Dr. John Oakes – Page 46 – Evidence for Christianity

Why were the antilegomena (the "questioned" books such as Ezekiel and Ecclesiastes) of the Old Testament made part of the OT canon?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I have a question about the Old Testament canon. It is about the Old Testament antilegomena. These are the books that some Jewish scholars doubted. I know that Ezekiel, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs, and Esther were questioned as being canonical books. What made these books still become canonical, despite the apparent contradictions in question […]

Is there any proof outside the Bible that Jesus performed miracles?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, History, Miracles .

QUESTION: I used to be a follower of Christ. I was wondering is there any PROOF outside of the Bible that proves the miracles that he performed including him coming back from the dead? I would like the sources that where written by non-believers at that time period if this is all possible with you. […]

My Jewish friend says that Isaiah 7:14, about the virgin birth is just a Christian interpretation but that "their version" (Hebrew) says something different.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Other Religions .

Question: I read your article on how to help convert our Jewish friends, the problem is that yes, “our version” the Old Testament mentions things about Jesus, but when you bring that up, they show you in “their version” that is in Hebrew it is different. Where ours says a virgin will give birth…but in their […]

At what point did God give to Jesus "all authority on heaven and earth?"

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

Question: When Did God give Jesus all authority on heaven and Earth?: After His resurrection, and just before Jesus returned to heaven, He told the disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18) Then, in Ephesians 1:20-23 we are told […]

Jesus cannot be the Messiah because of many messianic prophecies he did not fulfill!

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Prefigures and Foreshadows, Reliability of the Bible, Types .

Question: I have read some of your articles. I do not see how Jesus meets the criteria given for Messiah in the Tanakh… SITUATION OF HIS BIRTH Christians say he had no biological father. Therefore he had no lineage through Joseph to forebears. Christians then claim that he was ‘adopted’ or that the lineage was through […]

When was the Old Testament canon decided? Was it at the Council of Jamnia?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: One last question if you have time . Was there an Old Testament canon completed before the time of Christ that the Jews used? Or was it not until 90AD at Jamnia that it was established? I’m seeing different claims on this topic. Was hoping maybe you could help me clear it up? […]

Could you be mistaken in your interpretation of the burnt offering and the grain offering in your book From Shadow to Reality?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Prefigures and Foreshadows .

Question: Thank you so much for writing “From Shadow to Reality.” It has strengthened my faith by seeing how only God could have orchestrated the foreshadowing in the Old Testament. I have learned a lot, and have had theories of my own on foreshadowing confirmed by your explanation of the related Scriptures. One issue […]

How do you explain the question of evil from various world views?

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

Editor’s Note: This question and answer are taken from an exam by Randy Hroziencik, a student in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program. It is used by permission. Question: In your own words, try to present the “explanation” of evil from the point of view of at least three other world views other than Christian theism. […]

Why does God not answer prayers of sincere Christians? Does God guide Christians in their daily lives?

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

Question: It is almost unreasonable to deny that God has shown some evidence of His existence ( in the resurrection of Christ as prophesied before His time and witnessed afterwards) But, one reason why people don’t believe in God is because He doesn’t seem to answer or guide when there is a physical need (starving […]

How do you reconcile the mauling of the children by the bear in 2 Kings 2 with Jesus' command to love one another?

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

QUESTION: I recently came across a friends post on Facebook in which he quoted Jesus saying to love one another, to bless those that curse you and do good to those that persecute you. One of the follow up posts was from another person who quoted the section in 2 Kings 2 where Elisha curses […]

What is the difference between the Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha? Why are these rejected by most?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I can’t find any solid information on the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and why these books are not considered inspired scripture. I know they are considered false writings, but why? Are the Old Testament pseudepigrapha and the Old Testament apocrypha consideredto be the same thing? Is the OT Pseudepigrapha just a branch of the OT apocryphal writings? […]

Do you have material at your site that discusses evidence for whether Jesus is God?

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

Question: Do you have material at your site which will help me to show that Jesus is God? You probably discussed this subject somewhere but I could not find it on your website. Can you please direct me to where it is located? Response: Yes, I definitely deal with this question a lot at my […]

Teaching Weekend by John Oakes in Puebla

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Articles .

Teaching Weekend in Puebla

Apocalyptic Literature/The Book of Revelation

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

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on apocalyptic literature, including the Book of Revelation on six consecutive Saturdays beginning September 28 at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego. Revelation notes Revelation Power Point The audio of this lesson is now available in the web site store. Go to the front page and click on […]

How do I respond to a critic who says the story of Aaron and the calf was copie from a groupo of Asiatic Egyptian miners? One of a series of similar questions…

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, History, Reliability of the Bible .

QUESTION: I really need help on the following-I was on a website recently that claims that Aaron’s feast day of the golden calf that is said to have occurred in around 1446 BC in Exodus was copied from a events that took place within the same time period (between 17-15 century BC) by a group […]

Which version of the Bible can we trust? The NIV omits many vital scriptures.

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

Question: I have spent the last two years trying to learn from the Holy Spirit. During this time the issue of Bible translations has arisen. The Lord led me to look at and compare all the different versions. I found the NIV translation to have omitted many vital scriptures. This has also left me wondering […]

How do I deal with a Christian who believes aliens are controlling everything?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Supernatural .

Question: I need your help with a Christian in the church I am leading who has started struggling with some thoughts about how aliens have been visiting us for a long time and controlling everything on the earth from the beginning. There are a lot of movies on youtube talking about that with a lot of evidence […]

How can a Christian explain the typhoon that hit the Philippines? Why do prayers of Christians not prevent such disasters?

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

Question: The typhoon that hit the Phillippines was completely devastating. Possibly over 10,000 dead. I understand through Christian teaching, that these events, according to some, are the result of a fallen world. Others say that this is just a natural part of God’s created Earth. My question is this. There are thousands of Christians living […]

New Class For the ARS Apologetics Certificate Program Available: The Bible: Reliability, Inspiration and Inerrancy

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Announcements, Apologetics, Articles, Bible, Manuscript/Textual Issues .

ARS is proud to announce that the ninth of ten classes in our Apologetics Certificate Program is now available. The class is on the reliability, inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The instructor of the class is Dr. John Oakes. The class includes a study of biblical manuscripts and the canon of the Old and […]

New class now available for ARS Apologetics Certificate Program: Apologetics and Archaeology

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

ARS is excited to announce the eighth of our ten courses in our Christian Apologetics Certificate is now available. This is a ten hour class on the historical and archaeological support to the reliability of the Bible. The instructors are Dr. John Wilson, professor emeritus of archaeology from Pepperdine University, as well as Dr. John […]

How do I reach out to a Hare Krishna friend with the gospel?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions .

Question: Hello Dr. Oakes. I wanted to ask you a question about studying the Bible with a friend of mine who is a Hare Krishna. How should I approach it? I know a little bit about the religion through talking with him and reading a bit of the Baghavad Gita. I really want him to […]

What happens to our memories when we die?

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

Hello sir, I want to know about what happens to our whole life’s stored memory after death? Answer: I am assuming you want a biblical answer to this question, not a scientific answer or my opinion. The Bible is not explicit about what happens to our memories when we are in heaven (or in hell, […]

How do we know the apostles are the actual authors of the New Testament texts? (as well as several other questions)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I am a 20 year old college student from Louisiana and I have been a Christian all my life. There came a time this past summer where I began to question my faith and why I believed what I did. I began searching and instead found a lot of atheist arguments which proceeded to […]

Does a recently published report of a 1.8 million year old skull mean there was a pre-Adamic human race?

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

QUESTION: I have a question for in regards to an article posted by Fox News today. Apparently a 1.8 million year skull has been found which apparently is some evolutionary link. Does this mean tha there was some sort of pre-adamic race? Are they even sure the skull is that old? How would this reconcile […]

ARS Apologetics Certificate Paper: "Apologetics and Old Testament Atrocities"

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Articles, Bible, Pain and Suffering, Theology .

Is there a biblical distinction between being forgiven of sins and salvation?

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

Question: I did not grow up Christian. I was in my forties when I studied the Bible. There is an idea, a concept, that Christians seem to hold on to ferociously that I don’t see in the Bible. Am I missing something? The strong majority of people that I talk to see forgiveness and salvation […]

If God understands my humanity and sinful nature better than I do, why does he still hold me accountable for what I cannot help doing?

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

Question: If God understands my humanity and sin nature better than I do, why does He still hold me accountable for what I cannot help doing?” Answer: A good question. When my children were young, I understood their “humanity and sin” better than they did. Despite this, I held them accountable for their actions because […]

Are the recent red moons a sign of the sixth seal in Revelation? Is this fulfilled prophecy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

How can you expect anyone to believe the Bible is inerrant given the story of the flood?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Creation, General, Miracles, Reliability of the Bible, Science and the Bible, Supernatural .

Question: May I ask why anyone should believe in the Bible? You claim that the global flood was miraculous, yet what does that have to do with evidence? Did God completely heal the earth? Is that what you’re saying? You wish people to believe that God kept the ocean animals, plant life, bacteria all from […]

How do I explain evolutionary creationism to my young earth creationist friend?

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

Question: I recently was won over to a more Evolutionary Creationist (is that what you’d call it? Belief in the Bible and evolution?) philosophy. I’m trying to research more and more as I begin to debate with my strictly Creationist friends. I don’t expect to win them over but I’d like to be able to […]

How do I distinguish for my hearers between perfection and perfectionism?

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

Question: Hi, John! How are you? We are all well, thanks to God. I wanted to ask you about perfectionism. On the one hand the Bible many times calls us to be perfect: there are many direct passages about aspiration to the perfection: ” Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect etc. On the other […]

Worship in Revelation PPT and Audio

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Articles, Bible, Bible Teaching, Foreshadows and Prefigures, Jesus, PowerPoints .

Dr. John Oakes taught a class on worship in the Book of Revelation in San Diego October, 2013. It focuses on the picture of Jesus in Revelation Ch 1 and 5 as well as worship scenes in Revelation 7,11,15 and 19. A picture of believer’s before the throne of God is presented. Revelation Worship Notes […]

Why are other religions not attacked the way Christianity is attacked?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics .

Question: I was reading the question and your response to Mr. Atwill’s claim about Christianity. My question is, why are other religions not attacked like Christianity? Why don’t Mr.Atwill, and others like him, do the same to Buhdah, Muhammed,etc. To me, this proves even more the validity of Jesus and Christianity. Answer: I am not […]

Refuting the Skeptical Case Against Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apologetics, Articles, Jesus, Prophecy .

Editor’s note: Below is a paper submitted by Randy Hroziencik as part of his work on the ARS Apologetics Certificate. It was of a quality we are proud to publish at the web site. “Refuting the Skeptical Case against Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy” Randall L. Hroziencik Prophecy & Christian Apologetics October 2013

Knowing and Doing God's Will

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

Dr John Oakes gave a class 10/17/2013 on how the Christian can know God’s will. Coll 1:9-10, Psalm 119:110, Romans 12:1-2 and others are used. The lesson focuses largely on how to obtain wisdom through advice. This is clearly not Christian evidence, but we thought we would publish it for those interested. Knowing and Doing […]

If 1 Cor 15 says that God created one man, doesn't that contradict the theory of evolution which requires many protenitors to the human race?

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

Question: I am asking a series of questions that come from 1 Cor. 15. Several times in the chapter Adam is referred to as “one man,” a single individual. If Adam and Eve existed as an “original couple” and had a real Fall, I believe this may present major problems in trying to harmonize evolution with […]

Might Adam and Eve be a symbolic representation of a collective fall of man and woman?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Anthropology, Bible Interpretation, Creation, General, Reliability of the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I wanted to thank you for your last email and for answering some of the questions I had. I appreciate you taking the time out of your undoubtedly busy schedule to do so.It helped me greatly. I hope I do not wear you out with my somewhat simplistic inquiries. The reason for this question […]

Which religion is the correct one?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics .

Question: Which religion is correct? Answer: Because you sent this question to a web site with the name Evidenceforchristianity.org, it is fairly obvious that we believe that Christianity is the correct religion. I am guessing that there is a more specific question behind this request. Do you have a more specific question about why we […]

How does God change us?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I have been thinking lately about the the difference between willing yourself to change vs. being changed through and by the Holy Spirit. What’s the difference? I ask this because it seems as though when God wants you to grow in an area He allows you to go through situations that mold you into […]

Do you have a response to the work of Joseph Atwill "The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus?"

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

Question: This is starting to circulate on the internet. Facebook……etc. I am sure young christians in our congregations may have a hard time with it. Just curious if you guys have heard about it yet. http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11201273.htm Response: Ancient Confession Found: ‘We Invented Jesus Christ.’ A new “theory” to explain the genesis of Christianity is making […]

Ancient Confession Found: "We invented Jesus Christ"

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

Ancient Confession Found: ‘We Invented Jesus Christ.’ A new “theory” to explain the genesis of Christianity is making the rounds of skeptic websites and will soon appear at a college or university near you. It is found in a recent documentary by Joseph Altwill “The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus” I would like to present […]

Why do you not mention Melchizedek's genealogy in your lesson on Hebrews?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General .

Question: Professor, one of the characters that I find most curious that there isn’t a lot of information about is Melchizedek. Besides Hebrews Chapter 7, Genesis 14, several references in Psalms, and mention in the Pseudoepigraph “The Book of the Bee” of the Book of the Cave of Treasures, are there any legitimate sources in […]

Is there any written record from the Magi who visited Jesus reporting what they saw?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: The Magi/wise men who visited the young Jesus were obviously men of knowledge, possibly scholars of some sort. I would assume that when they returned to their home they documented their experience. Is there any evidence of this? Answer: I would agree that the Magi were probably of high birth and likely were scholars. […]

Can "cultural arguments" be used with regard to veil-wearing (1 Cor 11)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have recently been troubled by a theological dilemma regarding 1 Corinthians 11 and veiling. Actually, I should say I’ve been wrestling with it for years and the conflict comes and goes. How can we as disciples of Jesus KNOW that Paul is speaking culturally? I know that David Bercot is popular throughout churches […]

Did the American founding fathers do something "unchristian" when they refused to pay taxes to the king?

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

Question: One of the main reasons our founding fathers declared independence from Britain was because of taxation. Based on what Jesus said about” render unto Caesar…” in reference to paying taxes, were our founders going against what Jesus had said? Answer: This is a fun question. Probably there is no practical implication of this since […]

How can you explain the Trinity in simple terms?

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

Request: Can you help me with this? How do you explain in simple terms the Trinity to some one who is struggling to understand how God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are different but are also one and the same? Thank you. Response: I hate to say this, but I am afraid there is no […]

Are those who use crucifixes, pictures of Jesus, statues of saints and the like in danger of idolatry?

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

Question: Are Christians in danger of committing idolatry by having crucifixes,and pictures of Jesus, statues of Saints and Archangels, praying for those saints and Archangels to intercede for us in God’s presence? Answer: I think you put it well. Christians are “in danger of committing idolatry” when they use crucifixes, pictures of Jesus, statues of […]

I am Ethiopian where 1 Enoch is considered canonical. Why do you feel that 1 Enoch is not authentic?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Apocrypha, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, Church History, General .

Question: I have seen your view about the book of Enoch.first I have to tell you where I am from , I am actually from Ethiopia. the only christian country that accepted the book of Enoch as canon.please I want much evidences that can disprove its authenticity. do you have? Answer: I did not say […]

If Jesus fulfilled Zechariah 6:11-13, does that mean his body is in the temple?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy .

Question: Since you believe Jesus fulfilled Zech.6:11-13, do you also believe the body of Christ is the Temple? Answer: I believe that Zechariah 6:11-13 is really more of a messianic foreshadow than a historical messianic prophecy. In other words, it is a picture, in earthly terms of an equivalent future reality in heaven. The vision […]

Deuteronomy 8: Entering the Promised Land

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Articles, Bible, Bible Teaching, Foreshadows and Prefigures, PowerPoints .

Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Deuteronomy 8 in San Diego 9/15/2013. The focus of the lesson is on Moses’ instructions to the “second generation” of those who wandered in the wilderness as an analogy for the life of a disciple. Deuteronomy 8 Entering the Promised Land notes Deut 8 Promised Land MP3 […]