Theology and Doctrinal Questions

Do the dead lie in wait of the second coming of Jesus, or are they judged immediately after death, and then go on to their reward?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

I have been a disciple for 5 years. During this time, a few of our brothers and sisters have passed away. Many times I have heard either the lead evangelist, or staff say that, that brother or sister is in heaven. This has bothered me for some time, so I have begun to study it […]

Did miracles happen or were the just the perspective of the observer?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, History, Miracles, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Miracle of Science or Perspective of the observer; Did the sun stand still? God is a God of order, yet he performs miracles outside of the natural laws that govern our world. From a scientific perspective, even a miracle would not allow the sun to suddenly simply stop in the sky. That would mean that […]

Could characters like "Cain and Abel" be symbolic or presentative?

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

Could the characters “Cain and Abel” and “Jacob and Esau?” be perhaps symbolic or representative of a species, not actual individuals? Or be real individuals that have symbolic meaning for different species that have existed in the past? Personally, I would hold out that Cain and Abel (and Adam and Eve for that matter) were […]

What is the difference between choice and fate in our Christian walk?

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

I would like to know difference between choice and fate in our Christian walk. Starting from Adam to Judas. This is certainly one of the most significant theological/doctrinal debates in the history of Christianity?indeed in all religions. Given that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and given that he exists outside of time, it seems logical […]

Can something be found that is truer than the truth of the Bible?

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

I was posed with a question that I did not know exactly how to answer, one of many that I am unable to answer is; “If you discovered a truth that was truer than the Bible, would you go for it?” In other words, if you were to discover there to be a higher truth […]

If Jesus is God and man, how can we make sense of his 3 days in hell?

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

Since Jesus is both God and a man, how can the death of Jesus (and his experience in Hell) make sense? I understand that Jesus had to go there to pay for ours sins but how can God be almighty and in Satan’s hand (even if it is 3 days). I will attempt to give […]

Will we be judged by the Bible or our conscience?

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

The bible says in Romans that people without the Bible (or those who have never heard the message) will be judged by their conscience. My question is about those who have read scriptures in the Bible or attended church sincerely, but have never had a true disciple of Jesus Christ show them the true way […]

Is there absolute truth?

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

I have been a Christian for three years and a half, so I believe in the Bible. And I WANT to believe in the Bible. Couldn’t I change the truth to please myself and to justify my faith? How can I be sure that I am following the right way? I have read some apologetic […]

If God is all loving, why is there so much evil in the world?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in General, Social Issues, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

“If God is (1) perfectly loving, (2) omnipotent and (3) omniscient, why is evil so prevalent in the world? The free will defense explains ‘moral evils’ such as murder and rape, yet it fails to explain ‘natural evils’ such as earthquakes and cancer. Is this because Satan has free will as well?” You are right, […]

How did people learn about God without the Bible?

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

“Could you clarify how ancient races outside the Middle East had the opportunity to learn about God? E.g., what about the 40,000+ year-old aboriginal culture of Australia, Pacific islanders, or the Aztecs?” ? Several inquirers Without the scriptures or the Hebrew prophets (who addressed a number of Middle Eastern nations), the gentiles had the opportunity […]