Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 6

Dean insists “God cannot change” and rejects the idea that the Old Testament God is different, while also saying the “weapons have changed”; what does this teaching reveal about God’s zeal, judgment, and mercy, and how does it challenge the common “Old Testament vs. New Testament God” instinct?

Another way to ask: If God doesn’t change, but the “weapons” do, what does that say about God’s judgment, mercy, and passion for what is right? How does it challenge the idea that the Old Testament God is different from the New Testament God?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
Dean teaches that God’s character is consistent across both Testaments: the same God who is “a warrior,” “jealous,” and a judge in the Old Testament is still the same God in the New Testament. What changes is not God’s zeal or righteousness, but the way God calls his people to fight—moving from physical conflict to Jesus’ enemy-love and spiritual wrestling.

Support from Transcript:

Dean says a core Christian conviction is “God cannot change… the same yesterday, today, and forever,” citing James (“no shadow of turning”).
He rejects the idea “the God of the Old Testament is… different than the God of the New Testament.”
He embraces difficult OT descriptions: “Jehovah is a warrior,” and “our God is a jealous God.”
He concludes: God is still “zealous to spread his kingdom… but he’s given us a different way to fight.”
Jesus doesn’t deny OT realities: “I know that it has been said… but now I say, love your enemies.”
Paul reframes the battle: “we wrestle not with flesh and blood… but… principalities… powers.”

Discussion Follow-ups How does this view protect both God’s holiness/judgment and Jesus’ command to love enemies? Where do you still feel tension in holding both together?

Jumpstarter 6 of 10