation going. Not to fight—but to grow.
Mike:
Exactly. Iron sharpens iron. Sometimes sparks fly, but both sides get stronger.
Sharon:
So, we stay in fellowship, even if we don’t see everything the same way?
Mike:
Yes. Because the church is a body, not a copy machine. We need hands, feet, eyes, and ears. All different, but all connected to Jesus.
Sharon:
That’s good. And maybe it’s okay to be challenged. It keeps us from getting lazy in our faith.
Mike:
Amen. And conversations like this? They help us go deeper. Not just in what we believe—but in how we love.
Sharon:
So we keep meeting, keep praying, keep trusting.
Mike:
Yes. Because Jesus brings us together. And nothing should tear that apart.