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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Question: I really need an information about the Family Federation (Moonies/Unification Church). I am going to meet a student who invited me a couple of days ago. We decided to meet for a coffee and as I don’t know anything about them, I am thinking to let her share what she believes. But in the […]
Question: I would like your opinion on two recent news items. First, is the situation at The National Cathedral in Washington D.C. where Muslims were allowed to hold service. Secondly, the story of the pope praying at a Mosque while facing Mecca. Would these be considered blasphemy? Can’t see where Jesus would approve of such […]
Question: Does the Old Testament apply to Christians today or is it only the New Testament that really matters? Answer: Of course the Old Testament applies to Christians today. It comprises over three fourths of our Bibles. Our job is to understand how it applies, not to decide if it applies. Evidence that it applies […]
Question: As a disciple of Christ, I want to understand the expression “religious tolerance”? We live in a country [editor’s note: the questioner lives in Russia] where we have a lot of the world’s religions. On the one hand we need to preach the truth, and on the other hand we need to be tolerant. […]
Question: As I was studying the Bible this morning, I came up with a thought that I would like to run by you to see what you think. If we can make vows to God, is it possible that people can make vows to Satan or other evil beings? Have you read anything about that? […]
Question: I have a question regarding practical Christianity in light of these verses: For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on […]
Question: A friend I am studying the Bible with is growing marijuana in his back yard and says he sells it for medical purposes only. . I am calling him to relinquish his marijuana business and he is willing to give it up eventually, but not right now. He is saying he wants to make […]
Question: I have a couple of questions that are somewhat related. A good friend and myself were discussing what happened to Robin Williams. My friend’s dad committed suicide many years ago, under very similar circumstances. He tried for years to get help, but in the end, he decided to do what he did. My friend […]
Editor’s note: A rather odd question for a Christian Evidences website, but I like to answer all questions, so here goes: MESSAGE: I’d like to know about the role of women in the church. According to 1 Co 14:-34-35 and 1 Tm 2:13-14, we can’t lead and teach in public, but what about leading other […]
QUESTION: I have studied and read some of the ancient rites that other nations practiced in regards to tattoos and cutting themselves. For a follower of Jesus, how would Leviticus 19:28 relate for today? Anthony: The common interpretation of Leviticus 19:28 is that it prohibits what we would call tattoos for those under the Covenant […]
Question: When I share my faith ( usually before bible talk) I almost always come across at least one person a week that uses the excuse of being Jewish to not come out to the discussion. I want to be able to have a response for that because I find myself not having one because […]
QUESTION: I am a disciple of Jesus in Abidjan. I work as a graphic editor for hebdoomadaire space. I called up the newspaper. But in this paper, there are topics like horoscope, new age, and the meaning of names. I feel like my hands are used as a tool to hurt spirutually those who read the […]
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 […]
Question: I am seeking advice on the subject of cremation vs. burial. I have to set up my funeral arrangements and have to decide between cremation or traditional burial. So I was hoping to get some advice from you concerning this matter. Everywhere I have searched I end up with the same answer and still […]
[Editor’s note: This question clearly has nothing to do with Christian evidence, but I have gotten similar questions enough times, that I thought I should post an answer. John Oakes] QUESTION: Is it right to take communion/Lord‘s supper even if someone is in sin or have unconfessed sin or hidden sin? Answer: The Bible does […]
Question: It is almost unreasonable to deny that God has shown some evidence of His existence ( in the resurrection of Christ as prophesied before His time and witnessed afterwards) But, one reason why people don’t believe in God is because He doesn’t seem to answer or guide when there is a physical need (starving […]
Question: I need your help with a Christian in the church I am leading who has started struggling with some thoughts about how aliens have been visiting us for a long time and controlling everything on the earth from the beginning. There are a lot of movies on youtube talking about that with a lot of evidence […]
Question: Hi, John! How are you? We are all well, thanks to God. I wanted to ask you about perfectionism. On the one hand the Bible many times calls us to be perfect: there are many direct passages about aspiration to the perfection: ” Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect etc. On the other […]
Question: I have been thinking lately about the the difference between willing yourself to change vs. being changed through and by the Holy Spirit. What’s the difference? I ask this because it seems as though when God wants you to grow in an area He allows you to go through situations that mold you into […]
Question: I’ve been reading a bit over the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ commands for personal righteousness. However, some passages leave me with dilemmas on interpretation. For instance, how should one interpret passages on “offer your shirt” in light of this scenario: if I own a business as a Christian and enter into a […]
QUESTION: Why People Do not believe? I am a missionary in the Philippines. I have a long history here. My main mission has been working with Bar Girls, Singing Girls, Show Girls and Prostitutes. Any thing you can send me would be a great help. I am a graduate of Lincoln Christian College. I have […]
Вопрос: Меня интересует 1Тим. 2:9-10 и 1 Петра 3:3-4. Могут ли христианки носить серьги, золото и пышные прически сегодня? Или же это просто напоминание о том, чтобы наша внутренняя красота не затмевалась внешней? Ответ: Это очень интересный вопрос! Попробую помочь. Одно из правил интерпретации Писания заключается в том, что нам надо понимать культурную и социальную […]
QUESTION: Every so often I feel emotionally overcome with “what if” questions. It makes me upset at myself because I question the things I already have answers to. How can I overcome these feelings of doubt? I am writing to you because I had a question about doubt. Ever since I have moved to join […]
QUESTION: This question has been burning in me for a while and has currently been re-kindled by a recent current event. I do not know if you have ever heard of a Christian ministry known as “Exodus International,” but they were a group of Christians dedicated to “helping” homosexuals rid themselves of their desires through […]
QUESTION: I recently made a statement in my sermon that I strongly believe that it is not our place to take matters into our own hands as Moses did by killing the Egyptian who was beating the Israelite slave. I referred to the scripture in Romans 12:17-19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave […]
Question: I read your response to the inquirer about ‘Will homosexuals go to hell’. I agree with your answer to the question. Would you give me your Biblical insights on ‘besetting’ sin. For example, what if a homosexual repents of their sin, accepts Christ as Lord and Savior but continues to practice homosexuality? In that […]
Question: First, let me say that I discovered your site about 6 months ago and I thoroughly enjoy it. You and other sites like yours, has helped me become a better and a more enlightened Christian. Thank you! I am a military veteran. Served honorably. I have been very proud of my service,but have to […]
QUESTION: Can you give me some insight you might have about some Greek words like Dikaiosune for “righteousness”, Zeteo for “seek” in mat. 6:33, Peinao for “hungry” & Dipsao for “thirsty” in mat. 5:6, & lastly, Hiplon for “instrument” in rom.6:13? just need some input from you as i compose a lesson. thank you! Answer: […]
Question: I’d like to ask you a question about spirits and demon possession. If you could help me, below is the situation. A friend of mine told me that he is helping a couple. The husband told him that his wife is having times with different attitudes. He thinks that a spirit or a demon possesses his wife. The […]
QUESTION: I have met homosexuals who would like not to be. In other words, their homosexuality is not chosen. I recognize the Bible considers homosexual acts as an “abomination”. I accept that in a non-fallen world, homosexuality would not likely have happened. However, even though the Bible is clear on its stance against homosexual activity, […]
QUESTION: Many believed in God by seeing the miracles performed by Jesus. Today we do not see miracles happening in the same way as the first century, for example. Many disregard the Bible and do not even think it is historical. Although nature and the fulfillment of prophecy etc. prove the existence of God, for […]
Question: How do you give it all to God if he owns everything? Answer: A really fair and reasonable question. God gives us free will. He gives us sovereignty over the things in our immediate sphere and in our lives. He gives us “ownership” over our time, over what we think about, over what we possess, […]
Buy Now: MP3
Buy Now: MP3
Buy Now: DVD
Buy Now: MP3
