The Book of Matthew Updated notes and power point
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
What does the phrase “whatever help you might otherwise receive from me is a gift devoted to God” mean in Matthew 15:6
Question: I wanted to ask you about Matthew 15:3-6. What does Jesus mean when he told the Pharasees in verse 5 that “whatever help you might otherwise receive from me is a gift devoted to God”? Answer: This is a reference to a common Jewish practice of giving a sacrifice (actually, more accurately a gift) […]
What does the phrase in the New Testament “going to sleep” mean?
Question: What is the meaning of the phrase “going to sleep” that is used many times in the New Testament. Also, what happens when we die? Answer: This was a common euphamism for saying that someone died in their culture. We also use euphemisms for talking about death. We say someone “passed away.” Or we say that […]
Please compare the concept of forgiveness in Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
Question: Can you compare the concept of forgiveness and cleansing of sins in Christianity, Hinduism and Islam? Answer: This is a very important question. The concenpt of sin and of forgiveness is quite different in the three religions. Islam and Christianity are closer to one another, but still different in very important ways. Hinduism is […]
Clase sobre Hechos por John Oakes
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
Why did Daniel get all of the historical facts wrong in Daniel 11:35-35?
Question: I am happy to find your resourceful website and I hope you can help solve my puzzle. Why did the book of Daniel get all the history wrong from verse 11:35 to the end? I tried to find answers in your power point but you list the historical facts just up to 11:35. This […]
If God wanted to save people from evil, why did he wait for so long before sending Jesus? If the Gospel is better than the Torah, why send the Law of Moses?
Question: Why didn’t God send Jesus at the beginning to show love if He already knew the people that live in the world would be so evil…? If He knew that Jesus’s teaching of love will make people become better today…why did he make the Torah rules to Moses…which is so cruel (killing a woman […]
What historical events are fulfilled in Revelation–especially in the last chapters of the book?
Question: Similar to you, I find preterism [editor’s note: this is the view that the majority of the visions in Revelation involve things which happened in the early period of Christianity] as the best interpretation of Revelation. However, I struggle with interpreting the events (especially the plagues). I also do not know what to do […]
How do you explain the similarities betwene the Egyptian god Horus and Jesus, including their sufferings? Was the story of Jesus plagiarized?
Question: How do you explain the similarities between the Egyptian god Horus and Jesus. Horus suffered the same tribulations. It could be said that the jesus story was plagiarized. Answer: Apparently you have been reading the claim that the Christian Jesus is a myth, borrowed from various Greek, Egyptian or Persian gods. This well-worn claim […]
Can you respond to a web article I found which claims that the Comforter of John 14:16 is a prophecy of Muhammed?
Question: I thank you for taking your time out of the day to answer questions that I have. I am learning about Islam and while researching I came across an article about the prophesying of Muhammad in the New Testament. This was just one of the examples presented: John 14:16 “And I will pray the […]
Many lessons in Russian and English Summer 2016
Dr. John Oakes gave many lessons in Kiev, Odessa, Kishinev (Moldova), St. Petersburg and Moscow in June/July, 2016. All are in English with Russian translation. GodandScience Moscow Church History Russian Daniel Moscow World View Moscow Freedom in Christ StPet Great Bible Study Russ Revelation Russian II Revelation Russian III God and Science Russian How...
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If the Roman Catholic Church can trace its history to the 1st century and if it is now apostate, does that mean that the gates of hell have overcome the church (Matthew 16:18)?
Question: I am intrigued by your take on early Christianity and how you believe the Catholic Church can trace its history back to the 1st century AD, yet don’t believe it’s the one true church. If the RCC was founded in the first century AD and was originally the one true church, but then went […]
Is the God of the Muslims the same as the God of the Christians, as claimed by Morgan Freeman?
Question: Recently I saw the documentary by National Geographic narrated by Morgan Freeman called the Story of God,where he says the God worshipped by the Christians and the Muslims is the same. I know this is not true.Can you explain briefly the major differences? Answer: It is debatable whether Muslims worship the same God as […]
Response of a Pandeist to an earlier Q & A
[Editor’s Note: I posted an article in response to a question about the philosophy/theology known as pandeism. A blogger posted a critique of my article, and this is a rebuttal by me. The critique is fairly long, and my response is below that.] Comment: From time to time, people do come along and write things […]
You should not use the NIV. Satan has omitted many scriptures from it!
[editor’s note: The person sending this comment included a document claiming that the NIV (and presumably nearly all other translations) have omitted major portions of the New Testament, including John 5:4, Acts 8:37, Acts 15:34, Matthew 17:21, Matthew 23:14, Acts 24:7 and several others.] Comment: As I dug deeper into your site I had to […]
Do John 9:3 and Exodus 4:11 mean that God gives disabilities to people so that he can be glorified?
Question: I wanted to ask you a question about the cause of disabilities as it relates to Exodus 4:11 and John 9:3 (about Jesus healing the man born blind). Some translations render the text in John as “this happened so that the works of God may be displayed”, implying that God caused his illness from […]
If God’s judgment is based on our actions, then why does he accept a substitute sacrifice instead. Doesn’t it need to be one or the other?
Question: If God is just and gives everyone what they deserve according to their actions, then why does he accept a substitute sacrifice on our behalf–whether it be the millions of animal sacrifices in the OT or even Christ himself? Perhaps you will just say it is God’s mercy, but I would appreciate some elucidation. […]
Is it an important issue whether we use the name Jesus or Yeshua?
Question: It has come to my attention that some people are using the name “Yeshua” in place of the name “Jesus”. They want to go as far as saying that the use of Jesus’s name is some kind of sin, that it is some kind of pagan mistranslation and that our Lord won’t hear your […]
Are Zechariah 3:8-9, 6:11-13 and 12:10-13:3 messianic prophecies? Is Joshua a figure of Jesus?
Question: Could you answer a couple questions about Zechariah? Is chapter 2:8-9 referring to Jesus’ sacrifice for all sin? Also, is chapter 6:11-13 referring to Joshua as a Jesus-figure? After all, isn’t Jesus’ real name in Hebrew Yeshua, which is a variant of Joshua? Is it a coincidence that it says his “name” is the […]
Did Josephus ever mention Paul in his writings?
Question: I was just wondering if Josephus ever mentioned the Apostle Paul in any of his writings? Thanks! Answer: Josephus does not mention Paul in any of the writings we have from him. Some have tried to use the lack if his mention of Paul to create doubt about the reliability of the New Testament–even going so […]
Why did God just give us the Bible and leave us alone to fend for ourselves?
Question: A coworker of mine questions the validity of God’s approach in leaving us a book and taking off and expecting us to be able to relate as God’s children and kind of figure this whole thing out until God returns and then makes us a part of His life? If we did this as […]
How much weight should be given to the early church “fathers” in theological matters (also questions about baptismal regeneration)
[Editor’s note: This is a series of three related questions about the teachings of the very early church leaders, including on baptismal regeneration. Question: How much weight should be given to the early church fathers’ theological positions? Answer: The simple answer is that their theological position should be given zero weight. When Irenaeus or Polycarp […]
Is it true that the Qu’ran teaches the virgin birth, that Jesus worked miracles, and that he was raised from the dead?
Editor’s note: This is actually a series of questions and answers. Question: I came across this statement in Sura III in the Quran, but I cannot find the exact scripture. “Jesus was of virgin birth, And performed many miracles. But those to whom he came as Prophet rejected him, and plotted his death. Their plots […]
Classes in Russian (many!)
Dr. John Oakes did a teaching tour in Ukraine, Moldova and Russia June 23-July 4, 2016. All lessons were recorded with translation into Russian. They are attached. Three of the lessons have parts missing which will eventually be added. Evidence for Jesus Russian I Evidence for Jesus Russian III Ezekiel Russian I Ezekiel Russian II ...
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Is reincarnation taught in the Bible as my Hindu friends claim, using Matthew 11:14?
Question: I live in India where 80% are Hindus and believe in reincarnation. I don’t believe in it but yesterday I checked out a website that has testimonies regarding Near to Death experiences. Some of them have seen Jesus after their death and he told them either to go back or reincarnate to a new […]
Can you respond to an article I had to read in a class which claimed that there is no biblical sexual norm?
Question: I have a question on an article pertaining to homosexuality. I was wondering if you could take a look at this article I had to read for a class. I would love to know your thoughts on it as it is an argument I have never heard before and would love to be informed […]
Northwest Teen Camp July, 2016 Godly Thinking Anchored
Dr. John Oakes taught classes for a teen camp near Seattle July 16-17, 2016. So sorry, but the recording of the Anchored in Christ was not made. Godly vs Worldly Wisdom Teens Worldly Wisdom vs Living by Faith PPT Anchored in Christ PPT...
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Seattle Teaching Weekend Christian World View Freedom in Christ
Dr. John Oakes taught a series of classes for the Seattle Church of Christ July, 2016. Freedom in Christ Audio Freedom in Christ PPT What is Truth Seattle Audio What Is Truth PPT ...
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John 20:23 appears to give the ability to forgive sins to Christians. How do you explain this?
Question: I would appreciate clarification from you on how John 20:23 gives authority for Christians to forgive sins. At first glance, it would appear to contravene the teaching in the rest of the Bible that only God can forgive sins. John 20:23 – If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do […]
Understanding Islam: Class by Dan Conder and John Oakes
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 […]
Is it possible for “soft tissue” to be preserved for many millions of years inside dinosaur fossils as has been reported in science journals?
Question: I have a question about reports in recent years (in technical, and in consumer oriented publications) of proteins, hemoglobin, collagen and various soft-tissue samples being found in various dinosaur fossils. Are these kinds of compounds able to survive for millions of years within a fossil? Seems counter-intuitive…. I have long been satisfied the earth […]
Did Paul kill any of the Christians he persecuted?
Question: Did Saul /Paul ever kill anyone when he was in pursuit of Christians or did he just have them jailed before his conversion? Answer: To be honest, I am not sure why it would matter whether he did or did not actually kill any individuals. What I can say for sure is that he […]
Hechos: Clase de seis horas de John Oakes
John Oakes taught a six hour class on the book of Acts in Mexicali, Mexido 6/3-5/2016. PPT and audio are here: Clase de Hechos PPT Hechos Mexicali I Audio Hechos Mexicali II Audio Hechos Mexicali III Hechos Mexicali IV Hechos Mexicali V...
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How can an Arminian understand 1 Peter 2:8 which mentions people being predestined for destruction?
[Editor’s note: An “Arminian” is one who accepts the proposal of Jacob Arminius who taught free will in the face of the accepted double predestination of John Calvin and most Protestants in the 16th century. Calvinism has all humans predestined by God–some pre-selected by God for salvation and others predestined for hell.] Question: A verse […]
What is the evidence that Jesus was a real person and that his story was not fabricated?
Question: Jesus is the pillar of Christian faith, I want to know, what are some evidences that show that he existed and not just fabricated? Answer: It has been argued that hardly anyone in the ancient world is more well attested to than Jesus of Nazareth. Within one hundred years of his life, at least […]
Is the claim by Matthew in Mat 2:23 that there was a prophecy that Jesus would be from Nazareth true?
Question: Sir, in Matthew 2:23 its written that Joseph was told in a dream to go to Galilee and live in the town of Nazareth just as the prophets said that He will be called a Nazarene. I have heard that this is clear evidence of an error in the New Testament. Can you give […]
Bible Workshop on the Book of John April 23 at SDSU
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 […]
Understanding Islam
Dan Conder and Dr. John Oakes taught a six hour class on Islam at UC San Diego May 21, 2016. Topics include history of Islam, life of Muhammad, the Qur’an, Hadith, Apologetics and Islam and Modern Islam and Jihad. Apologetics and Islam notes Understanding Islam PPT John Understanding Islam Audio 1 Understanding Islam Audio 2 ...
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How do I convince someone that gambling is unchristian?
Question: How do you convince someone that gambling and casino games are not part of a christian life?…Even if it is done occasionally. Any bible verses that is related to this? Answer: The Bible does not ever put gambling in a list of sins. I believe that allowing yourself to become addicted to gambling […]
Does 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 mean that people today will become sick or die if they eat the communion unworthily?
Question: I have been reading a lot on Lord’s supper lately and I’m having a hard time understanding this passage: 1 Corinthians 11: 28-30 “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink […]
The Holy Spirit
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 […]
Why does John have different materials than the synoptic gospels? Does this show that John made things up as my college professor claims?
Question: My question would refer to the harmonization of theme and chronology. I’ve seen that modern liberal scholarship takes aim at disproving the reliance of the gospels by picking these things apart. My teacher will make points about the same stories being at different times in different gospels with different details (albeit small details). He […]
The Coming of the Kingdom: Prophets of the Exile, Jeremiah and Ezekiel
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, […]
Does the Greek word translated “for” in Acts 2:38 mean “because of”?
Question: I have a question for you! I have thoroughly studied out baptism and the significance of the saving act for a believer. I also have examined every article on baptism on your website. I was at a recent baptism of a friend. I posted a picture on social media, saying we baptized my friend […]
Is it true that Luke 22:43-44 about sweat like drops of blood was not in the original Book of Luke?
Question: My teacher just told us that the verse in Luke where Jesus sweats blood was not in the original text and is a textual issue. Have you heard this argument before? Answer: It is true that Luke 22:43-44 is not included in the majority of the oldest and most reliable manuscripts of Luke. This […]
Why is the cleansing of the temple by Jesus at the beginning of his ministry in John but at the end in the synoptic gospels?
Question: Why is the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of John and at the end of the Synoptics? What were John’s motivations for placing it earlier? Also: How do you harmonize the different gospel accounts amidst editing and audience? I’m taking a class that is picking the gospels apart and I would like […]
What is the practical meaning of “calling on the name of the Lord” in Acts 2:21?
Question: I wanted to see if you could please help me with Acts 2:21 “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” I am studying with a friend who believes in Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31 and Acts 2:21 to be saved. It is my understanding that in the first century […]
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Lives
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
Is Hell Real?
Question: Hell: is it a real place? There’s so much material out there about the nature of hell and many Christians misinterpret the meaning, some even saying hell is not real. What did Jesus historically teach about it? Answer: What I can say for sure is that the Bible describes hell as a real place. […]
New CD Set now available from IPI Jesus Through the Eyes of John
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
