Question: Is being A Goth a sin? Answer: The Goths were a cultural.ethnic group from ancient times. There were the Visigoths, the Ostrogoths and other Gothic groups. These were Germanic tribes who invaded the Roman Empire in the fourth and fifth centuries. Eventually, they captured Rome itself. Many Goths were converted to Christianity, including the […]
Question: Since the announcement from Trump that he would move the US embassy to Jerusalem, there has been an uproar in the media about how this pushes back the effort for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. I am aware that the Jews have violated human rights in the occupied West Bank, but somehow deep […]
Question: I have recently had some doubts in my faith. I am worried about the many similarities between Christianity and Zoroastrianism. I have already read your posts on the subject, but I have also seen how the major scholars of this religion like Mary Boyce unanimously believe that Zoroaster lived in 1200 BC. I am […]
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 […]
Question: I have a question regarding science and religion. I know that there can be some scientific conclusions drawn from the Bible. I wonder though are there any other religions that come close to the Bible in its scientific reliability or that make the same claims. I know in particular that Islam is very vocal […]
Question: I have always wondered about how a certain culture can be a hindrance for the Gospel, and how it can it be made relateable to various cultures. I would like you to give me some advice on how the Gospel would suit my Indian culture?. Answer: I have visited India three times to teach […]
Question: Recently I’ve read some news about Sophia, the first AI (artificial intelligence) robot to be ever granted a citizenship. [editor’s note: the questioner is referring to Sophia being given citizenship in Saudi Arabia] Do you think this could be the first step toward a robot getting to be more human? As a believer, I […]
Question: I had a question regarding the concept of the soul. It is currently my study in anatomy that has brought this topic back to mind. I looked for some resources on the site regarding the topic and gathered what I could from it. It has been a few years since I looked at this […]
Pregunta: Existe profecías que no se haya revelado de la Biblia en el día de hoy. Tengo un amigo que me manda profecías que no sean cumplido como un terremoto que pasará el Añó 2018 por todo el mundo. Repuesta: Según entiendo el Nuevo Testamento, el don milagroso de la profecía casi con certeza ha cesado. […]
Question: Is the history of Israel’s kings recorded in the OT/NT all there is we have on those kings? O r is there significant Israeli history we should know outside the biblical narrative that can help our faith? Answer: The Old Testament is the most thorough and reliable source of historical information from the ancient […]
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
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, […]
Question: Today I came across a difficult passage of 1Timothy 2:11 about how a woman should learn in quietness and that Paul doesn’t permit women to exercise authority over men. He further argued that this is because of how Eve first fell into temptation and not Adam and that Adam was formed first. The passage […]
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
Question: I have a question about some archaeological information regarding the Exodus. I recently saw some information that is out there that puts the original Mt. Sinai in western Arabia near Midian. It is specifically mentioned in Exodus 2 and 3. Archaeologists know where the ancient city of Midian was located and when they went […]
Question: I have a question regarding entertainment. I have played video games for a long time like many younger people tend to do. I am wondering if it is a sin for someone to play a violent video game. Games can be a good form of entertainment but when it comes to genre I would […]
Question: Does Daniel 9:25 say that the Messiah should come before the destruction of the second temple as some claim? I find that verse hard to comprehend. If yes, then could we directly show this verse to the Jews and make them believe that Jesus indeed was the Messiah? Answer: I believe that Daniel 9:24-27 […]
Dr. John Oakes taught a six-hour class on the Book of Revelation in Minneapolis on 1/27/18. Recordings are attached. Revelation Minn 1 Revelation Minn 2 Revelation Minn 3 Revelation Minn 4 Revelation Minn 5 Revelation Minn 6 Revelation PPT Revelation notes...
Question: I recently heard an argument that Bill Maher uses to debunk the authority and authenticity of the Bible. It says, “the Bible was a book written by men and edited by men as well”. How would you respond to this? Answer: My response would be to say that this is true. Maher is right. […]
Questions: 1. Why would Jesus charge the blood of all the prophets since Abel on the generation of Jews at the time of Jesus? 2. What is the definition of a prophet according to the Bible? I thought prophet means messenger of God, perhaps much like an angel. If so, why would Abel be called […]
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 […]
Question: I found the cartoon below on the internet. It is about calculating the amount of rain water which supposedly would have been enough to destroy Noah’s Ark. I’m not sure how they measure rain water so any comment would be appreciated. Kind regards. Answer: I have never believed or taught that the level of […]
Question: I have recently been thinking about what we experience when we die. I understand that information on this is extremely limited and most answers are speculations. Also, it is my understanding that people do not possess a soul but “are” in fact a soul. God says that when man was first formed it took […]
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 […]
Question: In 1 Samuel 19:9, it reads, “But an evil spirit from the Lord….”. How can there be an evil spirit from God, since there is no evil in Him? I’ve looked at several translations, and they are all the same. Can you explain this one? What is meant by this? Thank you. Answer: A […]
Question: What is some evidence that you believe proves Christianity ? Answer: You cannot “prove” Christianity. In fact, to be honest, I am not sure what it would even mean to “prove” Christianity, because you would have to define which aspect of the religion you specifically want to try to prove. In any case, you […]
Dr. John Oakes taught several lessons in Ilsan, Daegu and Seoul, South Korea in January, 2018. God and Science Korean Church History Korea I Church History Korea II Living by Faith Korea Malachi Faith or Faithful Korea God and Science Korean PPT Church History PPT Korean HebrewsLivingbyFaith PPT Korean Malachi Sermon Korean PPT...
Question: I read a few articles on your website about God being the uncaused cause. I’m aware that this is more of a philosophical argument, with scientific evidence supporting it. However, if we just consider scientific evidence with philosophical thinking aside, can atheists argue then that the big bang itself is the uncaused cause? I realize you […]
Request: I am truly struggling with my Christian faith to the point that I am not sure about anything anymore. I was taught that “God is Love” and he created man NOT to sin, but told Adam and Eve there was ONE thing in the entire Garden of Eden that they could not touch, and […]
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on finding Jesus in the Old Testament from his book From Shadow to Reality in Salt Lake City 2/10/18. Normally he does a one hour or so class, so this one has a lot more detail than usual and may be worth a listen. From Shadow to Reality SLC...
Question: Does God “regularly” answer prayers of non believers? I had a couple of friends who I wonder if they are saved, but they were praying for me. Scriptures say that God hears the prayers of the righteous (I understand the “righteous” to be those who are saved James 5:16, 1 Pet 3:12, Ps 34:17, […]
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 […]
[Editor’s note: Below is a series of questions and answers from a seeker who is considering converting to Catholicism but who has a lot of general questions about the reliability of the Bible. This one will take some time to wade through] Question #1: How do we know that the Bible is the Bible if […]
[Editor’s note: Below is a series of questions and answers from a seeker who is considering converting to Catholicism but who has a lot of general questions about the reliability of the Bible. This one will take some time to wade through] Question #1: How do we know that the Bible is the Bible if […]
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
Question: A question recently came up in studying about the kingdom of God with a friend. It involves Mark 9:1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” My friend insists that Jesus is talking […]
Question: What are some scriptures in the Bible that speak about heaven that I could share with someone who loves and follows God but has apeirophobia (fear of eternity) [editor’s note: I looked this up and it is a real word]? I want to help them anticipate heaven rather than fear it. Answer: To me, […]
Question: I have a question regarding Matthew 24. Christ refers to the coming tribulation of AD 70 as greater than any in history. My question is how that was greater than the tribulations of the 20th century like the Second World War (particularly the Holocaust). I’m a Christian and I just don’t know how to […]
Question: I am a Bible following Christian who follows more or less a baptist way of thinking. Recently my husband decided to make our family Catholic and I am really struggling with “mass”. I have a few questions. Can you guide me to some scriptures that support making the sign of the cross every time […]
This is a ten hour class on Genesis taught by Dr. John Oakes Fall, 2017 in San Diego for the SDCOC teaching ministry. Genesis Audio I Genesis Audio II Genesis Audio III Genesis Audio IV Genesis Audio V Genesis Audio VI Genesis Audio VII Genesis Audio VIII ...
Question: I was wondering if you had any knowledge of common arguments Hindus raise in opposition to Christianity. A customer of mine is a doctor of pediatric gastroenterology, is a Hindu, and enjoys comparative studies in religion. I have not spoken with him directly about the topic, but I am awaiting the opportunity to speak with […]
Dr. John Oakes taught a series of lessons for the staff of churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Christian World View Audio Answering the Hard Questions Audio Who is Jesus Audio...
Question: Man’s creation has recently come up in my mind. I do not understand it exactly. My confusion comes up with the idea of love. I get that God is relational and he made us to be that way also. However, I feel confused about why he would let us endure so much pain here. […]
Message: For some time, I have heard people use the term “the concessionary will of God.” I think this term may have been created by Gordon Ferguson in an article Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage (http://gordonferguson.org/articles/kingdom-teachers-february-2001/): “Therefore, all divorce allowed by God is concessionary in nature which shows that God has both an ideal will (no […]
Question: I’ve read that most scholars believe that Gospel of Mark was the first gospel written, but a number of scholars say Matthew is the first.. Then I was surprised when I read that there are people who argue that Gospel of Luke was the first!!!! What are their evidences for Lukan priority? Are these […]
Question: Recently, I was reading the book of Hebrews and I found a few verses in the first chapter hard to understand. In Hebrews 1:8-12, is God the Father talking to Jesus and calling Jesus God? Hebrews 1:5-13 seems like a mixture of certain Old Testament verses, so I suppose verse 5 through 13 shouldn’t […]
Question: Hey there, The below is a question asked on a site that I am getting emails for. It is Hermeneutics/Stack Exchange. What do you think about it? One nuance of the meaning of the serpent’s question hinges on the translation of מִכֹּל עֵץ (Gen 3:1). Translated as “from every tree” or “from any tree” basically determines […]
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
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