Sharon:
When I read the Bible, I believe the moral teachings are forever. God’s standards don’t change. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, no matter what time we live in.
Mike:
I agree with that, Sharon. I believe God’s heart doesn’t change. But I think some of the rules in the Bible were written for specific times and places. That doesn’t mean we ignore them—it means we look at the deeper reason behind them.
Sharon:
But how do we know which ones are “deeper” and which ones are just plain commands? When the Bible says something is a sin, I believe it means it’s always a sin.
Mike:
I believe sin is real. But I also think some parts of the Bible talk about customs that were meant for that culture. Like the rules about not eating pork or shellfish. Most of us don’t follow those today, but that doesn’t mean we’re disobeying God.
Sharon:
Those were part of the Old Testament law. Jesus came and fulfilled that law. We’re not under those food rules anymore. But when the Bible talks about how we should treat others or live pure lives, that still applies.
Mike:
Yes, I think we agree there. I just think sometimes people mix moral rules with cultural rules. Like when Paul writes about women not speaking in church. Some churches take that literally. Others say it was just for that time and place.
Sharon:
I take that seriously. God made men and women different. That doesn’t mean one is better than the other. But we do have different roles, and I think the Bible is clear about that.
Mike:
I think Paul was speaking to a certain situation. Maybe things were out of order in that church, and he wanted to restore peace. In other places, Paul talks about women praying and prophesying, so he clearly saw them as part of the church’s work.
Sharon:
Still, it worries me when people start saying, “That part doesn’t apply today.” That’s how the world ends up saying, “We don’t need the Bible anymore.” Where do we draw the line?
Mike:
That’s a good question. I think the line is this: Does the teaching reflect God’s character? If it shows His love, justice, and holiness, then it’s probably timeless. If it’s tied to clothing styles or temple rules, maybe it was for that culture.
Sharon:
But the Bible says “Be holy, for I am holy.” That’s not about culture. That’s about the heart.
Mike:
Absolutely. And that’s why the moral teachings about honesty, kindness, sexual purity, and forgiveness still matter. They show who God is. But rules like how to wear your hair or what to eat? I think those were part of their world, not the core of the message.
Sharon:
What about things like marriage? The world keeps changing what marriage means. But the Bible is clear—it’s between a man and a woman. That’s not cultural. That’s God’s design.
Mike:
I believe God’s design for relationships is good and full of love. But I also think we need to show grace. Some people grew up never hearing God’s truth. If we just throw laws at them without love, we might lose the chance to show them Jesus.
Sharon:
I agree with love. But love doesn’t mean watering things down. If something is sin, we have to say it’s sin. Not in a mean way—but in a way that helps people turn to God.
Mike:
That’s true. I just think how we say it matters too. Jesus told people the truth, but He also ate with sinners. He didn’t start with rules. He started with relationship.
Sharon:
But He still told the woman at the well, “Go and sin no more.” He didn’t ignore her choices.
Mike:
Right. He forgave her and called her to change. That’s the balance. Truth with grace. Rules with mercy.
Sharon:
But the rules still stand. God’s commands aren’t suggestions. The Ten Commandments weren’t given to just one group—they’re for everyone.
Mike:
Yes, and they show us what matters to God. But even with those, Jesus helped us understand them deeper. Like when He said hating someone is like murder in the heart. That shows it’s not just about the rule—it’s about what’s happening inside.
Sharon:
That’s what I love about Jesus. He didn’t throw away the law. He made it personal. He went deeper.
Mike:
Exactly. And that’s why I think we need to ask, “What is this teaching pointing us to?” If it’s leading us to love God more and love others better, it’s probably timeless. But if it’s about how to behave in a temple or a certain group, maybe it had a time limit.
Sharon:
But don’t you worry that people will just start picking what they want to follow?
Mike:
Yes, that’s a real danger. That’s why we need to stay grounded in prayer, in the whole Bible, and in community. We need to read it all, not just the parts we like.
Sharon:
That’s for sure. The Bible isn’t a buffet. You don’t just pick the sweet stuff.
Mike:
That’s a great way to say it. And I think if we stay humble, we can keep learning what God wants from us—even when it’s hard.
Sharon:
So do you think some moral teachings have an expiration date?
Mike:
No, not the moral heart of God. That never expires. But some instructions were shaped by the culture back then. Like the rules about how people should sit in church or how long to fast. The heart of those rules still matters, but the form may change.
Sharon:
So it’s about the why, not just the what?
Mike:
Exactly. If we understand the “why,” we can live out God’s heart even in our world today. That’s what I want to do.
Sharon:
I still believe the Bible’s commands are clear. But maybe it’s okay to ask God how to live them out in today’s world.
Mike:
Yes. And we don’t change them to fit the world—we live them in a way that reaches the world.
Sharon:
That’s a good goal. I just never want to bend so far that we forget what God really said.
Mike:
And I never want to stand so stiff that people miss the beauty of God’s grace. Maybe we help each other.
Sharon:
Maybe we do. You keep me thinking, Mike. Even when we don’t fully agree.
Mike:
Same here, Sharon. You keep my faith strong with your boldness. We need both hearts and minds in the church.
Sharon:
Amen. And we need the truth—and love—to stay strong.