New Power Point on God Science and Miracles
Dr. John Oakes taught a lesson 1/31/2014 in Memphis at Memphis University on God, Science and Miracles The Power Point is attached. God science and miracle ppt
How do I explain to a friend how Catholicism has detoured from Jesus' teachings?
Question: It is a privilege to contact you and be able to share my dilemma. I am hoping you have time enough to direct me to readings where I can, upon understanding of them, inform my daughter-{recent “convert” to Catholicism}-of how Catholicism has detoured from Jesus’ original teachings. If you would just point me in […]
John Oakes on missionary teaching trip in the Philippines
Dr. John Oakes is on a teaching trip in the Philippines. Follow the trip on @evidence4christ. A journal of his travels is below.
Ehrman says that the 500 eyewitnesses to the resurrection is a mass hallucination, with many historical analogies. What is your response to this?
QUESTION: My son recently announced that he is an atheist. I have been a Christian all of my life, so this was not happy news for me. Since this announcement, I have been searching the internet to get a better understanding of what the “other side” says. I have listened to the “new atheists” and […]
Can you respond to arguments made by a physicist named Krauss in a recent debate with William Lane Craig? He used arguments about quantum mechanics and multiverse theories.
Question: I have an issue I’d love for you to weigh in on if you can please? I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the 3 part debate between Dr William Lane Craig and Prof Krauss? (if not, the are on YouTube). If so, can you please shed some light on responding to Krauss in […]
Your treatment of Robert Eisenman is bogus because you are using the New Testament and Church Fathers, none of which were written before 450 AD.
Comment: I think Mr Oakes needs to take a course in logic. He attempts to discredit Robert Eisenman by using, not the extant historical evidence, but the unsubstantiated writings of “early church fathers”,and the new testament “writings” of Peter and Luke. First of all there is not a single writing of the church fathers and […]
Messianic Prophecy Notes and Power Point
Recently, when requested for notes about prophecies of the Messiah, we discovered that, for some reason, this power point and notes are not posted at the site! I apologize for the oversight. Here are notes and a power point by Dr. John Oakes on this very important topic. Messianic Prophecies Notes Messianic Prophecies PPT John […]
Any suggestions on how to study with a person of the Baha'i faith?
QUESTION: I am studying with a friend who is of the Bahai Faith. We have been having some discussions on Facebook and I wanted to see what is the best way to study with him? One question he has asked me was whether there any proof in the Old Testament that “Elijah was to come […]
Your faith is questionable and you are prideful because you think Eve being created from Adam's rib might be metaphorical
Question: I was just browsing and came upon your website. I read through some questions/answers and was surprised to read that you believe that the Bible’s account of Eve being formed/created out of Adam’s rib is metaphorical. So your God can create a universe and yes, even Adam and Eve ex nihilo as you like […]
Is the question of inerrancy at stake in the time periods of creation, in the possibility that Adam/Eve are symbolic and in the global flood of Noah?
Question: I’ve recently listened to an interview by Grant Palmer who is a former Mormon but applied “critical analysis” to the Mormon Bible and converted to Christ. In his interview, he also expressed some concern with the Christian Bible including: 1. timing issues in the creation account 2. Adam and Eve being actual/symbolic 3 the tower […]
Is there any proof outside the Bible that Jesus performed miracles?
QUESTION: I used to be a follower of Christ. I was wondering is there any PROOF outside of the Bible that proves the miracles that he performed including him coming back from the dead? I would like the sources that where written by non-believers at that time period if this is all possible with you. […]
My Jewish friend says that Isaiah 7:14, about the virgin birth is just a Christian interpretation but that "their version" (Hebrew) says something different.
Question: I read your article on how to help convert our Jewish friends, the problem is that yes, “our version” the Old Testament mentions things about Jesus, but when you bring that up, they show you in “their version” that is in Hebrew it is different. Where ours says a virgin will give birth…but in their […]
How do you explain the question of evil from various world views?
Editor’s Note: This question and answer are taken from an exam by Randy Hroziencik, a student in our ARS Apologetics Certificate Program. It is used by permission. Question: In your own words, try to present the “explanation” of evil from the point of view of at least three other world views other than Christian theism. […]
Teaching Weekend by John Oakes in Puebla
Teaching Weekend in Puebla
Apocalyptic Literature/The Book of Revelation
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on apocalyptic literature, including the Book of Revelation on six consecutive Saturdays beginning September 28 at the Mission Center of Hope in San Diego. Revelation notes Revelation Power Point The audio of this lesson is now available in the web site store. Go to the front page and click on […]
New Class For the ARS Apologetics Certificate Program Available: The Bible: Reliability, Inspiration and Inerrancy
ARS is proud to announce that the ninth of ten classes in our Apologetics Certificate Program is now available. The class is on the reliability, inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The instructor of the class is Dr. John Oakes. The class includes a study of biblical manuscripts and the canon of the Old and […]
New class now available for ARS Apologetics Certificate Program: Apologetics and Archaeology
ARS is excited to announce the eighth of our ten courses in our Christian Apologetics Certificate is now available. This is a ten hour class on the historical and archaeological support to the reliability of the Bible. The instructors are Dr. John Wilson, professor emeritus of archaeology from Pepperdine University, as well as Dr. John […]
How do I reach out to a Hare Krishna friend with the gospel?
Question: Hello Dr. Oakes. I wanted to ask you a question about studying the Bible with a friend of mine who is a Hare Krishna. How should I approach it? I know a little bit about the religion through talking with him and reading a bit of the Baghavad Gita. I really want him to […]
Does a recently published report of a 1.8 million year old skull mean there was a pre-Adamic human race?
QUESTION: I have a question for in regards to an article posted by Fox News today. Apparently a 1.8 million year skull has been found which apparently is some evolutionary link. Does this mean tha there was some sort of pre-adamic race? Are they even sure the skull is that old? How would this reconcile […]
ARS Apologetics Certificate Paper: "Apologetics and Old Testament Atrocities"
How can you expect anyone to believe the Bible is inerrant given the story of the flood?
Question: May I ask why anyone should believe in the Bible? You claim that the global flood was miraculous, yet what does that have to do with evidence? Did God completely heal the earth? Is that what you’re saying? You wish people to believe that God kept the ocean animals, plant life, bacteria all from […]
How do I explain evolutionary creationism to my young earth creationist friend?
Question: I recently was won over to a more Evolutionary Creationist (is that what you’d call it? Belief in the Bible and evolution?) philosophy. I’m trying to research more and more as I begin to debate with my strictly Creationist friends. I don’t expect to win them over but I’d like to be able to […]
Worship in Revelation PPT and Audio
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on worship in the Book of Revelation in San Diego October, 2013. It focuses on the picture of Jesus in Revelation Ch 1 and 5 as well as worship scenes in Revelation 7,11,15 and 19. A picture of believer’s before the throne of God is presented. Revelation Worship Notes […]
Refuting the Skeptical Case Against Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy
Editor’s note: Below is a paper submitted by Randy Hroziencik as part of his work on the ARS Apologetics Certificate. It was of a quality we are proud to publish at the web site. “Refuting the Skeptical Case against Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy” Randall L. Hroziencik Prophecy & Christian Apologetics October 2013
Knowing and Doing God's Will
Dr John Oakes gave a class 10/17/2013 on how the Christian can know God’s will. Coll 1:9-10, Psalm 119:110, Romans 12:1-2 and others are used. The lesson focuses largely on how to obtain wisdom through advice. This is clearly not Christian evidence, but we thought we would publish it for those interested. Knowing and Doing […]
If 1 Cor 15 says that God created one man, doesn't that contradict the theory of evolution which requires many protenitors to the human race?
Question: I am asking a series of questions that come from 1 Cor. 15. Several times in the chapter Adam is referred to as “one man,” a single individual. If Adam and Eve existed as an “original couple” and had a real Fall, I believe this may present major problems in trying to harmonize evolution with […]
Might Adam and Eve be a symbolic representation of a collective fall of man and woman?
Question: I wanted to thank you for your last email and for answering some of the questions I had. I appreciate you taking the time out of your undoubtedly busy schedule to do so.It helped me greatly. I hope I do not wear you out with my somewhat simplistic inquiries. The reason for this question […]
Do you have a response to the work of Joseph Atwill "The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus?"
Question: This is starting to circulate on the internet. Facebook……etc. I am sure young christians in our congregations may have a hard time with it. Just curious if you guys have heard about it yet. http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11201273.htm Response: Ancient Confession Found: ‘We Invented Jesus Christ.’ A new “theory” to explain the genesis of Christianity is making […]
Ancient Confession Found: "We invented Jesus Christ"
Ancient Confession Found: ‘We Invented Jesus Christ.’ A new “theory” to explain the genesis of Christianity is making the rounds of skeptic websites and will soon appear at a college or university near you. It is found in a recent documentary by Joseph Altwill “The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus” I would like to present […]
Can "cultural arguments" be used with regard to veil-wearing (1 Cor 11)?
Question: I have recently been troubled by a theological dilemma regarding 1 Corinthians 11 and veiling. Actually, I should say I’ve been wrestling with it for years and the conflict comes and goes. How can we as disciples of Jesus KNOW that Paul is speaking culturally? I know that David Bercot is popular throughout churches […]
I am Ethiopian where 1 Enoch is considered canonical. Why do you feel that 1 Enoch is not authentic?
Question: I have seen your view about the book of Enoch.first I have to tell you where I am from , I am actually from Ethiopia. the only christian country that accepted the book of Enoch as canon.please I want much evidences that can disprove its authenticity. do you have? Answer: I did not say […]
Deuteronomy 8: Entering the Promised Land
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on Deuteronomy 8 in San Diego 9/15/2013. The focus of the lesson is on Moses’ instructions to the “second generation” of those who wandered in the wilderness as an analogy for the life of a disciple. Deuteronomy 8 Entering the Promised Land notes Deut 8 Promised Land MP3 […]
Reliability of the Bible: Power Points
Brian Colon and Dr. John Oakes taught a six hour class on the reliability of the Bible on Saturday Sept. 14, 2013 at the Orange County Church of Christ, Irvine, CA. The class covered the manuscript and other evidence for the reliability of both the Old and the New Testaments. The power point on the Reliability […]
Video:The Gospel of John (taught by John Oakes)
Dr. John Oakes taught a four hour exposition on the Book of John for the South Florida Church of Christ. The class is available at the following link: http://new.livestream.com/Miamischoolofmissions/events/2365794
Christianity and Bioethics: Video
Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Christianity and Bioethics for the South Florida Church of Christ 8/30/2013. The class focuses on the moral and ethical questions raised by the leaps in technology in the biomedical field. He discusses the Christian Worldview and how it can guide us to decide which kinds of technologies Christians […]
Christianity and Postmodernism: Video
Dr. John Oakes taught a class for the South Florida Church of Christ 8/30/2013 on Christianity and Postmodernism. In the class Dr. Oakes explains the history of modernism, discussing its strengths and weaknesses. From there, he explains why modernism led to postmodernism, followed by a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the postmodern mindset. […]
Can you respond to a number of criticisms raised by a Rabbi in a debate I saw recently?
Questions: I was listening to a Rabbi debate with a Christian and wanted to ask you about some of the points that the Rabbi made that the Christian didn’t respond to, if i may. 1. Christians had to “make up” the second coming of the Messiah to harmonize why Jesus did not restore peace in […]
Answering the Hard Questions Power Point
Dr. John Oakes gave a presentation for the South Florida Church of Christ in Miami on 9/1/13 on answering the hard questions (the question of evil, the question of suffering and the question of hell). The power point is attached. HardQuestMiami
Jeremiah: The Burden of the Lord
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the book of Jeremiah 8/23/13. The class was not comprehensive, but covers the main themes of Jeremiah. Notes and power point are attached. Jeremiah PPT Jeremiah Burden of the Lord
Can you explain from a Christian perspective anthropologist's discovery of moral behavior in bonobos? Does this show morality is natural, not supernatural?
QUESTION: I have heard several times that moral “law” is said to be observed in animals, suggesting a natural, rather than supernatural explanation for morality. That sentence might not be clear enough, let me elaborate: A good example of a proponent of this is Anthropologist Frans de Waal. de Waal has studied primates for years […]
Did Zoroaster live as early as 1500 BC, as implied by some content in the Avesta?
Question: I have been doing research on this, but I just can find a lot on the question of when Zoroaster [editor: the founder of Zoroastrianism, the chief religion in Persia from about 500 BC until the time of Islam] lived. I know that some claim that he must have lived 1500 BC because the language […]
I cannot see God using random mutations to create us. I also cannot see God creating predation of animals and calling this "good."
Comment: I would like to say that I envy you. I can’t seem to reconcile my faith with evolution. I’m sure that the things I was told at church about evolution has a big part to play in my crisis but I think it’s also the way that science has presented it. Ever since Darwin […]
Was Christianity created by borrowing from Zoroastrianism? Did Muhammad borrow from Zoroastrianism? How do you explain the parallels?
Question: Is it true that Zoroastrianism created Christianity? Also, did Mohammed get his influence from Zoroastriansism? How is it that this religion is so close to Christianity and Islam? Were they living in the same place? How is it the Zoroastrians believe in a virgin birth and a Son of God? How is it that […]
People do not trust Josephus because his writings about Jesus have been interpolated (additions after the fact). What is your response?
Question: Reading several articles, I have the impression that many people don’t trust Josephus’ writings because of the additions by the Christian scribe[editor’s note: He is talking about the “Testimonium Flavium” which mentions Jesus]. It seems that if one passage was tampered with then we don’t know what to trust. Also, concerning the passage in […]
My friend says God is not all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving. How would you respond?
QUESTION: A friend of my brother asked me some tough questions. He was born into a Christian family, but couldn’t accept the religion because of his belief about God. The friend wants to believe that there is something/someone out there. Some points he made were: God is not: all-powerful all-knowing or all-loving. He believes that God […]
People use the commitment of Jesus' followers as evidence to validate Jesus' claims. This can be said of Muslims as well. Comment?
Question: When trying to validate Jesus Christ, I often hear Christians say that there must be something special about Him since a number of His disciples died horribly for Him many years after His death. Or, because Christianity has lasted all these years, must be something to it. But couldn’t the same be said for […]
How do I interact with my YEC church leaders? Do you have any materials to help them to accept the Old Earth idea?
Question: [editor’s note: this is a more personal letter than we normally post, but the issue is common enough we are posting it, in hopes that some can relate and use the information] In my current ministry, my explanation about non-literal days in Genesis 1 is viewed with hesitancy and, I sense, silent distrust. In […]
Do you have materials on the Kingdom of God I can use?
Question: I have enjoyed reading your book ‘Daniel Prophet to the Nations”. I have been confronting some Jehovah Witnesses on the topic of the Coming of the Kingdom of God on earth, and your book on Daniels book , really helped me a lot. thank you very very much. Do you have any specific material […]
Isn't the Appearance of Age theory the most biblical theory of creation?
Question: Jesus did not spend many years planting, farming, and harvesting the grapes for the matured wine he shared at the wedding. Neither did He have to fish for the mature fish he multiplied. It seems He and God transcend our concept of time and maturation issues, regularly, throughout the Bible including an unlimited cooking […]
Can you help me with questions about the Kingdom of God and the Jehovah Witness group?
Question: I am so happy to share with you that I have enjoyed reading your book ‘Daniel Prophet to the Nations”. I have been confronting some Jehovah Witnesses on the topic of the Coming of the Kingdom of God on earth, and your book on Daniel really helped me a lot. Thank you very very […]
