Evidence for the Historical Jesus by Brian Colon.
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
I recently heard the claim that the idea of Satan as an enemy of God and of us is an invention of the second century BC–not found in the OT. Can you respond to this claim?
I have a question regarding an article that was posted a few days ago. In this article it talks about how Satan is linked to the serpent in Genesis. The author then goes on to state that the idea of a “prince of darkness” only came about in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC and […]
Did the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy of abomination of desolation happen during the time of Antiochus IV. If so, what is Jesus talking about in Matthew 24?
Question: I read your book Daniel: A Prophet to the Nations (editor’s note: available at www.ipibooks.com) and enjoyed it very much. I was going over my notes from it and got to the part where you talked about the prophesies in Daniel about Antiochus IV and how he was going to desecrate the temple and […]
What is your response to Voltaire, who said that “No one was born with the knowledge of God.”?
Question: There is a quote by Voltaire which reads “All men were born with ten fingers and toes but no one was born with the knowledge of God.” This has a really good point to it, and if you could tell me what to say in defense to this. Answer: This is simply a rhetorical […]
The Sennacherib Prism states that the Assyrians made Hezekiah a prisoner. Why does 2 Kings not include this important information?
Question: I recently got a new study Bible, which describes historical events. In a part of the Bible that says “Ancient Texts Relating to the Old Testament” it describes “Sennacherib’s Prism”: “Sennacherib vividly describes his siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC, making Hezekiah a prisoner of his own royal city (but cf. 2 Kings 19:35-37).” […]
Why do the accounts of the clearing of the temple in John and the other gospels differ as to timing?
Question: While reading the book of John, I noticed that Jesus drives out the moneylenders out of the temple long before the triumphant entry in Jerusalem. This differs from the other 3 gospels which shows the scene of cleansing the temple just after the triumphant entry. What do you think of this? Answer: There are […]
Can we demonstrate that the Bible is scientifically accurate and the Qur’an is not? What about Jesus being God?
Question: I live in Dubai and have a lot of great Muslim friends. Sometimes we get in discussions on who Jesus is and as you know their view of Jesus is different. They are using Bible quotes to argue that Jesus himself said that he is not God. I can argue that there are many […]
What is the criteria for determining what is evidence is support for Christian belief?
Question: What criteria do you employ in support of calling something evidence? I am curious because many people I meet only consider something evidence if it was written down and somehow correlates to physical observable objects. I think differently. For example, with regard to the Flavius Josephus, and various typology concepts being proposed/investigated by scholars, […]
On John 1:18, which is authentic, the textus receptus or modern translations?
Question: My question is about John 1:18. If we use a modern translation, we can clearly notice that the verse says that Jesus is God. But the textus receptus translations just say that Jesus is Son. Which do you think is authentic? Answer: This is a question of translation, not of an error, either in the […]
Recently relics of St. Nicholas were in Russia and people were touching and kissing them. Is this idolatry?
Question: Recently some of the relics of St. Nicholas were brought to Russia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas). Thousands of the faithful lined up in a kilometer-long queue to kiss them and kneel before them. How should we react to this tradition to worship the relics, because it looks to be clearly idolatry? Do you know how the […]
Some say that Adam and Eve were specially selected from a pre-evolved intelligent hominid population. Is this view acceptable for a Christian?
Question: I have been doing research on the topic of evolution and found that I don’t understand it fully. I can see the mechanisms described for producing life. The idea of how evolution works does not bother me but there is something that does regarding the historicity of Adam and Eve. I have heard some […]
Isn’t it reasonable to expect that God will send prophets to us today to help guide his people?
Question: About prophets in our present day, the New Testament had prophets like Agabus and Anna. What about our present day? Could God still appoint prophets to guide and direct his church? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:1 to “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” This gift can be a blessing to the […]
In Christ, Albuquerque
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
Audio from John Oakes’ teaching trip to Nigeria June-July, 2017 English
Dr. John Oakes gave many lessons in Lagos and Port Harcourt from June 27-July 5, 2017. The audio are below. HebrewsLivingbyFaithLagos Freedom in Christ Lagos Answering the Hard Questions Lagos In Christ Lagos Acts Church History Lagos Deuteronomy 8 Sermon Port Harcourt From Shadow to Reality Port Harcourt Problem of Pain and Suffering PH Acts...
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A Gallup Poll of Americans on the origin of humans.
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 […]
How can Genesis be both historical and metaphorical?
Question: I have a question about the creation account of Adam and Eve. I read some at your website and also your book “Is there a God” (www.ipibooks.com) and while I can’t explain everything that I understand from these sources, if I may draw a short conclusion it is that you believe based on faith […]
Galatians Bible Study Series and Sermon: Living by Law vs Living by the Spirit
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 […]
Is there any validity to such writings as the Arabic Infancy Gospel and the Protoevangelion of James?
Question: A couple of months ago, I had a keen interest in the Gnostic Christian writings. Many of them sounded weird but some really did catch my interest. Those that caught my interest include the “Protoevagelion of James”, “Arabic Infancy Gospel”, “Acts of Thomas” and “Gospel of Nicodemus”. Now let me tell you why. The Protoevangelion […]
Growing in Grace: More audio now available
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 […]
Why is it that sin results from free will?
Question: Thank you for always having the right heart & passion for answering our questions. My question is – Why is it that sin is the consequence of free will? I understand that there is no definite answer, but I could sue some insight on how we can address this. Answer: Thanks for your […]
How reliable is Cyprian’s “Unity of the Church”? What about other early church fathers?
Question: I was wondering what is the scholarly consensus and textual reliability regarding St. Cyprian’s Unity of the Church as well as the majority of the early church fathers, thanks. Answer: The reliability of the writings of the “Church Fathers” varies widely. For example, the First Letter of Clement of Rome is considered by most […]
How do you explain the apparent contradictions in the gospels, for example about what Jesus rode into Jerusalem on? How do I know for sure they are inspired?
Question: This is a question that has been bothering me quite a bit for a long time. It can be easily found that there are differences in the four gospels on certain events. For instance, Jesus says to bring a donkey and its colt for the ride to Jerusalem in Matthew, while it is mentioned […]
Walking in the Light by Dr. John Oakes
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 […]
How to I explain to a non-believer salvation by faith, not works, when he says that this is not just?
Question: According to the Bible, we are counted as righteous and will be saved not because of our works but by our faith. On the other hand, James said that faith without works is essentially dead. My question I believe is a pretty common one, asked by non-believers or non-Christians, but I’d like to hear […]
Will God save a person who [merely] accepts Christ as personal Savior?
Question: After checking out your minstry’s website I have a question for you. Will God save a person who has accepted Christ as his personal Savior, through faith, but dies before ever being baptized? Answer: This is for God to decide. God is judge, not you or I. All I can do is study, understand […]
Q: Is Romans 8:29 consistent with Calvinism and predestination?
Question: My question is about Calvinism. Romans 8:29 makes it pretty clear that God does predestine some people to be saved. What I think about this verse is that those predestined people are the ones who received the calling and it is their duty to bring other people to the faith regardless of who they […]
God and Science Santa Barbara 5/5/17
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 […]
Is the recently uncovered document by a Roman historian who witnessed Jesus raising a stillborn child genuine?
Question: I read a recent article about an ancient Roman document written by a Roman historian who says he witnessed Jesus performing the miracle of bringing a still born infant to life. Have you heard about this? Is this story credible? Answer: Sorry but this is a bogus claim put up by a satirical anti-Christian […]
How can we explain the changed lives of people who believe in Jesus but are not saved?
Question: In spite of the clear teaching in the Bible about being baptized as a necessary part of the miracle of regeneration, how do you explain people’s denominational experience of a changed life when they “prayed Jesus into their heart?” Answer: First of all, I have made it a practice for many years not to […]
What is the date of Paul
Question: When was Paul killed? I’ve heard one person say AD 64 and someone else say AD 67. Also why was he killed? Answer: Here is the simple answer. No one knows. There are two general opinions, as you have heard. One is that his imprisonment in Rome, as described by Luke, led to his […]
Is it OK for a Christian to have a dream catcher?
Question: I have a question regarding dream catchers. Is it okay for a disciple to own a dream catcher? Even if they believe it has no superstitious meaning now and view it purely in a artistic sense. Answer: This is a gray area, but in my opinion it is a very light shade of gray. […]
How can God allow my dad to die? How can a decision in such a short life determine eternity?
Question: I was wondering if I could ask about something I have struggled with for a while. A few years ago I lost my aunt and then a little more than a year after that my father. I had never really lost anyone who was close to me before. I started to question God, his […]
What are your thoughts on the theory of Robert Eisenman that James is the teacher of righteousness of the Essenes and that Paul was the man of lies?
Question: What is your response to Robert Eisenman’s theories on the Dead Sea scrolls and New Testament? He states that James is the teacher of righteous and the true leader of the church instead of Peter while Paul is the man of lies and tried to corrupt the Church from within. He also states that […]
What happened to the ten tribes that were taken captive by the Assyrians?
Question: What happened to the 10 tribes who were taken captives by Assyrians? Did they ever come back? Answer: Good question. There have been many speculations about what happened to the ten “lost” tribes of Israel. The answer is that our knowledge is a bit limited. Besides, it is most likely a complicated tale. […]
Is there evidence from science that the Qur’an is inspired?
Question: I’ve heard Muslims saying that the Qur’an is the word of God since it contains a lot of scientific miracles in the sense that it gives information about the scientific facts that were discovered after the creation of Islam. For instance, in Sura 39:6 it is mentioned that in a mother’s womb there are threefold […]
Are Unitarians right that Matthew 28:18 “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” was not in the original Matthew?
Question: Lord Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 28:18, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” I have 2 questions: 1- Some critics like some Unitarians say that it’s impossible that Jesus said this because the […]
Could the four gospels have been written in the 90s? If so, are the accounts reliable?
[Editor’s note: this question is coming from a Christian in a Muslim country who is answering criticism from Muslims who claim the New Testament has been corrupted] Question: Please, I have questions about the time of writing of the gospels. The first source outside the New Testament that quoted from the gospels is Clement of […]
Is God being just if he blesses Israel but not all other people equally?
Question: God being a just God why is he doing so many special favors only to the Israelites out of the whole world? Answer: The choice of Israel by God is not a question of justice or injustice but of love. God chose Israel because it was part of his plan to bless humanity. It […]
Can you explain an apparent contradiction in 2 Samuel 21 regarding David and Jonathan’s descendants?
Question: I’m a bit confused about 2 Samuel 21 and need more clarification. David’s oath to Saul is to not kill off his descendants or wipe out his name from his father’s family (1 Samuel 24:21-22). David’s oath to Jonathan is to not ever cut off his kindness from his family (1 Samuel 20:15). Both […]
What is the best translation of the Bible into English?
Question: Please check out 1 Corinthians 7:36 and 1 John 5:7 in various Bible versions, They seem to have different meanings. Also, only the KJV includes the term “God manifested in the flesh”, while other versions just say “He appeared in the flesh”. Which of these variations could be right? How do we deal with […]
What do you know about the Clementine Homilies? Are they evidence of corruption of the Scripture?
Question: What is your response to the claim in the Clementine Homilies stating that there are falsehoods in scripture and that the Bible was written to try us and test our faith. Apparently it was Peter who told Clement that. Also Simon was used as an alias for Paul in the Clementine Homilies, and in […]
What do you know about Mauro Biglino–an author who uses the Bible to say we were created by aliens?
Question: My son has been asking a lot of questions regarding a guy named Mauro Biglino, who, I understand, has translated a number of books from the Old Testament. His conclusions, in essence, are similar to those of Erich von Denizen and Zechariah Sitchin. Basically they say that we were created by an alien race. […]
Can matter come into existence out of nothing according to Quantum Mechanics? Does this help the atheist position?
Question: Yesterday I watched a sitcom The Big Bang Theory and in one of their jokes, they said that quantum mechanics teaches us that there is a possibility that matter can spontaneously come into a being (in this case a beautiful woman). To be fair, it was told as a joke. I have no knowledge of […]
Is the Muslim Hadith historically reliable? Can a pacifist Muslim reject Hadith and be faithful to Islam?
Question: 1. Do you think the Hadiths that Muslims commonly use today like Sahi al Bukhari, Al tabari etc… contain true records? Are they completely reliable? There is a sect of Muslims called the quran-only Muslims and they disagree with the Hadiths. If they are true, then we can easily prove how pathetic and cruel […]
Do Christians and Muslims worship a different God?
Question: Recently I heard a Muslim talking about how Jews say that they do not worship the same god as Christians and that Jews say that Muslims worship the same God as Muslims. They also went on to mention that Christians were pagans who believe in human sacrifice. I honestly couldn’t believe that someone actually […]
King Solomon’s Mines Located?
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. […]
Why does Genesis not mention dinosaurs?
Question: 1. The whole dinosaurs debate seems to come up a lot. First the fact the dinosaurs lived millions of year ago and the Bible goes back about 6,000 years. So what do you say to people that say the bible is fake because it doesn’t mention dinosaurs and the dates don’t match up? […]
What can you tell me about the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene?
Question: Some friends and I are studying up on the women in the Bible Recently one of us came across information about Jesus and Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala. Do you have credible sources of their relationship that you can share with us? Thank you so much Answer: As far as I know, the […]
Does the Bible teach Original Sin? Can you explain the sun stopping still in Joshua 10?
Questions: 1) In your answer of my previous question, you said that Original Sin is unbiblical. But doesn’t the Bible say that all humans inherit the evil tendencies/desires ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God for the first time? 2) In the book of Joshua, it is mentioned that God stopped the sun from moving […]
Excel in the Grace of Giving–Sermon by John Oakes
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 […]
