Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 7 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 1: Introduction to Anabaptist History  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 7
During the conscientious objector hearing, Dean refused to rely on a prepared “how to answer” booklet because of Jesus’ promise about being brought before magistrates and receiving Spirit-given utterance. How do you discern the difference between faithful dependence on the Spirit and irresponsible presumption, and what does this episode suggest God can do through simple testimony?
Another way to ask: How can you tell the difference between truly relying on the Holy Spirit and being careless or overconfident? What does Dean’s simple, unplanned testimony suggest God can do?

Direct Answer In Dean’s example, dependence on the Spirit meant trusting Jesus’ promise while still showing up honestly and giving real testimony, not hiding behind polished arguments. The episode suggests God can use straightforward, personal witness to affect even authorities—since their testimony moved the very officer overseeing the process.

Support from Transcript:

  • MCC sent “this little book on how to answer those questions that they typically ask you.”
  • Dean objects by citing Jesus: “when you are brought before magistrate, you will not prepare beforehand… the Holy Spirit would give you utterance.”
  • He says, “Let’s claim that promise and go in,” and “that’s what we did.”
  • Their approach: “We just testified and gave our testimony of Christ to that man at the table… running the hearing.”
  • The hearing was adversarial: they “challenge every little thing… look at inconsistencies.”
  • Outcome implies God’s use of testimony: the officer later said, “I too now am getting out of the army for the very same reason,” which Dean links to their “reality” of obeying Jesus.
Discussion Follow-ups What “preparation” is wise (facts, honesty, clarity) without replacing Spirit-dependence with self-protection? How might your testimony be stronger when it is less about winning and more about describing what Christ is doing in your life?

Jumpstarter 7 of 10
Back Questions Next