The world we live in is almost unrecognisable from that of Moses. We carry more computing power in our pockets than NASA used to land on the moon. We can communicate instantly across continents. We can order groceries without leaving the sofa. And yet, for all our technological leaps, some things haven’t changed.
We still wrestle with the same moral challenges humanity has faced for thousands of years: greed, dishonesty, selfishness, broken relationships. The tools may be new, but the temptations are ancient. That’s why the Ten Commandments, given to Moses around 3,500 years ago, remain astonishingly relevant today. They’re more than dusty relics of a bygone era. They form the backbone of many legal systems, including Britain’s, which has in turn influenced laws across the world. These commandments aren’t arbitrary religious rules; they’re timeless principles for living well, treating others with respect, and honouring God.
In our culture, some see moving away from these values as a sign of progress. We’ve now had a whole generation growing up with little or no knowledge of them. But if we look honestly at society today; the mistrust in public life, the corrosion of personal integrity, the breakdown of community, it’s fair to ask: are we really better off without them? Ancient wisdom says “no.” In fact, these laws speak as powerfully into 21st-century Britain as they did to the wandering Israelites in the desert. They call us back to something we’ve lost: a moral compass that points to justice, truth, and love.
This autumn, The Vine Community Church is creating space to explore this together. Starting in October and running for ten Sundays up to Christmas, our Sunday gatherings will become Just 10 – an acclaimed series looking at each of the Ten Commandments in turn and asking: What does this mean for us today? It won’t be a lecture series or a finger-wagging exercise. Instead, imagine a café-style setting, with refreshments before and after, time to chat, moments to reflect, and teaching that connects the ancient to the everyday. Whether you’ve been a Christian for decades, are simply curious, or wouldn’t call yourself religious at all, you’ll be welcome.
Each week stands alone, so you can come to one, two, or all ten. Perhaps you’ll discover new insight. The world has changed, but some truths remain timeless. The Ten Commandments are not obsolete. They are absolute. And they might just be exactly what we need to navigate the complex world we live in. Check back for more information about Just 10 at The Vine Community Church, get in touch, visit the website and see our social media - and join us in discovering how ancient wisdom still speaks today.
