From Shadow to Reality in Temecula
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
Is the fact that the apostles didn’t believe in the resurrection at first evidence that it did not happen?
Question: We read in the gospels that Jesus informed his disciples that he would be resurrected on the third day, but we read also that the disciples at first didn’t believe the resurrection (Luke 24 :11). Isn’t this a contradiction? Isn’t this an evidence against the resurrection? Answer: If the Bible was a whitewashed version of […]
Is there any evidence that Joseph of Arimathea went to the British Isles with Jesus when he was a teen?
Question: Is there any proof that Joseph of Arimathea went to the British Isles to procure tin and took the young Jesus with him? I came across this claim presented as historical research with a significant amount of “documentation” from ancient sources. I was not aware of any evidence for the “missing” years of Jesus’ […]
Is Jeremiah 33:25 a good passage to help explain “God of the gaps” arguments?
Question: I was thinking about the “God of the gaps” argument some time ago and was looking to come up with a reasonable response. I thought I could simply say that while science may have figured out how things work, it was God who authored the laws of nature that govern those workings. The problem […]
Is the correct translation of Psalm 14:7 “someone out of Zion” or “salvation out of Zion”?
Question: Is PSALM 14 7 ” someone out of zion ” or “salvation out of zion” Answer: The Hebrew word in question here is yeshua. It is the word translated as salvation in most Bibles, which is the word equivalent of the names Joshua and Jesus, both of which are yeshua in Hebrew. The word Jesus means salvation. […]
Hebrews 11 Sermon Living by Faith
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 […]
How do I explain to my friends that Christianity originated from Hinduism?
Request: With all due respect to every Christian, how do I tell my Hindu friend that Christianity originated from Hinduism ? And how do I explain that Lord Jesus was an enlightened soul sent by the tridevs of Hinduism to earth to show light to the beings on earth? Response: The answer is that you […]
Malachi Sermon by John Oakes
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
Jesus, the Perfect High Priest Sermon
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
Is Baptism an ordinance of the church as Protestants say?
Question: Is Baptism an ordinance of the church? I hear Protestants say this all the time. I would appreciate your help! Answer: The word “ordinance” is not in the Bible, so I do not know exactly how to answer a question about a concept which is not clearly in the Bible. Besides, I believe the […]
My Hindu friends tell me that Krishna incarnates in the world to protect the righteous and to destroy evil. How do I respond to this and present Jesus?
Question: Our Hindu friends often quote from the Bhaghavad Gita where Krishna himself says that he would incarnate from age to age in order to protect the righteous and punish the wicked. He came thus to destroy the evil from the world. How shall we give our response and present Jesus as only the true […]
Yahweh was originally a Canaanite god, the Jews were originally polytheists, and why do you ignore the Sumerian gods?
Question: I just came across your answer to a question about the origin of Yahweh and usage of the name. Your info is lacking. Yahweh originates out of Canaan though he is described [sic] concerning his theophany with Baal. Both are storm Gods. The Israelites are an offshoot of the Canaanites so it’s no surprise […]
Does Proverbs 31:6-7 encourage alcoholism?
Question: Proverbs 31:6-7 says, “Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter. Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.” http://bible.com/1713/pro.31.6-7.csb Isn’t this scripture encouraging alcoholism? Answer: Given scriptures such as Eph 5:18, Rom 13:13, 1 Pet 4:3, Is […]
Can you make a table contrasting the Baghavad Gita and the Bible on theology, morality, etc.?
Question: Can you please make a helpful table showing contrast between the Gita and the Bible on basis of science, theology, teachings about human life and morality ? I am in need of this… So that we can understand ourselves and help others to understand at an easier glance… Answer: Normally I answer every single […]
In Habakkuk 3:13 is the correct translation Anointed One or anointed ones?
Question: Is habakkuk 3 13 anointed one or anointed ones please? Answer: I am not a Hebrew scholar, but I did sufficient research, by going to the original Hebrew and many translations and I am very confident that the Hebrew word is singular. Therefore, the correct translation is Anointed One. Therefore this is a messianic […]
Class on Daniel: God Rules the Nations
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 […]
A class on the Book of Hebrews
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 […]
Some conservative Christians strongly oppose the idea of climate change, while others claim scientific evidence strongly supports the idea? What is your take on this question?
Question: I have a question regarding the issue of climate change. I’ve encountered numerous conservative Christians who viciously deny that it is happening at all, and instead claim that it is merely a conspiracy to benefit certain groups. I’ve also heard the claim that scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that man-made climate change is […]
My Hindu friends insist that Krishna and Rama are historical figures as proved by archaeology. Your response?
Question: Whenever I approach my Hindu friends to present Jesus to them, they usually talk about their gods Rama and Krishna. What they say is that archaeology has proven both Ramayan and Mahabharat as historic events and hence were Rama and Krishna. How shall I give response to them regarding historicity of Ramayan, Mahabharata, Rama […]
Does 1 Corinthians 16:5 in which Paul promises he will come to Corinth show that the Bible is not inspired?
[Editor’s note: This question comes from a believer somewhere in the Middle East and the criticism he/she is reacting to is almost certainly coming from a Muslim critic who teaches that the Bible is corrupt. This will explain part of the response.] Question: I have a question about the inerrancy of Bible. In the first […]
An atheist claimed that all of the evidence for Jesus is “made up”, that Christianity was created in order to exert power over people, and that the NT books were written hundreds of years after Christ. Response?
Question: The other day I overheard an atheist talking to someone about the Bible. I didn’t join in on their conversation, but they were loud enough and close enough for me to hear every word they said. Anyway, the atheist (I know he’s an atheist because I heard him say it) said that all the […]
EFC Now Has a Youtube Chanel
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
Class on Luke for Inspire Singles Conference
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
Class on the Book of Hebrews September 14-15
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
What would you say to an atheist who is a complete materialist (who believes in only the things he can see) to convince him that Jesus is the truth?
Question: What would you say to an atheist who is a complete materialist (who believes in only the things he can see) to convince him that Jesus is the truth? Answer: That would depend on the person. Not every materialist is the same. If the person is even an iota open, I might do a […]
Is the Codex Vaticanus of Daniel 9:26 right, so that our translations are wrong?
Question: I found a claim that in the Codex Vaticanus, “Messiah the Prince” is instead ” anointed place.” Also a Dead Sea Scroll states that Messiah is to come after the seven weeks instead of 62 sevens. Can these be proven wrong or is our translation incorrect? Answer: I did a bit of research and […]
A Study of Foreshadows in the Book of Joshua
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, […]
Book of Acts: The Church Meets Needs
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 […]
You say that predestination is not biblical. How, then, can you explain Ephesians 1:5-6?
[Editor’s note: This is a follow-up question to one posted just yesterday from the same gentleman. The second question was actually dozens of questions–so much that I informed him I will only answer one of them for now, which is the one below. However, one book recommendation and one scripture reference in my answer only […]
Why would God be angry at people when he knows ahead of time what will happen?
Question: The definitions of both anger and disappointment are emotions based on an unmet expectation by either a person or circumstance. There are numerous Bible verses that refer to God’s anger, wrath and disappointment. I don’t understand why God would be disappointed or angry if He knew in advance what the outcome would be. Also, as […]
Can you explain an inconsistency in Acts 15 with regard to the prohibitions given to Gentile Christians?
Question: I stumbled across one of your posts from back in 2012 on Acts 15 (link below) where you’re answering the question “can Christians eat meat?” If I understand correctly your interpretation is that the early church asked the gentile believers to abstain from practices that would especially offend Jews in that culture, but this […]
Jesus the Great High Priest
John Oakes gave a sermon on Hebrews 5 & 6 for the South Point Region of the San Diego Church of Christ 9/30/18. Jesus the Perfect High Priest Audio...
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Lessons on Hebrews for the Los Angeles School of Missions
Dr. John Oakes taught six hours of lessons on the Book of Hebrews for the Los Angeles School of Missions 9/15/2018. These lessons cover chapters 4-13. Hebrews Audio I Hebrews audio II Hebrews audio III Hebrews audio IV Hebrews audio V Hebrews audio VI...
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The miracles in the Bible are not unique or a big deal as they are like a lot of bogus miracle claims from the Middle Ages
[editor’s note: The third of three sets of comments that came into the site with responses] Comments: 5. The reporting of miracles in Bible is NOT surprising, convincing or unique. Why? Throughout history reported attested miracles are a dime a dozen. The Middle Ages are awash with them. Monasteries competed with each other for power, […]
The early Church accepted very strange things from the Apocrypha to be true and the Bible is not supported by other historical documents.
[Note: the second of a series of three sets of comments from a site user] Claims: 3. The versions of events that didn’t make it into the Bible [Apocrypha] are very strange – ie: Jesus slaying children & blinding their parents. The early Church [up to 400 years after the life of Jesus] accepted this […]
The gospels were written well after the purported events and there was much dispute in the early Church over the contents of the New Testament.
[Editor’s notes. I received a six-part set of claims from a visitor to the site. I will answer them in a series of responses Claims: 1. The Bible [Gospels] were not written until well after the purported events. 2. There was much dispute over the contents of the Bible. The early Church had many conflicting […]
Can you explain the statement in Ezekiel 29 concerning Egypt that “No foot of man shall pass through it”
Question: I came upon your page while researching some Old Testament Biblical prophecies. I have a couple questions about two of them if you have the time. I’ve read two responses of yours to the Ezekiel prophecy regarding Nebuchadnezzar and Egypt, and found them very enlightening. However, in neither of your responses did I see […]
Lessons from Luke at Inspire Conference
Dr. John Oakes gave a two-part lesson on the Book of Luke at the Singles Inspire Conference 9/1/2018. The lesson mainly covers how Luke is unique, especially in showing Jesus through his ministry to the poor, the needy, the outcast, women, Gentiles and “sinners.” Luke Inspire audio 1 Luke Inspire Audio 2...
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Es la homosexualidad acerca de se nace o hace?
Pregunta: Gracias por tu atención, Decía q algún docto. O que recomiendas acerca de la homosexualidad, Mi hija en la prepa le dejaron investigar, acerca de la parte biológica y natural, ella está se puso en contra de ello y la mayoría a favor, es debate sin meter religión con bases científicas, vinos unos vídeos del […]
Since Jesus said anyone having a vision of Jesus coming back is having a false vision, does this mean that Paul was a false apostle?
Question: The question I have is about Matthew 24:26. People who reject Paul as an apostle say that this is proof that Paul saw a false Christ on the road to Damascus because Jesus was warning us about anyone who has a vision specifically in the desert is having a false vision. Is there any […]
Lessons in Arabic and English Middle East, Fall, 2018
Dr, John Oakes taught a number of lessons in Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt October – November 2018, Most are in English, with translation into Arabic. Hard Questions Audio Freedom in Christ Arabic Audio Existence of God Arabic The Bible: From God or Man audio What is Truth Audio Evidence for Jesus Audio (English only) ...
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Ephesians 6 Spiritual warfare.
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
Why did Paul say he was not sent to baptize if baptism is important to salvation?
[Editor’s note: This is obstensibly a Christian evidence web site, but I have gotten a LOT of questions about baptism lately for some reason. Apologies to those who find this topic not important] Question: I wanted to get some feedback on the scripture in regards to baptism. If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul […]
Could the three kings subdued by Domitian in Daniel 7:24 be a reference to the three kingdoms he subdued?
Question: I’ve been doing some sermons on Revelation and it obviously intersects with Daniel 7. I’ve been reading some of your Q/A, and I have a few thoughts to offer regarding the following section of Daniel 7. “After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.” We understand this to […]
Can you respond to a video I saw recently in which a Muslim claims that the gospels were not written by disciples of Jesus?
Request: Please, can you refute this video, I’d really appreciate it (considering Islam). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R27Kb__1Ko&feature=youtu.be Response: I cannot refute a video. I can attempt to refute particular things said in a video. What you ask I cannot do. In fact, a number of the things said in this video are actually true. I certainly cannot refute […]
Did the early church fathers hold to the view that baptism was necessary for salvation?
[Editor’s note: The original question was followed up with another which is below. It became clear that the intent of the original question seems to have been to support the idea that baptism is not necessary, as the questioner quotes from Matt Slick who is a kind of self-appointed archenemy of those who believe that […]
Where can I find a good article on the role of women in the Church?
[Editor’s note: This is not the kind of article I would normally post at this Christian evidence website, but I get surprisingly many questions on this topic that I do not post, so I decided to post this excellent article by my good friend Gordon Ferguson] Question: I’m a women’s ministry leader in a Spanish […]
The Bible says that God does not change, but the God of the Old Testament is so different from the New. Can you explain this?
Question: It is written in the Bible that God never changes. But when you look at the Old and New Testament, God seems to be quite different in the two testaments. It is written that Jesus has always existed. So is it correct to say that God was not changing himself from what He was […]
Lessons from teaching trip to Russia, Japan, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan
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 […]
Journal: Missionary Teaching Trip to Vladivostok, Tokyo, Osaka, Ulan Bator, Mongolia and Bishkek, Kyrgistan
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 […]
