From Shadow to Reality (French and English)
FSTR FrenchDr. John Oakes spoke to the Conakry Church of Christ in Guinea, Africa on July 22, 2012. The lesson was translated into French by Vincent Kamano. Audio attached.
You say that eternal always means until the thing is completed. I disagree (John 3:16, for example)
QUESTION: In a recent post you said: “the word “eternal” always means until the thing is completed. This applies to our eternal life as well.” Where did you come up with that definition? Rev 22:5 says believers will reign forever and ever. There is no “until the thing is completed” attached to this. Neither does […]
What are the strongest arguments for atheism?
QUESTION: My question for you is fairly simple and straightforward. What are the best arguments for atheism and why don’t you find them convincing? Answer: A good question. It is always advisable to understand the best argument of those with whom we disagree. Sometimes we might even change our mind if we are willing to […]
Why is the appearances of the risen dead in Matthew 27 not noted elsewhere by Christians or others? Would it not have been convincing evidence?
Question: I was reading this verse: The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27: 52-53) I believe this statement to be true in that the dead […]
Report from teaching trip to Berlin, Conakry (Guinea), Accra and Lagos
John Oakes just finished a three week missionary teaching trip. A report is attached. Berlin and West Africa Report
What if new evidence arose which made it appear that the Bible is not inspired?
QUESTION: I’ve seen a lot of evidence that points to the direction of God’s existence. However, I was wondering what if in a couple of decades science and other areas (history, archaeology, etc) point to the opposite direction? I know new science discoveries are being made almost every single week. How would you respond if […]
Could hallucinations from some sort of a drug explain the witnesses to the resurrection? How would you respond?
QUESTION: John I was wondering if anyone has ever suggested a hypothesis based on drug hallucination for the resurrection? I know there’s a hallucination hypothesis but has anyone ever brought up drug hallucination like psilocybin mushroom hallucination? And if someone has how would you respond to that hypothesis? Thanks John! Answer: Hello from Conakry, Guinea; […]
Follow John Oakes' travels on Twitter
John Oakes is teaching in Berlin, Conakry, Guinea, Accra, Ghana, and Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. You can follow on Twitter @evidence4christ or on facebook.
How do you explain Lot's wife being turned into a pillar of salt? What is the logic or scientific explanation?
QUESTION: How does one explain the fact of Lot’s wife being converted into salt when they were running away from Sodom’s destruction? What is the “logic” or scientific” explantion behind this fact. Answer: I do not believe that there is any “scientific logic” to what happened to Lot’s wife. What happened to his wife is […]
A New Power Point on the Resurrection
Dr. John Oakes did a presentation on the resurrection for the Berlin Church of Christ 7/19/2012. His power point and notes were updated and are attached here: PPT The Resurrection of Jesus Resurrection of Jesus Notes
What is the context of James 5:16? What is the relationship between confession and physical healing?
QUESTION: What is the context of James 5:16? What does confessing our sins have in relation to anointing the sick and him being raised up? Is that a commandment from Jesus to confess our sins to each other in any context? Answer: It does appear that James is a bit random in what he is talking […]
New Book by Dr. John Oakes Published
Illuminations Publishers has just published a new book by John Oakes. The title is “The Christian Story: Finding the Church in Church History.” It covers the history of Christianity from AD 30 to the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451. The book is intended to help Christians understand best how to “do” church today. Copies […]
What do you think about the view of Edward Fudge with regard to Hell?
QUESTION: I recently watched a video by Edward Fudge on Hell; you can see it at Douglas Jacoby’s website, clearly Douglas agrees with him, I would like your opinion. editor’s note: The lecture can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/30967402 Douglas Jacoby’s site is www.douglasjacoby.com Answer: I just listened to the lecture by Edward Fudge. I believe […]
What are some of the Christian explanations of the origin of species besides 6-day creation and evolution?
QUESTION: I’m really interested in the whole area of Apologetics and I am studying it out to try and establish my own beliefs according to the evidence. It seems to me that people either believe in creation that took place over six 24hr days or evolution whether unguided, partly or fully guided by an Intelligent […]
Is foot-washing a command for Christians (John 13:14)?
QUESTION: My friend is convinced that Jesus Christ commanded us to wash one another’s feet, literally. I would like to know how you understand the commandment of Jesus . Answer: I know of no serious Bible scholar who interprets what Jesus said in John 13:14 literally. As far as I know, none of those who […]
What is the significance of God using the firstborn son in Exodus 4:21-23, and how is this connected with Jesus? Also, why did God harden Pharaoh's heart and then blame Pharaoh?
Question: I was reading chapter 4 of Exodus this morning and a few things confused me. I am hoping that you can explain them or direct me to the answers. 1. (v 21-23) The LORD references Israel being his firstborn son. I’ve never noticed this before. Are there other references in the OT like this? What […]
What Bibles or concordances can I use to understand the Greek/Hebrew words better?
Question: I want to study out the New Testament and learn the Greek/Hebrew original words to understand it better. Do you know of any good Bibles, or concordances, etc? Answer: I commend your desire to “take it deeper” and to study the scriptures more comprehensively. We tend to get out of our Bible study in […]
Is speaking in tongues demonic or is it correct doctrine?
Question: I want to ask you about born again Christians and ‘speaking in tongues’. I experienced this at a different church recently and it was quite overwhelming, but now after I’ve tried to research it I’m quite shocked and confused. John MacArthur lectures on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVSLc0cqlZM ) about it being demonic, existing before Pentecost […]
What did the Anabaptists teach on baptism?
Question: I have been wondering about the Anabaptists. To your knowledge, did any of them teach a thorough biblical baptism? Answer: The Anabaptists were a back-to-the Bible offshoot of the Reformation which came from the Ulrich Zwingli wing of the movement. What made them differ from other “Protestants” was that they were committed to separation […]
Please change your statement about the YEC position on evolution.
Request: I was reading your article about the 4 Christian views of evolution and got stuck on the way you describe YEC beliefs. “YEC believes in fixed species and completely rejects the theory of organic evolution commonly known as Darwinism or neo-Darwinism. Those who take this view believe quite literally that on the third through […]
Is the fact that Daniel has God saying to "seal up this prophecy" evidence that the book is pseudenimous (ie that the author is faking the story)?
QUESTION: I have a question about this article http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/chris_sandoval/daniel.html#forgeries. In paragraph 7 of the section called religious forgeries the writer writes “We read in the Book of Daniel that God’s angels ordered the venerable prophet Daniel to “shut up” and “seal” his book (Daniel 8:26; 12:4,9). Perhaps the author meant us to understand that Daniel […]
Doesn't God get bored with our little problems? Why does he keep up with things that happen to us?
QUESTION: Doesn’t God get bored of our same boring problems and ill health? Why does he keep up with everything in our lives for so long . Answer: A reasonable question. I do not know of you are a mother, but if you are, then you will be in a better position to understand God’s relationship with […]
Hebrews 11:24-27 says Moses' leaving Egypt was because of his faith and that he did not fear, but Exodus describes his as leaving because of his fear. How can I harmonize this?
QUESTION: I have been studying out faith recently in my Bible study; it has been amazing!! But as I was reading this morning Hebrews 11, I came across a passage that I have read before, but never looked deeply into it. The passage is Hebrews 11:24-27. In it the author describes Moses as doing the things […]
How do I deal with continuing doubts which prevent my having stronger faith?
Question: I was going over the passage in Luke 6:46 (the wise and foolish builder) and I realized that my foundation in God isn’t as strong as I would like. I feel like every time I have a question or doubt my faith is shaken. I know that the usual response to building a stronger […]
Who is right, Peter Flint who says the OT Hebrew text is confirmed to the 99% level or Emanual Tov who says the stability of the Hebrew text is a myth?
QUESTION: I know I’ve asked you questions regarding to the different OT translations and transmissions (Septuagint, SP, MT), however I’ve recently been troubled by two somewhat different positions on the accuracy of the transmission. Emmanual Tov a leading scholar on the dead sea scrolls and textual critic recently came out with a book “Textual Criticism […]
Are the recent findings reported from Khirbet Qeiyafa evidence of Biblical history or just a hoax?
Question: I found interesting article on findings in Khirbet Qeiyafa. May I ask, what is your opinion about that, is it another archeological proof of Bible historicity, or just a hoax? http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early+History+-+Archaeology/Cultic_shrines_time_King_David_8-May-2012.htm Answer: No, this is the real thing. This is a very exciting discovery. Garfinkle is a highly respected archaeologist and this find will […]
Does Proverbs 26:4,5 contradict? How should I answer a fool in a specific situation?
Question: Prov 26:4-5 seem to contradict. I’m trying to figure out how to deal with the foolish arguments of someone I know, and I can’t figure out whether to argue back or answer!!! Input??? Prov 26:4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Prov 26:5 Be […]
New Archaeological Finds in Khirbet Qeiyafa Supports Biblical Account of King David
Professor Yosef Garfinkle of Hebrew University announced in May of this year his discoveries in the Jewish city of Khirbet Queiyafa. The city was occupied from about 1020-980 BC, during the reign of King David. It was a border city between Israel and the Philistines. Items in the city demonstrate conclusively that a uniquely Jewish cult, without graven […]
Is every word of the Bible inspired? What about the two fairly different versions of Jeremiah (DSS vs MT)?
QUESTION: I’m having trouble believing that every single word in the Bible is true. I do know that Jesus’ resurrection is true and can be proven to a certain degree historically and that the creation of the universe can also be proven to a certain degree with scientific data and theories. But I’m having a […]
Where is it that Voltaire said if it could be proved Isaiah 53 was written before Jesus he would believe?
Question: I remember reading in Evidence for Christianity that Voltaire scoffed at Isaiah 53 being written before Jesus’ time, and he claimed he would believe if someone could prove Isaiah 53 was written beforehand. I find that fascinating, what is the title of Voltaire’s work containing that quote? Answer: I did a fair amount of […]
In what way did Daniel seal the words of the scroll in Daniel 12:4?
QUESTION: In what way did Daniel seal the words of the scroll in Daniel 12:4? Answer: I will have to say I really am not sure that Daniel DID anything. I will be honest that I have not really thought all that much about the meaning of this passage. I have not seen any deep, […]
Libets' experiments and human free will.
See below for a Q & A of particular interest which was answered by John M. Beggs on the question of whether scientific results about the neural pathways for decision-making can be used to prove that we do not have free will.
Given the results of Libets and the readiness potential, can you still defend against the claim that free will is an illusion?
QUESTION: How would you respond to the claims that free will is an illusion? I’ve looked over some of the “evidence” for this argument and have heard several lectures on this topic (http://media.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/WebMedia/FAR460%20Alexander.mp3 and http://media.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/WebMedia/FAR470%20Newsome.mp3) given professors and scientist at The Faraday Institute. I believe the strongest evidence for the “illusion” of free will is […]
Eternal Punishment or Eternal Punishing?: A video by Edward Fudge
A video on the topic of hell is available at http://vimeo.com/30967402 We at ARS do not necessarily endorse all that Dr. Fudge is saying in this video, but believe it may give a useful point for thought and discussion on this controversial topic which is very important for Christian apologetics. Fudge describes three common ideas […]
How do I respond to the challenge to God's omnipotence: God cannot create a rock he cannot lift?
Question: I’m a Christian and like to think myself an enthusiastic amateur theologan 
Firstly I have to point out your website and all of your articles are amazing, they’ve certainly done a lot for me in advancing my knowledge and having fun with my studies. With that said I ran into a minor philosophical dilema today […]
Can you help me to interpret 1 John 2:26-27? Does it contradict Matthew 28:18-20 about whether or not we need to be taught?
QUESTION: I was wondering if you could help me interpret 1 John 2:26-27? I know that the author is writing to a group of Christians, perhaps eyewitnesses of Christ. However once the author addresses the anointed he tells them that they have no need for anyone to teach them. He writes, “you have no need […]
Did the Jews believe Satan never rebelled against God and that he was not evil?
QUESTION: Did the ancient Jews believe that Satan never rebelled against God and is not evil? Is the idea that Satan rebeled just a Christian idea? Answer: I am a bit confused about your question. Is there anyone who has suggested differently? Going all the way back to Genesis 2, Satan is a figure of […]
Why do some Christians say Jesus came back in 1844 by applying Daniel 8:14 and the 2300 days and nights? (also a comment about Baha'i interpretations)
Question: I noticed you discussed some Baha’i prophecies on your web site. I noticed some sites produced by some Christians that you might be interested to look at: http://www.ministryofhealing.org/FreeDevotionals/ChristianDevotionalNewsletter. http://a233.webs.com/apps/blog/show/prev?from_id=5310025 http://www.bibleprophecytruth.com/prophecy-resources/bible-prophecy-charts.aspx They all seem to start with the year 457 BC as the starting year of the prophecy and they also mention the year 1844 […]
If Jesus was killed Friday afternoon and rose very early Sunday, how could he have been in the grave "three days and three nights?"
QUESTION: Just to understand: The Bible says Jesus spent three days and three nights in the tomb” However, if he died on Friday, it only spent two nights and two days in the tomb. Could you explain please? Anne: I have already answered this question at the site. I am copying and pasting for you. […]
Did God make John the Baptist a stumbling block to the Jews?
Question: Correct me if I am incorrect in my interpretation: God tells the Jews a key sign to look for is Elijah,who would come before the Messiah, and then God secretly puts the spirit of Elijah in the form of John the Baptist (who himself says he is not Elijah…) What would be the point […]
In what sense was Job "blameless" (Job 1:1). Was he without sin?
Question: I wonder sometimes about Job. As he was “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1), in some translations “perfect and upright”, does it mean that he was sinless? The Bible teaches that no one is sinless (except Jesus), I guess Job was not sinless. So what makes him “blameless” or “perfect”? I know that every OT prophet […]
How do you explain that Mark says Mary Magdalene was the first to see the resurrected Jesus, when this contradicts the other gospels?
Comment: (editor’s note: This is a follow-up to a question about supposed contradictions in Mark 16 about Mary Magdalene and the resurrection accounts. In the earlier letter I establish that all the gospels agree Mary Magdalene was the first see that the resurrection had happened.) I do agree that every account aside from the Mark […]
How do scholars arrive at the dates for manuscripts? How can I get a hold of the Annals of the Kings, mentioned in 1 Kings?
Question: I really appreciate the time you take to read and respond these emails (which I believe does not give you anything in return but I believe you do it for Christ). I need an advice from you. I have been a kind of person who looks to validate things. I have followed a lot […]
Why does Mark disagree with Matthew and Luke about Mary Magdalene being the first to the tomb of Jesus?
QUESTION: I have a question regarding to the ending of Mark. I understand that the evidence for Mark’s ending is scant, however I don’t understand why the scribe that wrote the passage would insert this statement “he appeared first to Mary Magdalene” when clearly in Matthew and Luke Jesus appears to others before Mary Magdalene. […]
How can you be sure that the decree to restore Jerusalem (Ezra 7) was issued in 458 BC? (and therefore Daniel prophesies the date of Jesus' death)
Question: I am referring to one of the powerpoint presentations at the web site (Reflections on the Passion of Christ). It indicates that the decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra Chapter 7) was issued around 458 BC. I am impressed with the overall insight into the prophecy (Daniel Chp 9). However, how did you reach the conclusion that […]
What do you know about the Ebionites and the Nazarenes?
QUESTION: What do you know about the Ebionites and the Nazarenes? I know that both were a minor sect alongside Gentile Christianity and that the Ebionites denied the majority of the deity claims made about Christ. I wanted to also ask did they both believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead? Thanks. Answer: I […]
Class #5 in the ARS Apologetics Certificate Program now available.
Class #5 in our apologetics certificate program: Biblical Criticism and Inspiration is now available. The ten-hour class is taught by Glenn Giles, an elder in Denver, Colorado. To order the class or any of our other Apologetics Certificate classes, click on the ARS Apologetics Certificate Program icon or contact Jan Oakes at joakes01@san.rr.com or 858-505-8841.
Report: Teaching Weekend in Tijuana
John and Jan Oakes visited Iglesia de Cristo, Tijuana April 19-20, 2012. See the report below.
Were there more than one authors of Daniel? Why does an archaeological find only mention Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, not Daniel
Question: Is there any evidence against the theory that the book of Daniel was written by two people or multiple people? Also I assume that you know about the discovery of Daniel’s three friends in a list of Babylonian officials. I was wondering why Daniel’s name was not found in the list of Babylonian officials, […]
Do you have materials to respond to the question, "Has the Bible been changed?"
Question: I was wondering if you had any information regarding the following topic “Has the Bible been changed.” I would guess, through cross referencing all the manuscripts over the past centuries, we would be able to identify what has been changed within the text. Do you have any sources of info/studies for this? I would […]
