Baptists/God

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/3/2010


Question
God appeared to be so unforgiving and dictatorial in the Old testament, yet He is so kind and loving in the New Testament.Has He changed His character over the years?

Answer
The answer is No. His character has not changed from the time He created the Earth and as He is relealed from Genesis to Rev. in His Holy Word.
 
God's nature is one that is Holy and He does not tolerate sin. But God is gracious to us today, just as He was in the Old Testament. If He was not gracious, He would never lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. If he was not gracious, you Eddie would not be born, nor I. God is in control of this world and he loves us even as He did in the OT time.

Psa. 94: 12 says on this “Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law,” God chastens, teaches us because He loves us.

1 Sam. 2:6-8 tells us about His sovereignty “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up” (this could mean God can also resurrect the dead). “The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.” God is in control.

Deut. 39:2 says it best “See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.” God alone controls human existence. Because He is totally free to do what He wants, only He can either curse or bless, wound or heal, kill or give life. The OT is full of God's grace and love for His people.

Anyone who reads the Holy Word should know the character of God now and in the past.

Dr Don Howe, RN, PhD, ThD  

Baptists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr Don Howe

Expertise

I welcome questions that deal with theological issues, relationship issues, church history, world religions, current events from a Christian worldview, "gray areas" that are present today, church growth movements, false prophets, spiritual abuse issues, end time events, prophecy, medical ethical issues, hermeneutical questions, and how Israel fits into God's economy today. I will answer all questions in a grammatical/historical normative interpretation of God's Word. If I can not answer a question, I will do the research and find the answer if available. If you are looking for a liberal theological answer or agrument, do not ask. I am not an expert on church planting or evangelism.

Experience

I have over 27 years of experience doing ministry as a bivocational minster/professional nurse. I do ministry as a volunteer with ministries that are nonprofit and not able to pay for ministers. I have experience working with youth, children, elderly in different placement settings, mentally ill and mentally challenged in different settings, felons in state prison and county jails, hospital chaplancy, choir ministry, and deacon ministry. I am an ordained SBC minister. I am a Professional Chaplain. I am currently doing hospital minstry, ministry to shut-ins, and a chaplain with Victim Relief Ministry working with victims of diasters and domestic violence. I work as psychiatric nurse in large county jail system.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors, Baptist Nursing Fellowship, Nurses Christian Fellowship, Therpon Institute, Victim Chaplain & Counselor Association of America, International Board of Christian Counselors, American Society of Christian Therapists.

Publications
N/A

Education/Credentials
PhD, Therapon University, USVI, 12/07 in Biblical Counseling, DCC, Southwest Bible College & Seminary, Jenning, LA 04/05 in Christian Psychology and Counseling. ThD, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA 02/04 D.D., Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA 07/03 Tyndale Seminary, Fort Worth, TX 2001-2003 BSN, Univ. of Texas in Arlington, Tx 05/93 ADN, Midwestern State Univ., Wichitia Falls, TX 5/77 Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Externship 08/04-12/05, 4 units of CPE earned.

Awards and Honors
Board Certified Christian Counselor by International Board of Christian Counselors. Issued 01/24/06.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.