Jesus will use Maturing: Year Three to help you and your friend see what it takes to create humans that aren’t robots or slaves. He will help you see why God acted the way He did in the Old Testament and why He frequently doesn’t in the New Testament. This is one of the most important studies and prayer times in this year’s series.

As you read the New Testament, you seem to see a kinder, gentler God that is gracious and kind.

• Why did God seem more legalistic and demanding in the Old Testament?


• Why does God, in the New Testament, seem more gracious and merciful?


• How can you read the Old Testament and relate to God without being afraid and standoffish with Him?


• If the Old Testament is still a vital part of your Bible, how do you read it and apply its principles to your life without getting legalistic yourself?

• As a New Testament Christian, how do you approach the way God did things in the Old Testament?

Mal 3:6a (NIV) I the LORD do not change.

James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.

• Since God doesn’t change, why does it seem like He has changed from the time of the Old Testament to the time of the New Testament?
  
  

All of these questions need to be answered in your and your friends’ hearts before you can really open up and accept an intimate relationship with your heavenly Father.