Practical Christianity – Page 2 – Evidence for Christianity

Some conservative Christians strongly oppose the idea of climate change, while others claim scientific evidence strongly supports the idea? What is your take on this question?

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

Question: I have a question regarding the issue of climate change. I’ve encountered numerous conservative Christians who viciously deny that it is happening at all, and instead claim that it is merely a conspiracy to benefit certain groups. I’ve also heard the claim that scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that man-made climate change is […]

Es la homosexualidad acerca de se nace o hace?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Teaching, Practical Christianity, Q & A, Science, Spanish Content, Spanish Q&A .

Pregunta: Gracias por tu atención, Decía q algún docto. O que recomiendas acerca de la homosexualidad, Mi hija en la prepa le dejaron investigar, acerca de la parte biológica y natural, ella está se puso en contra de ello y la mayoría a favor, es debate sin meter religión con bases científicas, vinos unos vídeos del […]

Where can I find a good article on the role of women in the Church?

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

[Editor’s note: This is not the kind of article I would normally post at this Christian evidence website, but I get surprisingly many questions on this topic that I do not post, so I decided to post this excellent article by my good friend Gordon Ferguson] Question: I’m a women’s ministry leader in a Spanish […]

How should we deal with identity politics and racial issues in the church?

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

Question: I have a question regarding how Christians are supposed to solve the identity politics problem that seems to have seeped into our societies. Almost every day a celebrity or politician makes a comment about race and politics. How can we solve this issue as Christians, and leave a positive legacy for our children? I […]

What is the best way to study the Bible in-depth?

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

Question: What is the best way to study the Bible in depth? Do I have to learn Hebrew or even Greek? Answer: There is no single “best” way to study the Bible. Many different approaches can be helpful. You definitely do NOT have to know either Greek or Hebrew to have a very in-depth knowledge […]

Is all food clean? Was Mark 7:18-19 added to the scripture?

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

Question: Is all food clean? Did Jesus declare all food clean? In mark7:18-19 it seems to say Jesus made all food clean but I was told that in the Niv that sentence was added on to the scripture, I wanted to know is this scripture telling us that all food was clean. Answer: The simple […]

What is presumptive sin?

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

Question: What’s presumptive sin? Answer: Do you mean presumptuous sin? I assume that you are using the term presumptive and presumptuous interchangeably, but let me know if I am not correct. I had heard of this term, but had never given much time to considering the definition or implications. So…. I did some research and […]

How does God view the sinful behavior of those who are addicted?

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

Questions: I have some questions that have been hindering my relationship with God and have made me struggle for several years. How does God view those who have an addiction as a believer? Does Hebrews 10 talk to the addict when it says those who continue to deliberately sin? It is difficult to believe God […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

What about the use of holy water/oil?

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

[Editor’s note: This is a somewhat odd question for a Christian evidence website, but I thought this might be helpful to someone else out there, so am posting it anyway] Question: What is the Christian perspective on use of holy oil/water? I am newly married and following some disagreements at home my father in law […]

Is it OK for a Christian to have a dream catcher?

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

Question: I have a question regarding dream catchers. Is it okay for a disciple to own a dream catcher? Even if they believe it has no superstitious meaning now and view it purely in a artistic sense. Answer: This is a gray area, but in my opinion it is a very light shade of gray. […]

How can God allow my dad to die? How can a decision in such a short life determine eternity?

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

Question: I was wondering if I could ask about something I have struggled with for a while. A few years ago I lost my aunt and then a little more than a year after that my father. I had never really lost anyone who was close to me before. I started to question God, his […]

Are Unitarians right that Matthew 28:18 “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” was not in the original Matthew?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Other Religions, Practical Christianity, Q & A .

Question: Lord Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 28:18, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” I have 2 questions: 1- Some critics like some Unitarians say that it’s impossible that Jesus said this because the […]

What about Halloween?

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

Question: I have recently moved from a church that taught things like tattoos are wrong, celebrating Halloween is wrong, kids dressing up in costumes (even unrelated to Halloween, and even if little girls dress up as princesses while having a tea party in her room) is wrong. I’m trying to reconcile some of the things […]

Why has God been silent for the past 2000 years and not spoken to us?

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

Question: Why has the Lord been silent the last 2000 or so years and not more involved with us? I realize the Holy Spirit is at the helm so to speak since Pentecost…but it would be refreshing to actually have the Lord with us without the veil hiding Him at this time. Like the bible […]

As Marijuana use becomes legal, how does that affect whether or not its use is sinful?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity, Q & A, Social Issues .

Question: I’ve searched your site regarding marijuana use, and have found a few articles. However, they are a bit dated, and I’m wondering if you have any updated information given its current legal status in some states – and pending legal status in California. My husband and I lead a group where two women smoke […]

Paul says that we will continue to do the wrong thing (Romans 7). Why did God make us this way, and doesn’t he get disgusted with us?

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

Question: Paul said in Romans chapter 7 that he wanted to do the right thing and yet he continued to do the wrong thing, even though he knew is bad for him, I feel torn between being a saint and a sinner… I do not understand why God has planned it that way especially when […]

How do we understand the moral position of those born as hermaphrodites?

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

Question: If someone is born a hermaphrodite (with both sex organs) is it possible to still live a life pleasing to God regarding sexual orientation? For example whether they choose to be with a man or women technically they’d be hetero and homosexual. I have a hard time trying to word this but I hope […]

If the Roman Catholic Church can trace its history to the 1st century and if it is now apostate, does that mean that the gates of hell have overcome the church (Matthew 16:18)?

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

Question: I am intrigued by your take on early Christianity and how you believe the Catholic Church can trace its history back to the 1st century AD, yet don’t believe it’s the one true church. If the RCC was founded in the first century AD and was originally the one true church, but then went […]

Can you respond to an article I had to read in a class which claimed that there is no biblical sexual norm?

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

Question: I have a question on an article pertaining to homosexuality. I was wondering if you could take a look at this article I had to read for a class. I would love to know your thoughts on it as it is an argument I have never heard before and would love to be informed […]

How do I convince someone that gambling is unchristian?

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

Question: How do you convince someone that gambling and casino games are not part of a christian life?…Even if it is done occasionally. Any bible verses that is related to this? Answer: The Bible does not ever put gambling in a list of sins. I believe that allowing yourself to become addicted to gambling […]

Is Hell Real?

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

Question: Hell: is it a real place? There’s so much material out there about the nature of hell and many Christians misinterpret the meaning, some even saying hell is not real. What did Jesus historically teach about it? Answer: What I can say for sure is that the Bible describes hell as a real place. […]

What is the purpose of prayer?

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

Question: I was wondering what is the true purpose of prayer when we ask things of Him? I know God commands us to pray and to continue communication with Him through this privilege given by Jesus Christ, but does it actually change what God thinks or what happens on Earth? For example if I was […]

Is judging others always wrong for a Christian?

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

Question: In Romans 2:1 and in many other places the Bible says that we should not judge each other. We should not condemn each other. How exactly am I to understand any difference between condemnation and mentoring–between condemnation and the attempt to save a brother or sister from the consequences of their choice? I heard […]

Does Isaiah 59:1-2 teach that God literally does not hear the prayers of sinners?

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

Question: I have a question about Isaiah 59:1-2. I have heard it taught that the last words of verse 2, “your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear”, means that when people who are not Christians pray, their prayers were not heard, even if they are sincerely religious. I always […]

Can a Christian be faithful, yet not be part of a local church?

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

Question: Thank you for all your articles and all questions and answers! I have a question I’m interested in. Often, when people leave the Church, they say that they are leaving the Church, but not away from God. They are sure that they are continue to live with God, even if their “journey” is delaying […]

How do we know that our prayers will actually be answered? How do we know God intervenes?

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

Question: Thank you for the interesting site. And I have fond memories of your lessons at Novosibirsk in 2011. In one of your answers you have written: “It is God’s will for my children to be saved, and my faithful, unremitting, unselfish prayer will increase the chances that they will be saved.” https://evidenceforchristianity.org/if-we-pray-for-things-that-are-gods-will-mark-1123-24-can-we-assume-that-he-will-answer-that-prayer/ What passages […]

Is it possible for a man to live without lust?

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

Question: I was wondering if it possible for a man to live without lust? Wherever we go we are bombarded by sexually explicit images and texts. Being a woman I think men have more trouble controlling their lust compared to a woman. Answer: This is an interesting question to come from a woman. I believe […]

How to I discuss the Bhagavad Gita with my Hindu friend, and explain how it does not solve the problem of sin?

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

Question: Thank you sir for answering my many questions. My Hindu friend insists that the Bhagavad Gita is the best book ever, and gives so many answers to the questions of life. Can you give me an answer as to why this book doesn’t solve the problem of the sin of mankind? Also, are there […]

Is it a sin for a believer with income to not pay tax on that income?

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

Question: Is someone who has an income that he does not pay tax on sinning? Answer: I cannot answer every possible issue related to your question. There may be some gray area here. I do not know what country you live in, which would also affect my answer. In the United States there are gray […]

Have you ever struggled with doubts?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Q & A, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Dr Oakes, have you ever struggled with doubts in your faith? About God? Christianity? If so how have you overcome them? Thanks so much. Answer: A great question. Of course I have doubts. Faith without doubts is probably not real faith. A reasonable level of doubt is required in order to grow. We had […]

How do I share my faith with my Mormon friend?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Other Religions, Practical Christianity .

Question: I’m a sophomore in a university. I’m part of a Christian fraternity on campus and my little is a Mormon. I’ve been doing as much research as possible to learn about Mormonism and to study the differences between Mormonism and Christianity, but I can’t seem to find a good way to effectively express to […]

If Jesus commanded we simply “let our yes be yes” then is it against Christianity to take a vow in marriage or to swear in court?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity .

Question: In the sermon on the mount, Jesus commands us not to swear at all and, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37; NIV). So is it ok for a Christian to make vows at a wedding and to swear to tell […]

How does the Christian view of suffering differ from that of other religions?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Church History, General, Other Religions, Philosophy, Practical Christianity, Social Issues, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: How does the view on suffering in Christianity differ from other religions? Does Christianity have a better answer? Answer: A great question. Before I describe the different worldviews and their view of suffering, let me note that individuals may not act according to the worldview that they appear to believe in. Although atheists, […]

Is it ever OK for a Christian to lie?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I’m watching a TV show called Criminal Minds, and the FBI agents often have to lie to serial killers to get the information they need to save other people or they lie to the general public for their own safety so as not to induce a panic or to throw the criminal off so […]

How do I reach out to people who are not “blatantly sinful?”

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity .

Question: How do i reach out to people who aren’t blatantly sinful Answer: I do not have a simple answer for you. Jesus reached out to some very religious people. That would include Nicodemus in John 3 and the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10. In both cases his “method” was to very deeply challenge […]

Does God require us to forgive such terrible things as a gang-rape of an innocent woman?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: In this corrupt world, how much does God expect us to forgive? Recently in my country a girl was gang-raped in the most horrible way and finally she even died. Does God expect her parents to forgive those rapists? Why does god even allow such things? Answer: God expects us to forgive up to […]

Is it a sin for a Christian to eat blood (Acts 15:28-29)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: About eating blood, I recently read an answer by you on whether it is wrong to eat blood (Acts 15:28-29). You said that it is not wrong, but I found some of your answer to be very confusing. You have said that “it is not sinful for a Christian to eat blood” From what […]

What does the Bible say happens to homosexuals?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: What does the Bible say happens to Homosexuals? Answer: The exact same thing happens to homosexuals as heterosexuals. All are sinners, and all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). All must put their faith in Jesus, repent and be baptized in order to be forgiven of their sins. Homosexuals are no […]

How would you respond if someone said that using marijuana helps them to get close to God?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity .

Question: How would you respond to someone claiming that marijuana or other drugs help some one become closer to God. While there is no example of anyone in the Bible needing to use drugs to get close to God, is there any scripture that explicitly says that this is incorrect or even sin? Answer: To […]

How do I know when I pray that I am not just talking to myself? Could heaven and hell just be human inventions?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, General Apologetics, Practical Christianity, Reliability of the Bible .

Questions: I have a couple questions that are generally vague concerning God. 1.) Why is it that when I pray it seems as if I am talking to no one? Usually during prayer in a private space there is just silence and no indication of any connection with some sort of immaterial creator being of the […]

If Mark 11:24 is true, then why do prayers not materialize more often?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: Mark 11:24 is a verse I find difficult to because the favors I ask of God in faith do not materialize more often. Could you kindly explain what it really means? Answer: Mark 11:24 is true, of course, but we should not forget that there are other passages on the topic which would help […]

How could God bless all nations through Jacob after he deceitfully won Esau’s blessing in Genesis 27. I thought lying was a sin.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: How could God bless all nations through Jacob after he deceitfully won Esau’s blessing in Genesis 27. I thought lying was a sin. Answer: The same way he could use Abraham, despite his lack of faith at first when he heard that he would have a child and despite his dishonesty about his wife […]

Do 1 Cor 12:28 and Eph 4:11-12 imply that the church should be led by apostles only? How do these passages apply today?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Does 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11-12 imply that the church should be led by apostles only? What bearing do these scriptures have on the church today and it’s leadership? Answer: To be honest, I do not see where you could get the idea that the church should be led by apostles only from […]

What does the Bible teach about the divine right of kings?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Why does the church follow the doctrine of the divine right of kings, in this country (USA) ? The founding fathers established a government based on limited government and a free market economy. Did the first century church believe in no king but king Jesus ? [editor’s note: This question included a […]

What about people who died before Jesus? Can any of them be saved?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Practical Christianity, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: In John 3:13 Jesus tells us that “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven-the Son of Man.” My question to what Jesus tells us is what happened to those who came and died before Jesus? Also going further into verse 14-15 where it says “Just as Moses […]

I believe the Holy Spirit tells me the understanding of the Bible. How can I be sure if I am correct?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I believe my interpretation of the Bible comes from the Holy spirit not from man. Man may speak words but I think the Holy.spirit opens our hearts to hear his word. I have a hard time with people that say Gods word says such and such which it does but His word also is […]