Evidential Faith

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common objections to Christianity: miracles. If the universe is purely natural, then miracles can’t exist—but if even one miracle is real, it points to something beyond the natural world. We explore historical and archaeological clues surrounding the Exodus, examine the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, and discuss modern accounts of miraculous healings and supernatural experiences. Are miracles just ancient legends, or is there real evidence that the supernatural still breaks into our world today?Biblical ReferencesGenesis 1:1Exodus 1:11–14Exodus 5:6–19Exodus 7–12 (The Ten Plagues)Exodus 12:29 (Death of the Firstborn)Exodus 14:21–28 (Parting of the Red Sea)Matthew 28:1–10Mark 16:1–8Luke 24:1–12John 2:1–11 (Water into Wine)John 5:2–9 (Pool of Bethesda healing)John 20:1–18John 21:1–141 Corinthians 15:3–8 (Early resurrection creed)Extra-Biblical ReferencesBrooklyn Papyrus (Egyptian document listing Semitic servants)Tomb of Rekhmire (Theban Tomb 100 depicting brickmaking laborers)Amenhotep II (possible candidate for Pharaoh of the Exodus)Thutmose III (father of Amenhotep II)The Gospels as historical documentsCraig Keener – books on miraclesLee Strobel – The Case for MiraclesAndrea Anderson healing account (reported by Craig Keener)Barbara MS healing case (reported by Lee Strobel)Modern Muslim visions of Jesus reported by Christian ministriesJ. Warner Wallace – detective analysis of Gospel testimonySurvivor testimonies from the sinking of the RMS TitanicExpedition Bible - Exodus

In this episode, we take a deep look at sin—what it is, where it came from, and why it matters so much to God. Starting in Genesis with Adam and Eve, we explore how sin entered the world, why its consequences are so serious, and why sexual sin is emphasized throughout Scripture. Finally, we unpack the heart of the gospel: why Jesus had to die for our sins, and how God’s justice and love meet at the cross.Biblical References:Genesis 1Genesis 2Genesis 2:16–17Genesis 3Genesis 4:25Genesis 1:28Genesis 9:27Psalm 17:3Isaiah 59:2Matthew 22:37–39Matthew 5:8Matthew 19:6Mark 10:8Mark 10:9John 14:15John 19:30Romans 3:23Romans 5:12Romans 6:23Romans 13:13–141 Corinthians 6:18Galatians 5:161 Thessalonians 4:3

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common objections to Christianity: “How can Christianity be the only true religion?” We explore why every worldview makes truth claims, what Jesus said about being the only way to God, and how Christianity compares with other major religions on the question of salvation. Through scripture, stories, and real-world examples, we explain why clarity about truth is loving—and why Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection matter more than any system of works.Biblical References:1. John 14:62. John 10:93. John 3:364. John 3:165. 1 Timothy 2:56. Romans 6:237. 1 Corinthians 8:68. Acts 16:30–319. John 3:16Non-Biblical References:1. Norman Geisler2. Michael Kolenda3. Christian Apologetics – book by Norman Geisler4. Religion Without God – book by Michael Kolenda5. John Lennox6. Bhagavad Gita

In this episode we discuss the difficult question, “why does God allow evil and suffering?” We dive into what evil is, why it exists, and why God allows suffering in the world.Biblical References:Jeremiah 17:9Psalm 34:18Isaiah 53:3Job 1:8Job 2:3James 1:2–41 Peter 5:10Romans 8:28Revelation 21:4Extra-Biblical References:“Mere Christianity” - C.S. Lewis "How Free Will Conflicts with Atheism" - Dr. Tim Stratton

In this episode we tackle the challenging question of whether God commanded genocide in the context of the Canaanites. Join us as we explore the historical and moral implications of God's commands, and the distinction between divine judgment and genocide. Biblical ReferencesGenesis 12:1–3Exodus 23:28–31Exodus 33:2Exodus 34:24Leviticus 18Numbers 13:28–29Numbers 21:32Numbers 33:52–55Deuteronomy 33:27Joshua 2Joshua 3:10Joshua 6Joshua 9:24Joshua 10–11Joshua 11:14Joshua 11:20Joshua 11:21–23Joshua 12:1Joshua 13:1Joshua 13:6Joshua 15–19Joshua 23:5Joshua 23:9Joshua 24:8Joshua 24:12Joshua 24:18Ezekiel 18:31–32Ezekiel 33:112 Samuel 12:142 Samuel 12:23Extra-Biblical References“Is God a Moral Monster” - Paul Copan“Is God a Vindictive Bully” - Paul Copan“How Did The Ancient Israelites Understand the CONQUEST OF CANAAN?” - Dr. Michael S. Heiser

In This Episode we discuss the problem of slavery, and ask the question, does the Bible condone slavery? Welcome to Season 2 of The Evidential Faith Podcast!Biblical References:1. God’s View of Human WorthGenesis 1:26–27Genesis 1:31Job 31:15Genesis 9:25–27Exodus 20:1–22. Historical Context: Ancient Slavery vs. Modern SlaveryLeviticus 25:44–46Leviticus 25:39–40Exodus 21:5–6Exodus 21:2Deuteronomy 15:13–14Deuteronomy 23:15–16Exodus 21:16Exodus 21:33. God’s Laws Reveal His HeartMatthew 19:8Exodus 21:20–21Exodus 21:26–27Leviticus 25:39–40Leviticus 25:53Deuteronomy 15:13–14Leviticus 25:44–464. The New Testament: Spiritual Freedom and EqualityLuke 4:18Galatians 3:28Ephesians 6:5–9Colossians 4:1Philemon 1:161 Timothy 1:8–115. Christianity and the Abolition MovementLuke 10 (The Good Samaritan — especially verses 25–37)Extra-Biblical  References:Is God a Moral Monster? - Dr. Paul CopanIs God a Vindictive Bully? - Dr. Paul CopanAnswering the Question: "Why Doesn't the Bible Condemn Slavery?" The Old Testament and slavery Does The Bible Support Slavery? SLAVERY and the BIBLE!? Explained!

Season 1 Finale: We recap the evidence for God, Jesus, and the Bible from the past 9 episodes and share next steps for those convinced by the case for Christianity.Correction: At 30:40 Jake cites Romans 6:13, but the correct verse is Romans 3:23. Apologies for the mix-up!Biblical References:Romans 3:23Extra-Biblical References:Michael Behe – Darwin’s Black Box (book)Cambrian Explosion – paleontological concept (fossil record evidence)Richard Dawkins – River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life (1995)Friedrich Nietzsche – philosophical writings (quote cited: “You have your way, I have my way...”)Lee Strobel – The Case for Christ (book)Masoretic Texts – historical manuscripts of the Hebrew BibleDead Sea Scrolls – ancient manuscripts validating Old Testament textBart Ehrman – New Testament textual critic (views on textual variants)Peter W. Stoner – Science Speaks (book on probability & prophecy)Exhibition Bible – YouTube channel on biblical archaeology

In this episode we dive into biblical prophecy and archaeological discoveries that corroborate the historicity and reliability of the bible. We also discuss the broken state of the world and the answer to the mess we find ourselves in.Biblical References:Micah 5:2Matthew 2:1Isaiah 7:14Matthew 1:22–23Psalm 22:16–18John 19Zechariah 9:9Matthew 21:1–11Luke 19:41–44Deuteronomy 28:64Ezekiel 36–37Isaiah 13Isaiah 14Isaiah 47Jeremiah 50–51Isaiah 44:282 Chronicles 32:302 Kings 20:20John 9Extra-Biblical References:Biblical Archaeology Society - https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/the-tel-dan-inscription-the-first-historical-evidence-of-the-king-david-bible-story/Expedition Bible - https://www.youtube.com/@ExpeditionBible Biblical Places - https://www.bibleplaces.com/heztunnel/?srsltid=AfmBOoqZ_mPkuO71AyQkFDbaumX5okyvlgL_BOcPRNJLLdgnhOi7PvupBiblical Archaeology Society - https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-sites-places/jerusalem/the-bethesda-pool-site-of-one-of-jesus-miracles/

Is the Bible reliable? How do we know if the modern Bible is the same as the original ancient writings? Isn’t the Bible just a copy of a copy, or a translation of a translation? We are going to discuss all these questions and more in today’s episode!Biblical References: Exodus 24:3–4Hebrews 1:1–2John 18:31–33, 37–38Luke 9:44Isaiah 53:3-6Extra-Biblical References:Frank Turek & Norman Geisler, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an AtheistOn Old Testament writings and manuscripts - Transmission of the Biblical Text - World Video Bible SchoolCompare the Dead Sea Scroll book of Isaiah to modern version - http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/chapters_pg On Direct Translation & ManuscriptsBruce M. Metzger & Bart D. Ehrman, The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration (Oxford University Press, 2005).F. F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (Eerdmans, 2003).Daniel B. Wallace, Revisiting the Corruption of the New Testament (Kregel, 2011).On Translation PhilosophyGordon D. Fee & Mark L. Strauss, How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth (Zondervan, 2007).Leland Ryken, The Word of God in English: Criteria for Excellence in Bible Translation (Crossway, 2002).On Checks and Balances (Translation Committees)NIV Bible Translation Committee info: NIV Translation PhilosophyESV Translation Committee: Crossway’s ESV Translation Overview

In this episode, we kick off a new series exploring why we can trust the Bible. Over the next few episodes we will discuss different lines of evidence for the Bible’s reliability, including archeological evidence, prophetic evidence, and contextual evidence. In today’s episode, we dive into the Bible’s history and answer key questions like: What is the Bible? Who wrote it? And how was the Canon formed? We also address common objections, including claims of textual errors in the New Testament and questions about the so-called forgotten gospels of Thomas, Mary, and Barnabas.Biblical ReferencesExodus 17:8-9Exodus 242 Timothy 3:16Luke 24:44Genesis 1:26-27 – Man created in God's imageIsaiah 7:14 – Prophecy of virgin birthIsaiah 9:6 – Prophecy of a coming KingMicah 5:2 – Messiah to be born in BethlehemPsalm 22 – Prophecy of the crucifixionIsaiah 53 – Suffering servant and atonementMatthew 14:13-21 / Mark 6:30-44 / Luke 9:10-17 / John 6:1-14 – Feeding of the 5,000John 2:1-11 – Turning water into wineMatthew 14:22-33 / Mark 6:45-52 / John 6:16-21 – Jesus walks on waterJohn 9 – Healing of a man born blindMark 2:1-12 – Healing of the paralyzed manJohn 11 – Raising of LazarusJohn 20 – Jesus' resurrection appearancesMatthew 28 / Mark 16 / Luke 24 – Resurrection accountsActs 1–2 – Eyewitnesses and formation of the early churchRevelation 19–22 – Return and reign of Christ (final events)Extra Biblical References1. Cold Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace2. GotQuestions.org3. Tim Mackie Archives- Where Did the Bible Come From and Why Should We Care?4. Against Heresies - Irenaeus 5. Bart Ehrman - Misquoting Jesus - this is a skeptic's point of view.6. Pastor Jeff Schwarzentraub discussing the history of the Bible - https://share.google/eGZdzPAxIKfcLzA42

In this episode we discuss the evidence for the central event of the Christian Faith… The Resurrection. Join us as we dive into this controversial topic and ask the question, “did Jesus really rise from the dead?”Biblical references:John 8:58Exodus 3:14Mark 14:61–62Daniel 7John 10:30John 10:31–33Matthew 16:16–17John 5:18Luke 22:66–71Matthew 17:22–23Luke 18:31–33Mark 8:31Matthew 27:59–60Matthew 28:5–6John 20:19Matthew 27:62–66Mark 16:1–8John 20:3–8Matthew 27:57–60John 19:34Luke 24:31John 20:19–29Matthew 27:64Matthew 28:11–15John 20:6–71 Corinthians 15:61 Corinthians 15:3–8Luke 24:36–43John 20:27Luke 24:42–43Acts 2:29–32Extra-Biblical References:The Case For Christ - by Lee Strobel Dr. Gary HabermasJournal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)Flavius JosephusJoseph Caiaphas

In this episode we discuss the concept of objective morality and how it points to God’s existence. Join us as we look at the evidence for objective morals both in and out of the Bible. Biblical References:Deuteronomy 32:4Isaiah 33:22Romans 2: 15-16Extra-Biblical References:Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)Richard Dawkins, River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life (1995)Richard Dawkins, The God DelusionC.S. Lewis, Mere ChristianityRavi ZachariasNietzsche

In this episode we discuss the complexity and design of the DNA which makes up all living organisms on Earth. Join us as we discuss the theory of evolution and how it fails to explain the complexity and origin of life on Earth.Biblical References:Psalm 139: 13-14Luke 12:6-7Extra-Biblical References:“Signature In The Cell” by Stephen C. Meyer“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be An Atheist” by Frank Turek and Norman Geisler“New Study Shatters the 1% Human-Chimp Difference Myth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rwg5HZ1htQ“Darwin’s Black Box” - Michael Behe - Irreducible Complexity

This week we discuss another popular argument for the existence of God, the Fine-Tuning Argument. Join us as we discuss the incredible precision with which the universe was created to sustain life.Below are some Bible verses and sources we have cited or mentioned in this episode. Please note that these citations may not be in order, and this list may not be exhaustive. However, we have done our best to credit any sources referenced in this episode. Thanks!Biblical References: Psalm 19:1Extra Biblical References: “DOE Explains… The Strong Nuclear Force” by Department of Energy “What Is The Universe Made of” by WMAP, NASA“Cold-Case Christianity” by J. Warner Wallace“Return of the God Hypothesis” by Stephen C. Myer Hugh Ross - Astrophysicist - Reasons to Believe - reasons.org  “The Fine Tuning Argument” by Robin Collins 

This week we dive into our series on the different arguments and lines of evidence for the existence of God, starting with the cosmological argument. This argument is also known as The Kalam Argument. Below are some Bible verses and sources we have sited or mentioned in this episode. Please note that these citations may not be in order, and this list may not be exhaustive. However, we have done our best to credit any sources referenced in this episode. Thanks! Biblical References:Genesis 1:1Revelation 1:8 Extra-Biblical References:“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” by Frank Turek and Norman Geisler https://youtu.be/6CulBuMCLg0?si=uukP7WhLO85pCm7J - video by William 

Welcome to Episode 1 of Evidential Faith! In this episode we share our heart behind this podcast and dive into how Jesus has personally transformed our lives.Below are some Bible verses and sources we have sited or mentioned in this episode. Please note that these citations may not be in order, and this list may not be exhaustive. However, we have done our best to credit any sources referenced in this episode. Thanks!Biblical References:1) Matthew 28:18-202) Mark 12:303) 1 Peter 3:154) Romans 1:19-205) Romans 12:26) Jeremiah 29:13 Extra-Biblical References:1) "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist" by Frank Turek and Norman Geisler2) "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis3) "Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World" by Josh McDowell and Sean H. McDowell3) "Becoming Something" podcast hosted by Jonathan Pokluda, Nate Hilgenkamp, and Kathy Davidson