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What is your thought on those who say "Faith is released by speaking words"?
Question: The saying ‘Faith is released by speaking words’, is used by some preachers to describe that sick people remain sick though ‘saved’ because of their inability to release their faith and be healed. They say God has put authority under us to move mountains therefore we should exercise it for the purpose of healing. Also […]
Malachi: Faith in God or Faithful to God?
Dr. John Oakes gave a lesson about being faithful to God in our service to him from Malachi on 4/4/2014. The lesson focuses primarily on Malachi 1:6-14 and Malachi 3:6-18. Sacrifice in Malachi Note Malachi Sacrificial Giving Audio
Can you respond to a recent point made by Sam Harris in a debate with William Lane Craig?
QUESTION: I recently listened to a debate between Sam Harris and Dr. Craig. I remember listening to your audio where you mentioned that you have not come across any scientific discrepancies in the Bible. This is more or less a statement that Sam Harris made in regards to scientific discrepancies found in the Bible: ‘Genesis […]
What do you think about presuppositional apologetics and the work of Alvin Plantinga?
Question: I want to ask about a particular apologetics strategy know as Presuppositional Apologetics. What do you think about it? Do you believe that you presuppose that God exists and that everything the Bible says is true off the bat? Or does it take reasons to reach this conclusion? I recently heard a good explanation […]
Class to be taught in San Diego: Jesus in the Old Testament
Dr. John Oakes taught a class, Jesus in the Old Testament: From Shadow to Reality in San Diego on six consecutive Saturdays beginning Feb 22, 2014. Outline and suggested reading for the class are below. Jesus in OT Notes Jesus in OT PPT The recordings of this class are available at the web […]
How do I explain the parallels between Mithraism and Christianity? Is the deity of Jesus a later invention of the church?
QUESTION: I have been a devout follower of Jesus Christ for 22 years. Recently, I have been questioning the validity of Christianity. The Freemasons tell their members that they have made up Christianity and all world religions as a way to better society. When I look at the ancient Sun God worship Mithraism and other forms […]
Sacrifice Prefigures
Dr. John Oakes gave a sermon on 3/15/2014 in San Diego. The topic was the Levitical sacrificial system as a prefigure of worship in the New Testament. The “sweet smelling” offerings are discussed as prefigures both of the offerings given by Jesus and by Christians. Specifically discussed are the burnt offering, the grain offering, the […]
Prophets of the Exile: Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on the Prophets of the Exile for APLA (Asia Pacific Leadership Academy) Jan 16-18 in Manila, Philippines. Notes and a power point are attached. Prophets of the Exile notes Prophets of the Exile PPT The audio for this entire class is available in the store of the […]
Pro-life Apologetics 101 June 7, 2014
Kedron Jones, a board member of ARS (Apologetics Research Society) will be teaching a six hour class titled Defending Life: Pro-Life Apologetics 101. This will be a ground-breaking class for us as we explore the moral question of abortion. The class will be taught in such a way that the arguments are not necessarily […]
Report on Missionary Teaching Trip to the Philippines
See below for a report from John Oakes on his recent trip to visit and teach for churches in Bacolod, Cebu and Manila Philippines.
What is tHul 2:22-23? (a reference used to show that Jesus worked miracles)
Question: Hi, John! I can’t find the meaning of “tHul 2:22-23”. What it is? An ancient book? I don’t know how to translate it into Russian. Thank you! Answer: tHul 2:22-23 is a reference to one of the Jewish writings of the very early centuries AD. It is the Hullin tracate of the document known […]
Can you refute a recent argument against the existence of God based on contingency?
Question: I stumbled upon an unpublished blog and I was wondering if you could help me respond to it. The title of the blog post and the argument are below. I find this article to be quite fishy and it really bothers me because I don’t know how to answer it. A Short Proof […]
Did the believers receive the Holy Spirit when they were baptized in Samaria in Acts 8? When were they saved?
[Editor’s note: This question has little to do with Christian evidences, but I have gotten several versions of the question. Apparently it is on the minds of many EFC users, so I am providing an answer.] QUESTION: In Acts chapter 8 Philip, one of the Seven, goes to a city in Samaria and preached the gospel. […]
New Videos from Dr. John Oakes' teaching in Memphis
Dr. John Oakes taught lessons on: God, Science, and Miracles four-hour class on Hebrews a sermon on Acts and Church History on Jan 31-Feb 2. The audio of God, Science, and Miracles & the videos of the other two lessons are available at this link
Why does God give Jesus a new name and take away his old name? Why not accept another new name, Bahaullah? How did Jesus fulfill the prophecy that all mankind will see God's salvation?
[Note: this query comes from a believer who got these questions from a friend who is Bahai. Question: One of my questions was WHY had not God in the Old Testament chosen for himself, the name Jesus the Christ, but many other names ? In addition, Christ Himself also promises that when he returns, he […]
Dr. Roy E. Knuteson says that cremation is pagan and sinful. Your response?
Editor’s Note: I just posted a Q & A on cremation a couple of weeks ago. Normally, I would not post two in a row on the same topic, but apparently my fairly short answer raised as many questions as it answered, so I am publishing a second question and the follow-up. I suggest that […]
What is your take on the Bill Nye/Ken Ham debate?
Question: What was your take on the Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate? Thanks Answer: First of all, take everything I say here with a huge grain of salt because I have only seen a little bit of the debate. My response is primarily to what I have heard and what I know of Ken […]
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 […]
