QUESTION: In Revelation chapters 2 & 3, there are 7 churches mentioned. Is there any reason why these particular churches were included in the list? Why only seven? Are they the only churches that was persecuted by the emperor that time? Why were the church in Rome or Jerusalem or other churches that we commonly know in New […]
How dare you ascribe such rubbish to God as having God defecate or urinate in his clothes or come out of a mother's womb?
MESSAGE: How could Jesus be GOD even though he used to defecate in his clothes when he was an infant? How could Jesus be GOD even though he used to urinate in his clothes when he was an infant? How could Jesus be GOD even though he could NOT even walk properly when he was […]
What can I say to a Hindu friend who practices idolatry who says that the Christian use of the cross is the same thing?
QUESTION: When I told my friend who is a Hindu that idolatry is wrong, she said that as we Christians take the cross as our representation we take a idol and worship it. How am I supposed to answer such a question? Although its not the cross itself that we worship, but it represents faith in […]
What is the name of the person who received the message of Jesus from Theophilus?
Question: What is the name of the person who received the message of Jesus from Theophilus? Editor’s note: This letter is coming from a Muslim who is trying to show that one cannot trust Luke because we do not even know who the book was written to. This will explain some of the answer below. […]
I CHALLENGE you to prove to me that GOD and his son are ONE GOD.
Challenge: I CHALLENGE you to prove to me that GOD and his son are ONE GOD. This is something you can NEVER do. Be a man and accept my CHALLENGE. HOW CAN GOD AND HIS SON BE ONE GOD? Response: I am sorry, but I get the very strong sense that you simply want to […]
A brief comment on the new book on Mormonism at www.ipibooks.com
I just wanted to let you know – I started reading up on Mormonism last year and spent about 4 hours on it with our staff as part of a World Religions class in May 2011. I picked up your book and am about 80% through it… you did a fantastic job on it. I […]
What is your response to Astro-theology?
Question: The fad of Astro-theology is really starting to take a hold with some ex-Christians and other people I know who’ve studied the Bible but never became Christians. Here is the Facebook post from someone who has left Christianity. This is going to be a new form of false theology that many in our ministries is going to […]
Why is the Holy Spirit not active today as during the Old and New Testaments?
Question: The Holy Spirit was pretty active during the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Seems the Holy Spirit has not been very active in past 2000 years. Your thoughts on this? Am I wrong in thinking this? Answer: The Holy Spirit has been extremely busy the past two thousand years–convicting people of sin, […]
Review of the 2012 ICEC UCLA
See below for a review of the 2012 Christian Evidence Conference
How have the variations between the races arisen since the time of Adam and Eve?
Question: I have a science background and looked at theology too. I was wondering if you had an answer to the variations between different races if we descend from Adam and Eve. For example, if we say that we came from them, how do we make sense of different skin colour and eye shape? Even if we […]
New Book by Dr. John Oakes on Mormonism
John Oakes just published a brand new book on Mormonism as of Nov. 2. To order a copy, go to www.ipibooks.com
Heaven, Hell and the Afterlife: A Power Point
The attached power point is for a lesson given by Dr. Douglas Jacoby at the 2012 ICEC at UCLA October 20, 2012. Doug taught about the biblical doctrine of heaven, Hades and hell. He also presented a number of the important views on this subject in Judaism and in the early church, as well as reflecting […]
Acts and Church History by Dr. John Oakes
This power point was used by Dr. John Oakes as a follow-up lesson at the 2012 ICEC in Los Angeles on October 21, 2012. It is about the reasons the church in the first three centuries was able to conquer the known world for Jesus and a suggestion of how faithful Christians today can see […]
The Claims, Prophecies and Miracles of Jesus 2012 ICEC UCLA Dr. John Oakes
This power point is for a class given by Dr. John Oakes at the 2012 ICEC at UCLA October 20, 2012. The focus is on the radical claims of Jesus and why, based on the evidence from filfilled prophecy and the miracles of Jesus, a reasonable person will conclude that Jesus’ claims about himself are believable. […]
God and Science UCLA Dr. John Oakes
This is an updated version of a class on God and Science/Science and the Bible presented by Dr. John Oakes at the 2012 ICEC at UCLA October 20, 2012. God and Science UCLA ppt
Who Said Jesus is a Myth? A class by Brian Colon from 2012 ICEC at UCLA
Brian Colon taught a class at the 2012 ICEC at UCLA refuting the oft-heard accusation that the Jesus of the New Testament is principally a myth. Brian both presents hard evidence for the reliability of the New Testament picture of Jesus and explains why the Jesus myth arguments are extremely weak. Who Said Jesus is a […]
Always Be Prepared: A Class by Kedron Jones at 2012 ICEC UCLA
Kedron Jones taught a class on using Christian Apologetics in evangelism at the 2012 ICEC at UCLA October 20, 2012. The power point is attached. We will be making the audio available. Always Be Prepared PPT
If prehistoric humans evolved, then in what sense are we made in God's image?
QUESTION: For a long time I accepted a young earth model and read Genesis literally. Recently, I’ve had a lot of conversations about evolution and the evidence that points us to that as a possibility. I feel that it is possible to believe God had a hand in evolution and used that as a means for […]
Power Point in Spanish: Sacrificios y Prefiguras
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson on foreshadows in the Levitical sacrificial system of aspects of Christianity in the New Testament. The class was taught in Guadalajara, Mexico 11/16/2012. Sacrificios y Prefiguras
Power Point in Spanish: El Reino de Dios
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson on the Kingdom of God in Guadalajara, Mexico 11/18/2012. El Reino de Dios The audio is available in the EFC store.
Power Point in Spanish: Viviendo Por la Fe
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson Living by Faith (Hebrews 11) in Guadalajara 11/18/2012. The Power Point is attached. Hebreos Viviendo Por La Fe The audio is available in the EFC store.
Can quantum mechanics disprove the God of the Bible?
QUESTION: I’ve been looking a bit into Quantum Physics and Mechanics and recently found this question asked on Yahoo Answers: Christians, two of the most fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics disproves your god. I’ll explain below. Just remember, you can’t say this is just a theory (even though a theory means an unproven fact in […]
Can you refute the Jesus god/man myth claims found in the youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gELzYupzXs&feature=related
Question: I am getting hit with this subject more often. The bassist in my band who I basically live with when on tour sent me this video after a long talk we had on the tour bus. There are a lot of claims with no evidence to back it up however I think it’d be great […]
Are there modern-day Christian prophets?
QUESTION: What do you believe about a random “Super Spiritual” (I say this loosely) guy comes up to you and tries to look into your life and tell you about your future? So what I am asking is do you believe in people being able to prophesy about your life (like Agabus or Barnabus who […]
Is Sean Carroll right that science will eventually rule out the possibility of God?
Question: An article appeared in Yahoo a day or two ago. It quotes theoretical cosmologist Sean Carroll. Here is the article detail: Will Science Someday Rule Out the Possibility of God? By Natalie Wolchover | LiveScience.com Here is the core section shared by Carroll: Carroll argues that God’s sphere of influence has shrunk drastically in modern […]
Does the book of Daniel support the premillenial doctrine?
Question: I have been reading your book Daniel : a prophet to the nations and I found it to be very educational. However, I sent a part of the book about premillenialism to a premillenialist. I thought it would be proper to get a response to some of the questions you raised and that I […]
Is the recently published Coptic manuscript evidence that Jesus was married?
A Harvard professor recently announced what she called evidence that the early church, or at least sectors of it, believed that Jesus was married. Not surprisingly, a question about this came to the web site within hours. The question and answer are below.
Is the new Coptic manuscript recently announced evidence that Jesus was married?
QUESTION: I read this article and wondering is it true?? Here is the link: http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/14893067/early-christians-believed-jesus-wed-harvard-expert/ Answer: The article is “true” in the sense that a fourth century papyrus with seven partial lines of script in the Coptic language was found. It is also true in the sense that the papyrus manuscript has a phrase “Jesus said […]
What is your response to a comment at Yahoo Answers that the New Testament is completely unreliable?
Question: I know Yahoo Answers isn’t a very reliable source, so I am asking you about an answer that was there. Someone commented on a question that was asked. The question was ” Where were the Gospels written?” One of the answers was “Tons of people compiled, copied and translated and edited the gospels all […]
2012 Christian Evidences Conference: UCLA October 20 Rock Hard Evidence for a Questioning Generation
ARS, together with the Los Angeles International Church of Christ, are putting on a one day conference designed primarily for university students and singles. The event includes a “Dialogue With a Skeptic” between Douglas Jacoby and Michael Shermer. To pre-register (cost $5) go to http://laicc.org/resources/answers See below for more information. We will be having a follow-up event […]
A comment on John Oakes' book "The Christian Story"
See below for a recommendation we recently received for The Christian Story: Finding the Church in Church History.
Were Pharaoh's sorcerers able to work a miracle with Satan's power?
QUESTION: I realize there may be speculation on an answer for this question. However, in Exodus how were Pharaoh’s sorcerers able to turn their staff into snakes just like when Aaron threw down his staff? Could this be Satan and if so does he really have this kind of power. I believe the Exodus accounts […]
Living By Faith: Notes and Power Point
Dr John Oakes taught a class titled Living By Faith in Las Vegas 9/9/2012. It is an exposition on Hebrews 11, with the theme that faith is belief in things unseen. Living By Faith PPT Living By Faith Notes
Answering the Hard Questions: A Power Point
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson for teens on the Christian World View and the Christian answer to the most common hard questions which all human beings ask. Why is there evil? Why is there suffering? Why does God allow killing of nations in the Old Testament? Why did God make hell? PPT Answering the Hard […]
Interview with Douglas Jacoby at Apologetics 315
http://www.apologetics315.com/2012/12/apologist-interview-douglas-jacoby.html
What can you tell me about the transfiguration (Luke 9)?
Question: What’s up with transfiguration in Luke 9? Such a strange and eerie scene. Any thoughts? Maybe books to read about it? Response: I am not sure exactly what you want to know. To me, this is a fairly straightforward account of a very unusual event which happened. I will admit that this is not […]
Was the prayer for forgiveness of the Romans (Luke 23:34) in the original of Luke? Is this a textual variation?
Question: Does this not give you something to think about ? [editor’s note: some personal info about where the questioner got this info and generated the question is left out here] Bruce wrote: “There are texts which may have lacked the Prayer of Forgiveness on the Cross in Luke (so like Luke to invent this in the […]
What is the banned book of Enoch?
QUESTION: I was recently browsing youtube,and found a video about a banned book called Book of Enoch. What is it? Answer: As far as I know, no important group has banned the book of Enoch. Just so you know, some call this book the 1st (1 Enoch) because other pseudepigraphal books (books with a falsely-claimed […]
Audio on the Resurrection of Jesus by Brian Colon.
Brian Colon, one of the members of the ARS board, recently taught a class on the resurrection of Jesus. The audio is available at http://www.knowitstrue.com/audio/Rez.mp3
I am taking a class on evolution this fall. How should I approach talking about evolution with my classmates? Any books to recommend?
Question: I’m going to be taking a class on evolution this fall and wanted to see what book(s) you recommend I read so I can help myself as well as my classmates. Also, if you could just give me some general advice about how to go about debating/talking about evolution that would be appreciated. Thanks! […]
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.
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 […]
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
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 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 […]
