Dr. John Oakes – Page 33 – Evidence for Christianity

How do we know that our prayers will actually be answered? How do we know God intervenes?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Thank you for the interesting site. And I have fond memories of your lessons at Novosibirsk in 2011. In one of your answers you have written: “It is God’s will for my children to be saved, and my faithful, unremitting, unselfish prayer will increase the chances that they will be saved.” https://evidenceforchristianity.org/if-we-pray-for-things-that-are-gods-will-mark-1123-24-can-we-assume-that-he-will-answer-that-prayer/ What passages […]

Is it possible for a man to live without lust?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: I was wondering if it possible for a man to live without lust? Wherever we go we are bombarded by sexually explicit images and texts. Being a woman I think men have more trouble controlling their lust compared to a woman. Answer: This is an interesting question to come from a woman. I believe […]

Do Mormons get their teaching about baptizing for the dead from 1 Corinthians 15:29?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: I am reading your book on Mormonism [editor’s note: available at www.ipibooks.com] and I came across the section about Mormon belief and one of the beliefs was baptism for the dead. Do they take this from the 1 Corinthian 15:29 verse? What does the verse mean? Answer: Mormons do not get baptism for the […]

Is it true that the population of Jerusalem in AD 70 was about 20,000 and that, therefore, Luke wildly exaggerates?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, Church History, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

[editor’s note: This is a follow-up from an inquiry last week. The original question is below to give context to the concern of the one who asked. As you read the question, bear in mind it is a follow-up to the original, which is if Luke grossly exaggerated the number of converts in Jerusalem in […]

Is God a God of war (Exodus 15:3) or a God of peace (Romans 15:33)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: War or peace? Exodus 15:3 says The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Romans 15:33 says Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Can God be both a man of war and a man of peace? This question is so important I feel because it deals […]

Did Luke grossly exaggerate the number of Christians in Jerusalem in the early church?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Dr. Oakes, I am reading a book for one of my classes called “the rise of Christianity” and the author makes a point that if the early church had well over 3,000 adherents then a significant of the population in Jerusalem would have been Christian. He claims that there is no evidence of this […]

Is Foxe’s Book of Martyrs historically accurate?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Q & A .

Question: Is Foxe’s book called Foxe’s Book of Martyrs historically and biblically accurate? I was interested in purchasing it, and wanted to know what you thought about it. Answer: Foxe’s book of martyrs is mostly accurate, but it is extremely biased against the Catholic Church. The coverage of them martyrdoms in the early Church is generally good. […]

How do I show Christianity is the only way to a friend who will not consider biblical evidence?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Philosophy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Someone asked me “With all other religions in circulation why do you feel that only Christianity is the way?” How can you prove that it is the only way? I couldn’t prove this with scripture because this was a man who didn’t believe in scripture. So I ask how can a young man show […]

Surely God is against human sacrifice, yet he asks Abraham to be willing to commit human sacrifice. Why would he do this?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Q & A, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: God is, in principle, against human sacrifice: the religious ritual killing of innocents to appease God, or any gods, for that matter. So it would be likewise true that God is, in principle, against anyone’s ever *thinking* that God is ever in favor of such sacrifice. So, if God caused Abraham to think that […]

How do I prove that humans have free will?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: For my philosophy class, I am writing a paper on God and free will. I am trying to prove that free will exists, and that having free will supports the existence of God. Because of this freedom, evil and God can coexist. Therefore, God can be omnibenevolent while evil exists because of free will. […]

Can there be morality without religion?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have of course been exposed to a lot of apologetic “reasoning” and would like to know what your thoughts are on a moral world without religion. Do you feel morality can’t be derived from secularism? Or is religion the only way? I look forward to your response. What about gap arguments? Answer: Atheists […]

Why do most scientists reject the possibility of God’s existence? Why do they embrace evolution?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Anthropology, Creation, General, Q & A, Science and the Bible .

Question: Why do most scientist reject the possibility of God`s existence? Why do they embrace evolution? Answer: Two really good questions! First, it is simply not true that most scientists reject the possibility of the existence of God. Many do, but more do not. This is a stereotype which is created largely because the atheist […]

Answering Calvinism

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Audio, Bible Teaching, Theology .

Dr. John Oakes taught a six hour class on Calvinism–the history and theological problems. It focuses in on the reason this led to the twin false doctrines of praying Jesus into our heart and once-saved-always-saved. The whole class: Answering Calvinism Entire Audio First and last parts in higher quality audio: Calvinism I Audio Calvinism IV...

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

Sermon on Acts CH 20

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Articles, Bible Teaching, PowerPoints .

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Acts chapter 20 for the San Diego Church of Christ on 10/26/15. It focuses primarily on the farewell sermon of Paul to the Ephesian elders. The outline, power point and audio are attached. Acts Ch 20 sermon notes Acts Ch 20 sermon […]

God and Science at UConn

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Articles, Bible and Science, Creation, PowerPoints, The Existence of God .

Dr. John Oakes gave a public lecture on God and Science/Science and the Bible at the University of Connecticut 10/15/2015. The power point and audio are attached. God and Science PPT God and Science UConn Audio

What does it mean that Jesus will be at the right side of God?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A .

Request: I need to understand the verse when Jesus said He will be at the right side of God. Response: Because God is not a physical being, I take this statement metaphorically. To be at the right hand means to be the chief support and second-in-command. A prince sits as the right hand of a […]

What can you tell me about the Hebrew Israelite Faith, which claims descent from the biblical tribe of Judah?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: I would like your perspective on the Hebrew Israelite faith (African Americans claiming Hebrew decent, specifically from the tribe of Judah). I will continue to dig deeper in my research, but was curious about your perspective, and how you would deal with someone like that. Thanks! Answer: I am not sure I understand the […]

If God detests child sacrifice, why did he sacrifice his Son?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: In the Old Testament God warned his people to stay away from the detestable practices of the pagans, which would include sacrificing their own children to the so called deities. Why, then, would God the Father want his only begotten Son to die as a sacrifice for us? I know he died for our […]

Is the idea of a mother God in the Bible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A .

Question: Is there really a mother God in the Bible/Christianity? What about these scriptures: Revelation-21:9-10, 22:17 and Galatians-4:16? Answer: I assume you want the Christian answer to this question. Other religions do propose a mother goddess. This would include Mormonism and, in a sense, Hinduism. However, Christianity, like Judaism and Islam, is avowedly monotheistic. There […]

Class on the Book of Acts, Part VI

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Audio, Bible, Bible Teaching .

Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the Book of Acts for the singles ministry in San Diego September and October, 2015. Notes and power point will be included with the last class....

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

How to I discuss the Bhagavad Gita with my Hindu friend, and explain how it does not solve the problem of sin?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Other Religions, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: Thank you sir for answering my many questions. My Hindu friend insists that the Bhagavad Gita is the best book ever, and gives so many answers to the questions of life. Can you give me an answer as to why this book doesn’t solve the problem of the sin of mankind? Also, are there […]

The Book of Romans

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Audio, Bible, Bible Teaching .

John Oakes and Pedro Firgueroa taught a six week 9 hour class on the Book of Romans. Audio, notes and power points are available here. Romans Audio Part I Romans Part II audio Romans Audio Part III Romans Audio Part IV Audio Romans Part V AudioRomans Part VI Romans Audio Part VII Romans Part VIII...

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

Can you respond to an article which uses 1 Cor 13:8 to claim that prophecy is still available as a gift?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: First of all I would like to thank you for all the teaching you have available on your website. As a new believer, it has helped me tremendously to better understand the Bible and strengthen my faith. I do have one question (well have many more, but start with this one). In one of […]

Malachi: Faith in God or Faithful to God?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Audio, Bible Teaching .

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon, primarily on Malachi Ch 1 and Ch 3 on our covenant relationship with God. We are challenged to give our best to God. Malachi Sermon Notes Malachi Sermon Audio...

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

What does it mean to Christianity if there was once life on Mars?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Science and the Bible .

Question: I am a science teacher. So far I haven’t had any issues with my faith and Biology or my position on evolution but with the recent discovery of water on Mars I’m starting to wonder…”What if there was bacteria or some other life form on Mars? What does that mean?” I was wondering if […]

Does Romans 2:12-16 mean that non-believers can be saved by their own righteousness?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: My question relates to Romans 2:12-16: “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the […]

Grand Opening of the John Clayton Museum of Ancient History

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements, Apologetics, Archaeology, Articles .

ARS is proud and excited to announce the opening of the John Clayton Museum of Ancient History, featuring the Foster Stanback Collection. This museum has been the dream of our board chairman Foster Stanback for more than a decade. Huge thanks to York College in York, Nebraska for hosting this amazing museum. Here […]

If God flooded the earth, all land creatures would die. Why would God destroy innocent creatures?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, The Flood .

Question: Regarding the story of the flood: If God flooded the Earth, all the land mammals and insects would die, but not the sea animals. Maybe some of the birds would survive. Isn’t this unfair and needlessly cruel? Why would God destroy innocent creatures like deer and rabbits but leave sharks and killer whales alone? […]

Is the “darkness” in Joshua 24:8 literal darkness?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A .

Answer: I was reading my Bible this morning in Joshua, I noticed the word “darkness” in Joshua 24:8. I looked it up in Strong’s and in the Hebrew, it is called “maaphel”. In your opinion, is this literal darkness or something else? Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says “something opaque”. http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3990.htm Joshua 24:7 NIV But they cried […]

Could Zechariah 14:16-18 be about a literal event, or is it about heaven? Wouldn’t the Jews have taken this literally?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I was hoping you could help me understand how the the setting of Zechariah 14:16-18 could be referring to somewhere other than Earth. “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. […]

Does Romans 2:12-16 teach that we are judged according to what we know?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: My question relates to Romans 2:12-16: “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the […]

The Book of Acts by Dr. John Oakes

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Audio, Bible, Bible Teaching .

John Oakes is teaching a six-part class on the Book of Acts for the singles in San Diego starting Th. Sept 3rd. Acts Audio Part I Acts Part II Acts Part III Acts Part IV Acts Part V Acts Part VI Acts Part VII Acts Part VIII Audio Here are...

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

Is it a sin for a believer with income to not pay tax on that income?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: Is someone who has an income that he does not pay tax on sinning? Answer: I cannot answer every possible issue related to your question. There may be some gray area here. I do not know what country you live in, which would also affect my answer. In the United States there are gray […]

Yo Soy: Conferencia in Tijuana Sobre Jesus

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Apologetics, Articles, Bible, Bible Teaching, Jesus, Jesus, Miracles, Miracles, PowerPoints, Prophecy, Prophecy, Spanish Articles .

John and Jan Oakes taught classes for a singles conference in Tijuana focusing in on the claims of Jesus. Notes and Power Point in English and Spanish and audio in Spanish. I AM The Way Notes I AM the Way PPT Yo Soy El Camino PPT Yo Soy El Camino Audio I AM The Truth Notes […]

In Genesis 2 it says that man was created before vegetation and animals. Is this a contradiction?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Creation, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: I have a question about creation: In Genesis 1 it says God made vegetation, water creatures and birds before making man but in Genesis 2 it’s says that man was made before vegetation and animals Is this a biblical contradiction? I ask this question as a disciple who struggles with being logical at times, […]

Why is the name Yaweh for God not found in the New Testament?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Q & A, Versions of the Bible .

Question: I wonder why isn’t the name Yahweh mentioned anywhere in the NT? We only see Christ calling him Father in the gospels as well as the apostles addressing Him in the same way. Has it been omitted anywhere in various translations? For a new believer isn’t it essential to know that the Father […]

I do not understand the trinity. Can you help me to clear up some questions?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I think it is hard to understand the trinity because a man cannot be in America, in Africa and in Asia at the same time: that make the trinity hard to understand when I take it in a human way. I want to ask you if the trinigy is like this: 3 forms of […]

My university prof. claims Daniel was written after AD 164, and is fake prophecy. Comment?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Daniel, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: My teacher at my university claims that Daniel was written in 165BCE. [editor’s note: probably the professor meant that it was written after 164 BC when the events surrounding Antiochus Epiphanes occurred] He says that it was written with the Babylonian setting to make it look like it was prophesying the future. He also […]

Have you ever struggled with doubts?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Dr Oakes, have you ever struggled with doubts in your faith? About God? Christianity? If so how have you overcome them? Thanks so much. Answer: A great question. Of course I have doubts. Faith without doubts is probably not real faith. A reasonable level of doubt is required in order to grow. We had […]

How can Jesus be God, yet pray to God? This is confusing to me.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: There so many things in the Bible I don’t understand up to now. For example, I struggle to understand the nature of Jesus Christ. Some verses show us that he is God but some show that Jesus and God are different. In John 17 Jesus was praying God. So If he is God why […]

How can I respond to a friend who heard a Michael Shermer talk claiming God does not exist?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Philosophy, Q & A, Science and the Bible .

Question: I hope this email finds you well. I am a Christian and have a friend who is going through some unbelief, and he sent me this video to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pOI2YvVuuE which illustrates his thought process. He doesn’t believe in God anymore, and doesn’t believe Christianity is any more right than any other religion. My […]

The Claims of Jesus: Miami

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Audio Free .

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon and public lecture on the evidence that Jesus is who he said he is. He asks what the most reasonable conclusion is–is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or is he who he said he is? He looks at the claims of Jesus as well as the fulfillment of messianic […]

The Claims of Jesus: Miami

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Audio, Jesus, Manuscript/Textual Issues, Miracles .

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon and public lecture on the evidence that Jesus is who he said he is. He asks what the most reasonable conclusion is–is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or is he who he said he is? He looks at the claims of Jesus as well as the fulfillment of messianic...

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

Miami Christian Evidence Weekend Audio and Power Points

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Articles, Bible and Science, Jesus, Pain and Suffering, Philosophy, PowerPoints, Prophecy, World View .

The Apologetics Research Society, along with the South Florida Church of Christ put on a Christian Evidence weekend in Miami/Dade and Broward County, including at Florida International University Sept. 18-20, 2015. The audio and some of the power points and outlines are attached. God is Good: The Problems of Pain, Suffering and Evil PPT Problem […]

Is what my university professor told me true, that there was no complete New Testament before 356 AD?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, Church History, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Hello Dr Oakes. I am taking an early Judaism and Christianity course in university and I have a question about the Bible. My teacher is very critical towards the New Testament writers and writings (as most are in the department of religion) and he told us in class the other day that the first […]

Why does God allow the pagan idolatry of Hinduism in my country?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I come from the land of a million gods( INDIA) where anywhere you look at any place it has the stench of idolatry. While hindus feel it’s nothing short of a blessing to have so many gods, I wonder why God allows something like a pagan religion of Hinduism to still continue today like […]

Evidence for the Resurrection

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Audio, Jesus .

Brian Colon gave a class on the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus at a Christian Evidence Conference in Miami Sept 19, 2015. The focuses on the kinds of information that even the non-Christian or the skeptic will agree is true....

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

Apologetics and Evangelism

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Other Religions .

Dan Conder rand Kate Oakes gave a class at a Christian Evidence Conference in Miami Sept. 19, 2015. The class was on the wise use of Christian evidence in outreach to unbelievers. They suggest finding common ground, asking lots of questions and gently leading people to their own conclusions.

God and Science, Miami

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Audio, Bible and Science, Creation, Existence of God .

John Oakes gave a class on God and Science as well as Science and the Bible at a Christian Evidences Conference in Miami Sept. 9, 2015....

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here

Genesis, Science and the Christian Worldview

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Audio, Bible and Science, Creation, Existence of God, World View .

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Book of Genesis, focusing on the scientific implications as well as the worldview implications of the book–especially the first four chapters. He also gave a comparitive analysis of other creation myths. The class was given at a Christian Evidence Conference in Miami Sept 18, 2015....

This content is for members only.
Register

Already a member? Log in here