Thanks so much to Illumination Publishers, Toney Mulhollen and Amy Morgan, I now have two brand new books translated into Spanish.  They are de la sombra a la realidad (From Shadow to Reality) and hebreos: vivir por fe (Hebrews: Living by Faith).  Both are now available at www.ipibooks.com. de la sombra a la realidad    […]

Dr. John Oakes and Kene Izuchukwu will be be team-teaching a class on Hermeneutics: How to Study the Bible on six consecutive Saturdays beginning Sat. February 17th 9:00-11:00 PDT on zoom. 342 225 5971 pw 857096  Hermeneutics Course Description   The course is free.  We will be posting notes, power point and audio. We hope to […]

Dr. John Oakes has completed a twelve-week, 24 hour class on the history of Christianity for a ministry training program in Port au Prince, Haiti.  The class began on 1/27/2024.  The power points, notes and audio will be made available here.   L’Histoire de l’Eglise PPT    Church History Notes    The first two classes were […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a series of classes on Christian Apologetics for the student group at UC Merced this Spring.  Notes, PPT and audio are here: Existence of God PPT    Existence of God Notes    Existence of God Audio    History, Archaeology and Bible PPT    History Arch and Bible Notes    History […]

We do not normally repost the work of others at this web site, but in this case we are making an exception.  In a recent youtube post, Islamic scholar and apologist Jay Smith gives a presentation in which he challenges nearly every assumption on which the entire religion of Islam is founded. He questions virtually […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a series of five lessons on practical Christianity for students at UC Merced Fall, 2023.  This is great material! Integrity Notes    Integrity PPT    Integrity Audio    Student Disciple Notes    Student Disciple PPT    Student Disciple Audio    Love God With All Your Mind Notes    Knowledge PPT   ...

Dr. John Oakes gave two lessons at a singles conference in San Diego 10/12-15/2023.  The first was a lesson about the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians.  Holy Spirit Notes    Holy Spirit PPT    Holy Spirit Audio I    Holy Spirit II Audio    Chariot Ride Notes    Chariot Ride […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching an Old Testament Survey course for the West Coast School of Ministry this Fall.  He will be posting notes, power point and audio here. Old-Testament-Survey-Notes    Old-Testament-Survey PPT    OT Survey I Audio    OT Survey II Audio    OT Survey Audio III    OT Survey Audio IV  OT Survey […]

Dr. John Oakes recently completed a nineteen-week series of sermons from the Gospel of Matthew in Merced, California.  The combined notes and power points are available here.    Matthew Sermons Whole Series Notes    Matthew Whole Series PPT You May Also Like: Sermons from Mark by Dr. John Oakes The Book of Matthew Updated notes […]

Dr. John Oakes is excited to announce the publication of his new book, titled True, Right, Better: A Defense of the Christian Worldview.  The book analyzes the various worldviews such as naturalism, postmodernism, pantheism, dualism, polytheism, deism, Islamic theism, Christian theism, existentialism, marxism and more through the lens of three questions.  Is this worldview true–ie […]

Dr. John Oakes just completed a ten-part sermon series from the Minor Prophets (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi) for the Merced Christian Church.  The ppt, notes and audio are available here:    RRRR I-X Notes     RRRR I-X PPT Part I  RRRR I-X PPT Part II  RRRR I Audio    RRRR II Audio  […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the Book of Romans for the West Coast School of Ministry.  We will make material available here.  Romans Notes    Romans PPT    Romans Audio I    Romans Audio II    Romans Audio III    Romans Audio IV    Romans Audio V    Romans Audio VI    Romans […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a series of classes on the Book of John for campus students on a summer challenge in Merced June 12-18.  Notes, PPT and audio will be available here.    Gospel of John Notes    John PPT     John Audio I    John Audio II   John Audio III   John Audio […]

The Spanish translation of Dr. John Oakes’ book Reasons for Belief, titled Razones Para Creer is now available in Spanish translation from Illuminations Publishers.   IPI Books    Here is the direct link to purchase the book:  Razones Para Creer Please tell your friends, especially your Spanish-speaking friends about the availability of this book! You May […]

I am excited to announce that the last volume of my four-part book series on the history of Christianity is now available for purchase. The volume covers the First Great Awakening and the work of Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley and George Whitefield, the Second Great Awakening and the rise of Evangelicalism, the Stone-Campbell Movement, Adventism, […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a ten-part class on the Book of Romans Spring, 2023 in Merced. Power point, notes and audio are attached here:  Romans Notes    Romans PPT    Romans Audio I    Romans Audio II    Romans Audio III    Romans Audio IV    Romans Audio V    Romans Audio VI Biblical Predestination  […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a series of sermons from the Book of Mark in Merced, CA.  The notes, PPT and audio are attached.  Mark I Notes    Mark I PPT    Mark Audio I    Mark II Notes Kingdom Parables    Mark II PPT    Mark IIa Audio    Mark IIb Audio    Mark […]

I have given this lesson previously, but redid it recently at UC Merced and updated the notes and power point considerably  Here they are: Baptism: In Christ Notes    Baptism: In Christ PPT    Baptism Audio I   Baptism Audio II You May Also Like: In Christ: A Study of Christian Baptism Genesis Class for Interns […]

Editor’s note: I have gotten dozens of questions from disingenuous Muslim sources recently, so I decided to publish this Q & A as an article for your consideration. Question: What would you tell someone who was having trouble figuring out which religion is the one true religion? What would you tell him if he said […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a missionary teaching trip to West Africa Feb 16-Mar 5, 2023.  He will be posting all or nearly all of his lessons, outlines and ppts here.  Great Bible Study Time Notes    Great Bible Study PPT   Great Bible Study Audio    Reliability of the Bible notes    Reliability of […]

Ghana, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal    I am now in Cote d’Ivoire, and will leave for Senegal tomorrow. Accra, Ghana Feb 16-20 This is my second time in Accra, Ghana. My last visit was ten years ago. Ghana is a country of 32 million souls. It is a fairly small country, the size of […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a lecture using his book In Christ (www.ipibooks.com) for churches in Worcester and Providence titled “In Christ the Veil Is Removed.” Wed. 1/25/2023 7:30 EST on zoom.  The notes, power point, and, eventually the audio are posted here.  In Christ the Veil is Removed Notes    In Christ the Veil […]

Dr. Gary Habermas is one of the premiere apologists today.  I do not normally publish work by those I do not know personally, but in the case of his lecture on the resurrection, I am making an exception. This lecture is really great.  I strongly recommend to our EFC community to watch this lecture. In […]

Rabbi Tovia Singer has published an anti-Christian polemic which has created doubts in some Christian believers.  Dr. John Oakes has published a review of this book.  We are attaching the document and copying and pasting below.  Review of Let’s Get Biblical In addition, here is an article by Jeff Chacon Why I Believe Jesus is […]

Dr. John Oakes did a teaching weekend for the Anchor Point Church of Christ in Tampa, Florida.  Audio, Notes and Power Points are attached.  Who Is Jesus Tampa PPT    Jesus Evidence Tampa Audio    Shadow to Reality Notes     Shadow to Reality PPT    From Shadow to Reality Audio You May Also Like: […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a short series on Christian Apologetics for the Houston Church of Christ.  Notes, PPT and audio will be posted here. Science and God PPT   Science and God Houston Audio    Reliability and Inspiration of the Bible PPT      Progressive Theology Notes    Progressive Theology PPT     You May […]

Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo have published a book on the Book of Hebrews, Hebrews: Living By Faith.  They are teaching an eight hour class on Hebrews for the Los Angeles International Church of Christ Bible School eight consecutive Saturdays at 9:00 Pacific Time.  The class will be on zoom at  843 0420 3186  […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a five part series on how Christians ought to respond to false teachings which are found out there in the “Christian” world for a church in Guadalajara, Mexico.  The recording is in both Spanish and English.  Areas that will be covered include Roman Catholicism, Calvinism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, Premillennialism, Mormonism and […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a 12-hour class on the history of Christianity for the West Coast School of Ministry Fall, 2022.  All outlines, Power Points and audio are available here.    Church History Notes    Church History PPT    Church History Audio I    Church History Audio II    Church History Audio III  Church History Audio […]

Missionary Teaching Trip to Dominican Republic and Haiti        I Am now in Haiti. See below Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 8/7-8/11 This is only my second teaching trip to the Caribbean, and my first visit to either country. It is also my first overseas teaching venture in just under two and a half […]

Dr. John Oakes is traveling for eleven days in the Caribbean, teaching for churches in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.  Lessons, including notes, PPT and audio will be made available here.  The first five audios are in English and Spanish. The rest are in French and English. Worldview PPT    World View Notes  World View […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching several classes at a discipleship conference in Orlando.  We will be posting the audio immediately after the classes are offered.   After this, he will be in the Dominican Republic and Haiti and will be posting classes.  Here is the schedule: Monday 8/1 9:30 AM  King Jesus, Human Philosophies, Traditions and […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a four hour class on the Book of Daniel for a student group in Merced June 29-30, 2022.  Notes, ppt and audio are attached.  Daniel Notes    Daniel PPT    Daniel Merced Audio I    Daniel Merced Audio II    Daniel Merced III    Daniel Merced IV       […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a six-hour class on the Book of Genesis for campus interns in Merced, CA June, 2022.  The material is here.  Genesis Merced Notes    Genesis Merced PPT    Genesis Merced Audio I    Genesis Merced Audio II    Genesis Merced Audio III  Genesis Merced Audio IV    Genesis Merced Audio […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a 14-hour New Testament Survey class for the Southwest Ministry Training Program.  The first class will be Fri/Sat 2/18-19 at the Orange County building of the Los Angeles International Church of Christ. 10 Goodyear, Irvine, CA.  I will be posting notes, PPT and audio.    NT Survey Syllabus    New […]

John Oakes is now preaching regularly for the Bakersfield Church of Christ. We will be posting all of his sermons here.  Services are now live streamed Sundays at 1:00 at  www.bakersfieldchurchofchrist.com. 1 Thess 2 Paul’s Ministry Notes Combined Acts Sermons I – VI    Acts Combined Sermons I – VI Notes    Acts Combined Sermons […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon for the San Diego Church of Christ, Mission Region 4/24/22 from 2 Corinthians, which is a follow-up to his book In Christ.  He did another version of the lesson in Culver City 5/15/22  In Christ the Veil is Removed NotesIn Christ the Veil Is Removed Audio    In Christ […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon for the Lifeway region of the Los Angeles International Church of Christ 4/10/22.  The lesson is a discussion of what it meant to be set apart for God in Christ, to be made holy/sanctified in Christ and to have the veil lifted in Christ, which leads to transformation, with […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson 4/2/2022 at a Men’s Camp on the theme “Be Like Men.”  I know… It is a bit corny, but the lesson was fun and a bit inspiring, so here it is:  Running the Race PPT    Running the Race Notes    Run the Race Audio         […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a series of two classes on evidence for the reliability of the Bible for “The Temple Project,” an on-line program of the Boston Church of Christ March 19 and 26.  The first class is on the reliability of the New and Old Testament texts and on the historical accuracy of […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a class on the History of Christian Hermeneutics at a conference titled “The Art of Scripture Reading in Orange County, CA this Thursday 2/24 at 2:00.  It is still possible to register for in-person or on-line at ICOC Teachers Conference   Notes, Power Point and, later audio are here:    The […]

Editor’s note: This article appeared first as a Q & A at the website, but I am including it as an article.  I have gotten a lot of comments and questions lately from Muslims in which they attempt to undermine the authority of the Bible by comparison to the Qur’an, so I decided to post […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a three week, six-hour class on the History of Christianity, both in-person and on-line on three consecutive Saturdays, beginning Jan. 29 at 9:00 Pacific Standard Time. He recently completed the fourth and final volume of his series on Church History, which is a good time to be teaching this mini-class.  […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a lecture 2/12/2022 for the Alpha Omega Christian Club of Bakersfield.  It will be at 7300 Stockdale Hwy at 7:00.  Here are the notes, ppt and, eventually, the audio:    Problem of Pain and Suffering Notes   Problem of Suffering PPT    Pain and Suffering Audio           […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a four-part class on the Book of Daniel for students in Bakersfield, CA in January and February.  Notes, PPT and audio are included.  Daniel Notes    Daniel PPT    Daniel Audio 1    Daniel Audio 2    Daniel Audio 3    Daniel Audio 4             […]

John Oakes is giving a class on the history of issues related to unity and division within the Christian Church. This is part of a mini-seminar titled The Unbreakable Church for the Spokane Christian Church.  He will be covering issues related to ecumenism and restoration/patternism and how the church, historically has succeeded or failed in […]

Dr, John Oakes has a new book, just published by Illumination Publishers.  The title is Speaking of God. It is now available at https://www.ipibooks.com/collections/all/products/speaking-of-god The book is a how-to on leading group Bible studies, as well as seventy ready-to-go group Bible study outlines.  It is available today.  Tell a friend. You May Also Like: “In […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a series of three sermons from the Book of Job for the Bakersfield Church of Christ December, 2021.  Notes, PPT and audio are included.  Job: The Problem of Suffering I Notes    Job and Suffering I PPT    Job Suffering I Audio    Job and Suffering II Notes    Job and Suffering […]

Recently, a friend who is a minister in a Christian church was approached by a few members of his church to sign a request for a religious exemption from getting the vaccination for the Coronavirus.  He asked me to express my opinion about whether he ought to grant such a request.  Below is an edited […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a series of sermons from the Book of Psalms in Bakersfield Nov. 2021 to Feb 2022.  Psalm 51 A Clean Heart Notes  Psalm 51 PPT     Ps 51 Clean Heart Audio    Psalms of Asaph    Psalms of Asaph PPT   Psalms 73 74 Audio    Psalm 42 All In […]

Dr. John Oakes gave an evangelistic presentation for the LA Church of Christ on Saturday, Sept. 4 jn West Covina, CA.  Unfortunately, only the second lesson got recorded?  PPTs, notes and audio are here:  Who Is Jesus PPT  Who was Jesus Notes    Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up PPT  Will the Real Jesus […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a number of sermons on the Book of Isaiah for the Bakersfield Church of Christ.  I am attaching the combined powerpoint and combined notes for the eight sermons, as well as the audio.  Isaiah Sermons combined Notes    Isaiah Sermons Combined PPT    Isaiah Sermon I Audio    Isaiah Sermon II […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a six-part class on the Book of Isaiah for the Church of Christ in Sao Paulo, Brazil September and October, 2021.  The classes will be live on zoom Wednesdays at 4:00 Pacific Time address http://www.icisp.org.br/estudoBiblia  Power point and audio recordings are here:  Isaías – Brazil PPT    Isaiah Sao Paulo Audio I  […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a four-part series on the Book of Revelation in Spanish for Iglesia de Cristo de Guadelajara.  Power point and autio are being posted here   Apocalypsis ESPAÑOL PPT   Apocalypsis Guadalajara Audio 1    Apocalypsis Guad II    Apocalypsis III Dr. John Oakes is doing a six-part series of classes on […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lecture in which he provided logical arguments for the existence of a supernatural Creator/God at Bakersfield College 9/23/2021.  Existence of God Notes    Existence of God PPT  Existence of God Audio                                   You May […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a series of classes for the Sacramento Metro Church of Christ 7/9-11/21.  Notes, power points and audio are here:  Problem of Suffering PPT    Pain and Suffering Audio    Problem of Pain Notes    Hebrews Audio I    Hebrews Audio II      Hebrews Notes    Hebrews Living by Faith […]

Dr. John Oakes will be featured in a podcast sponsored by “The TribeExchange” on Wed July 14th.  The interviewers will be Elias and Rachel Delault as well as Christian Ray Flores.  The topic will be church history, but the discussion ranges into modernism, postmodernism and much more.  The podcast will be available on facebook or […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a six-session class on Romans for the campus group in Bakersfield, CA.  You can join on zoom (but better if you are college age) at 856 354 6038 pw 568399  Wed 7:30 3/10. 3/24, 4/7, 4/21, etc.  Notes, PPT and audio will be posted here.  Romans Notes  Romans PPT    […]

Thanks much to Toney Mulhollen at IPI Books and to Amy Morgan, Ana Maria Caro Maita for help with the translation, Dr. John Oakes has his first book published in Spanish translation. Daniel: Profeta Para Las Naciones.  It is available at www.ipibooks.com  Please consider getting a copy and letting your friends know! You May Also […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Isaiah for the San Diego Church of Christ and for the Bakersfield Church of Christ on five consecutive Sundays beginning Sun. 3/7   Notes, power point and audio are all available here: Isaiah Notes    Isaiah PPT    Isaiah I Audio      Isaiah II Audio    […]

Dr John Oakes is taught a two-part, three hour class on issues related to Science and Christianity and Science and the Existence of God.  The  Audio and power point are here.   Is There a God PPT     IsThereaGod Audio I    Is There a God Audio II Video is available here:   First Session  https://youtu.be/Yhgb1iiU0lg   Second Session  […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a four-part series of lessons on how we as a church can create a home for the saved and for the lost through implementing the “one another” passages in the New Testament.  The lessons were taught in Bakersfield Feb-April, 2021.  Notes, power points and audio are included.    One Another Notes […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on Old Testament/New Testament connections with his good friend Jerry Maday for the Worcester Church of Christ on several Wednesdays in March and April.  The classes can be watched live at 7:30 Eastern time (4:30 Pacific time) on the following link: https://holycross.zoom.us/j/96477652791  It will be every Wednesday in March […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Hebrews for the Igresia de Cristo en Sao Paulo Brasil on successive Wednesdays in April and May, 2021.  I am posting the power point and the audio.  Unfortunately, we do not have the notes in Portuguese, so I am posting the notes in English.    […]

Dr. John Oakes, Dr. Gregg Marutzky and Dr. Steve Kinnard are teaching a class on the twelve “Minor Prophets” of the Old Testament Feb4,5,11,12 for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Missions.  The notes and power point and audio from Dr. Oakes are here.   The Minor Prophets Notes LASMM    Minor Prophets LASMM PPT […]

Dr. John Oakes did an exegesis assignment for his masters degree program.  The assignment is posted here.    Exegesis Hosea 11.1 – 12.6      Here is a lesson from the same passage given for a singles devotional.  Hosea 11:1-12:6 Notes    Hosea 11:1-12:6 Audio                     […]

Dr. John Oakes and Jerry Maday are teaching a 7-week class on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 Eastern time on Jesus in the Old Testament, beginning 3/3/2021.  The notes and audio from John Oakes’ part of the class will be posted here.  The class can be attended by going to the following zoom link:  https://holycross.zoom.us/j/96477652791  Jesus […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a series of lessons for the Lifeway Church of Christ (part of the Los Angeles Church of Christ) on two successive Wednesdays 12/2 and 12/9 on being In Christ.  These lessons come from a book titled In Christ (www.ipibooks.com) Notes, power point and audio are available here:  In-Christ Notes    […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a series of 16 sermons from the Gospel of John Nov-Feb, 2020/2021 for the Bakersfield Church of Christ.  The notes, power point and audio are provided here:  John Whole Series Notes  John Whole Series PPT   John I Woman in Adultery audio    John II Meet Jesus Audio  John III Jesus in […]

Dr. John Oakes, along with his very good friends and colleagues, Dan Conder and Kedron Jones are teaching a series of three classes on Sat. 11/7, 11/14 and 11/21 at 9:00 Pacific Standard Time on answering the hard questions.   Here is the link to register for the class:   https://event.webinarjam.com/register/37/8rr9qan5 Topics include Why is there suffering […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a series of Christian Evidence classes for the Tucson Church of Christ. Notes, PPTs and audio are attached.    Evidence for Jesus PPT  EvidenceforJesus Audio    History Archaeology and the Bible PPT    Hist Arch and Bible Audio    Christian Worldview PPT    Christian Worldview Audio         […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a lesson on the Christian and other worldviews for a campus conference this coming weekend Oct 24/25.  The audio (but not the video) as well as the power point are available here.  Christian Worldview PPT    World View Audio                         […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class on Modernism and Postmodernism for the Dacca Church of Christ in Bangaladesh Saturday 10/24/2020.  The class is not necessarily a condemnation of either modernism or postmodernism, but discusses the strengths and weaknesses of both, as well as where they fall short of being helpful to a Christian worldview.  Here […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a four-part class on the Book of Galatians for the Bakersfield Church of Christ.  The class is focusing on Paul’s teaching that salvation is based on what Christ did on the cross, that salvation is by faith and that life in Christ is based on the work of the Holy […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a series of lessons for the Spokane Christian Church 8/23/2020.  The lessons were intended to increase the faith, both of members and visitors.  One lesson is From Shadow to Reality–a lesson about finding Jesus in the Old Testament.  Shadow to Reality Notes  Shadow to Reality PPT   Next was a lesson on […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a podcast on the Book of Hebrews, sponsored by Illumination Publishers (www.ipibooks.com), on four successive Mondays.  Here are the power point and notes for the class:  Hebrews PPT  Hebrews Notes   The audio for class #2,3 are here:  Hebrews Webinar II Audio  Hebrews Webinar III Audio  Hebrewd IV Audio  Here are the […]

Dr. John Oakes will be teaching a five-week class on the post-exile Old Testament books, including Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Esther, Nehemiah and Ezra.  The theme of these books is God restoring his people to a relationship with him.  There is much about the Kingdom of God here.  The classes will be on five consecutive Saturdays […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class on the Stone/Campbell movement for the Rocky Mountain School of Ministry. The SC movement is also known as the Restoration Movement, which is the historical root of the Churches of Christ, the Christian Church and the Disciples of Christ.  Notes, PPT and audio are attached.  Unfortunately, the first twelve […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a 12-hour class on Church History for campus interns in Bakersfield, California 7/24-25/2020.  Notes, power point and audio are available here:  Church History PPT  church history notes Part I  Church History Notes II  Ch Hist Audio 1  Ch Hist Audio 2  Ch Hist Audio 3 Ch Hist Audio 4    […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Christian theology. The class covered topics such as Trinity, the qualities of God, the problems of evil and suffering, theodicy, predestination, heaven and more.  The class is now completed.  Here are the notes, PPT, audio and link to the video.     God: Christian Theology PPT      God–Christian […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a three-part series of classes on the biblical Book of Daniel for the Greater Houston Church of Christ.  Notes, Power Point and audio are available here.  Daniel Notes    Daniel PPT    Daniel Audio 1      Daniel Audio 2      Daniel Audio 3           […]

The most important scientist today, Francis Collins and the most important Christian theologian of the day N. T. Wright have done their own rendition of Yesterday by the Beatles.  You will love it, I think.   https://biologos.org/resources/n-t-wright-and-francis-collins-sing-genesis                                   You May […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class 7/15/2020 for the Bakersfield Church of Christ on history, archaeology and the Bible.  This lesson mostly covered the Old Testament, giving strong evidence that the Old Testament is the most reliable book of ancient history we have.  History Archaeology and the Bible PPT    History Archaeology and the Bible […]

Dr.John Oakes gave a lesson  on an introduction to church history for the West region of the Los Angeles Church of Christ.  This is a very short review, but it will be a good starting point for accessing this important topic.  Dr. Oakes has a three volume series of books on church history, The Christian […]

Many of us in the community of Christian apologists are mourning the passing of Ravi Zacharias. Ravi was an energetic, devoted, intelligent and well-spoken proponent of the Christian religion and of the evidence in support of the inspiration of the Bible.  Among his many books are Jesus Among the Secular Gods and The Logic of […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching an Old Testament Survey class in Bakersfield the next few weeks.  PPT, Notes and audio are attached.    Old-Testament-Survey-PPT    OT-Survey-Notes    OT Survey I   OT Survey II  OT Survey III  OT Survey IV    OT Survey V    OT Survey VI  OT Survey VII For a video version of the […]

Dr. John Oakes’ new book In Christ has just been published by Illumination Publishers.  It is available at www.ipibooks.com  The book is about the blessings that come with life in Christ.  A few of the chapters are: You Were Outside of Christ You Came Into Christ You Have Been Reconciled With Christ You Are a […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Revelation beginning this Saturday 4/18.     Revelation notes    Revelation PPT     Video of the first class    Revelation Audio 1  Revelation II Audio   Revelation Audio III    Revelation Audio IV  Revelation Audio V  Videos are here:     https://www.youtube.com/user/bakersfieldcoc/videos           […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson on the Existence of God for the campus groups in Phoenix and Bakersfield 4/29/20.  Existence of God Audio    Existence of God PPT    Existence of God Notes                                     You May Also […]

Dr. John Oakes, Gregg Marutzky and Brian Craig taught a 16 hour class on the Book of Romans for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Missions Feb 6 & 7 in West Covina, California.  We are posting powerpoint, notes and audio. Romans PPT    Romans Notes  Romans 1  Romans 4    Romans 5    […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a series of three lessons on the general topic of who is Jesus for the Metro Region of the Los  Angeles International Church of Christ.  Notes, PPT and audio are included.  The first lesson, “Who is Jesus?” is about the claims of Jesus versus other world religious leaders and the […]

Missionary Teaching Trip to Indonesia and Hong Kong Jakarta, Indonesia 3/13 After passing through Hong Kong we land in Jakarta. Corona virus has become a big threat and we see many with masks. President Trump declared a travel ban from Europe just at the time we were leaving.  We considered reversing course, but decided the […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching for various churches in Indonesia 3/13-3/25/2020.  Notes, power points will be posted. All lessons will be in English with translation into Bahasa Indonesia.  Hebrews Living by Faith Notes    Hebrews Living by Faith PPT  Hebrews 11 Bahasa Audio  Hebrews Bandung PPT    Hebrews Notes    Hebrews Bahasa I    Hebrews […]

We are excited to announce a brand new book by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo.  It will be available in two weeks, but can be pre-ordered now from Illumination Publishers, International.  www.ipibooks.com   Here is the link for purchasing the book.  https://ipibooks.ecwid.com/#!/Hebrews—Living-By-Faith/p/168762906/category=18671191 See below for a brief excerpt from the introduction to the book. Hebrews: Living […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class, along with Dr. Nick Zola on teachers and teaching in the New Testament for the teacher’s conference Conversations on 3/6/2020.  Much of this material comes from Dr. Glenn Giles who was originally scheduled to teach this class.  Thanks, Glenn.   Teachers in the NT PPT    NT Teacher Audio   […]

John Oakes is teaching a class on Hermeneutics in Bakersfield, California in February. This class focuses on the means to best interpret and understand the Bible.  Classes are at 9:00 at 3010 Amber Canyon Place, Bakersfield (except 2/8 at 1:30). Notes, power point and audio are included.  Hermeneutics Notes    Hermeneutics PPT    Hermeneutics Audio […]

Dr. John Oakes is one of a team teaching a class on Genesis for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Missions Dec 4-5, 2019, along with Glenn Giles and Trevor Cochell.  My part will be teaching a class on Genesis and Apologetics. Notes and PPT for both the apologetics class and the full class […]

Many in our churches who spend time on our college campuses have come across the rather strange sect which teaches about the Mother Goddess. I had not come across this group personally until a recent experience while sharing my faith at Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California. Normally, I like to avoid writing against groups I […]

We want to invite you to our first annual teaching ministry conference.  It will be Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, 2020 at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. This conference is for anyone who is now doing the work of a teacher or anyone who aspires to be a teacher in the […]

Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo gave a six hour workshop on the Book of Hebrews in San Diego 11/2/19.  Notes, PPT and recordings are attached.  Unfortunately, only the teaching by John Oakes is included in the recordings. (Intro, 4:13-12:5).  Hebrews PPT    Hebrews Notes      Hebrews Audio 1  Hebrews Audio 2    Hebrews […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a very brief teaching tour in Mexico, specifically in Tlaxcala and Puebla.  These two cities are part of old Mexico. Tlaxcala is the location of the first Catholic diocese in Mexico and is the route through which Cortex conquered Tenochtictan/Mexico City.  Heb 11 Living by Faith Tlaxcala   Viviendo por la […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a 16 hour class together with Glenn Giles for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Mission 9/13-14/2019.  Because I am sharing the class with Glenn, this material does not cover the entire book.  The notes, however, do cover the entire book.    Old Testament Allusions and Foreshadows of Revelation  […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class titled “Devoted to Prayer in Bakersfield 12/3/19.   Audio, ppt and notes are attached.  Devoted to Prayer    Devoted to Prayer PPT    Devoted to Prayer Notes                                         You May Also […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a public lecture at Bakersfield College on the Christian and other worldviews.  Worldviews such as materialism, postmodernism, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christianity are described and it is proposed that the Christian worldview is the only one consistent with reality and which answers the questions that people really care about.  What Is […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a series of lessons on the Book of James for the Bakersfield Church of Christ.  Notes, PPT and audio will be attached.  James PPT    James Notes  James Part I     James Part II     James Part III    James IV                   […]

Dr. John Oakes is on a teaching tour in Poland, Denmark, Norway, Estonia and Latvia.  Recordings, power points and notes will be posted.    Problem of Suffering Polish    Problem of Suffering Russian/English Audio    From Shadow to Reality Russian    Shadow to Reality PPT Russian    Shadow to Reality PPT English   Evidence for Jesus […]

Dr. John Oakes is traveling and teaching in Poland, Denmark, Norway, Estonia and Latvia.  A journal, as well as lessons will be posted here.  Right now I am in Riga, Latvia. Warsaw, Poland 8/23-8/25 This is my first visit to the wonderful country of Poland.  We Americans tend to think of Poland as a former […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson on Science and God at Cal State, Fresno on 9/27/19.  The audio is attached, including a lengthy Q & A session.    God and Science Fresno    God and Science PPT                                 You May […]

Dr. John Oakes is one of the organizers of a Christian Teachers Conference coming up March 6-7 in San Antonio. We wanted to get the information out there. A brochure is below. Detailed schedule, cost and the ability to register will be coming soon. You May Also Like: Missionary Teaching Trip to South Asia Jan […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching an Old Testament Survey class in Bakersfield this week and will be posting notes, power point and audio. Twelve hours of audio are below. You May Also Like: Old Testament Survey Christian Evidence Class for College Students Class: Old Testament Survey Class: Old Testament Survey

Dr. John Oakes gave a presentation at Temple Beth Shalom in West Covina on God and Science. Part I was on why science tells us there is a God.  Part II was on why knowledge of science supports the idea that the Bible is inspired by God and Part III is about evolution, science and […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a twelve hour class on Christian evidence specifically for a group of campus ministry interns in Fresno, California July 11-12. Power Point presentations and audio will be uploaded from the class. You May Also Like: Lessons from India, Bangaladesh and Sri Lanka Miami Christian Evidence Weekend Audio and Power Points […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the biblical doctrine of predestination for an all-Mexico conference in Toluca, Mexico 7/20/19. The class includes biblical evidence against “once saved, always saved,” a history of the doctrine of predestination, a description of Calvinism, a refutation of Calvinism and a presentation of the biblical doctrine of predestination. Notes […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a six-part class on the Book of Romans in Bakersfield In May and June. Notes, PPT and audio are below.  Romans Notes  Romans PPT   Romans Audio I Romans Audio II    Romans Audio III    Romans Audio IV   Romans Audio V   Romans Audio VI    Romans Audio VII   Romans Audio […]

I have had a number of requests by believers to read material by Peter Enns.  He has published a number of books in which he attacks Biblical inerrancy and inspiration, and does it in the name, supposedly, of a more accurate Christianity.  I have had personal friends read his material, find his ideas credible, and […]

Dr. John Oakes gave sermons on Mother’s day and Easter.  The first is Mary: A Mother’s Heart.   Mary A Mothers Heart Notes   Mary A Mother’s Heart PPT   Mary A Mother’s Heart Audio    The second sermon is on why we can believe that Jesus was bodily resurrected from the dead, on the power of the […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a sermon on Ezekiel 36 and 37 for the Bakersfield Church of Christ 5/20/19.  Notes and ppt attached.    Ezekiel 37 Valley of Dry Bones Notes   Ezekiel 37 The Valley of Dry Bones PPT    Ezek 37 Valley of Dry Bones Audio You May Also Like: Class on the Book of Ezekiel […]

Many who use this site are familiar with a Bible study on the Coming of the Kingdom of God. This study was problematic both doctrinally and theologically for a few reasons, but many really liked using it (including myself).  I was asked to produce an updated version of the study, minus its theological errors. Here […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the Kingdom of God at a singles conference in San Diego this weekend.  Notes and power point are included, as well as expanded notes.   Kingdom of God Catalyst Notes   Kingdom of God PPT  Kingdom of God Extended Notes                   KOG Catalyst […]

Dr John Oakes gave a sermon for the Central Valley Church of Christ in Fresno 6/2/19. It is about how the primitive church put into effect the vision of Jesus in Acts 1:8 to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea and the ends of the earth. You May Also Like: Introduction to Acts Sermon Sermon: […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a two-week series of lessons on the kingdom of God in Bakersfield.  Notes and power point are here. Audio will be posted.   Kingdom of God Notes    Kingdom of God ppt     Kingdom of God I Audio    Kingdom of God II Audio You May Also Like: Kingdom of God […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a lesson from Deuteronomy 8, which are, in essence, Moses’ parting words to the second generation of those who had left Egypt and who are about to enter the Promised Land.  Deuteronomy 8 PPT     Deuteronomy 8 Notes    Deut 8 Audio You May Also Like: Deuteronomy 8: Entering the Promised Land […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lecture on God and Science for the alpha omega student group at Bakersfield College 4/4/2019.  Audio and ppt are attached.   God and Science    God and Science PPT You May Also Like: God and Science at UConn God and Science Santa Barbara 5/5/17 God and Science UCLA Dr. John Oakes Lessons […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a series of four classes on the Book of Daniel on Saturdays 9:00-10:45 beginning 2/16 at 3010 Amber Canyon Place, Bakersfield, CA 93313.  Notes, power point and audio will be posted.  Daniel PPT   DANIEL Notes   Daniel I Audio    Daniel II Audio    Daniel III Audio     Daniel PartIV     Daniel Part V    Daniel […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the history of Christianity for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Missions Nov 30-Dec 1 2018 and March 8-9, 2019.  Notes and power point are here:  church history notes Part I    Church History Notes Part II    Church History PPT    Church History audio 1     Church History Audio […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a teaching weekend for the Pioneer Valley Church of Christ March 1-3.  This includes a class on Science and God at the University of Massachussetts, Amherst on Friday evening and a lesson on the existence of God on Sunday AM.  For more information, contact Lee Callan at leemichaelcallan@gmail.com    or go […]

Dr. John Oakes, working with Mark Hodge, Jeff Chacon and Keith Wright put together a series of Bible studies to help unbelievers to become Christians for the San Diego Church of Christ.  The study series is here:  Jesus Series You May Also Like: Galatians Bible Study Series and Sermon: Living by Law vs Living by the […]

[Editor’s note: When this question came in to the web site, I was absolutely shocked to find that I had never posted an answer to this most basic of questions. So, I am publishing this as an article as well.] Question: While sharing my faith with a person of another religion, he was questioning me […]

I am now on the last leg of my travels, in Lusaka, Zambia. Lessons are at the web site. Africa 2019 Journal Jan 3-10 Abuja Nigeria I arrive in Abuja at 5:00 AM. Abuja is a city of five million. It is the second city of Nigeria and is the political capital. It is a […]

Dr. John Oakes is on a missionary teaching trip to Nigeria, Togo, Republic of Congo and Zambia.  Notes, PPTs and audio will be posted.        Revelation-PPT   Revelation notes   Revelation Abuja audio 1  Revelation Abuja audio 2   Revelation Abuja audio 3    Revelation Abuja audio 4   Daniel PPT   Daniel notes    Daniel Abuja audio  Hebrews Living […]

Editor’s note: This article was shared with me recently by a believer who uses the web site.  The author, a rabbi, proposes that a contributing factor to the fall of Babylon to Persia was that Nabonidus (the father of Belshazzar and king of Babylon, see Daniel 5) cooperated with Cyrus in order to obtain the […]

I do not post a lot of book reviews or recommendations, but for this one I am going to make an exception. I just finished reading a brand new book–published only in the last few weeks–by Peter J. Williams. It is available from Crossway Books. The title is Can We Trust the Gospels?  In this book […]

Dr. John Oakes, along with Josh Plum, Austin Farrel, Pedro Figueroa and Ricky Fagan are teaching a class on the Book of Acts for the San Diego Teaching Ministry.  Notes, Power Point and audio are attached.  The class will be every Saturday 9:00-10:45 at Church SD 4579 Mission Gorge Pl. San Diego 92120.   Acts Class […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching in Amman, Jordan, Beirut, Lebanon and Cairo, Egypt.  We will be posting outlines, ppts and audio of lessons in English, translated into Arabic.     Hard Questions Arabic PPT    Hard Questions Audio   Freedom in Christ Arabic Audio   Existence of God PPT    Existence of God Arabic audio    From God or Man […]

We are now on our way home from Egypt.  This is the final addition to the journal Middle East Fall, 2018 Journal October 22-28 Israel Jan and I are here in Israel as part of Doug Jacoby’s Biblical Study Tour for a seven day sojourn through Israel.  We arrive at Tel Aviv on Monday at […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on finding Jesus in the Old Tesatment in Temecula, California on 10/14/18.  Notes, PPT and audio are included.    Shadow to Reality Notes   FSTR PPT    FSTR Temecula Audio You May Also Like: Lessons at the University of Utah. God and Science, From Shadow to Reality… From Shadow to Reality (French […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Hebrews 11 for the Southpoint Region of the Church of Christ on 10/7/18.  Notes, PPT and audio are attached.  Hebrews 11 Notes    Hebrews 11 PPT    Heb 11 Living by Faith Audio A similar lesson for a devotional at the Orange County Church of Christ 10/9/18   Heb 5 […]

Dr. John Oakes gave his first sermon as the minister for the Bakersfield Church of Christ. The sermon came from Malachi and is titled Malachi: Faith in God vs Faithful to God.  Audio, ppt and notes are included.   Malachi” Faith or Faithful? audio    Malachi Sermon PPT   Malachi sermon notes You May Also Like: Mark […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon for the Southpoint Region of the San Diego Church of Christ on Hebrews 5 & 6 titled Jesus, the Perfect High Priest on 9/30-2018.  Notes, PPT and audio are included.   Jesus the Great High Priest notes    Jesus the Great High Priest PPT    Jesus the Perfect High Priest Audio […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a four-part class on Daniel for the Mission Region of the San Diego Church of Christ. Notes, PPT and audio are here.    Daniel PPT     Daniel Notes    Daniel Audio I    Daniel Audio 2  Daniel Audio 3    Daniel Audio 4    The Book Daniel, Prophet to the Nations by John […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the Book of Hebrews Friday and Saturday, 9/14-9/15, along with Robert Carrillo, Gregg Marutzky and Grady King for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Missions.  The updated notes and power point are attached for the use of the students (and anyone else interested.    Hebrews Notes LASMM  […]

We are excited to announce that, with the help of Carlos Vargas we have set up a youtube channel. We will be posting videos regularly to this channel.  To see a series of videos, Hebrews, Living by Faith, go here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnPEaEoBuBA You May Also Like: YouTube video of an atheist trying to doubt Jesus Evidence for […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a two-part lesson on the Book of Luke at an international singles conference on 9/1/2018.  The notes power point and audio are attached.   Luke Notes     Luke PPT      Luke Inspire Audio 1      Luke Inspire Audio 2 You May Also Like: Class on the Book of Luke The Book of […]

Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are teaching a 12 hour class on the Book of Hebrews for the Los Angeles School of Missions and Ministry in West Covina September 14-15.  The class is designed for ministers, shepherds and teachers.  For more information click here:     https://www.laschoolofministry.com/module-4 You May Also Like: Two New Products Available: […]

Editor’s note: Jonathan Lichtenwalter is a student in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program. This paper was submitted as part of the program.  Enjoy Into the Nations: A Study of Foreshadows in the Book of Joshua Joshua is a book filled with campaigns and conquest, war and slaughter, judgement and wrath.  The reader may be asking, […]

Dr. John Oakes preached a sermon for the Pomerado Region of the San Diego Church of Christ 8/25/18.  The topic is part of a series explaining how the Church in the first centuries was able to change the world. This lesson is about how the church met the needs of believers and non-believers through helping […]

Dr. John Oakes is giving a sermon on Ephesians 6 8/12/2018.  Notes, power point and audio are attached.   Ephesians 6 Notes     Ephesians 6 PPT    Ephesians 6 sermon   You May Also Like: Ephesians: One In Christ Sermon on Acts CH 20 Excel in the Grace of Giving–Sermon by John Oakes Old Testament Survey

I will be posting many lessons from my current teaching trip.  All will be in English, but with translation into Russian, Japanese, or Mongolian.  Freedom in Christ Russian     FreedominChrist Russian ppt     Hebrews Russian 1   Hebrews Russian 2   Hebrews Russian 3     Hebrews Russian PPT  Christian World View Russian   Christian World View Russian PPT   From […]

Dr. John Oakes is starting a three week missionary teaching trip to Russia, Japan, Mongolia and Kyrgistan.  Right now I am in Kyrgyzstan at a conference for leaders in Central Asia.  I will be posting regularly while traveling. Vladivostok, Russia July 13-16 The first stop on my teaching trip this summer is Vladovostok, Russia.  Travel […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching several Bible classes July 7-9 in Mexicali.  The classes are on Malachi, James and a lesson on Acts 20–the farewell address by Paul.  Power points and audio are enclosed.    Clase Malaquías PPT   Clase Malachias Audio   Taller de Santiago PPT   Taller de Santiago 1 Audio   Taller de Santiago 2    Taller […]

Budjima Budjima You May Also Like: If Adam be Razed, is Our Faith in Vain? Two New Products Available: 2013 ICEC Conference Christianity and Culture and World Religions Class. Answering the Hard Questions Power Point Presuppositional Apologetics

Dr. John Oakes and Austin Ferel taught a lesson for teens at the San Diego teen camp on 6/17/18. The class was intended to help teens see through the religious confusion out there to understand that Jesus is literally the ONLY way to God.  This is done through considering the claims of other religions, looking […]

One of the students in our Apologetics Certificate Program, Drew Tacher, has written a really nice paper for the course on Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Mormonism).  The biography is good (if you want more, purchase my book on Mormonism, “Mormonism: What Does the Evidence […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon in San Diego 6/10/18 from the Book of Galatians. The theme is living by the Holy Spirit versus living by the obligation of the Law.  The lesson focuses in on the fact that our freedom comes from having the Holy Spirit in us. Living by the flesh causes us […]

The attached is a fairly detailed set of notes on the Book of Isaiah prepared by John Oakes and Carlos Vedovato. Please note that this outline is intended for use in group studies.  It is largely composed of suggestive questions and parallel passages rather than a scholarly exegesis of the book. It may be useful […]

Dr. John Oakes taught many lessons in Vladivostok, Ulan Bataar and Bishkek.  Russian translation of the power points are included here.    FreedominChrist Russian ppt    Hebrews Russian PPT     Shadow to Reality Russian PPT     Christian World View Russian PPT You May Also Like: Russian Audio July, 2018 Hebrews, Church History, From Shadow to Reality, […]

We are excited to announce an addition to the materials available at this web site.  Thanks to the help of my good friend Cory Wadstrom, we will now be hosting a regular podcast covering areas of Christian evidence, biblical studies, current topics and more.  Our plan is to post every two weeks at first, hopefully […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon as an intro to a series on Acts in San Diego 4/29/8.  The lesson focuses on the Holy Spirit in Acts, on the growth of the New Testament Church and on the elements of that amazing growth.  The theme verse is Acts 1:8–to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Colossians at the Catalyst conference in San Deigo 4/22/18.  Notes, PPT and audio are attached.  Christ Catalyst for Change Notes   Christ Catalyst for Change PPT  Christ Catalyst Colossians Audio You May Also Like: Philippians 3 Sermon Christ in You, the Hope of Glory. Class on Philippians and […]

Dr. Jennifer Konzen just completed a class on Psychological issues and Christianity.  The power point and audio of the class is being made available.  The class outline is below.   Class One PPT History   Class Two PPT Diagnoses     Class Three PPT Depression and Anxiety    PPT class #4 Drugs and Sex    Class Five PPT Therapies   Christian Counselor Audio […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a 15 hour Old Testament Survey class in San Diego.  The notes, audio and power point are here.     OT-Survey-Notes      OT-Survey-PPT   OT Survey Audio 1    OT Survey Audio 2    OT Survey 3    OTSurvey 4     OTSurvey 5    OT Survey 6     OT Survey 7    OTSurvey […]

Thanks to the amazing contribution and help of Cory Wadstrom, Evidence for Christianity now has a podcast.   We will be finding different modes to make this podcast available, but in the meantime we invite you to check out our first of many podcasts to come at this link:     https://soundcloud.com/cory-wadstrom/podcast-ep-1-rough-draft?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=email You May Also Like: God […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon in San Diego on 3/25/28 on Philippians 3.  The Title is Our Confidence in Christ.  Philippians 3 Notes     Philippians 3 PPT   Philippians 3 Audio You May Also Like: Messianic Prophecies in Matthew Sermon on Acts CH 20 Mark Intro and CH 1,2 Sermon by Dr. John Oakes Excel in […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class encouraging all to be devoted to knowing and understanding the Scriptures in San Diego 3/7/18.  Notes, PPT and audio are atached.   Devoted to the Apostles Teaching Notes      Devoted to Teaching PPT     Devoted to Teaching Audio   You May Also Like: Devoted to Prayer Audio Devoted to Prayer […]

Dr. Robert Kurka passed yesterday, 3/31/18. He was a great personal friend of all of the members of the board of the Apologetics Research Society. Bob was a professor of theology at Lincoln Christian University and a professor of Christian Apologetics, theology, and an expert of the Christian World View.  He was also a preacher […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class for the Los Angeles School of Missions and Ministry (LASMM) Saturday 2/23 as part of a class on the Book of John.  His class will be about how the Book of John reveals who Jesus is through the ways he fulfilled the messianic expectation, specifically in the ways […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a two-part, six hour class for the Ministry Training Program at the San Diego Church of Christ.  The notes, power point and audio are attached (first part of the audio only for now).    Hermeneutics notes    Hermeneutics PPT    Hermeneutics SD 1     Hermeneutics SD 2      Hermeneutics SD 3   Hermeneutics […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching for the Salt Lake Christian Church at the University of Utah.  God and Science SLC   Science and God PPT   From Shadow to Reality SLC1    From Shadow to Reality SLC 2   From Shadow to Reality SLC 3  From Shadow to Reality SLC 4   From Shadow to Reality PPT   Living by […]

I was recently asked to write a short article on prayer for the web site disciplestoday  Hopefully, it will be of help to some of our readers. Teach Us to Pray What is Prayer and Why Do We Pray? Let us start with two questions: What is prayer to you? Why do you pray? Either […]

Editor’s note:  This paper is by one of the students in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program, Drew Tacher.  The paper is good enough we have decided to post it.  If you are interested in enrolling in our Apologetics Certificate Program, contact us at joakes01@san.rr.com Drew Tacher Why Christians Should Believe in the Theory of Evolution […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a teaching weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Here are the lessons   God and Science Minneapolis    Revelation PPT   Revelation notes    Revelation Minn 1  Revelation Minn 2  Revelation Minn 3  Revelation Minn 4  Revelation Minn 5  Revelation Minn 6   Freedom for What/Golden Rule Membership You May Also Like: The Book of Revelation: […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching in the Philippines, first in Cebu.  In Manila he is teaching a fifteen hour Christian Apologetics class for APLA, the Asia Pacific Leadership Academy. These are the audios and power points.    Malachi Faith or Faithful Audio  Malachi Sermon PPT    Acts 20 Lesson    Acts Ch 20 PPT    Freedom […]

John Oakes is traveling for two weeks, first to Dallas, then to Korea and the Philippines. I am now in Manila, Philippines, to teach for their leadership academy. Jan 7-9 Dallas Texas This is my first time being part of what is known as the Texas Roundup.  This is an annual gathering of Christian leaders […]

Dr. John Oakes is currently on a teaching trip. Relevant outlines, power points and audio will be posted here.  World View PPT  Christian World View     Messianic Prophecies Study      Hard Questions PPT     Hard Questions Audio        Evidence for Jesus PPT     Evidence for Jesus Study   Evidence for Jesus Audio    God and Science […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson on being devoted to prayer for the Mission Region of the San Diego Church of Christ.  Notes, ppt and recording are included (unfortunately the first eight minutes were lost).  Devoted to Prayer Notes  Devoted to Prayer PPT  Devoted to Prayer Audio Here is the whole lesson, but with slightly less sound quality: Devoted […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class  on Ezekiel and Daniel as part of a class for the Los Angeles School of Ministry and Missions (LASMM) at the Light House Building at 3508 E. Temple Way, West Covina, CA, 91791, December 8-9, 2017, Friday and Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.   Here are notes on the Book of […]

This outline was created by Dr. John Oakes.  It is not an in-depth study of the book of 1 Corinthians, but rather is for use in group studies of the book, including background and lots of questions to be used in a group study.   1 Corinthians Group Study Outline You May Also Like: Prophets of […]

Dr John Oakes is teaching a six week class on the Book of Genesis at ChurchSD in San Diego on six Saturdays, beginning on October 7. The class will be from 9-10:45.  The cost of the entire series is $20.  Light refreshments are included.  For more information or to register, contact Jan at joakes01@san.rr.com.  Notes, […]

A good friend sent a link about a recent article at www.biblereadingarchaeology.com  It reports a find of a cuneiform tablet from Babylon which appears to be from Nebuchadnezzar’s son Evil-Merodach regarding a radical change in Nebuchadnezzar’s character in which he is not attending to his responsibilities and has abandoned the worship of Marduk. Nebuchadnezzar Article […]

The following is an essay by Dr. John Oakes.  It is a reflection on the Christian Reformation in light its 500th Anniversary. A Reflection on the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation There is much interest in the Christian world on the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.  Even in mostly-atheist Germany, awareness of the […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Hermeneutics in San Diego 11/18/17.  This was a very brief class, and was a follow-upon a class about maintaining fulfilling personal Bible study.  The audio is attached, along with notes for the class and for a much longer version of the class.   Hermeneutics Audio   Hermeneutics Notes Short   Hermeneutics […]

At Evidence for Christianity we have been looking for quite a while for a primarily-Spanish-speaking apologist who would help to build up the Spanish part of our website and ministry.  We are excited to announce that God has finally answered our prayers in this regard.  Carlos Santos Aquirre is from Peru, but lives in Madrid, […]

[editor’s note: This is a paper submitted by Drew Tacher, who is one of the students in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program.  It was sufficiently well done that we wanted to publish the paper for your benefit.  If you are interested in the program, click on the appropriate link at the front page of the […]

ARS and the San Diego Church of Christ put on a conference in San Diego on Ethics and Christianity.  Here are the audio and some power points and notes.   Christianity and Politics Audio    Intolerance of Tolerance Audio  The Intolerance of Tolerance PPT    Moral Question of Abortion Audio   The Moral Question of Abortion PPT   Same Sex Attraction […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class in San Diego on both 10/4 and 9/5 on getting the most from our personal study of the Bible. Here are the notes, audio and power point.  Great Bible Study PPT   Great Bible Study Audio 9/5    Great Bible Study 10/4    Great Bible Study Notes You May Also Like: […]

Dr. Gregg Marutzky taught a class for the San Diego Church of Christ on the ministry of grace on August 27, 2017.  This is a great lesson for anyone involved in Christian ministry.     Grace Ministry I      Grace Ministry II You May Also Like: Growing in Grace Grace Ministry Growing in Grace: More […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class based on 2 Peter 1:5-8 for a men’s devotional in San Diego 7/27/17.  Notes, audio and PPT are attached.  Knowledge and Self-control notes  Knowledge and Self-Control PPT    Knowledge and Self Control audio You May Also Like: Class on the Book of Ezekiel Class on the Book of John Class to […]

William Branham and the Branhamites in French-speaking Africa Many readers may never have heard of William Branham.  Until recently, I was in this group. However, in my recent travels in both the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), I came across a pseudo-Christian cult which is endemic in these two […]

These are my last two days in Kinshasa.  The city is back to being peaceful and I am teaching again.  See below for the latest. Missionary Teaching Trip  Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo 2017 Lagos Nigeria June 28-July 3 This is my fourth visit to Lagos. It is a sprawling city on the Western coast of Nigeria […]

On my most recent missionary teaching trip, I have been asked more than once what are the required qualities and training in order for a disciple of Jesus to become a teacher.  I, therefore, decided to put together a few of my thoughts.  They are attached as well as copied and pasted below.   Qualities of […]

Dr. John Oakes is traveling and teaching in Nigeria, Cameroon and Congo.  Relevant notes, power points and audio are included here.  HebrewsLivingbyFaithLagos         Freedom in Christ Lagos    Answering the Hard Questions Lagos  Hard Quest PPT   In Christ Lagos   Acts Church History Lagos   Acts and Church History PPTDeuteronomy 8 Sermon Port Harcourt   From Shadow […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the leadership style of Jesus focusing on implementation of vision.  The class was given for a group of campus interns in San Diego 6/20/17.  Jesus the Leader Notes   Jesus the Leader PPT   Jesus the Leader Audio You May Also Like: A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament Class […]

Brian Colon, a member of ARS, recently taught a lesson in the historical Jesus.  It is available in youtube, so we are sharing the link.  Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knu7wObiowc You May Also Like: Audio on the Resurrection of Jesus by Brian Colon. Always Be Prepared: A Class by Kedron Jones at 2012 ICEC UCLA Who Said Jesus […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon for the Greater Albuquerque Church of Christ on 6/4/17.  It is a study of the amazing things that we have in Christ.  Audio and PPT are attached.  In Christ Los Alamos    In Christ PPT   In Christ Notes You May Also Like: Lesson: Golden Rule Membership Ephesians: One In Christ […]

The Gallup Organization has polled Americans on their view of human origins since 1982 http://www.gallup.com/poll/210956/belief-creationist-view-humans-new-low.aspx   .  The three choices Americans were given were: 1. Human beings developed over millions of years, but God guided this process. 2. Human beings developed over millions of years, but God had no part in this process. 3. God created humans […]

John Oakes and Carlos Vedovato taught an 8-week series of group Bible studies on the book of Galatians.  This outline could be used for a Bible class, but it is designed for a series of group studies of the book.   Galatians Bible Study   Also, John did a sermon on Galatians.  Here are the notes from […]

The San Diego Church sponsored a mini-conference on Grace.  The principle teacher was Dr. Gregg Marutzky along with Dr. John Oakes, Doug Lovgren, John and Yung Gore, Austin Ferrel and Cory Wadstrom.    Gospel Grace Audio I    Gospel Grace Audio II   Gospel Grace I PPT   Gospel Grace II PPT   Life In Christ PPT    Life In […]

John Oakes taught a class on Walking in the Light for the singles ministry in San Diego on 5/9/17.  In the lesson he is attempting to provide a nuanced definition of walking in the light and the importance of being open with one another, with oneself and with God.  Notes are posted here for those […]

Dr. John Oakes did a teaching weekend 5/5 and 5/6 in Santa Barbara.  Audio for his lesson on God and Science is attached, as well as the power point.  He also did a lesson Acts and Church History.  It was not recorded, but for those who requested, the power point is attached.  There were about […]

Archaeologists recently reported in National Geographic on excavations in the Negev desert which supports the biblical picture of Solomon as a powerful and wealthy king of Israel.  They appear to have discovered some of “King Solomon’s mines.”  Evidence from 3000 year old dung supports the belief that Solomon’s kingdom stretched from the Mediterranean to the Negev. […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on giving as part of the “Treasure Principle” series in San Diego 3/26/17.  Outline, PPT and audio are attached.  The series was first given to the Johannesburg Church of Christ.  Contact us if you would like more information.   Excel in the Grace of Giving Notes   Grace of Giving PPT  […]

Dr. John Oakes and Pedro Figueroa are teaching an in-depth class on the books of Philippians and Colossians on six consecutive Saturdays from 9:00-10:45 beginning 2/25/17.  We have now started Colossians.  Pedro has started teaching.  The PPT and notes below include Pedro’s.  The class is at the Chinese Community Church 4998 Via Valarta, San Diego, CA […]

Dr. John Oakes gave two lessons for the Coastal Region of the LA Church of Christ.  The audio is attached.   Daniel Manhattan Beach Audio  Evidence for Jesus Manhattan Beach You May Also Like: Missionary Teaching Trip to South Asia Jan 5-23 Lessons from India, Bangaladesh and Sri Lanka Audio of lessons by Dr. John Oakes translated […]

Editor’s Note:  The following document, clearly, has no relationship to Christian evidence, but a good friend published this treatise on the Restoration Movement which I believe will be of interest to some of our subscribers.  It is written by a friend John Teal who has himself been part of a group within the Restoration Movement […]

Richard Wright, a student in our ARS Christian Apologetics Certificate Program wrote a paper on the Framework Theory as an explanation of the Genesis creation accounts in the first two chapters of Genesis.  This paper does not reflect the opinion of the ARS board.  In fact, Richard argues in this paper against a theory that […]

[Editor’s note: I have had a lot of positive interaction with Roman Catholic believers, but I also get a lot of comments accusing this web site of being anti-Catholic and biased against that viewpoint.  Normally, I simply respond respectfully, but I wanted to give a more complete response and publish it as an article, so […]

Teaching Trip to South Asia  January, 2017 Delhi Jan 5-7 I arrive in Delhi after 24 hours of travel.   Delhi is the political capital as well as being perhaps the most important city of industry in India.  It is a mega city with a population of nearly 25 million.  Despite the massive population, Delhi is […]

Dr. John Oakes is delivered a number of lessons on a missionary teaching trip in South Asia Jan 5-22, 2017.  Attached are power points, notes and audio for these lessons.   From Shadow to Reality India Audio    Existence of God Audio    Reliability of the Bible Audio   Marriage Divorce and Remarriage Audio   Marriage and Divorce Notes   Acts […]

A good friend of ARS, Davaid Simmons did a lesson on the resurrection of Jesus on New Year’s Eve.  We are posting the power point here.  Apologetics and the Resurrection – 2016-Dec   Here is a link to see the video: Jesus’ Resurrection – an Apologetic View You May Also Like: Miami Christian Evidence Weekend Audio […]

We are reposting an article on a biblical and historical perspective of Christmas from 2007 for your enjoyment.  Merry Christmas.  John Oakes Question: Is Christmas a Christian Holiday? Answer: Christmas sure has taken a beating lately, seemingly from all sides.  The secularists demand that we say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas,  while some believers have […]

Last weekend we brought together eight teachers from across the US for a conference on History, Archaeology and Christianity.  We are really grateful to York College in York, Nebraska for hosting the conference.  A few of the notes and power points from the conference are attached here.  The audio is available through the membership option […]

Dr. John Oakes will be making a teaching trip to India, Bangaladesh and Sri Lanka from Jan 5-23, 2017.  We will be posting a journal, itinerary and lessons during the trip.  Cities to be visited include New Dehli, Mumbai, Pune, Dhaka (Bangaladesh), Kolkatta, Bangalore, Chennai and Colombo (Sri Lanka).  If you are able to attend […]

Mark your calendar:  Nov. 11-13 The Apologetics Research Society is excited to announce our tenth International Christian Evidences Conference.  The theme will be the evidence from History and Archaeology which supports the reliability and the message of Old and New Testaments.  The dates will be Nov 11-13.  The conference will begin on Friday morning.  Speakers […]

Dr. John Oakes is taught a five week series on The Reliability and Inspiration of the Bible on Saturdays in October, 2016. Class Outline is below.  Notes, PPT and audio are attached.    Reliability and Inspiration Notes     Reliability and Inspiration PPT    Reliability and Insp Audio I     Reliability and Insp Audio II    Reliability and Insp Audio III  […]

Dr. John Oakes taught lessons on Daniel and Hebrews in Milwaukee this weekend. The outlines and power points are here.  Hopefully, we will post he audio as well.   Daniel Notes     Daniel PPT    Hebrews Notes   Hebrews PPT You May Also Like: The Book of Hebrews Recordings from Dr. John Oakes’ southern Africa teaching trip The […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a four-part class on the Book of James in San Diego in September, 2016.  Notes, power point and audio are attached.   James Notes    James PPT    James Audio 1   James Audio 2    James Audio 3   James Audio 4 You May Also Like: Class on the Book of Acts by Dr. John […]

John Oakes is preaching a sermon today as part of a series on “Passing the Torch”. The theme is God sending the Messiah to save mankind. Notes are here.  The PPT and audio will be posted later.    Solomon Passing the Torch Notes    Solomon Building God’s Temple Audio    Solomon Bible Talk      Solomon Building the […]

On Sept. 15-16 we were honored to be taught in a ten hour class on The Meaning of Baptism by Dr. Jack Cottrell of Cincinnatti Christian University.  The class was absolutely amazing. You are going to have to watch this class.  It will soon be available on both video and audio at www.ipibooks.com  It is […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson at the Northwest Teen Camp, “Anchored in Christ.”  The lesson started with Hebrews 6:13-18 and the fact that our confidence is based on Jesus who is our anchor.  The lesson then proceeds to giving evidence from the claims of Jesus and fulfilled prophecy that we can be sure Jesus […]

Dr.  John Oakes taught a lesson for the Seattle Church of Christ 7/17/16 on Christian freedom and on the proper use of that freedom by members of the Church.  The lesson also emphasizes God’s plan for us to use our gifts as a ministry to build up the Church.   Freedom in Christ PPT   Freedom in […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson for the Seattle Church of Christ titled “What is Truth?”  The lesson discusses the Christian and other Worldviews and how to explain Christianity to those who have a different world view.  This lesson has been posted before, but the PPT has been updated extensively.  What Is Truth PPT    What is […]

After a three year hiatus, Dr. John Oakes has published the second in what will (God willing) be a three part series of books on the history of Christianity.  The Christian Story Part II: Finding the Church in Church History. This books covers the years 450-1500 AD.  Topics include the Church of the East, the […]

John Oakes is now on a three week teaching trip to Ukraine, Moldova (try finding that one on a map), and Russia. All lessons from the trip are posted in another article on the site. I have now passed through Odessa and Kishinev and Kiev.  I have also taught in St. Petersburg, and am now […]

Dr. John Oakes taught on many topics for churches in Ukraine, Moldova and Russia June 14-July 3, 2016.  All audio are in both English and Russian.  Evidence for Jesus Kiev PPT   Evidence for Jesus Russian I  (note: part II will be posted later)  Evidence for Jesus Russian III   Ezekiel Russian I    Ezekiel Russian II  Ezekiel notes  […]

Dr. John Oakes has taugh on this topic before, but he recently updated the notes and power point significantly, and is making them available.  HistoryArchaeologyandBiblenotes   histarchbibppt You May Also Like: The Book of Matthew Updated notes and power point Power Point: History, Archaeology and the Bible Power Point and Notes: Using OT Archaeology in Teaching […]

Dr. John Oakes recently taught the Book of Matthew in Kiev, Ukraine.  The notes and power point, already available at the site, have been significantly updated.  Matthew Notes   Matthew PPT You May Also Like: The Gospel of Matthew Messianic Prophecy Notes and Power Point Messianic Prophecies in Matthew Prophecies in Matthew

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Acts for Iglesia de Cristo en Mexicali.  PPT and audio in English with Spanish translationare attached.    Clase de Hechos PPT   Hechos Mexicali I Audio   Hechos Mexicali II Audio   Hechos Mexicali III    Hechos Mexicali IV   Hechos Mexicali V You May Also Like: Hechos y la […]

The Apologetics Research Society sponsored a six hour class at the University of California, San Diego on Islam.  The teachers were Dan Conder and John Oakes.  It also included from former Muslim converts to Christianity.  The class covered the history of Islam, the life of Muhammed, the Quran and Hadith, Apologetics and Islam, Jihad and Islam, modern […]

Dr. John Oakes is taught an in-depth class on the Book of John.  The event was sponsored by the San Diego Church of Christ.  Here are the notes, power point and audio:    Book of John Notes    Gospel of John    John Workshop Audio 1    John Workshop Audio 2    John Workshop Audio 3    John Workshop Audio […]

Dr, John Oakes is giving a series of classes on the Holy Spirit for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ.  The first class is on the Role of The Holy Spirit in our Lives.  The second is The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts.  These will be followed by classes on  The […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on six consecutive Saturdays beginning 2/27/16 from 9:00-10:40 at 4324 Clairemont Mesa Dr. San Diego, CA  92117.  The class will be an exposition of the books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah.   For those who cannot come, we will be posting the outline, power point and audio.  To register, […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on 3/13 in San Diego on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian.  Notes, PPT and audio are attached.    Holy Spirit Sermon Holy Spirit Sermon Notes   Holy Spirit Sermon PPTt You May Also Like: Sermon and Power Point: The Role of the Holy […]

Illumination Publishers just released a new ten hour CD set on the Book of John.  The class is by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo.  It is available at www.ipibooks.com You May Also Like: New CD Set available from IPI “Christian Theology” New CD set available from IPI “And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever” […]

Illumination Publishers just released a new 9-hour CD set.  The class is on Christian Theology.  It is team taught by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo.  This class provides the basics for understanding who God is, which is, arguably, the most important topic any believer can study.  It is available at www.ipibooks.com You May Also […]

Illumination Publishers have just released a new CD set on the Book of Revelation.  This is a 9-hour class taught by Dr. John Oakes.  It includes power point and notes as well.  The CD set is available at www.ipibooks.com You May Also Like: Apocalyptic Literature/The Book of Revelation Recordings of the 2013 ICEC Christianity and […]

Dr. John Oakes has a new CD series on Biblical Hermeneutics.  It is a ten-hour class on how to interpret the Bible.  The series is availabel at www.ipibooks.com. You May Also Like: Class on Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible If we interpret the scripture by good hermeneutics, we should always come to a single […]

Jason Baars, one of the students in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program (see the button on the front page of the web site), recently wrote a paper on types, prefigures and foreshadows found in the biblical book of Esther.  The paper is of very good quality, so, with permission, we would like to share it […]

Is Baptism a Work of Salvation? I have repeatedly gotten questions at my web site asking about where baptism fits into Christianity.  These questions usually come from people who have been influenced by the prevailing theological and doctrinal landscape within evangelical Christianity—primarily from reformed theology and Calvinism.  The premise of these questions involves two aspects.  […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class in Manila Jan 22, 2016, on the need for apologetics in the post-Christian world, focusing in on comparison of the Christian to other world views.   Need For Apologetics PPT    Need for Apologetics Audio You May Also Like: What Is Truth? The Christian vs. Other World Views. Video Christian […]

Dr. John Oakes taught on Calvinism–its history, basic theology and reasons to reject its basic tenets–in Manila Jan 23, 2016.  The notes and power point are included.   Answering Calvinism Notes    Answering Calvinism PPT   Due to technical glitches, only part I and part IV are available in high quality Calvinism I Audio     Calvinism IV Audio but the […]

Dr. John Oakes traveled to SE Asia for three weeks.  The report is below. Bangkok Jan 6-8 This is my third visit to this world-class city of over ten million people. Thailand is a majority Buddhist country.  I see signs banning the use of Buddha symbols at the airport on the way in, as this […]

Dr. John Oakes is on a teaching trip to Bangkok, Udon, Phnom Penh, Siem Riap, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Manila for the next three weeks.  He will be posting pictures and a report, as well as lesson outlines and audio every couple of days.  Contact him if you are in one of these cities […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a series of classes on the Book of Acts for the Singles ministry of the San Diego Church of Christ on Thursday evenings beginning September 3 at the Mission Center of Hope.  Notes, power point and audio are attached.   Acts Class Notes   Acts Class PPT  Acts Audio Part I     Acts […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Malachi, focusing on our covenant relationship with God and giving our best to God in San Diego 12/6/15.  Notes, PPT and audio are attached.   Malachi Sermon Notes    Malachi Sermon Audio    Malachi Sermon PPT You May Also Like: Malachi: Faith in God or Faithful to God? Malachi: Faith in […]

Pedro Figueroa and Dr. John Oakes taught a six-week class on the Book of Romans at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego on six consecutive Saturdays, beginning October 3rd.  The notes, power point and audio are posted here.   Romans Notes John  Romans Notes Pedro     Romans PPT Pedro       Romans PPT John    Romans Audio […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Acts chapter 20 for the San Diego Church of Christ on 10/26/15.  It focuses primarily on the farewell sermon of Paul to the Ephesian elders.   The outline, power point and audio are attached.     Acts Ch 20 sermon notes        Acts Ch 20 sermon […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a public lecture on God and Science/Science and the Bible at the University of Connecticut 10/15/2015.   The power point and audio are attached.     God and Science PPT     God and Science UConn Audio You May Also Like: New Power Point on God Science and Miracles God and Science: Audio […]

ARS is proud and excited to announce the opening of the John Clayton Museum of Ancient History, featuring the Foster Stanback Collection.   This museum has been the dream of our board chairman Foster Stanback for more than a decade.  Huge thanks to York College in York, Nebraska for hosting this amazing museum.   Here […]

John and Jan Oakes taught classes for a singles conference in Tijuana focusing in on the claims of Jesus.  Notes and Power Point in English and Spanish and audio in Spanish.   I AM The Way Notes  I AM the Way PPT   Yo Soy El Camino PPT     Yo Soy El Camino Audio   I AM The Truth Notes    […]

The Apologetics Research Society, along with the South Florida Church of Christ put on a Christian Evidence weekend in Miami/Dade and Broward County, including at Florida International University Sept. 18-20, 2015.  The audio and some of the power points and outlines are attached.   God is Good: The Problems of Pain, Suffering and Evil PPT    Problem […]

ARS, along with the South Florida Church of Christ is putting on an apologetics weekend designed for university students, but all are invited.  Teachers include Dr. John Oakes, Dan Conder, Kate Hall and Brian Colon.  There will be an evangelistic event Friday evening at Florida International University and several classes on Saturday as well as […]

Editor’s Note:  This response comes from Kedron Jones, a member of the board of Apologetics Research Society Question: Thanks for following up about my baptism issue I brought up. Basically it was an article on the question as to whether “baptism” is necessary to be saved/go to heaven? The article went through many scriptures and […]

John Oakes  gave a sermon from Hebrews 11 on Sunday Sept 13 in San Marcos, California.  The notes, power point and audio are attached.   Living by Faith Notes    Living by Faith PPT   Living by Faith Audio You May Also Like: Living By Faith: Notes and Power Point Mark Intro and CH 1,2 Sermon by Dr. […]

Editor’s Note:  Rich Wright, one of the students in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program, has written an excellent paper on the question of the inerrancy of the Bible, focusing in on the most important document on that topic ever published, which is known as the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy.  He criticizes their approach, especially with […]

Mike and Mary Shapiro gave a series of classes on Christianity and Mental Health in San Diego at a conference titled “Living Waters” Aug 14-16, 2015.  This is one of the classes. You May Also Like: Ephesians: One In Christ Recordings from Dr. John Oakes’ southern Africa teaching trip Lessons by John Oakes in Bahasa […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Strong in Chrst and a sermon titled One in Christ for the Coastal Region of the Los Angeles Church of Christ for their family retreat 8/15/15.  Notes power point and audio are attached.  Strong in Christ is about how to deepen our understanding of the scripture, using examples […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon showing how Matthew uses fulfilled prophecies to introduce us to Jesus Christ. The theme verse is Matthew 5:17 in which Jesus claims that he has fulfilled the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew Intro Sermon Notes   Matthew Intro Sermon PPT   Matthew Intro Audio You May Also Like: Prophecies in Matthew […]

John and Jan Oakes are visiting four churches in Indonesia as well as Singapore.  We will be regularly updating our report on our wonderful journey to teach and encourage Christians in this exotic part of the world.  We will also be posting lessons as we go.  We have now been in Surabaya on Java, inManado […]

Dr. John Oakes is taught a class on Answering the Hard Questions at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21.  He gave a brief overview of the Christian world view before launching into the Christian answer  to the questions both believers and non-believers often struggle with, such as […]

Dr. John Oakes is traveling in Indonesia for two weeks.  He will be uploading lessons given there.  All will be taught in English, but most with Bahasa Indonesia translation.  Classes include one on Hebrews 11 (Living by Faith), a five hour class on the Book of Revelation, and a five hour class on the Book […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Presuppositional Apologetics and World View Apologetics at the 2015 ICEC in York, Nebraska.  The class covers the common worldviews, including the Christian worldview and shows why the Christian Worldview is by far the one which makes the most sense.  It is also a critical look at the Calvinistic […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Naturalist/Materialist/Determinist worldview in comparison to the Christian worldview, including a history of science and Christianity and the development of the modernist philosophy at the 2015 ICEC in York, Nebraksa.    Christianity and Modernism PPT    Christianity and Modernism Notes   You May Also Like: Christianity and Modernism Science […]

Dr, Robert Kurka taught a lesson at the 2015 ICEC in York, Nebraska on a Christian understanding of bioethics.   Bioethics and the Christian Worldview PPT    You May Also Like: Resurrection World View Rethinking World View: A New Paradigm for Christian Discipleship Genesis, Science and the Christian Worldview Presuppositional Apologetics

This lesson was given by Dr. John Oakes at the 2015 ICEC in York, Nebraska.  It deals with the hard questions of Christianity such as the question of suffering, of evil, of the trinity, of violence in the Old Testament and of Hell.    Hard Questions 2015 ICEC PPT   You May Also Like: Answering […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class in Manado, Indonesia June, 2015.  The class is about the spread of the church in the first three centuries and a call for disciples today to start a revolution to do the same thing.  It is in English, and translated into Bahasa Indonesia.   You May Also Like: The […]

This lesson was taught by Dr. John Oakes to teens in Jakarta, Indonesia in July, 2015.  It is in English and translated into Bahasa Indonesia.  Knowing God The Christian Adventure PPT     You May Also Like: The Book of Revelation in English and Bahasa Indonesia Lessons by John Oakes in Bahasa Indonesia From Shadow to […]

This lesson was given by Dr. John Oakes in Bali, Indonesia.  It includes translation into Bahasa Indonesia.   You May Also Like: The Book of Revelation in English and Bahasa Indonesia Knowing God: The Christian Adventure in English and Bahasa Indonesia Lessons by John Oakes in Bahasa Indonesia The Book of Ezekiel in English and […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a six hour class on the Book of Ezekiel in Surabaya June, 2015.  It is in English with translation into Bahasa Indonesia.   Ezekiel PPT Ezekiel Bahasa 1 You may now download the MP3 file by clicking here   Ezekiel Bahasa 2 You may now download the MP3 file by clicking here   […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Revelation in Surabaya, Indonesia.  It is in English, with translation into Bahasa Indonesia.  Revelation Bahasa 1    Revelation Bahasa 2   Revelation Bahasa 3 short    Revelation Bahasa 4   Revelation Bahasa Indonesia PPT You May Also Like: The Book of Ezekiel in English and Bahasa Indonesia From Shadow […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Presuppositional Apologetics at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21.  He gave a brief overview of the types of apologetics, followed by an analysis of the strong and weak points of presuppositional apologetics, followed by a discussion of world view apologetics. […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Modernism and Scientific Materialism at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21.  He gave a brief overview of the history of modern science and then give a world view critique of the philosophy, comparing it to Christianity.  Here are notes and […]

Dr. Robert Kurka gave a class at the 2015 ICEC designed to help us gain perspective on how to deal with a world in which there is a plurality of religions.  He argues that we should strongly approach the philosophy of religious pluralism (no religion has absolute truth) but that we should not be overly […]

Dr. Richard Knopp gave a class at the 2015 ICEC at York College in York, Nebraska on the role of doubt in the life of the Christian believer.  He argued that, ot only is doubt normal, it is also good.  The one who does not doubt is one whose faith is unreliable and not healthy. […]

Dr. Richard Knopp from Lincoln Christian University gave the keynote address for the 2015 ICEC at York College, in York, Nebraska.  The presentation was on the history of and advice about the wisest approach to using the concept of world view to both increase the faith of believers and to take faith in Jesus Christ […]

Dr. John Beggs, physics professor at Indiana University gave an amazing presentation on the the implications of discoveries in neuroscience on the question of human consciousness, free will and the soul.  He gave a detailed picture of what we know about brain function from neuroscience, especially from his own research program.  He explained how the […]

Michael Burns gave a presentation on The Resurrection World View at the 2015 ICEC at York College in York, Nebraska June 19 and 20, 2015.   The class included a historical analysis of the concept of resurrection, an in-depth analysis of the evidence for the resurrection, but also emphasized the implications, both personally and for […]

Dr. John Oakes is doing a class at the 2015 ICEC at York College in York, NE June 20th.  We are attaching an essay he has written on a rational approach to the relationship between science and religion as food for thought before the class.   After the class we will be posting his notes […]

With the 2015 ICEC in York Nebraska starting 6/19, we are re-publishing an essay by Dr. John Oakes on the Christian World View.  It is copied below and is available as an attachmet here:    Apologetics and the Christian World View You May Also Like: Essay: Apologetics and the Christian World View The need for […]

Editor’s note:  The notes below are from one of the speakers at our 2015 ICEC in York Nebraska June 19-21.  Randy was gracious enough to let us post his article before the conference.  There is still time to register. Contact Jan Oakes at joakes01@san.rr.com FAITH & REASON Randy Hroziencik 2015 International Christian Evidences Conference   […]

Dr. John Oakes will be teaching for the Coastal LA region of the L A Church of Christ at a weekend retreat at the La Quinta Resort in Palm Desert, California.  The topic is TBA.  For more information contact Brian Craig at jbriancraig@gmail.com You May Also Like: Teaching Weekend, Vancouver, BC, Canada Missionary Teaching Trip: […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on the Book of Matthew in San Diego, 6/7/2015.  The lesson shows how Matthew uses prophecies,prefigures and foreshadows to tell us who Jesus is.  Matthew Prophecy Sermon Notes    Matthew Prophecy Sermon PPT    Prophecies in Matthew Audio You May Also Like: Messianic Prophecies in Matthew The Gospel of Matthew Class […]

Dr. John Oakes will be traveling to Jakarta, Indonesia as well as at least three other cities in Indonesia June 26-July 9, followed by two days teaching in Singapore for the Singapore Christian Church July 10-11.   Contact in Jakarta is Vania Salim vaniadjohans@gmail.com   Contact in Singapore is Phua Hee pheerless@gmail.com   Dr. Oakes will be […]

The 2015 International Christian Evidences Conference was held at York College in York, Nebraska June 19-21.  This was our eighth annual conference.  It was sponsored by the Apologetics Research Society and hosted by York College.   The theme was The Christian Worldview.  Why York College and why York, Nebraska, you might ask.  The answer is two-fold.  […]

John Oakes taught a two-part Introduction to the Old Testament for a group of new Christians in San Diego May 17 and 24, 2015.   The first class serves as a general introduction as well as covering the Book of Genesis.  Genesis is studied as a work of Christian theology-setting out the Christian world view […]

Dr. JOhn Oakes gave a public lecture on God and Science last Friday May 1 in Vancouver Canada.  Power point and audio are attached.     God and Science PPT     God and Science Vancouver Audio You May Also Like: Teaching Weekend, Vancouver, BC, Canada New Power Point on God Science and Miracles Christian Evidence Weekend […]

Dr. John Oakes will be doing a series of presentations at the University of Connecticut for the campus ministry of the Storrs Church of Christ.  Friday night will be a public lecture on Science and God.  The Sunday event is TBA.  For information contact Max Weber at 706-255-3330. You May Also Like: Teaching Weekend, Vancouver, […]

This class on the Gospel of Matthew is being taught by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego May-Aug, 2015.  The first class is by John Oakes and is an introduction to the Book of Matthew, with emphasis on Matthew’s use of historical prophecies, prefigures and foreshadows to show that Jesus fulfills the […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a five part series on the Book of Luke in San Diego in March and April.  We will be posting the outline, power point and audio as the classes are taught.   Luke Notes     Luke PPT    Luke SD Part I Audio   Luke SD Audio Part II    Luke SD Audio Part  III  […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the evidence which supports belief in the biblical Jesus at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego Saturdays 9:00-10:30.  Your are invited to attend, but the power point, outline and audios will be posted here.   Evidence for Jesus Notes        Evidence for Jesus PPT  […]

To our readers: I have always supported, in broad terms, what BioLogos has been trying to do on the science and religion front.  Their attempt to bring together good science and belief in biblical inspiration is admirable.  However, I have felt strongly that they tend too far in the direction of what I call deistic […]

Dr. John Oakes preached a sermon from the Book of Luke 4/19/15 in San Diego.  The lesson focuses on how Jesus valued things that the world thinks are of little value and how he taught that the things the world values greatly are of no value in the Kingdom.  It focuses principally on the Sermon […]

Editor’s note:  This is a Q & A already published at the site, but this is a very common issue raised and I thought it would be worth publishing as an article.  This is a series of about ten questions.  For ease of following the arguments, I will intersperse my answers between the questions. Question: […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a talk titled Evidence for Jesus at the Jesus Conference in San Diego, California March, 21, 2015.  The class covers the claims of Jesus and reasonable response to those claims, as well as messianic prophecies.   Evidence for Jesus Short PPT    Evidence for Jesus short audio You May Also Like: Evidence for […]

Editor’s note:  This article comes from www.douglasjacoby.com and is written by my good friend Douglas Jacoby.  It is used by permission. 18 March 2015 Last year Boko Haram, the West African ultra-radical group opposed to all things western (except guns), kidnapped hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls. On one of their notorious raids, they carried off sisters […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a class/sermon on finding Jesus in the Jewish festivals of Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles.  The theme is that we ought to take the time and mental energy to celebrate what we have with God in Christ and the Holy Spirit.   Old Testament Festivals and […]

Dr, John Oakes gave a sermon in San Diego on 3/6/15 which was an introduction to the Book of Mark.  It covered the first two chapters of the book, including the prologue and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.  Notes, power point and audio are included.   Mark Intro Sermon notes    Mark Sermon PPT    Mark CH 1,2 […]

Although we at ARS do not agree with everything said by the group biologos, we believe the article below provides useful perspective on the history of Christian views of the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2.  https://biologos.org/questions/early-interpretations-of-genesis   will be helpful  You May Also Like: Is the order of creation in Genesis 1 and […]

One of the most significant Greek New Testament manuscript finds of all time was revealed in a recent article in CNN  http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/21/living/gospel-mummy-mask/ .  If confirmed, then this will be a game-changer in the way it supports by physical evidence the early date of the writing of the gospels.  As will all such claims, it is wise […]

This is the first of a three part series on the Book of Mark taught by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego for the Church staff of the San Diego Church of Christ February and March, 2015.     Gospel of Mark Notes        Mark PPT        Mark Part I […]

Robert Carrillo and Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Christian Theology in San Diego in the fall of 2011.  The audio for the last three classes is attached.   Christian Theology PartIV      Christian Theology Part V      Christian Theology Part VI You May Also Like: Christian and Other World Views: A Power Point New […]

Dr. John Oakes will be teaching a three-part class, along with Robert Carrillo, on the Book of Mark in San Diego, California Feb. 6, 20 and March 6, 2015.  This series will not be open to the public, but the audio, notes and power point will be made available at the web site after the […]

Dr. John Oakes will be doing a teaching weekend May 1-3 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  There will be an evangelistic event on Friday evening:  God and Science, an in-depth Bible class on Daniel on Saturday and an evangelistic sermon for the Vancouver Church of Christ on Sunday.  For locations or more information, contact Brian […]

Editor’s note:  This Q & A was of sufficient interest, that I have decided to post it as an article as well. Question: If evolution and abiogenesis have simply naturalistic explanations behind the origins and development of life itself, then wouldn’t this replace any need for a god? Abiogenesis for example gives forth purely scientific and […]

John Oakes has been traveling in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.  Below are some of the audios as well as some notes and power points for the lessons on this teaching trip.   Daniel audio Harare    Daniel PPT     Kingdom of God audio Harare   Kingdom of God notes   Living by Faith audio Harare   Living by […]

I have passed through Windhoek, Namibia, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Durban and Johannesburg, and am heading back to San Diego.  The final report is posted below.   John Oakes Picture is from the monument to the tribal leaders who achieved independence for Botswana from the UK in 1966. You May Also Like: Teaching Trip to […]

Dr. John Oakes will be teaching a class titled “Evidence for Jesus” at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego, CA on six consecutive Saturdays beginning Saturday Feb 21, 2015 from 9:00-10:30.  The audio, notes and power point will be posted at the web site.   Cost: $20, which included light refreshments.   The […]

Dr. John Oakes will be traveling to teach for churches in Harare, Zimbabwe, Gaboronne, Botswana, Windhoek, Namibia and in Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesberg, South Africa Jan 2-19.  He will be posting updates on his travels and experiences visiting churches in these cities at this web site, on Twitter (@evidence4christ) and on Facebook. You May […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson about Freedom in Christ, on the use of gifts and Christian membership for the Iglesia de Cristo en Tijuana 12/14/14.   The class is in English, with Spanish translation.    Libertad para que audio    Libertad en Cristo PPT   You May Also Like: Libertad en Cristo Christian Evidence Class […]

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the commonly-held doctrine known as “Once Saved, Always Saved”, also known as Perseverance of the Saints. The class was taught in San Diego Nov. 6, 2014 at the Mission Center of Hope.   The outline of the class was:   I. Where did this doctrine come from?  II. What proof-texts […]

Dr. John Oakes and James Shults will be teaching a class on biblical books covering the period after the exile of Judah and Israel.  The theme of these books is returning to God, restoring our relationship with God and rebuilding our lives with God.  The books covered will include Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Ezra, Esther and […]

Kedron Jones, a member of the ARS board, gave a lesson recently titled “Know How to Answer: Conversational Apologetics”  The class was taught 10/18/14 at Los Angeles Church of Christ campus ministry.   The notes and power point are attached.   Know How to Answer Outline    Know How to Answer PPT You May Also Like: Messianic […]

QUESTION: I have a question concerning the usage of numerous names for God. I have been reading that Yahweh developed from the word El which was a Canaanite god. In addition El Elyon was a different deity from Yahweh and was a Caananite god in the city of Salem inhabited by the Jebusites. Why would […]

QUESTION: 1. What is a good resource for learning more about Calvinism and how to refute it. 2. How do you best defend the Word of God with someone who says “the Bible is not perfect.”  We obviously know of a few clerical errors but he uses those mistakes and others to justify his own […]

Foster Stanback, the Chair of the Board of Apologetics Research Society (the sponsor of this website) has teamed with York College in York, Nebraska to establish a Museum of Ancient History to specialize in items of interest to Christianity.   The grand opening of the Museum will be in April, 2015.  We have future plans […]

Editor’s note:  The following is a series of questions and answers.  The tone is more familiar than usual because this discussion is happening with a good friend. Question: I just read your paper, “A Closer Look at the Laws of Thermodynamics.”  It was great.  Thanks.  I have a comment, though.  From Pr 16:33 we learn that anything that […]

Question: Have you ever heard of the Doctrine Molinism?   I haven’t studied concerning the process of salvation in awhile. The last place I essentially left off was being convinced of the ideology of this doctrine. And as of now I still hold to Molinism. Thanks much. Answer: I am copying and pasting an article from Google […]

John Oakes taught three classes for the Spokane Christian Church 9/27/2014.  Audio is available here.     History, Archaeology and the Bible MP3   History Archaeology and the Bible PPT   The Holy Spirit MP3    Shadow to Reality MP3 You May Also Like: Acts and Church History by Dr. John Oakes God and Science UCLA Dr. John Oakes […]

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the Book of Ezekiel on four consecutive Thursday evenings, beginning 9/12/14.  The class is in San Diego at the Mission Center of Hope (6162 Mission Gorge Road San Diego, CA 92120. Suite A) from 7:30-8:45.   Notes, power point and audio will be posted.    Ezekiel notes     Ezekiel […]

Question: Hello Dr. Oakes. I recently have had the desire to study out the biblical support for Jesus being the Messiah and why the Jews don’t consider him to be the Messiah. I listened to a podcast by a Jewish Rabbi on the Trinity.  He talks about a few things: he referenced John 10 saying […]

My Eye Weeps to God   By David A. Goodman, Ph.D.   This is an article written by a friend David Goodman.  He has been a neuroscientist for fifty years and is a believer.  The perspective is unusual, but we thought there may be some interest in what he has to say.  It is about the […]

John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are team teaching a class on the history of Christianity for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ over the next couple of months.  The notes and power point for the class are available here.   John Oakes has a book on the topic “The Christian Story:  Finding […]

QUESTION: A skeptic has claimed to me that the Christian saying “Do unto others” (what we call our “Golden Rule”) was actually plagiarized by the Bible writers from something originally taught by Confucius. Are you familiar with this?  I doubt this is true, since no source could be provided, but I have to ask. Answer: […]

Question: My brother recently vacationed in Utah and visited some of the Mormon sites, including the Mormon Tabernacle. He was quite convinced that they are Christian. I explained to him that they are not and introduced him to your website. Question he asked was about the Mormon Tabernacle choir. They sing Christian music, including songs […]

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Christian membership and Freedom in Christ in San Diego 8/31/14.  The lesson uses material from his new book Golden Rule Membership (www.ipibooks.com)   Golden Rule Membership Notes       Golden Rule Membership PPT      Golden Rule Membership MP3 You May Also Like: New Book by Dr. John Oakes […]

Dr. John Oakes did a sermon on God and Science recently in San Diego.   There were multiple requests that the audio be made available.   The class was not recorded, but we are posting a nearly identical class taught in London, England in June, 2014.     Science and God PPT       God and […]

[editor’s note:  This question rambles quite a bit.  I did a lot of correcting of grammar, spelling and the like, but I am afraid it still is a bit hard to follow.   Hopefully, you will get the idea.] Question: Aren’t the Bible and the Christian religion a Catch-22?  This would be defined as a […]

Dr. John Oakes engaged in a debate on the existence of God titled “God is Not Dead” at a teen camp in Jamul, California on 6/17/2014.   His opponent was recent high school graduate Hunter Garnier.  Hunter is no slacker, as he was valedictorian of his class and is heading off to UC Berkeley in […]

John and Jan Oakes traveled July 10-Aug 5 to teach for churches in Buenos Aires, Asuncion, La Paz, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.  Below is a report on the 24 day teaching trip.   You May Also Like: Report on Missionary Teaching Trip to the Philippines John Oakes on missionary teaching […]

Question: You are kidding right? The fact that God offers a “last chance” to people before he destroys them does not change the fact that he did indeed kill them all. What about Eden? Now since God knows all, past present and future; he knew that Eve would take of the fruit and he then […]

John Oakes has a new book available as of 7.15.14.  The title is Golden Rule Membership.  It is about the proper use of Christian Freedom and on the role of  Christian membership and how to apply the Golden Rule to being part of God’s Church.  The book includes practical ideas on Christian membership from Ron […]