God and Science: Vancouver
Dr. JOhn Oakes gave a public lecture on God and Science last Friday May 1 in Vancouver Canada. Power point and audio are attached. God and Science PPT God and Science Vancouver Audio
Christian Evidence Weekend at University of Connecticut Oct 16-18
Dr. John Oakes will be doing a series of presentations at the University of Connecticut for the campus ministry of the Storrs Church of Christ. Friday night will be a public lecture on Science and God. The Sunday event is TBA. For information contact Max Weber at 706-255-3330.
The Gospel of Matthew
This class on the Gospel of Matthew is being taught by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego May-Aug, 2015. The first class is by John Oakes and is an introduction to the Book of Matthew, with emphasis on Matthew’s use of historical prophecies, prefigures and foreshadows to show that Jesus fulfills the […]
Class on the Book of Luke
Dr. John Oakes is teaching a five part series on the Book of Luke in San Diego in March and April. We will be posting the outline, power point and audio as the classes are taught. Luke Notes Luke PPT Luke SD Part I Audio Luke SD Audio Part II Luke SD Audio Part III […]
Evidence for Jesus Class: Audio, PPT and notes
Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the evidence which supports belief in the biblical Jesus at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego Saturdays 9:00-10:30. Your are invited to attend, but the power point, outline and audios will be posted here. Evidence for Jesus Notes Evidence for Jesus PPT […]
Robin Collins on Theistic Evolution
To our readers: I have always supported, in broad terms, what BioLogos has been trying to do on the science and religion front. Their attempt to bring together good science and belief in biblical inspiration is admirable. However, I have felt strongly that they tend too far in the direction of what I call deistic […]
Luke: The Upside Down Kingdom of God
Dr. John Oakes preached a sermon from the Book of Luke 4/19/15 in San Diego. The lesson focuses on how Jesus valued things that the world thinks are of little value and how he taught that the things the world values greatly are of no value in the Kingdom. It focuses principally on the Sermon […]
A response to RationalWiki’s claim that there are many unfulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
Editor’s note: This is a Q & A already published at the site, but this is a very common issue raised and I thought it would be worth publishing as an article. This is a series of about ten questions. For ease of following the arguments, I will intersperse my answers between the questions. Question: […]
Evidence for Jesus Very Short Version
Dr. John Oakes gave a talk titled Evidence for Jesus at the Jesus Conference in San Diego, California March, 21, 2015. The class covers the claims of Jesus and reasonable response to those claims, as well as messianic prophecies. Evidence for Jesus Short PPT Evidence for Jesus short audio
Islam: A religion of peace?
Editor’s note: This article comes from www.douglasjacoby.com and is written by my good friend Douglas Jacoby. It is used by permission. 18 March 2015 Last year Boko Haram, the West African ultra-radical group opposed to all things western (except guns), kidnapped hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls. On one of their notorious raids, they carried off sisters […]
Old Testament Festivals as Foreshadows of Jesus
Dr. John Oakes gave a class/sermon on finding Jesus in the Jewish festivals of Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles. The theme is that we ought to take the time and mental energy to celebrate what we have with God in Christ and the Holy Spirit. Old Testament Festivals and […]
Mark Intro and CH 1,2 Sermon by Dr. John Oakes
Dr, John Oakes gave a sermon in San Diego on 3/6/15 which was an introduction to the Book of Mark. It covered the first two chapters of the book, including the prologue and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Notes, power point and audio are included. Mark Intro Sermon notes Mark Sermon PPT Mark CH 1,2 […]
An article: How was the Genesis Creation Account Interpreted Before Darwin?
Although we at ARS do not agree with everything said by the group biologos, we believe the article below provides useful perspective on the history of Christian views of the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2. https://biologos.org/questions/early-interpretations-of-genesis will be helpful
Oldest New Testament manuscript discovery from 80s AD announced from ancient burial mask
One of the most significant Greek New Testament manuscript finds of all time was revealed in a recent article in CNN http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/21/living/gospel-mummy-mask/ . If confirmed, then this will be a game-changer in the way it supports by physical evidence the early date of the writing of the gospels. As will all such claims, it is wise […]
Class on the Gospel of Mark by John Oakes and Robert Carrillo
This is the first of a three part series on the Book of Mark taught by Dr. John Oakes and Robert Carrillo in San Diego for the Church staff of the San Diego Church of Christ February and March, 2015. Gospel of Mark Notes Mark PPT Mark Part I […]
Christian Theology
Robert Carrillo and Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Christian Theology in San Diego in the fall of 2011. The audio for the last three classes is attached. Christian Theology PartIV Christian Theology Part V Christian Theology Part VI
Class on the Book of Mark to be taught Feb 6th and 20th
Dr. John Oakes will be teaching a three-part class, along with Robert Carrillo, on the Book of Mark in San Diego, California Feb. 6, 20 and March 6, 2015. This series will not be open to the public, but the audio, notes and power point will be made available at the web site after the […]
Teaching Weekend, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Dr. John Oakes will be doing a teaching weekend May 1-3 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. There will be an evangelistic event on Friday evening: God and Science, an in-depth Bible class on Daniel on Saturday and an evangelistic sermon for the Vancouver Church of Christ on Sunday. For locations or more information, contact Brian […]
Question: If both evolution of species and abiogenesis of life have natural explanations, then why invoke God?
Editor’s note: This Q & A was of sufficient interest, that I have decided to post it as an article as well. Question: If evolution and abiogenesis have simply naturalistic explanations behind the origins and development of life itself, then wouldn’t this replace any need for a god? Abiogenesis for example gives forth purely scientific and […]
Recordings from Dr. John Oakes’ southern Africa teaching trip
John Oakes has been traveling in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Below are some of the audios as well as some notes and power points for the lessons on this teaching trip. Daniel audio Harare Daniel PPT Kingdom of God audio Harare Kingdom of God notes Living by Faith audio Harare Living by […]
John Oakes teaching trip to Southern Africa
I have passed through Windhoek, Namibia, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Durban and Johannesburg, and am heading back to San Diego. The final report is posted below. John Oakes Picture is from the monument to the tribal leaders who achieved independence for Botswana from the UK in 1966.
Class to be Offered: Evidence for Jesus
Dr. John Oakes will be teaching a class titled “Evidence for Jesus” at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego, CA on six consecutive Saturdays beginning Saturday Feb 21, 2015 from 9:00-10:30. The audio, notes and power point will be posted at the web site. Cost: $20, which included light refreshments. The […]
Teaching Trip to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa Jan 2-19
Dr. John Oakes will be traveling to teach for churches in Harare, Zimbabwe, Gaboronne, Botswana, Windhoek, Namibia and in Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesberg, South Africa Jan 2-19. He will be posting updates on his travels and experiences visiting churches in these cities at this web site, on Twitter (@evidence4christ) and on Facebook.
Libertad, Para Que?
Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson about Freedom in Christ, on the use of gifts and Christian membership for the Iglesia de Cristo en Tijuana 12/14/14. The class is in English, with Spanish translation. Libertad para que audio Libertad en Cristo PPT
Once Saved, Always Saved
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the commonly-held doctrine known as “Once Saved, Always Saved”, also known as Perseverance of the Saints. The class was taught in San Diego Nov. 6, 2014 at the Mission Center of Hope. The outline of the class was: I. Where did this doctrine come from? II. What proof-texts […]
Class: Return, Restore, Rebuild Post-Exile Books of the Bible
Dr. John Oakes and James Shults will be teaching a class on biblical books covering the period after the exile of Judah and Israel. The theme of these books is returning to God, restoring our relationship with God and rebuilding our lives with God. The books covered will include Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Ezra, Esther and […]
Conversational Apologetics: Power Point and Notes
Kedron Jones, a member of the ARS board, gave a lesson recently titled “Know How to Answer: Conversational Apologetics” The class was taught 10/18/14 at Los Angeles Church of Christ campus ministry. The notes and power point are attached. Know How to Answer Outline Know How to Answer PPT
Is the Hebrew god El just borrowed from Canaanite deities? Is Yahweh derived from the Caananite God El?
QUESTION: I have a question concerning the usage of numerous names for God. I have been reading that Yahweh developed from the word El which was a Canaanite god. In addition El Elyon was a different deity from Yahweh and was a Caananite god in the city of Salem inhabited by the Jebusites. Why would […]
Do you have a good resource for refuting Calvinism? Also, how to respond to those who believe the Bible is not "perfect?"
QUESTION: 1. What is a good resource for learning more about Calvinism and how to refute it. 2. How do you best defend the Word of God with someone who says “the Bible is not perfect.” We obviously know of a few clerical errors but he uses those mistakes and others to justify his own […]
ARS/EvidenceforChristianity to Partner with York College in a Museum of Ancient History
Foster Stanback, the Chair of the Board of Apologetics Research Society (the sponsor of this website) has teamed with York College in York, Nebraska to establish a Museum of Ancient History to specialize in items of interest to Christianity. The grand opening of the Museum will be in April, 2015. We have future plans […]
Does the concept of informational entropy impact Christian theology and our understanding of free will?
Editor’s note: The following is a series of questions and answers. The tone is more familiar than usual because this discussion is happening with a good friend. Question: I just read your paper, “A Closer Look at the Laws of Thermodynamics.” It was great. Thanks. I have a comment, though. From Pr 16:33 we learn that anything that […]
What is your response to Molinism (a philosophical idea with regard to free will and God's foreknowledge)?
Question: Have you ever heard of the Doctrine Molinism? I haven’t studied concerning the process of salvation in awhile. The last place I essentially left off was being convinced of the ideology of this doctrine. And as of now I still hold to Molinism. Thanks much. Answer: I am copying and pasting an article from Google […]
Classes Taught in Spokane by Dr. John Oakes
John Oakes taught three classes for the Spokane Christian Church 9/27/2014. Audio is available here. History, Archaeology and the Bible MP3 History Archaeology and the Bible PPT The Holy Spirit MP3 Shadow to Reality MP3
Class on the Book of Ezekiel
Dr. John Oakes is teaching a class on the Book of Ezekiel on four consecutive Thursday evenings, beginning 9/12/14. The class is in San Diego at the Mission Center of Hope (6162 Mission Gorge Road San Diego, CA 92120. Suite A) from 7:30-8:45. Notes, power point and audio will be posted. Ezekiel notes Ezekiel […]
How do you respond to Jewish claims that Isaiah 9:6 (Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) is actually a prophecy about Hezekiah rather than Jesus?
Question: Hello Dr. Oakes. I recently have had the desire to study out the biblical support for Jesus being the Messiah and why the Jews don’t consider him to be the Messiah. I listened to a podcast by a Jewish Rabbi on the Trinity. He talks about a few things: he referenced John 10 saying […]
My Eye Weeps to God
My Eye Weeps to God By David A. Goodman, Ph.D. This is an article written by a friend David Goodman. He has been a neuroscientist for fifty years and is a believer. The perspective is unusual, but we thought there may be some interest in what he has to say. It is about the […]
Class on Church History
John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are team teaching a class on the history of Christianity for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ over the next couple of months. The notes and power point for the class are available here. John Oakes has a book on the topic “The Christian Story: Finding […]
Did Jesus plagiarize Confucius when he said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."?
QUESTION: A skeptic has claimed to me that the Christian saying “Do unto others” (what we call our “Golden Rule”) was actually plagiarized by the Bible writers from something originally taught by Confucius. Are you familiar with this? I doubt this is true, since no source could be provided, but I have to ask. Answer: […]
Are Mormons sincere in their faith or are they deceiving us? Do they believe they are Christian?
Question: My brother recently vacationed in Utah and visited some of the Mormon sites, including the Mormon Tabernacle. He was quite convinced that they are Christian. I explained to him that they are not and introduced him to your website. Question he asked was about the Mormon Tabernacle choir. They sing Christian music, including songs […]
Lesson: Golden Rule Membership
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Christian membership and Freedom in Christ in San Diego 8/31/14. The lesson uses material from his new book Golden Rule Membership (www.ipibooks.com) Golden Rule Membership Notes Golden Rule Membership PPT Golden Rule Membership MP3
God and Science: Audio and Power Point
Dr. John Oakes did a sermon on God and Science recently in San Diego. There were multiple requests that the audio be made available. The class was not recorded, but we are posting a nearly identical class taught in London, England in June, 2014. Science and God PPT God and […]
Doesn't God put us into a Catch-22 situation in which he requires us to things to be forgiven that we cannot do unless we are already forgiven?
[editor’s note: This question rambles quite a bit. I did a lot of correcting of grammar, spelling and the like, but I am afraid it still is a bit hard to follow. Hopefully, you will get the idea.] Question: Aren’t the Bible and the Christian religion a Catch-22? This would be defined as a […]
News Flash! Dr. John Oakes loses in a debate on the existence of God.
Dr. John Oakes engaged in a debate on the existence of God titled “God is Not Dead” at a teen camp in Jamul, California on 6/17/2014. His opponent was recent high school graduate Hunter Garnier. Hunter is no slacker, as he was valedictorian of his class and is heading off to UC Berkeley in […]
Missionary Teaching Trip to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil
John and Jan Oakes traveled July 10-Aug 5 to teach for churches in Buenos Aires, Asuncion, La Paz, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Below is a report on the 24 day teaching trip.
Why would God persecute women and why did he put the tree in the garden in the first place?
Question: You are kidding right? The fact that God offers a “last chance” to people before he destroys them does not change the fact that he did indeed kill them all. What about Eden? Now since God knows all, past present and future; he knew that Eve would take of the fruit and he then […]
New Book by Dr. John Oakes now available: Golden Rule Membership
John Oakes has a new book available as of 7.15.14. The title is Golden Rule Membership. It is about the proper use of Christian Freedom and on the role of Christian membership and how to apply the Golden Rule to being part of God’s Church. The book includes practical ideas on Christian membership from Ron […]
Analysis of Jewish claims that Jesus did not fulfill all the prophecies of the Messiah
Editor’s note: This has already been posted as a Q & A, but I hear this question often enough that I though I would post it as an article as well. John Oakes QUESTION: Hello, I have recently been wondering why Judaism seems to reject Jesus as the Messiah. I have found that they have […]
What can you tell me about the "missing day" claim of Harold Hill and its relation to Joshua 10:13-14?
Question: I was looking over you site and was wondering if there has been any evidence found that the “sun stood still” or “altered it’s position”? As recorded in Joshua 10:13-14 and Isaiah 38:7-8? I may be wrong as I’m not acquainted with astrophysics but I can only imagine that our earth or the sun’s […]
Classes in English/Portugese
Dr. John Oakes has been teaching a series of lessons in Brazil. Included are audio in English and Portugese and, where they have been made, translated power points. Historia da Igreja PPT Ações e História da Igreja Audio Historia da Igresa I Audio Historia da Igresa II Audio Vivendo pela […]
New Audios in Spanish and English from Asucion and La Paz: De la Sombra a la Realidad, Viviendo por la Fe, Dios y la Ciencia
Dr. John Oakes taught three classes in Asuncion, Paraguay and La Paz, Bolivia which were translated into Spanish. The three are From Shadow to Reality (De la Sombra a la Realidad), Living by Faith (Viviendo por la Fe), and God and Science (Dios y la Ciencia). Also included are power points for two of […]
