Map to Elmhurst College
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Do all those who fall short of heaven get punished eternally by God, or do they "die" in the second death?
Does Colossians 2:13-14 teach that the Law of Moses was done away with on the cross?
Request: Can you please comment on the exchange below I found recently on the meaning of Colossians 2:13-14. Does this passage imply that the Law of Moses was done away with when Jesus was killed on the cross? Editor’s note: This will be a fairly long passage, with the answer well down the page. –Quote— […]
Why do Muslims not admit that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, given that it is historically rather obvious?
Question: Why can’t Muslims admit that Jesus "claimed" to be the Son of God? We know that Muslims, Jews, and many other people don’t believe that he actually is the Son of God but I can’t get past the intellectual obviousness of his claim. I don’t think anyone else in the world disputes this historic […]
Will those in heaven have free will? If so, will we sin in heaven?
Question: I understand and certainly accept the logic of good and evil on earth and why evil is necessary in order for man to have free will. My question is, how will this be in heaven? It doesn’t appear that one can "sin" in heaven due to the explanation given to the rich man and […]
Why did Constantine and the Council of Nicaea choose to "edit" the Bible by removing certain books?
Question: Why did Constantine and the Council of Nicaea choose to"edit" The Bible by inserting and removing certain books? What was the real aim of canonization? Answer; This is an easy one! Constantine did not "edit" or change the New Testament in any way. Neither did the Council at Nicaea change the New Testament in […]
Several quotes if found from David Bercot from the second century imply speaking in tongues was still in use. What is your response to this?
Question: I read your discussion of why the gifts of the Spirit disappeared. By no means do I consider myself an expert on the Early Church Fathers (my personal library is limited to one book). However, in preparing a lesson on false doctrines for a ministry training class I’m teaching, I came across some quotes […]
Recent Discovery Supports Historical Accuracy of the Bible
Scholars at the British Museum announced in 2007 the discovery on a cuneiform tablet which dramatically supports the historical accuracy of the Bible. The tablet mentions a gift of gold from an official Nebo-Sarsekim. This is almost certainly the same Nebo-Sarsekim mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3, dramatically confirming the biblical account of the defeat of Jerusalem in 595 BC Old […]
Does Isaiah 45:7 teach that God creates evil?
Question: Someone gave me this quote from an Artscroll Torah……Direct from Isaiah 45:7: "I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things. " I checked the translations that I am familiar with and none of them said "create evil" but he said "Ra" is never translated as disaster […]
If God knows everything, why was he surprised Adam and Eve sinned?
Question: If God knew all (was omniscient) when he created the earth then why was he surprised at what Adam and Eve did? He should have not been so idealistic if he knew ahead of time that his first two creations were not going to hold his plan. Answer: This is really an excellent question. Biblical […]
Is it true that yaohushua is the only correct biblical name for the Messiah?
Question: I am including links below where you can find interesting if not, shocking facts about the true name of the God of Abraham, Moses and David. I want to know your opinion about this. http://www.yaohushua.org/yahush1.html http://www.yaohushua.org/index.htm Answer: I spent a good amount of time at these web sites. To a person who is not well […]
When does a Christian receive the Holy Spirit?
Question: Acts 8:14-17 — Says that disciples had already been baptized into Jesus Christ (saved, forgiven of their sins, etc.) but did not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit until the apostles did lay their hands on them. That’s how they got the Holy Spirit, not through baptism. Acts 19:1-7 — Says that the […]
What about Laminin?
Question: Any thoughts on laminin? The youtube video and email are making the rounds. Some are claiming that this cross-shaped cross explains Colossians 1:17. Question: Any thoughts on laminin? The youtube video and email are making the rounds. That it is cruciform is, to me, coincidental. Does it give you tingly feelings? Response: This molecule makes for a great preacher point, but […]
Why did Jesus get baptized by John if he had no sin?
Question: Why did Jesus get baptized by John if he had no sin? Answer: This is a very good question. Jesus actually answered the question for us, although his answer is a bit enigmatic. To quote Matthew 3:15, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." […]
Is the Egyptian figure Imhotep actually Joseph? Is there any evidence of a seven year drought in Egypt?
Question: I read an article by a Christian scholar who believes the Egyptian God Imhotep to be none other than Joseph in the Bible, deified and exaggerated to fit Egyptian beliefs. The step pyramid, which was the first pyramid to ever be built in Egypt, is historically credited by the Egyptians to be the work […]
Is it true that the armor Goliath supposedly wore in 1 Samuel 16 did not even exist at that time, making the story an anachronism?
Question: I watched a show on Discovery called "Lost Kings of the Bible". They claimed that Goliath couldn’t have worn the armour that the Bible says he was wearing at that time. The show claims that they didn’t wear heavy metal armour on their bodies at that time. I believe the Bible, however I was wondering about your response […]
Is suicide a sin?
Question: Is it suicide a sin? My father did so. and since he was not a christian I wonder where did he go after he died. Answer: Something tells me that you know the answer to your own question. Of course it is a sin to take one’s life. I cannot give you a passage […]
Paul (1 Cor 10) says 23,000 were killed, while the writer of Numbers says 24,000 were killed. How do you explain this discrepancy?
Question: I was wondering when Paul refers to the 23,000 killed in one day in 1 Cor 10, is he referring to the incident in Numbers. In Numbers it says 24,000 were killed. I’ve heard different explanations. 1) Paul says one day and so the remaining 1000 were killed the next day 2) it […]
Has archaeology contradicted the Bible?
Question: I read someone on your website say archaeology has contradicted the Bible. I’m no expert an archaeology but it does seem that experts tend to disagree on dating and things of that nature, e.g., the dating of Jericho’s fall. is that where someone could make such an argument? Answer: Some go so far as to […]
Can the Bible be inspired without being inerrant?
Question: Would you say the Bible is inerrant but it doesn’t HAVE to be inerrant to be inspired by God? i’ve always thought the Bible had to be inerrant. and by God’s grace i still do. but i guess what you said has made me think it doesn’t have to be for us to know […]
If the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) occurred, why does Paul never mention it?
Question/Comment: Please explain why "nowhere in his writings does Paul appeal to the decisions of such a Council, which were clearly so completely in his favour, nor does he ever appear in the slightest allusion or reference to be conscious of their existence." (S G F Brandon p.131). Galatians 2 speaks of no Council, only a […]
The Pilate presented in the Gospels is very different from Pilate in Josephus. Why do the evangelists give a false portrayal of Pilate?
Comment: The actions reported of Pilate in the Gospels bear no relation to the character of the Roman official depicted in Josephus. All you need to do,is look up every passage in Josephus where Pilate is involved and then compare the difference in personality and action between the man in Josephus and the Gospels. When […]
Who is the "Prince of Persia" in chapter 10 of Daniel?
Question: Who is the "Prince of Persia" in chapter 10 of Daniel? Why does he have power to detain God’s angel or Jesus for 21 days? Is this symbolic to some event that already happened?Is it a reference to Antiochus Epiphanes IV (Daniel 11:31)/Jewish War (66-73 AD). According to history record that I read, Antiochus […]
Is Proverbs 8, with its use of "wisdom" referring to Jesus?
Question: Is Proverbs 8 referring to Jesus? Answer: I have heard this interpretation. I do not believe it is true. The writer of Proverbs is using a figure of speech in which he personifies the trait "wisdom." The group which wishes this passage is about Jesus is the Jehovah’s Witness, because they try to use […]
What is the history of the International Churches of Christ?
Editor’s note: The question below is from a person who is part of the same religious movement I (John Oakes) am part of. The question and answer should be understood in this context. Question: Can you tell me about the History of our church? Where did our Church came from? And why does another church in Cambodia […]
What do you think about those who search Mt. Ararat for the ark?
Question: Have you done any studying on this topic? There is a substitute teacher at my school that has been on 7 Ararat expeditions. He sends me a constant barrage of literature via e-mail. It kind of reads like accounts of people looking for big foot. Do you have any objective sources? Answer: I have […]
What is your take on the Hypostatic Union of Christ?
Question; What is your take one the Hypostatic Union of Christ? Answer: The question of the "Hypostatic Union" of Christ was settled, as far as the Orthodox Church was concerned, at the Council of Calchedon. Of couse the Monophysites (Coptic church) did not accept this decision. My response is that I agree with the thesis […]
Was the scarlet cord Rahab put over her door a symbol of the Passover?
Question: I have been reading through the OT and I was wondering if you think the scarlet cord that the two spies told Rahab to put over her door is a sort of observance of the passover for her and her family, who were saved with her…? It seems like a variation on the passover to […]
Why did God make ticks, leaches and other blood sucking animals that hurt other animals?
Question: My 8 year old son and I heard you speak at the NE Christian Conference last year. We enjoyed your science and God presentaion. My son recently had this question. I thought you’d have a biblical answer for. Why did God make ticks & leeches? These are blood sucking things that hurt animals and […]
Is fasting necessary for Christians?
Question: I have seen scripture where Jesus says "when you fast" but he never commands it. I never see it commanded. Is it really necessary for us to fast today? Isn’t praying and Bible study more than adequate for being close to God? Answer: Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast." Therefore, […]
What is Pentecost? Can Paul be blameless (Phil 3:6)
Question: 1. What is the Pentecost? 2. Can Paul be blameless? (Philippians 3:6) Answer: Pentecost is a Jewish holiday instituted by God at Sinai. You can read about it in Leviticus 23:15-22. It is known as the Day of Pentecost because it comes exactly fifty days after the Passover. It is also known as the Feast of […]
The movie "Expelled" implies science should rid itself of its naturalistic assumption. Do you agree?
Question: I have not seen Expelled, but based on rotten tomatoes it is pretty read – I read your review though so I may wind up seeing it anyway. One of my friends saw it and he liked it, agreeing with the movie that science shouldn’t assume natural causation for everything. I strongly disagreed with […]
How can it be OK for Elisha to call down bears to maul 42 children for calling him "baldy?"
Question: In 2 Kings 2 v 23 Right after Elisha heals the dodgy water, some kids call him a baldhead. He then turns around and curses them in the name of God… Two bears pitch up and maul 42 of the kids. This seems to go against everything that prophets stand for. I get it […]
Did Jesus practice human sacrifice, as my Orthodox Jewish friend claims?
Question: An orthodox Jew said that Jesus sinned by practicing human sacrifice which was forbidden. That is a good point however I was unable to give an answer to his point……Any suggestions? Answer: Jesus did not take part in human sacrifice. Jesus was against all kinds of killing, especially human sacrifice. It is absolutely inconceivable […]
Question from Randall Laraway
Question: It has been a subject of some debate as to whether "the earth without form and void" of Genesis 1, actually refers to a pre-existant earth prior to the one we currently inhabit; which was populated but destroyed for whatever reason(s). Is there any sort of proof or, shall we say, "solid spiritual logic" […]
If the Sabbath is holy, why do Christians worship on Sunday?
Question: I’ve been studying out the Sabbath day and I’ve been convicted about how God has made this day holy. I also notice that there was 3 things he did on this specific day he made it holy, sanctified it and he bless it. Why? We worship on Sunday and I studied out where this […]
What has been the impact of Christianity in Africa?
Question: What has been the impact of Christianity in Africa, using Lagos as a case study? Answer: I am not an expert on Christianity in Africa, although I have visited Lagos twice. I believe you will have to look at the history of the continent of Africa itself; especially sub-Saharan Africa. What was the history […]
Expelled: A Power Point
Expelled Power Point
A Review of Expelled – A New Movie By Ben Stein
There has been a lot of hype in the Christian community surrounding the recently released movie Expelled. Conservative Christians are thrilled to finally have a movie which tells the truth about how the Christian view of origins is treated by the intellectual elite in this country. On the other hand, those excoriated by this movie […]
Andrew Lee
Dear John, I would like to send you a mail to say thank you for changing my life 20 years ago. I was a 1st year student in UCSD when you delivered a lecture on "Does God Exist?" on the campus in 1988. I was a Biochemistry major back then and logic (evidence) was very […]
John Lang
John: Last year, a co-worker gave me this Newsweek article to read, Can God Love Darwin, Too? (Sep 17, 2007 Issue). I have shared a few of Doug’s CD sets with him and I guess he expected me to be resistant to evolution because of my religious convictions. He was quite surprised to learn that […]
Goodson
Dear John, As you are aware that here in Malawi we are thirsty about being taught and hearing the word of God. I read that you were in South Africa, but some of us were unable to come and attend. Can’t you make a program to come to Malawi to teach us also as you […]
Gilbert
Dear Dr. John Oakes, This note is simply to express my heartfelt thanks to you for making that incredible teaching trip to Douala-Cameroon last month. The truth is that disciples in Cameroon were greatly impacted by the deeper insights in to the Scriptures that came out of everything you taught and shared. The young Church […]
Mrs. Roseshel O'Rourke
John, I just wanted to thank you for the absolutely EYE OPENING study of the Book of Hebrews on Saturday at the conference. I always enjoy hearing you speak and could sit for HOURS listening to your awe-inspiring perspectives. I was the one who asked the question about the one thing that could cause a […]
Augie Monroy
Dear John: Recently my Dad passed away and I made a trip to Guatemala for his funeral. During that trip I visited an Aunt. When I went into the room she had prepared for me, there was your book Reasons For Belief. I immediately started to "devour" it because that is an area that intrigues […]
Review of the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit at San Diego's Museum of Natural History
In my mental list of evidences for Christianity, there are few things more powerful than the book of Isaiah. In my mental list of evidences for Christianity, there are few things more powerful than the book of Isaiah. I vividly remember discovering its messianic prophecies as a sophomore while flipping through a Bible in my […]
Report on '08 Teaching Trip to Asia
My son Ben and I left for Hong Kong on Jan 2. Hong Kong is a very modern and VERY crowded city of about seven million. My son Ben and I left for Hong Kong on Jan 2. Hong Kong is a very modern and VERY crowded city of about seven million. It is a […]
Jacoby/Shermer Debate now available on YouTube
The video of the debate between Douglas Jacoby and Michael Shermer which was sponsored by the Apologetics Research Society is now available on YouTube The video of the debate between Douglas Jacoby and Michael Shermer which was sponsored by the Apologetics Research Society is now available on YouTube by going to http://youtube.com/profile?user=douglasjacoby. Doug requests that […]
2008 International Apologetics Conference
Apologetics Research Society is excited to announce the apologetics conference to be held in the Chicago area June 6-8. This conference will include a debate between Dr. Doug Jacoby, Imam Shabir Ally and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. Register now. Apologetics Research Society is excited to announce the apologetics conference to be held in the Chicago area. This event […]
Antony Flew's New Book
The most famous atheist in the world today is almost certainly Richard Dawkins (see the review of his book in the "What’s New" section). Up until three years ago, the honor probably went to Antony Flew. That is, until he publicly announced that he has become convinced of the Anthropic Argument and of the existence […]
