General – Page 19 – Evidence for Christianity

Why does God not intervene to clear up doctrinal matters? For example, eight million died in a war over Christian doctrine right after the the Reformation.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Among Christians there are so many doctrinal disputes. Many died making wars because of these different opinions. Why did God not intervene to clear up our understanding in order to avoid wars and disputes? Just after the Protestant Reformation eight million Christians slaughtered each other because God did not communicate the correct doctrine doctrine clearly to them. […]

When was the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem issued? (Daniel 9:25)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Daniel, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Q & A .

Question: When was the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem issued? Answer: This is somewhat debatable, as there are at least three “decrees” in the Book of Ezra. The first is in Ezra 1:1-4. This is a decree of Cyrus that the Jews can go back to Judah and Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This […]

How can Octavian, a Roman, be the one referred to in Daniel 11:45, since the prophecy is calling him a “King of the North?”

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Daniel, General, History, Q & A .

Question: It is my understanding that Octavian, otherwise known as Augustus died in Rome. This does not seem to agree with Daniel 11:45 and therefore does not support him as being the final “King of the North.” What do you say about this? Thanks and God bless. Answer: You are doing a great job here of […]

How do you respond to Shabir Alli’s claim that the Qur’an contains number miracles in its text?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A, Uncategorized .

Question: Shabir Ally frequently uses the ‘number miracles’ in the Quran to prove that it is the word of God. Here are 2 clips which shows what he’s trying to claim: 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEmCZ968PQI 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qunUypvBQ4 How would you respond to this claim? Answer; Actually, I have met Shabir Ali personally. We arranged a debate between […]

What is your view on the local versus the global flood explanation of the Genesis flood account?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Science and the Bible, The Flood .

Question: I would like to hear your thoughts in regards to the matter of Noah’s Flood. In the past, I embraced the idea that the Flood was a global event and that the local flood view was unbiblical. However, after reading some articles by various Christians, I’ve come to approve of the local flood view. […]

Does the Bible indicate that Paul actually killed Christians?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A .

Question: Does the Bible indicate that the Apostle Paul actually killed Christians? Answer: The Bible does not say that Paul himself actually killed any Christians. It does say in Acts 7:58 that he was present at the stoning of Stephen and that he approved this act. Whether he actually threw one of the stones is […]

How much of a role does God play in appointing political leaders?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: How much of a role God play in appointing political leaders? If the authorities that exist have been established by God (Rom 13:1) why do conservative candidates or the more Christian candidates not always win the election? Surely there were far more prayers being offered up for the Christian candidate than the liberal one. […]

Why do scholars say Revelation is about things that happened in Roman times? The sea beast in Revelation 13 is Japan.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A .

Question: I believe that in Revelation 13 the sea beast is Japan and earth beast is the USA. The “Dragon” is the U.S. aircraft carriers. Crowns and horns are the Japanese automobile/truck industry. “Blasphemous names” are the essential design of the autos and are alike among their “corporations” forming an unequal balance to the remaining […]

Can mentally handicapped people be saved if they are incapable of understanding the gospel? Or if they do not need to be saved, then why was I cursed with a healthy mind, as it means I could go to hell?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: How can [editor has added: mentally] handicapped persons can be saved if many of them could not know Jesus because they are incapable of understanding the gospel and reason correctly? If the answer is that handicapped persons are surely saved, then why did God curse me so much in giving me a healthy mind […]

You claim the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew is through Mary, but it says “son of Joseph.” Please explain.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A .

Question: At your website, I read your answer to the question “Why does the Bible mention Jesus’ geneology from Joseph’s side when Joseph is not His father?” In your answer, you say that Luke gives a genealogy from Joseph’s side since the Greeks prefer the father’s side and Matthew wrote from Mary’s side for the […]

The religions of Egypt, Rome, etc. have archaeology to support their faith. How is this different from Christianity?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: A coworker of mine make a point I do not know how to reply to. He said that other cultures such as Rome, Egypt and Greece have records and archeology to prove their faiths exist and we do too. That being true, what separates ours from theirs to help us win souls for the […]

Who is God speaking to when he says “us” in Genesis one?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Who was God speaking about when he said “let us make mankind in our image” who is “us” and did God intend for us to be gods like him. Answer: Good question. There are three theories concerning the use of the plural here. 1. God is using the “royal we” (or more accurately us) It […]

Muslims claim that Jeremiah 8:8 is evidence the Bible is corrupted. Your response?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Recently, I read a Muslim’s article and the writer stated that the Bible itself says that it is corrupted using Jeremiah 8:8. How would you respond to this? Answer: First of all, almost without exception Muslim writers are disingenuous in their treatment of the Bible. If they study the Bible, they only do so […]

If God forgives our sins at baptism, why does 1 John 1:9 say we are forgiven of our sins by confessing?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A .

Question: If God forgives our sins at baptism, why does 1 John 1:9 say we are forgiven of our sins by confessing? Answer: 1 John 1:9 does not say that we are forgiven of our sins by confessing. This is an incorrect interpretation of this passage. What John is saying is that “If we walk […]

Does the Lord’s Prayer imply that God will tempt us? How is this consistent with James 1:12-14?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions, Uncategorized .

Question: How can I understand the meaning when the Lord’s Prayer says- lead us not into temptation. This is confusing to me because of what James 1:13-15 suggests, which is that God does not tempt us. The Lord’s prayer seems to clearly say Jesus is telling us to ask God, “Please don’t lead us into […]

Since both of Moses’ parents were Levites, why was Moses also called a Hebrew?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A .

Question: Since both of Moses’ parents were Levites, why was Moses also called a Hebrew? Answer: This is a fairly easy question. Both statements about Moses are true because the Levites were Hebrews. The Jews had twelve tribes, or actually thirteen of them if you count both Menasseh and Ephriam, the two “half-tribes.” The Levites […]

The Christian sect known as “The Twelve Tribes” teach that communal living is required of all Christians. How can I show that this is not biblical?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: There is a group of people called ”The Twelve Tribes” who believe that in order to become a true disciple you have to sell all you have and live together in a community. They quote Acts 2:41-47 that all those who believed sold all they had and shared everything in common, neither rich or […]

Can you respond to the claim that Jesus cannot be the Messiah because no one can die for someone else’s sins?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: Hello, I was watching a video between a Rabbi and a Pastor recently, where the Rabbi stated Jesus could not be the Messiah because no man can die for another man’s sins. There is also a article on why Jesus could not be the Messiah, I was wondering if you could help me a […]

Are Christians under the “moral law” of the Old Testament?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have 2 questions: 1) As you know, in the earlier Bible translations 1 John 5:7 ‘these three are one’ (referring to the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit) and this is not found in the later Bible versions. But when I read this verse in the Interlinear Bible, it corresponds to the […]

Was Jesus able to sin when he was tempted by Satan?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, could He have sinned? Was it possible? Here is how I see it: If it was not possible for Him to sin, we would not learn anything from his temptation. On the other hand if he did not resist the temptation, He could not have […]

Is being a Goth a sin?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: Is being A Goth a sin? Answer: The Goths were a cultural.ethnic group from ancient times. There were the Visigoths, the Ostrogoths and other Gothic groups. These were Germanic tribes who invaded the Roman Empire in the fourth and fifth centuries. Eventually, they captured Rome itself. Many Goths were converted to Christianity, including the […]

What should the Christian take be on Trump’s decision to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General, History, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: Since the announcement from Trump that he would move the US embassy to Jerusalem, there has been an uproar in the media about how this pushes back the effort for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. I am aware that the Jews have violated human rights in the occupied West Bank, but somehow deep […]

Can you comment on the claims that Christianity borrowed the idea of the Messiah from Zoroastrianism?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I have recently had some doubts in my faith. I am worried about the many similarities between Christianity and Zoroastrianism. I have already read your posts on the subject, but I have also seen how the major scholars of this religion like Mary Boyce unanimously believe that Zoroaster lived in 1200 BC. I am […]

Is the science in other religions, especially Islam, evidence of their inspiration?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Other Religions, Q & A, Science and the Bible .

Question: I have a question regarding science and religion. I know that there can be some scientific conclusions drawn from the Bible. I wonder though are there any other religions that come close to the Bible in its scientific reliability or that make the same claims. I know in particular that Islam is very vocal […]

How can I best teach the gospel here in India to Hindus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: I have always wondered about how a certain culture can be a hindrance for the Gospel, and how it can it be made relateable to various cultures. I would like you to give me some advice on how the Gospel would suit my Indian culture?. Answer: I have visited India three times to teach […]

The AI robot Sophia was recently given citizenship. What issues does the production of ever-more-intelligent AI machines like Sophia raise for Christians?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Recently I’ve read some news about Sophia, the first AI (artificial intelligence) robot to be ever granted a citizenship. [editor’s note: the questioner is referring to Sophia being given citizenship in Saudi Arabia] Do you think this could be the first step toward a robot getting to be more human? As a believer, I […]

Does what we know of neuroscience leave room for the idea of soul?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Q & A .

Question: I had a question regarding the concept of the soul. It is currently my study in anatomy that has brought this topic back to mind. I looked for some resources on the site regarding the topic and gathered what I could from it. It has been a few years since I looked at this […]

Existe profecias que no se revelado in la Biblia?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible, General, Miracles, Miracles, Q & A, Spanish Content, Spanish Q&A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Pregunta: Existe profecías que no se haya revelado de la Biblia en el día de hoy. Tengo un amigo que me manda profecías que no sean cumplido como un terremoto que pasará el Añó 2018 por todo el mundo. Repuesta: Según entiendo el Nuevo Testamento, el don milagroso de la profecía casi con certeza ha cesado. […]

Is the history of the kings in the Old Testament confirmed by other historical sources?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Is the history of Israel’s kings recorded in the OT/NT all there is we have on those kings? O r is there significant Israeli history we should know outside the biblical narrative that can help our faith? Answer: The Old Testament is the most thorough and reliable source of historical information from the ancient […]

How do I explain 1 Tim 2:11 about women being silent to an atheist who says this is proof the Bible is outdated and irrelevant?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Q & A, Uncategorized .

Question: Today I came across a difficult passage of 1Timothy 2:11 about how a woman should learn in quietness and that Paul doesn’t permit women to exercise authority over men. He further argued that this is because of how Eve first fell into temptation and not Adam and that Adam was formed first. The passage […]

Is it likely that the biblical Mt. Sinai is actually Jebel al Lawz on the Arabian Peninsula?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Archaeology and the Bible, General, History, Q & A .

Question: I have a question about some archaeological information regarding the Exodus. I recently saw some information that is out there that puts the original Mt. Sinai in western Arabia near Midian. It is specifically mentioned in Exodus 2 and 3. Archaeologists know where the ancient city of Midian was located and when they went […]

Is playing highly violent video games a sin?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I have a question regarding entertainment. I have played video games for a long time like many younger people tend to do. I am wondering if it is a sin for someone to play a violent video game. Games can be a good form of entertainment but when it comes to genre I would […]

Does Daniel 9:25 prophesy that the Messiah will come to Jerusalem before the destruction of the city in AD 70? How would a Jew respond to this?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Daniel, General, Q & A .

Question: Does Daniel 9:25 say that the Messiah should come before the destruction of the second temple as some claim? I find that verse hard to comprehend. If yes, then could we directly show this verse to the Jews and make them believe that Jesus indeed was the Messiah? Answer: I believe that Daniel 9:24-27 […]

How do you respond to the claim of Bill Maher that “The Bible was written by men and edited by men as well”?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, Daniel, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: I recently heard an argument that Bill Maher uses to debunk the authority and authenticity of the Bible. It says, “the Bible was a book written by men and edited by men as well”. How would you respond to this? Answer: My response would be to say that this is true. Maher is right. […]

Why would God hold the Jews at the time of Jesus responsible for all the sins of the Jews–even those in the distant past?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Questions: 1. Why would Jesus charge the blood of all the prophets since Abel on the generation of Jews at the time of Jesus? 2. What is the definition of a prophet according to the Bible? I thought prophet means messenger of God, perhaps much like an angel. If so, why would Abel be called […]

Could 29,000 feet of rain fall in forty days without destroying the ark?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible, The Flood .

Question: I found the cartoon below on the internet. It is about calculating the amount of rain water which supposedly would have been enough to destroy Noah’s Ark. I’m not sure how they measure rain water so any comment would be appreciated. Kind regards. Answer: I have never believed or taught that the level of […]

Will we be unconscious when we die–like being asleep?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have recently been thinking about what we experience when we die. I understand that information on this is extremely limited and most answers are speculations. Also, it is my understanding that people do not possess a soul but “are” in fact a soul. God says that when man was first formed it took […]

If all God created is good, then why did Saul receive “an evil spirit from the Lord”?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: In 1 Samuel 19:9, it reads, “But an evil spirit from the Lord….”. How can there be an evil spirit from God, since there is no evil in Him? I’ve looked at several translations, and they are all the same. Can you explain this one? What is meant by this? Thank you. Answer: A […]

What is some evidence that proves Christianity?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Q & A .

Question: What is some evidence that you believe proves Christianity ? Answer: You cannot “prove” Christianity. In fact, to be honest, I am not sure what it would even mean to “prove” Christianity, because you would have to define which aspect of the religion you specifically want to try to prove. In any case, you […]

Would it be reasonable for an atheist to propose that the big bang is the “uncaused cause?”

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Creation, General, Philosophy, Q & A, Science and the Bible .

Question: I read a few articles on your website about God being the uncaused cause. I’m aware that this is more of a philosophical argument, with scientific evidence supporting it. However, if we just consider scientific evidence with philosophical thinking aside, can atheists argue then that the big bang itself is the uncaused cause? I realize you […]

I am truly struggling in my faith because of all the suffering in the world.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Philosophy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Request: I am truly struggling with my Christian faith to the point that I am not sure about anything anymore. I was taught that “God is Love” and he created man NOT to sin, but told Adam and Eve there was ONE thing in the entire Garden of Eden that they could not touch, and […]

Does God hear the prayers of “sinners”?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Does God “regularly” answer prayers of non believers? I had a couple of friends who I wonder if they are saved, but they were praying for me. Scriptures say that God hears the prayers of the righteous (I understand the “righteous” to be those who are saved James 5:16, 1 Pet 3:12, Ps 34:17, […]

We are better off following Catholic tradition than believing in all the confusing Protestant teaching.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Other Religions, Q & A .

[Editor’s note: Below is a series of questions and answers from a seeker who is considering converting to Catholicism but who has a lot of general questions about the reliability of the Bible. This one will take some time to wade through] Question #1: How do we know that the Bible is the Bible if […]

We are better off following Catholic tradition that believing in all the confusing Protestant teaching.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Other Religions, Q & A .

[Editor’s note: Below is a series of questions and answers from a seeker who is considering converting to Catholicism but who has a lot of general questions about the reliability of the Bible. This one will take some time to wade through] Question #1: How do we know that the Bible is the Bible if […]

How do I prove that Mark 9:1 is talking about the day of Pentecost, not the time when Jesus comes back?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Q & A .

Question: A question recently came up in studying about the kingdom of God with a friend. It involves Mark 9:1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” My friend insists that Jesus is talking […]

How can I encourage a friend who has apeirophobia (the fear of eternity)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: What are some scriptures in the Bible that speak about heaven that I could share with someone who loves and follows God but has apeirophobia (fear of eternity) [editor’s note: I looked this up and it is a real word]? I want to help them anticipate heaven rather than fear it. Answer: To me, […]

Given the Holocaust and WWII, did Jesus exaggerate when he said the destruction of Jerusalem was the greatest in all history?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Q & A .

Question: I have a question regarding Matthew 24. Christ refers to the coming tribulation of AD 70 as greater than any in history. My question is how that was greater than the tribulations of the 20th century like the Second World War (particularly the Holocaust). I’m a Christian and I just don’t know how to […]

How do I work with my spouse who is trying to impose Catholic practices in our family?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: I am a Bible following Christian who follows more or less a baptist way of thinking. Recently my husband decided to make our family Catholic and I am really struggling with “mass”. I have a few questions. Can you guide me to some scriptures that support making the sign of the cross every time […]

How do I share my faith with my Hindu friend?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Other Religions, Q & A .

Question: I was wondering if you had any knowledge of common arguments Hindus raise in opposition to Christianity. A customer of mine is a doctor of pediatric gastroenterology, is a Hindu, and enjoys comparative studies in religion. I have not spoken with him directly about the topic, but I am awaiting the opportunity to speak with […]

How does God love us if he created us to sin?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Philosophy, Q & A, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Man’s creation has recently come up in my mind. I do not understand it exactly. My confusion comes up with the idea of love. I get that God is relational and he made us to be that way also. However, I feel confused about why he would let us endure so much pain here. […]