Discipling
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson recently on discipling. This is not a Christian evidence topic, obviously, but we thought some of our website users might be interested. Discipling PPT Discipling Notes Discipling audio
Is it wrong to use Bible quotes to say something that they do not really say–out of context?
QUESTION: I love to read inspirational biblical quotes, but I was wondering are they sometimes taken out of context. Is it okay to pull a partial scripture out and think it will apply to our daily lives? For example the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 ” For I know the plans I have for you, declares […]
If the fall of man created natural evils such as carnivores, how is that consistent with dinosaurs living before Adam and Eve?
Question: In the Bible it says the fall of man was the result of natural evil (carnivores,hurricanes,explosions,etc…), so my question is this: If that is the case, then why does science show us that dinosours and many others animals where carnivores. If God created carnivorous animals and he says it was good, then doesn’t this reflect […]
Why did God create black holes?
Question: Why Did God create black holes? It seems the universe works very ramdomly like creating planets from planets or comets exploding, supernovae explosions,etc… I dont think an explosion is how God will work for creating the Earth.! Answer: Obviously, I cannot speak for God on “why” he created one thing or another, but as a […]
Revelation 22:7,20 says that God will come in judgment quickly. It has been almost 2000 years. How is that quickly?
Comment: Shalom, Revelation 22:7 King James Version (KJV) 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Revelation 22:20 King James Version (KJV) 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. QUICKLY= GREEK TACHU = SWIFT-QUICK. Matthew 28:7 […]
Is human thought evidence of the supernatural or of the existence of God?
Question: Discussing Christianity with a friend, we both agreed that what makes Christianity hard to believe for non-believers, and believers, is the supernatural aspects. As children we are told not to believe in ghosts or spirits. But yet as Christians our belief is based on the unseen. And for us humans, we like to see,smell […]
Why does God allow babies to be born with leukemia?
Question: If God is all-powerful and omniscient, why does he allow babies to be born with cancer? With trillions of interacting choices made every day, every evil may result in good either now, later, or in eternity. But if you have an all-powerful God he can do whatever he wants without babies being born with cancer. […]
Does a Christian go to hell for committing suicide?
Question: Does a Christian go to hell for committing suicide? Answer: We plan on discussing this difficult question at our International Christian Evidence Conference June 14-16 in San Diego. There is still plenty of time to register. You will find info at our web site. I assume you are aware that the Roman Catholic Church […]
What is "spiritual baptism"?
Question: I have a question for you. A friend of mine refers to “spiritual baptism” which I have never heard of before. Is this a common evangelical teaching or is it a new one? Have you heard this argument? Answer: “Spiritual baptism” is a doctrine which mistakenly connects the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew […]
Does Zoroastrianism predate Christianity and is the idea that Christianity borrowed the resurrection of Jesus from the religion believable?
Question: Do you have any good sources to find the truth out about Zoroaster and the claims that it predates Christianity and we stole a lot of our claims from them including a resurrected Lord? If you could in brief give an answer as well, I would appreciate your time. Answer: First of all, there […]
Why did God use so much time to create the universe if he is so powerful?
Question: Can you give me some reasons why God would created the universe in so many time… If He is so powerful, and intelligent, then why he created everything in many periods of time? Answer: I assume that you are asking why God use such vast amounts of time to create the universe, the earth […]
Do atheists have new evidence that Jesus did not live?
QUESTION: Hello Dr. Oakes, I was wondering why – with all of the biblical and secular evidence of Jesus actually existing – do atheists contend there is new evidence that Jesus’ existance may not be true? Is this just another attempt to try and prove there can be no God or is there some new […]
Does God's justice contradict God's love?
QUESTION: I’ve been hit with this following point before and I am not sure how to answer. Is it a contradiction in God’s nature to say that He is a God of love/mercy/forgiveness and at the same time be a God of justice? In other words, how can God be a God of love/mercy/forgiveness/omnibenevolence and […]
Is Genesis 1:1 best translated "When God began creating…", (supporting creation not being ex nihilo)
QUESTION: I am taking a Introduction to the Old Testament and the professor stated that the first phrase in Genesis, “In the beginning,” has been mistransated and the better phrase is “When God began creating the heavens and the earth.” She states that the former gives the impression to the readers that this was the […]
Do Christians need to keep the Sabbath? What about the Ten Commandments?
Question: Do we need to keep Sabbath? Which Bible verses supports your answer? Are the Ten Commandments important? Answer: There is no indication in the New Testament that Christians are required to keep some sort of Christian version of the Sabbath. All the evidence from both the scriptures (Acts 20:7 which says that the church […]
Who made God (coming from a 10-year-old)
Question: Who made God? On our way to school this morning, my 10 yr. old asked me who created God. He had to go to class before I got a chance to answer. What would be a good response to his question? We allowed him to watch the Bible series that was on recently. It sparked […]
Does Christian pacifism, as taught by Jesus, mean a Christian cannot defend his or her house using a gun?
QUESTION: I recently made a statement in my sermon that I strongly believe that it is not our place to take matters into our own hands as Moses did by killing the Egyptian who was beating the Israelite slave. I referred to the scripture in Romans 12:17-19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave […]
In Christ: A Study of Christian Baptism
Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson 4/17/2013 in San Diego on the Christian doctrine of baptism. The class includes a brief history of teachings about baptism. Notes and power point are attached. Baptism: In Christ PPT Baptism: In Christ notes Baptism In Christ Audio
Is it biblical to say that the blood of Jesus protects us?
Question: Is it Biblical to say that blood of Jesus provides protection? If so please indicate the reference. Blessings. Answer; I like to advise people when in doubt to use biblical language. The blood of Jesus purifies us. Does it protect us? I do not know. That depends on what you mean. Does it protect […]
How do you convince a person who believes in tangible facts that there is life after death?
Question: How do you convince someone that, through Jesus, there’s life after death? Especially if the person is a character who believes in tangible facts and figures?” Looking forward to hearing from you soon, Answer: It is very difficult to make a “logical” case that life continues after death. Certainly we cannot use physical/scientific arguments to […]
You claim Ellen G. White was a prophetess. This is not the truth.
Comment: Your article about the Seventh Day Adventists was good. You kinda (sic) did some research. But you drew conclusions too soon……Ellen G. White never said that she was a prophetess. Please read the whole book by Ellen G. White. You express your opinion only, not the truth. Don’t use some verses of the Bible to justify your […]
Can you shed any light on the theory that 1 Clement was written in the late 60's? What about the theory that the same Clement wrote Hebrews?
Question: Do you have any references you could pass along that might shed some light on 1 Clement, both in terms of its dating and his possible authorship of Hebrews? I saw a recent question on your site regarding dating 1 Clement to the late 60’s (which makes a lot of sense to me). All […]
How accurate do we know the Old Testament to be historically?
QUESTION: I would like to know about the accusations against the Bible. 1. The fallacies and inconsistancies that people claim are there… 2. How accurate do we know the Old Testament to be historically speaking. Response: It is impossible for me to answer the first question because it is too broad to address. What I […]
How do we know that Satan did not write or inspire the Bible and what Jesus did?
QUESTION: How do we know that Satan didn’t write the Bible? How do we know that the true religion isn’t Buddhism for example and the Old and New Testament are the works of a devil/demon/Satan trying to trick us into doing wrong things like stoning adulteresses and non-believers? Satan could reveal himself as Jesus, claim […]
Why does God harden peoples' hearts?
Question: I was reading my Bible this morning and I wanted to ask a questions regarding what I read. I read in Joshua and it was talking about how God said he would harden peoples’ hearts…. As Joshua was going to fight them. Why does God harden or allow peoples’ heart to harden? In the devotional I […]
Did Adam and Eve's perception become clarified or more obscure when they ate the fruit in the garden?
Question: As I write, I am thinking of Eccl 1:9, there is nothing new under the sun. As I think about theological/scriptural/Christian ideas, I believe that others have considered and discussed the same ideas sometime and someplace in the past. I am just ignorant. I was watching TV a few weeks ago—a scene where a […]
Can you explain the chronology of 2 Kings 19-20 (destruction of Sennacherib's army and God's promise to protect Hezekaih)
Question: (maybe you need to change 4 Kings to 2 Kings. In the Russian Bible, 2 Kings is 4 Kings) Can I ask you to help me deal with the chronology of events in the life of Hezekiah? In the Bible, king Sennacherib wanted to conquer Jerusalem, threatening its residents. After this comes a description […]
Where do you get the evidence to show that the Gnostic gospels are the antichrist?
Question: I have been reading at your site which I have found to be very intresting and informative…. I noticed a little there on the Gnostic gospels. My question is…since there is no proof that the main 4 gospels..Matthew Mark Luke and John..are legitimate .. I was wondering where you get the information on the […]
Resurrection Power
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on the power of the resurrection 3/31/2013. Notes, power point and audio are attached. Resurrection Power audio Resurection Power ppt Resurrection Power notes
What is the doctrine of Soul Sleep? Did the thief immediately go to Paradise with Jesus?
Question: “I have two questions for you, what is the doctrine of Soul-Sleep and did the thief immediately go to Paradise with Jesus? A friend of mine believes in the doctrine of soul-sleep.” Answer: Thanks for the questions, below are my answers I hope this helps! What is The Doctrine of Soul-Sleep? The (false) doctrine […]
Please comment on Thomas Herron's thesis that the letter of 1 Clement was written just before AD 70
Suggestion: Hi, please do read the doctoral thesis by the late Thomas Herron in which he presents a persuasive argument for re-dating 1 Clement to just before 70 AD. There are of course explosive implications if 1 Clement was pre 70 AD – for example if Clement is quoting at least one of the gospels […]
If God already had angels with him, then why did he create humans?
Question: I’ve been reading through Revelation again; this time in my study Bible, and it has incited a question in me that I’ve never thought about before: If God already had angels living with him in heaven before the creation of man, then why do you suspect he created us? My rationale for this has always […]
What is your response to those who say that Obama's Health Care Act is the fulfillment of Revelation 13:15-18?
Question: Can you please respond to this chain message I received recently: [editor’s note: I am not going to do what I usually do, which is correct the grammar and sentence structure errors in the message below] 666 = The mark of the Beast President Obama Vs Revelation13:15-18 The US Senate has passed the Obama Health […]
What do you know about Helena Roerich? Can a Christian believe in what she taught?
Question: Hi, John! I want to ask you about the informaiton at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena_Roerich What do you know about this teaching and her influence on Christianity today? (In my church there is a member who believes in this teaching. And she doesn’t want change it) Your book about Daniel is very good! I am enjoying it! Answer: […]
New class in the ARS Christian Apologetics Certificate Program now available
We are excited to announc that the seventh of an eventual ten classes in our Apologetics Certificate Program is now available. The class is Archaeology and Christianity. The principal teacher is Dr. John Wilson of Pepperdine University. Dr. Douglas Jacoby and Dr. John Oakes also are teachers in this calss. The classes now available are: […]
ATheological-Hermeneutical Approach to Genesis1-2
Randall Hroziencik, one of the students in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program submitted a paper on the cultural and theological background to the two Genesis creation accounts, focusing on the genre of the first part of Genesis. We feel that this paper is of a very high quality and offer it for your consideration. Thank […]
Can you help with the idea of "besetting sin" and losing salvation? What about homosexuality?
Question: I read your response to the inquirer about ‘Will homosexuals go to hell’. I agree with your answer to the question. Would you give me your Biblical insights on ‘besetting’ sin. For example, what if a homosexual repents of their sin, accepts Christ as Lord and Savior but continues to practice homosexuality? In that […]
There is proof Jesus came to India, made a deep study of Hinduism, and taught it when he returned to Jerusalem.
QUESTION: Since the birthplace of Jesus is too far from the Indian subcontinent, there is a viable chance for him travelling to India or Tibet. All the story of Jesus is mythological like Indian mythology. Hence, there is solid proof that Jesus Christ came to India and has made a deep study of Hindu religion. After returning […]
What is the correct formula/words to say for doing a baptism? Are there historical accounts which can help to decide this question?
Question: In baptism, the church I go to does a good confession by saying “Jesus is Lord” and there are scriptures that supports it like Romans 10:9. How can we be sure that we are doing it the way the early Christians did? Did the 3000 baptized in Acts 2 undergo the same practice as we […]
Class on World Religions in San Diego
Dr. John Oakes taught a six-week class on World Religions on six consecutive Saturdays beginning on 2/23 9:00-11:00. See below for suggested reading and schedule. World Religion Notes World Religion PPT World Rel Audio 1a World Rel Audio 1b World Rel Audio 2a World Rel Audio 2b World Rel Audio 3a World Rel Audio 3b […]
How can "our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees?"
Question: I believe that there is a difference between the righteousness of Jesus and the Pharisees. But in what sense do they differ from each other? Some say, Pharisees are legalistic in their righteousness, but what does it really mean? And how can we surpass their righteousness, as Jesus taught, in a day to day basis […]
Is it okay for a Christian to pray to the Holy Spirit? Don't we have to pray in Jesus' name?
Question: I was looking through your sermon notes on the Holy Spirit and it said “Q: Do you pray to the Holy Spirit?”. From my understanding of prayer we are to pray to God through Jesus’ name and the Holy spirit, but not necessarily to it. Holy Trinity thing? (I’m a kingdom kid so honestly […]
Does "born of water" in John 3:1-5 refer to the amniotic fluid (as opposed to baptism), as my friend told me?
Question: I was studying the Bible with a friend and she told me that in John 3:1-5 when Jesus states that you must be ‘born again’ to see the Kingdom of God he is referring to amniotic fluid, not baptism. In other words, she said that Jesus is stating that one must be born again […]
Are the additions to Daniel (Prayer of Azariah, Suzannah, Bel and Dragon) inspired and reliable?
Question: I wanted to ask you a question in regards to the book of Daniel. The LXX [editor’s note: this is the Septuagint Greek version] version of the book of Daniel has three additional passages, “The Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Holy Children, the stories of Susannah and the Elders and Bel […]
Is it OK for a Christian to serve in the military? What about attending military funerals?
Question: First, let me say that I discovered your site about 6 months ago and I thoroughly enjoy it. You and other sites like yours, has helped me become a better and a more enlightened Christian. Thank you! I am a military veteran. Served honorably. I have been very proud of my service,but have to […]
What do you think of Johathan Cahn's "Harbingers"?
Question: My sister sent me this video and asked me to review it (Johnathan Cahn Warns America on the show with Jonathan Bernis). I thought it was interesting. I don’t want to simply discount what they are saying as I usually do with most of these guys who prey on peoples fear and ignorance to […]
If life existed on another planet, how would that affect our understanding of the Bible, God, the Anthropic Principle or on our place in the universe?
Question: If life is discovered on another planet, how will it affect our understanding of the Bible, God, the Anthropic Principle, and our place in the universe? Answer: In a word: no effect. If God created life here, he can create life elsewhere. That is God’s prerogative. The Bible does not suggest one way or […]
Can you give me insight into the meaing of the Greek words dikaiosune, zeteo, peinao and dipsao (from the sermon on the mount)?
QUESTION: Can you give me some insight you might have about some Greek words like Dikaiosune for “righteousness”, Zeteo for “seek” in mat. 6:33, Peinao for “hungry” & Dipsao for “thirsty” in mat. 5:6, & lastly, Hiplon for “instrument” in rom.6:13? just need some input from you as i compose a lesson. thank you! Answer: […]
Please give your thoughts on the significance of the discovery of Higgs Boson–the God Particle.
Question: Your thoughts on the new information concerning the Higgs-Boson, the “God particle”? Response: My thoughts on the new information about the Higgs Boson is that it changes absolutely nothing from a Christian Apologetic point of view. First of all, the theory about the existence of this particle–the one responsible for giving mass to particles–has been […]
Why did God not warn Adam and Eve about the snake and his deception?
Question: I love your website, it has helped me in many ways. I have a question that I’d love to get your take on. When Adam was in the garden by himself, naming animals for whatever conceivable amount of time that he was there without Eve (hanging out with God, naming animals, all that), and Eve […]
