Hebrews 11: A Life of Faith
A lesson by Dr. John Oakes 11/30/2011 in San Diego, CA. The topic is living by faith, which means believing in things not seen and living like an alien and stranger in this world. Living By Faith 9.29 Mb
Hebrews 11: A Life of Faith
A lesson by Dr. John Oakes 11/30/2011 in San Diego, CA. The topic is living by faith, which means believing in things not seen and living like an alien and stranger in this world. Click here to download.
If lust is the natural result of evolution (look at the apes!), then why is it sinful?
Question: How do you respond to the claim that lusting after women and watching porn is just part of our human nature and part of the natural evolutionary process from primates? Answer: First of all, the person who asks this question is usually not sincere. Proverbs 26:4 advises us to not answer a fool according […]
Is divorce and remarriage a sin?
Question: I have two questions that I hope you can help me answer. 1.) Is divorce and remarriage a sin? It doesn’t seem to be uncommon in a lot of churches. Can people who divorce and remarry still get to heaven? 2.) If one must repent all sins before God to be saved, how can […]
Why did God create such an imperfect Eden project? Why did he tempt Adam? Why was the fruit there? Did animals eat meat before the fall?
Question: I wonder about the Eden "project" and the fact that it was so imperfect, so how did God plan for it to exist (even if man haven’t sinned)? – If Adam and Eve were immortals, why did God ask them to multiply; where would all their descendents live if there would be billions of […]
How long did Saul reign? Can you solve the difficulties of 1 Sam 13:1?
Question: What do you think about 1 Samuel 13:1? In my Bible it states that the Hebrew manuscripts state "Saul was … years old when he became king; and he reigned two years over Israel". I’ve looked at several different versions of the verse and some state one year old, and two years over Israel […]
An interesting and helpful NG article
A National Geographic writer published an interesting and informative article about how Charles Darwin reached his conclusion with regard to natural selection. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/02/darwin/quammen-text/1?mid=53
A new book: Basis for Belief, by Brian Colon
Why do you believe what you believe? Why should others believe it too? Wouldn’t it be great if you could answer both questions with the same answer? With his new book, Basis for Belief, ARS boardmember Brian Colon will teach you how to think critically about your faith, provide reasons for why you believe in […]
Who is the person that invades all those countries in Dan 11:40-45? Is this event still in the future because the Angel says 'and at that time' and then talks about the waking of the dead to everlasting life or shame?
Question: Who is the person that invades all those countries in Dan 11:40-45? Is this event still in the future because the Angel says ‘and at that time’ and then talks about the waking of the dead to everlasting life or shame? Answer: I answer this in my book "Daniel, Prophet to the Nations." You […]
Old Testament Sacrifices and Their Significance to Christianity
This lesson was given by Dr. John Oakes 11/20/2011 in San Diego, CA. The topic is the significance of the Old Testament sacrifices to Christianity. Notes: OT Sacrifice and Christianity Sacrifice Prefigure PPoint 526.37 Kb Sacrifice prefigures audio 9.51 Mb
Can monotheism be proved?
Question: Can Monotheism be proven? Answer: The simple answer is no, monotheism cannot be proved. There is no mathematical equation, the end of which, if solved, would result in having "proved" the reality of monotheism. On at least some level, monotheism is believed on faith. To the Christian, monotheism is accepted by faith in the […]
If Methuselah was the oldest man who lived, how is it that he died before his father?
Question: If Methuselah was the oldest man in the Bible, then how could he die before his father? Answer: Because his father Enoch did not die, Methuselah did not die before his father died, simply because his father did not die. Methuselah is the oldest person who was alive on the earth, at least as […]
Esther 8:17 says people from other nationalities became aJews. Is that possible?
Questions: I have 3 questions regarding the interpretation of scripture. The first is in Esther 8:17 it states the following, "And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them." From my understanding in Jewish tradition, people from other nationalities (Gentiles) could not become or convert to Judaism. The […]
How do you respond to claims that Muhammed is prophesied in the Old and the New Testament?
Question: Dr, a Muslim presented me with these arguments. I find it difficult to refute. There are too many coincidences.. Can these be true Sir? And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. (Isaiah 29:12 KJV) Truth stands out […]
A Muslim teacher claims Adam is greater than Jesus as he had no parents. How do you respond to this?
Question: A Muslim gave me this. What are your thoughts? The similitude of Jesus pbuh is of Adam pbuh. Even Adam pbuh had no mother nor father. If following your logic, then Prophet Adam would be a greater God because he came into existance with no father nor mother. You see for God( The Father) […]
Is Jesus the only important religious leader who performed miracles?
Question: Is jesus the only religious leader who performed miracles? Answer: No, Jesus is not the only religious leader who performed miracles. However his miraculous ministry was absolutely unique in at least one sense, as I will discuss below. Let me start with a list of famous religious leaders. I will only list ones who […]
What is the "Good News" of the kingdom mentioned in Matthew 3:23?
Question: I want to understand what Jesus meant when he talked about the Good news of The kingdom. What kind of good news he is talking about? (Mat 4:23) Answer: I recently finished a class on the Kingdom of God. The audios are available in the EFC store (see the button on the front page of […]
What is your position on biblical inerrancy?
Question: What is your position on biblical inerrancy? Answer: We had a class on this topic in September in San Diego. There is a power point and outline at the web site you can look at. My view on inerrancy starts with my view on inspiration. I believe the Bible is inspired by God. The inspiration […]
Is Proverbs 6:6-8 (the ant has no ruler) a scientific error?
Question: Proverbs 6:6-8 says that an ant has no ruler. Is this a scientific inaccuracy? Would the conclusion be different if God were to say this instead of the wise man? Would it be a biblical error when Jesus asks "Why are you thinking these things in your heart?" Would it not be more accurate […]
How do I respond to my cousin who claims Jesus is a myth?
Question: My cousin is an atheist and I had high hopes that he would read your article "How do I respond to the claims of parallels between heathen god/man myths…" and have new insight. However, this was his response "This article is because he says so it’s true. He doesn’t really make an argument to […]
How could Domitian subdue Galba if Galba was killed by Otho amd how could Domitian subdue Otho if Otho killed himself? (a reference to Daniel 7)
Question: How could Domitian subdue Galba if Galba was killed by Otho amd how could Domitian subdue Otho if Otho killed himself? I’m confused. Answer: I am not sure where you are getting your information. However, I assume you have read material critical of the prophecy in Daniel 7. This is the prophecy which predicted […]
How are Luke 7:1-10 and Matthew 8:5-13 to be harmonized? Did the Centurion come or did his servants come to Jesus?
Question: I came across two passages that appeared to be two different view points on a particular event. The first is in Luke 7:1-10 and the second is in Matthew 8:5-13. These passages talk about the faith of the centurion. I tried researching different commentaries, just to check if I was missing some chronological order […]
Do you know of any scientific facts that are in the Bible that we only found out about recently?
Question: Do you know of any scientific facts that are in the Bible that we only found out about in recent centuries? Answer: The Bible is not a science book and should not be read as a science book. It does not have "scientific statements" per se. Nevertheless, there are plenty of statements in the […]
What about "praying Jesus into your heart?" Does John 14:13-14 apply?
Question: I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I believe that baptism is so much more than a symbol of our faith, and that it is an actual participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. However I have family/friends that believe they may pray Jesus into their heart. I read your explanation on baptism and […]
What is "the Law" as oposed to "the Law of Moses" and "the Law of Christ"?
Question: I’m hoping you could shed some light on these questions of mine. What is "the Law"? What is "the Old Testament law"? What is "the Law of Moses"? What is "the Law of Christ"? I see and hear these terms used quite often and I wanted to find out if you could provide a […]
Can you explain what the prophecy in Daniel 9:27 is about?
Can you explain what Daniel 9:27 is about. Also what are the seven sevens and how do they relate to the sixty-two sevens in Daniel 9:25? Answer: You should consider getting a copy of my book, "Daniel, Prophet to the Nations." (www.ipibooks.com) It goes into this particular prophecy in great detail. Let me give the […]
Please respond to the arguments against the existence of God raised in the Butt-Barker debate in 2009.
Request: I am a minister and college student who has found himself on the defensive a lot lately about the topic, "Does God exist?" When searching for references about this topic for a research paper I came across the Butt-Barker Debate of 2009 published by Apologetics Press on YouTube and on DVD. After reading information […]
Are there any other low probability prophecies in the Bible besides the ones in Daniel?
Question: Are there any other low probability prophecies in the Bible besides the ones in Daniel? Answer: Yes, there are many. You can find a number of these, either by using my book Reasons For Belief or From Shadow to Reality. Both are available at www.ipibooks.com There is also an outline at the web site […]
Question from Jeremiah
Do you know any Scientific foreknowledge that is in the bible?
How could Ashkenaz, Minni and Ararat conquer Babylon (Jer 51:27) if they had already been conquered or if they never even interacted with Babylon (Ashkenaz)?
Comment: In Jer. 51:27 it says that Ararat,Minni and Ashkenaz will attack Babylon. But the kingdom of Ararat(Urartu) was conquered by the Medes in 612-590. The Minni (Mannaeans) were conquered by the Medes in 612 and Ashkenaz is the ancestor of Germanic people they never attacked Bablyon. J Response: Do you have a question? What […]
What are the ten horns/kings that came out of the fourth beast in Daniel 7:8?
Question: What are the ten horns/kings that came out of the fourth beast in Daniel 7:8? Answer: The ten horns in Daniel 7:7 are the first ten kings/emperors of Rome. I know this because the angel interpreted the vision for Daniel in Daniel 7:23-24. "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, […]
Question from
Hi John Have you heard Paul Washer’s shocking message. I found him very radical and uncompromisingly sound in his sermon biblically. I am just wondering and asking that possibly he might be a disciple of Jesus just landed in a Baptist denomination. Please shed light. Thank you
What does the Bible say happens to homosexuals? If it is not a choice, then how can they be held accountable?
Question: What does the Bible say happens to homosexuals? If it is not a choice how can it be a sin and mean being sent to hell upon death? I’m a Christian but have a few homosexual friends who are bitter towards the church because of this, what should I tell them? Answer: The Bible […]
Is David talking about himself in Psalm 22:16-18? How do you know this is a messianic prophecy?
Question: In Psalms 22:16-18 is David talking about himself? How do you know this is a messianic prophecy? Answer: We cannot "prove" that David is talking about the Messiah in Psalm 22:16-18. However, if we analyze what is said there, if we take into account the general truth that there are forward-looking messianic prophecies in […]
Is Jeremiah 33:18 (there will always be Levites offering sacrifices before me) literal?
Question: Is Jeremiah 33:18 literal? Does it mean that the Levites will always offer sacrifices. How can this be if we are under the New Covenant? Also in Ezekiel 26:12 is this a prophecy about Alexander or is it about Babylon plundering Tyre? If it is Babylon, how could that be if Nebuchadnezzar got no […]
How do I show to my Jehovah Witness friend that Jesus is not the Archangel Michael?
Question: Talking with Jehovah’s Witness always gets confusing. My question is in Daniel when he says that Michael the Archangel will lead the people, how do I explain to my aunt and cousins that Jesus is NOT Michael and is fully God and fully man even though they interpret most angel verses in the Bible as Jesus […]
What is "Masoretic Hebrew?" Is the MT more reliable than the DSS?
Question: I wanted to ask your perspective to the use of the Masoretic text instead of the Septuagint. This article online (http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/masorete.htm) states that the Masoretic text isn’t as reliable. I do hold to the Masoretic text to be more trustworthy because it’s comparison to the DSS evidence is remarkable, and because it was written in […]
Do you have any material on theistic evolution, the ideaology of BioLogos and Francis Collin's book "The Language of God."?
Question: I am interested of what do You think about "theistic evolution" aka BioLogos? (including http://www.asa3.org/) I read a book of Collins "The language of God": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Language_of_God:_A_Scientist_Presents_Evidence_for_Belief and found it very interesting. As a PhD student, I am attending one course called "History and Philosophy of Science and Technology" and I have to write some […]
An earlier questioner questioned that John wrote the book of John. You did not respond. Can you do so?
Question: I refer to this particular interaction. https://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/index.php?option=com_custom_content&t ask=view&id=5395 The one questioning you seems to be referring for the most part to the Gospel of John, but I note in your reply, you avoided commenting in "John", like the plague, but rather brought other things into it that were not relative (sic). Could you please […]
Can you explain the apparent contradictions in Stephen's speech in Acts 7 with Genesis?
Question: I have a question regarding Acts 7:2-8. There seems to be contradiction between Stephen’s speech and the Genesis account. Verse 3 quotes the words of God to Abraham given in Genesis 12:1 and implies by its juxtaposition with v. 2 that this message came to Abraham "while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he […]
What is your take in the new information about the Dead Sea Scrolls, especially on the evfidence for a wider variety in the Hebrew text?
Question: I was just reading an article that Tov posted online regarding to the specifics of his statistics. If you have the time to look at the article right now or tomorrow I would greatly appreciate it. Here’s the url http://www.emanueltov.info/publications.html and the article I’m reading is under "collected papers 2008-Hebrew Bible, greek bible and qumran" […]
How do you feel about Emmanual Tov's criticism of the reliabilityof the OT based on the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Question: How do you feel about this comment on the Old Testament by an OT Textual Critic named Emmanual Tov? He claims that about 35% of the DSS biblical manuscripts belong to the Masoretic tradition (MT), 5% to the Septuagint family, and 5% to the Samaritan, with the remainder unaligned. The non-aligned fall into two […]
Does the hyrax chew the cud (as it says in Leviticus)?
Question: Does the hyrax chew cud? I know it is not a ruminant and it does not practice refection? J Answer: I have already gotten this question. I am copying and pasting. John Oakes Question: I was hoping you could give me a good answer why in Leviticus 11:6 the Lord told Moses that the […]
You say we are saved when we are baptized. What about the thief on the cross?
Comment: There is a question on your webpage about salvation and baptism, ("If a person on their death bed repents and cannot be baptized, would they be saved? "). You seem to believe that you are only saved after baptism. ie. ( " but there is a clear teaching in the Bible that, although we […]
Do animals have souls? Are humans immortal? (a question about the use of the Hebrew word nephesh in the OT)
Question: Do animals have souls? Since i last wrote to you I have done some research on this subject. Although I don’t know any Hebrew scholars personally, I do have several books in which they have made contributions, also a copy of Vine’s expository dictionary of Bible words. What my research revealed is that the word ‘soul’, Nephesh in Hebrew, […]
Does Isaiah 53:8 imply that Jesus was celibate?
Question: I have a question regarding the translation of Isaiah 53:8 and whether or not Jesus had children. The only reference that I’ve found to Jesus never having children is in Isaiah 53:8; however the only translation that indicates such is the 1984 NIV, all other translations render it differently making no reference as to […]
What does it mean when God says "you are gods" in Psalm 82:6-8 and Jn 10:34?
Question: Psalm 82:6-8 as referenced in Jn 10:34 says "you are gods". What does this mean and who is speaking? Answer: This is a difficult question and these are difficult passages to understand and interpreet. Let me start with Psalm 82:6-8. "I say you are gods; you are all children of the Most High. But you […]
Many scholars claim that Paul did not write Ephesians, Colossians or the pastoral epistles. What do you think about this?
Question: I was wondering what you thought about the authorship of Ephesians, Colossians, and the pastoral letters (1 Tim., 2 Tim, and Titus). I’ve read several arguments against the authenticity of Paul writing these books. I was wondering what’s your point of view on the authorship of these epistles and why? Answer: It seems that […]
Biblically, do we have a soul, or are we a soul? Genesis 2:7 and Ezekiel 3:19 seem to imply that we are a soul.
Question: Gen.2:7 says that "God proceeded to..blow into his (Adams) nostrils…and the man became a living soul." Elsewhere in the Hebrew text animals are spoken of as "souls" (Gen.1:20; Num,31:28 ect)It seems to me a soul is what we are, not something we have. Eccl.3:19 says that at death man has no superiority over the […]
What happened to the Garden of Eden? Where is it located?
Question: What happened to the Garden of Eden? More specifically, is the Garden of Eden intact and located at some point on the Earth? Reading through Genesis shortly after The Fall of Man we see Adam and Eve no longer in the Garden, but I wonder what happened to this physical location? A few possibilities […]
