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
New CD Set available from IPI “Christian Theology”
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
New CD set available from IPI “And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever”
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
Does God know everything before it happens, including the choices we will make?
Question: My inlaws and I had a talk last night about “Does God know everything before it happens?” – Dad is a science teacher. He believes in God but says God probably doesn’t care about what we had for lunch or know in advance what choices we make. Your thoughts on an omniscient God? Answer: […]
Is taking the Lord’s Supper connected with salvation?
Question: I was talking to a member of a church with different beliefs on salvation from mine, and she gave reasonable and biblical evidence for why communion is the way to salvation. She used John 6:53-58 as the basis for her belief, saying that the only way to have eternal life is to take part […]
Hermeneutics: How to Interpret, Understand and Faithfully Apply the Scriptures
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.
How can I help a person spiritually who comes from “The Way”?
Question: Are you famliar with a church called “The Way?” I looked them up online… http://theway.org/index.php?page=home&lang=en I have a friend coming to my church who grew up as part of The Way church – her parents were in the ministry. As I understand it, The Way does not believe in the trinity. They believe Jesus is not God… […]
John Workshop
Dr. John Oakes gave a five hour workshop on the Book of John at SDSU April, 2016. Recordings attached. John Workshop Audio 1 John Workshop Audio 2 John Workshop Audio 3 John Workshop Audio 4 John Workshop Audio 5 Book of John Notes Gospel of John PPT...
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Is my Muslim friends claim true–that the Qu’ran is perfect but the Bible is corrupt?
Question: I recently received an email response from the Muslim: Khalid Choudhary. Here is what he said to me: We do have the original manuscripts of the Quran. Our Prophet’s companions gave those manuscripts a book form. Since we have only one Quran all over the world, that’s enough proof in itself of the original […]
Prefigures and Foreshadows in the Book of Esther
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 […]
What does the existence of gravitational waves teach us about creation?
Question: What do gravitational waves teach us about creation? Answer: This is a good question. I answered a similar question two years ago about the discovery of the Higgs boson, also known as the “God particle.” There is a sense in which a believer and a non-believer learn the identical thing from the […]
What do you know about the Brethren Church and their beliefs?
Question: What do you think about the Church of the Brethren and the way they follow the beliefs of the Bible? Answer: The Brethren are a fairly small denomination of Christianity which is historically directly connected to the Reformation in Northern Europe in the sixteenth century. There were three principle lines of theology and practice […]
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
Prophets of the Exile: Ezekiel and Jeremiah
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah in San Diego March and April, 2016. Pedro Figueroa taught the fifth of six classes. Prophets of Exile PPT Prophets of the Exile Prophets of Exile Audio 1 Prophets of Exile Audio 2 Exile Proph SD 4 Prophets of Exile audio […]
The Holy Spirit
This is a four part series on the Holy Spirit, taught by Dr. John Oakes for the San Diego Church of Christ staff. It covers the role of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts and the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit SD Holy Spirit II...
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How can I convince my friend to reject Postmodernism?
Question: A friend of mine who left my church told me that she considers herself a postmodernist, which is why she left. I did some research and got to understand it a bit better. I also watched your video. I was wondering what I can say or ask that can help my friend reconsider this philosophical […]
What is Freemasonry and how should a Christian respond to this organization?
Question: What is Freemasonry and what should the Christian response to this organization be? Answer: To some, Free-Masonry is a Satan-inspired conspiratorial organization of secret anti-government, anti-Christian men, and to others it is a fraternal social organization very similar to the Elks and the Lion’s club. The truth lies somewhere in between, but for the […]
Are there any other inspired writings from the first century not included in the New Testament?
Question: I believe that the Bible is the word of God and is the greatest text ever written. It is 100% accurate and reliable. That being said, are there any other inspired texts that were written in the first century that one can look at and research and that are reliable? I’m asking about other […]
Is Baptism a Work of Salvation?
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. […]
Doesn’t application of Ockham’s razor favor materialism over theism?
Question: One philisophical principle is that in a set of hypotheses, the one with less assumptions should be validated. Most of my friends think that materialism is the worldview with the least assumptions since it only requires that we assume the physical world can be perceived, measured and understood by our human senses. These materialist friends say […]
Workshop on the Book of John
Dr. John Oakes taught a five hour workshop on the Book of John for the San Diego Church of Christ April 24, 2016. The class focuses on what makes John unique–especially John’s use of the Jewish festivals to tell us about Jesus. Gospel of John Notes Gospel of John PPT John Workshop Audio 1 John...
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understanding Islam
Dan Conder and Dr. John Oakes taught a six-hour class on Understading Islam at UC San Diego May 21, 2016. Topics include History of Islam, Life of Muhammad, Qur’an and Hadith, Apologetics and Islam, Jihad and Islam, Modern Islam. Apologetics and Islam notes John Understanding Islam PPT John Understanding Islam Audio 1 Understanding Islam Audio...
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Are there interpretation issues in the translation of Genesis 1-11 in English Bibles? These issues seem to favor the young earth position.
Question: I would be interested in hearing your notes / commentary on Genesis 1-11. From my research, there appears to be a lot of interpretation going into the transalation of our English language bibles. A superficial reading of our English language Bibles in Genesis would seem to support a young earth and a global cataclysmic […]
The need for Apologetics and the Christian World View
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
Answering Calvinism
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 […]
Can you explain Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (a time to plant and a time to uproot, etc….)?
Question: Can you explain Ecc 3:1-8? Answer: This may be one of the top ten famous passages in the Bible. It was popularized by the rock group The Byrds in the 60’s. We have to look at the context of this passage. Solomon is not discussing deep theology here. He is presenting what he learned […]
What is the purpose of prayer?
Question: I was wondering what is the true purpose of prayer when we ask things of Him? I know God commands us to pray and to continue communication with Him through this privilege given by Jesus Christ, but does it actually change what God thinks or what happens on Earth? For example if I was […]
Is judging others always wrong for a Christian?
Question: In Romans 2:1 and in many other places the Bible says that we should not judge each other. We should not condemn each other. How exactly am I to understand any difference between condemnation and mentoring–between condemnation and the attempt to save a brother or sister from the consequences of their choice? I heard […]
Does Isaiah 59:1-2 teach that God literally does not hear the prayers of sinners?
Question: I have a question about Isaiah 59:1-2. I have heard it taught that the last words of verse 2, “your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear”, means that when people who are not Christians pray, their prayers were not heard, even if they are sincerely religious. I always […]
How can baptism be a saving act?
Question: How can baptism be a saving act? I was raised in a Presbyterian church and attended a Calvinist school (I was not a Christian at the time). So the idea of anything beyond the cross (namely baptism) being a requisite for entering heaven has been troubling for me. Initially, I thought that baptism was […]
Report on Teaching Trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and Philippines Jan, 2016
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 […]
How do you interpret 1 Peter 4:6?
Question: How are we to understand 1 Peter 4:6? Answer: This passage is one of the few in the New Testament which are relatively difficult to know for sure the exact meaning. In the context, Peter is talking about the suffering of Christ on our behalf (1 Pet 4:1-2) and about our salvation when we […]
Teaching trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and Philippines
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 […]
Please help me answer a number of questions from my Muslim friend I am trying to share with.
Question: I am trying to share the Gospel message to a Muslim, and I need help in responding to his email. Here is his response: [Editor’s note: Because there are so many questions here, the answers are interspersed among the different questions. The questions are in italics. J. O.] God created human being, showed them […]
How can the death of Jesus two thousand years ago forgive someone living today? Does this make sense?
Question: I have just finished to read all the NEW TESTAMENT and I have some questions about some points. 1 Can you explain how a death ( Jesus’ death on the Cross) can forgive the sins of any human being even many years after? I think it is tough to understand and its a matter […]
Did Paul erroniously predict the return of Jesus during his lifetime?
Question: Did Paul predict the return of Jesus during his life time? Answer: The answer is no, Paul did not predict when Jesus would return. There is not verse in the New Testament in which he even hints at a date for the return of Jesus. However, it is easy to get a sense from […]
Would a person who had no resources other than the Bible come to the cessationist position?
Question: If a person was locked alone in a room with a Bible, and knew nothing about Church history, would they really come out of this room as a cessationist? I have trouble believing this statement. I am attaching a debate link that I found useful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLOSesbHxQr2ShoYe9sgnTZ1er9GGYz5F0&v=c0biTwj635I&app=desktop [editor’s note: the questioner is using the word […]
Did the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah predict that we would worship him?
Question: The OT describes the prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. The doubt I have comes from the question, did God the Father command Israel to worship this Messiah? Or on the other hand, did he only predict the coming of a great prophet who will teach Israel his way (like the old prophets […]
What do you think about supernatural claims by biblical scholars such as Tom Horn?
Question: What is your take on supernatural biblical scholars (like Tom Horn ) who spend a great deal of time, research, field trips etc into writing books, documentaries, and then go on to Christian tv shows using current events to corroborate with the bilblical/ extra bibilical prophecies? Some of the stronger claims they allege is […]
Class on the Book of Acts by Dr. John Oakes
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 […]
Malachi: Faith in God or Faithful to God?
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
Did someone other than Nehemiah write Neh 12:10-11?
Question: Is Nehemiah Chapter 12 verse 10-11 written by an author other than Nehemiah? [editor’s note: see the follow-up question below] Answer: I am not sure why you think, in particular, that Nehemiah 12:10-11 might be written by someone other than Nehemiah. Can you please write me back, explaining why you are unsure of the […]
Class on the Book of Romans
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 […]
Answering Calvinism
Dr. John Oakes taught a six hour class on Calvinism. Unfortunately, only part I and part IV recorded successfully, but we will eventually post the entire class. Calvinism I Audio Calvinism IV Audio Answering Calvinism Notes...
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Missionary Teaching Trip SE Asia Jan, 2016 Hebrews, Jesus, Holy Spirit, etc.
Dr. John Oakes taught a number of lessons which were translated into Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese. They were classes on Hebrews, on Living by Faith, on Who is Jesus, on the Holy Spirit and more. Hebrews Thai Part I Hebrews Thai audio Part II Evidence for Jesus Bangkok Audio Hebrews Batambang I audio Hebrews Batambang...
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The Holy Spirit
Dr. John Oakes is teaching a series on the Holy Spirit for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ. The Holy Spirit I Holy Spirit II Holy Spirit in Acts Audio Holy Spirit Class Notes...
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Is the Darius who built the temple after Artaxerxes in Ezra 4 Darius I or Darius II?
Question: The book of Ezra mentions that after Artaxerxes stopped the rebuilding of the temple that it began again during the reign of Darius. Is this Darius II that reigned after Artexerxes or is this Darius I and the Ahasuerus and Artexerxes mentioned in chapter 4 Cambyses and Smerdis? This is all a bit confusing. […]
Can a Christian be faithful, yet not be part of a local church?
Question: Thank you for all your articles and all questions and answers! I have a question I’m interested in. Often, when people leave the Church, they say that they are leaving the Church, but not away from God. They are sure that they are continue to live with God, even if their “journey” is delaying […]
