The 2009 PCM Podcast Archive

The 2009 PleaseConvinceMe.com Audio Podcasts

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Podcast Number One Hundred Thirty Two
What is the Role Between Faith and Works?

December 28th, 2009 

In this post Christmas podcast, Jim answers listener email and addresses the role between faith and works? What's the danger in adding good works to the salvation equation? In addition, Jim further addresses the role that Christianity has played in shaping our culture, the existence of textual variations in the scriptures and the worldview contained within the movie "Avatar".

Podcast Number One Hundred Thirty One
Does the New Testament Contain Fulfilled Prophecy?
December 21st, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim examines the role that fulfilled prophecy plays in confirming the reliability of the New Testament. In addition to the accurate prophecies uttered by Jesus himself, there are hundreds of Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by the birth, life, death and burial of Jesus, the Messiah. Jim also discusses the theistic beliefs of America's founding fathers in response to listener email.

Podcast Number One Hundred Thirty
What Would Our World Be Like Without Faith?
December 13th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim examines the impact that Christian believers have had on our world and the impact that theistic faith has on culture. While many "new atheists" argue that belief in God is "not good" for our society, the truth is just the opposite. Believers have contributed to our culture in ways that are often taken for granted and our country was founded in Christian principles held by theistic believers. Jim describes four central Christian beliefs that have helped to shape our society in a positive way as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Nine
Has the New Testament Been Faithfully Transmitted?
December 7th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim continues examining the reliability of the Bible by studying the manner in which the New Testament was collected and canonized. Can we trust that the New Testament we have today is the same New Testament that first century believers had? How was the New Testament collected? What was the standard used to decide if a text should be included in the canon? Does the New Testament contain errors of transmission? Do these errors compromise the text? Jim also talks about the difference between dialogue and debate and discusses the recent headlines related to Tiger Woods.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Eight
Has the Old Testament Been Faithfully Transmitted?
November 29th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim begins a new series examining the reliability of the Bible. Can we trust that the Old Testament we have today is the same Old Testament that Jesus referred to? How was the Old Testament scripture transmitted over time? Does it contain error? Can it be trusted? How do we know that the ancient Jews were studying the same text we study today? Jim examines the transmission and canonization of the Old Testament in this first podcast in our new series.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Seven
The Truth About the Origin of Thanksgiving

November 22nd, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim examines the American holiday of Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving has become a secular holiday for most Americans, its origins are distinctly Christian. Thanksgiving Day was not established to give us an opportunity to thank our government, our forefathers or even our good fortune. It was, and always has been, a day set aside to thank the God of the Bible. Jim also answers listener email related to Oneness Pentecostals and the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's free will.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Six
What Does the Evidence Reveal About Mormonism (Part 2)?

November 16th , 2009 

In this podcast, Jim finishes his short, two part series examining the evidence related to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Is the Book of Mormon truly what it claims to be? Is there any internal evidence that can help us determine the truth of the matter? What does the cumulative circumstantial and direct physical evidence conclude about the Book of Mormon and Mormonism in general? Does Christianity suffer in a similar way when examined critically?

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Five
What Does the Evidence Reveal About Mormonism?

November 9th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim begins a short, two part series that examines the evidence related to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Mormonism hinges on the truth about Smith and the text he claimed to be a second testament of Jesus Christ. What does the evidence tell us about Smith and the text? Does Christianity stand up to the same sort of evidential scrutiny?

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Four
What Is the Difference Between A Natural Talent and A Spiritual Gift?

November 1st, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim tackles the issue of “Spiritual Gifts” and distinguishes the difference between such gifts and the natural talents that all of us possess. Why do Christians sometimes describe what appear to be natural talents as “Spiritual Gifts”? Are they just attributing to God what is actually simply a matter of genetics and environment? Jim also answers listener email related to the Trinity and to the power of circumstantial evidence.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Three
How Does the Gospel Change Our World?

October 26th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim continues answering listener email and addresses the nature of the Gospel Message. Is the purpose of the Gospel to transform and restore the planet, or is the purpose of the Gospel to rescues fallen individuals? Are these two goals and consequences of the Gospel Message mutually exclusive? Jim also discusses the importance of rationality in the Christian life, the monetization of apologetics efforts, moral grounding and ethics training, and the distinct and unique nature of the Christian Worldview.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty Two
What’s So Unique About Christianity?

October 19th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim begins by talking about the unique nature of Christianity then continues responding to listener email by addressing several topics, including: a brief response and observation related to the Baha’i faith, a discussion of the importance of keeping the Sabbath, a review of the relationship between the documents of the early church fathers and the nature of the church, and the value of understanding the nature of Christian Dualism.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty One
How Were People Saved Before Jesus?

October 11th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim begins to respond to listener email by addressing two difficult issues. How were people saved prior to the life of Jesus? If faith alone in Christ alone is required to be saved, how were Old Testament saints saved prior to the arrival of Christ? Jim also addresses the ‘hot topic’ issue of abortionist murders. Does the Old Testament require us to stop the murdering of the unborn by murdering the doctors who are performing abortions? Are abortionist murders permissible in light of the Old Testament Law? How are we to reconcile the tension between what we believe and what the law of the land permits?

Podcast Number One Hundred Twenty
What Is the Essential Truth About the Church?

October 5th, 2009 

What does the Bible teach about the nature of Church? Are there certain non-negotiable essentials that all of us, as Christians, must believe about the Church in order to call ourselves Christians? Are there any over-arching principles that God has given us to help us live as a community of God? In this final podcast in a series examining Christian “essentials”, Jim discusses the essential doctrinal truths related to the “Communion of Saints”.

Podcast Number One Hundred Nineteen
What Is the Essential Truth About the Holy Spirit?

September 27th, 2009 

What does the Bible teach about the Holy Spirit? Are there certain non-negotiable essentials that all of us, as Christians, must believe about the Holy Spirit in order to call ourselves Christians? Why does it even matter what we believe about the Holy Spirit? What difference does a proper understanding of the Spirit make in our daily lives as Christians? In this podcast, Jim discusses the essential doctrinal truths related to the Holy Spirit as part of his continuing series on Christian Essentials.

Podcast Number One Hundred Eighteen
Becoming a Christian "Case Maker" (Part Two)

September 20th, 2009 

Can we learn something, as Christians, from the attorneys who present cases in courts across America? What principles of presentation can we employ to become better Christian "Case Makers"? In this podcast, Jim examines the approach of trial attorneys and describes simple presentation principles from over 20 years in Law Enforcement. These principles will help you to become and better Christian thinker, communicator and "Case Maker".

Podcast Number One Hundred Seventeen
Becoming a Christian “Case Maker” (Part One)

September 13th, 2009 

Do all of us, as Christians, have a responsibility to be good apologists for our faith? If so, what does that look like? What does it mean to be a Christian “Case Maker”? In this podcast, Jim reviews some simple investigative principles from over 20 years in Law Enforcement to help you become a better Christian thinker, investigator and “Case Maker”.

Podcast Number One Hundred Sixteen
What Does It Mean to Be a “Responsive Christian”?

September 7th, 2009 

Why do some of us call ourselves “Evangelical Christians”? Is evangelism an important part of what it means to be a Christian? Are all of us called to be evangelists? What if we aren’t gifted in that way? What role should “apologetics” play in the life of the Christian? Must we all be “apologists” if we want to call ourselves “Christians”? Why should we adopt a new definition and become “Responsive Christians”?

Podcast Number One Hundred Fifteen
Is the Christian Faith an Evidential Faith?

August 31st, 2009 

What is the nature of “true faith”? Is it wrong to want evidence to support the claims of Christianity? Is my faith “weak” because it demands rationality and evidential support? In this podcast, Jim examines the Biblical model of faith. It may surprise you to hear what the Bible has to say about “faith”! Also, Jim takes some time to respond evidentially to a common objection of atheists (the idea that the Christian God supports slavery).

Podcast Number One Hundred Fourteen
What Is the Essential Truth About “End Times”?

August 24th, 2009 

What’s the difference between Pre-Millenialism, Post-Millenialism and A-Millenialism? Is only one of these views the orthodox view that we, as Christians, can accept and still call ourselves “Christians”? How do these views about the “end” inform the way we are living today? In this podcast, Jim surveys three views of “eschatology” and talks about what is “essential” to Christian orthodoxy.

Podcast Number One Hundred Thirteen
You Tell Me Why Young People Are Leaving the Church

August 17th, 2009 

Statistics demonstrate that between 61% and 88% of college aged Christians will walk away from Christianity before they graduate from college. Additional studies reveal that only about 35% will ever return to the Church. In this podcast, Jim reads listener email as you get the chance to offer an explanation for this troubling trend. Why are young people leaving? Many of you have important answers to that critical question.

Podcast Number One Hundred Twelve
What Do Christians Believe About the Nature of Jesus?

August 10th, 2009 

Was Jesus just a man? Was he a good teacher or a prophet? Did He have supernatural powers? Was he God Himself? What do other faith systems believe about the nature of Jesus, and what must we believe about Jesus in order to call ourselves Christians? In this podcast, Jim continues his series about Christian essentials as he asks five important questions about Jesus.

Podcast Number One Hundred Eleven
Why Are Young People Leaving the Church (And What Can We Do About It)?

August 3rd, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim is interviewed by Kathy Emmons from 101.5 WORD FM (Pittsburgh) and discusses the high rate at which young people are leaving the Church. What’s causing the departure and what can be done to address the problem? Jim also answers listener email related to the credibility of eyewitnesses and the hypocrisy of believers.

Podcast Number One Hundred Ten
What is the Essential Christian Truth About the Nature of God?

July 27th, 2009 

What must we, as Christians, agree on related to God’s nature? Can we be wrong about the nature of God and still be ‘saved’? Can other groups (such as Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses) have a different view about the nature of God and still call themselves Christians? Are there any good philosophical or evidential reasons to conclude that the Christian view of the “Trinity” is reasonable? Jim also takes a look at the recent Sports Illustrated article about Tim Tebow.

Podcast Number One Hundred Nine
Answering Listener Email

July 20th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim responds to listener email and addresses the following questions and challenges: “Can’t evolution account for the existence of moral truth?” “Does the ‘Axiological Argument’ provide convincing evidence for the existence of God?” “Is the nature of man innately ‘good’ or innately ‘evil’?” “Are there any other evidences that Peter contributed to the Gospel of Mark?” “Why do Christians feel as though they have to ‘teach’ their children about Christianity? Why can’t they simply teach them how to think objectively?”

Podcast Number One Hundred Eight
What Do Christians Believe is Required to be “Saved”?

July 13th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim takes an evidential look at the issue of Salvation. Are there any good investigative questions that can be asked as we are trying to understand the orthodox view of Salvation? Is there good Biblical and philosophical evidence to support a particular understanding of what is required to be ‘saved’? What are the important questions we need to ask? Jim also reads listener email related to the ‘nature of man’.

Podcast Number One Hundred Seven
Let’s Eliminate Sunday School (As We Know It)

July 6th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim examines the data from Ken Ham and Britt Beemer’s “Already Gone” and ponders the value of Sunday School as we know it. Is there a better way to prepare young people to hold on to what is true? Why are so many young Christians walking away from Christianity and is there anything that we can do about it? What role does “apologetics” play in all of this?

Podcast Number One Hundred Six
What Do Christians Believe About the Nature of Man?

June 29th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim continues his examination of Christian essentials as we journey through the Apostle’s Creed. What does Christianity teach about the nature of humans? Are we all innately good or are we innately evil? Why does it really matter in the first place, and why must we all agree on this issue? Is there any external evidence to support the Christian position? We also read listener email from Saudi Arabia, talk about the difficulty of witnessing to family members and respond to an atheist objection about “knowing what you believe”.

Podcast Number One Hundred Five
Is Mark’s Gospel an Early Memoir of Peter?

June 22nd, 2009 

Church History tells us that Mark penned his Gospel from the preaching and teaching of Peter, but is this true? If so, Mark would be a VERY early account that records the observations of an eyewitness! In this podcast, Jim examines the Gospel of Mark from the perspective of external and internal evidence to determine if Mark did, in fact, act as a scribe for Peter. The evidence should give every Christian confidence that the Gospels were written early and that they accurately capture the eyewitness observations of those who knew Jesus best.

Podcast Number One Hundred Four
It’s Our Two Year Anniversary Podcast!

June 15th, 2009 

In this podcast, (our 104th episode) Jim is joined by his sons, Jimmy and David, as they answer listener email. What happens to someone when they are hypnotized? Are Christians who are hypnotized more like to be subject to demonic forces? How should the Christian community prepare its young people for the challenge of the University environment? How are we to respond to the challenge of secular humanism and philosophical naturalism? How can we reach those around us with the Gospel in a conversational way? Are there any tools or principles that we can apply to our discussions with non-believers?

Podcast Number One Hundred Three
How Are We To Respond to Heresy?

June 8th, 2009 

In this podcast, we examine Biblical principles that can guide our response to heresy. What should we do when we encounter someone who holds a belief about God that is simply un-Biblical? Are we being divisive when we try to correct a fellow Christian? Shouldn't love and tolerance be our highest value and goal? Isn't it arrogant to think that we are right and others are wrong on matters related to faith? We'll answer these questions and address some listener email related to the Gospel of Mark and apparent Bible contradictions.

Podcast Number One Hundred Two
Historic Heresies

June 1st, 2009 

In this podcast, we take a look at some historic misconceptions related to the nature of God the Father, Jesus and Salvation. You might be surprised to discover just how many historic errors are repeated today! We’ll examine how past believers have sometimes been confused about the triune nature of God, the divinity of Jesus or the manner in which Christians are saved for Eternal Life. Does it really matter what we believe about these things? Why is it so important? Join us as we look at some classic heresies before we start our in-depth discussion of Christian Orthodoxy!

Podcast Number One Hundred One
What is Heresy (and What is Orthodoxy)?

May 25th, 2009 

In this podcast, we take a look at the issue of 'heresy'. Are there any essential objective truths that Christians simply MUST accept if they want to call themselves 'Christians'? Are some Christian truths non-negotiable? Is anything 'out of bounds'? Are creeds necessary to protect objective truths within the faith? We address these important questions and answer listener email related to 'street evangelism' and 'environmentalism'.

Podcast Number One Hundred
Have Christians Always Used Creeds?

May 18th, 2009 

In this podcast, we take a look at the early use of creeds by those who called themselves "Christians". Have Christians always proclaimed creeds as part of our worship and faith? Is Christianity innately "creedal"? Is it possible to be a Christian without accepting some sort of "creed"? Jim makes a case for "creedal" Christianity as we examine the early and frequent use of creeds within the Christian community.

Podcast Number Ninety Nine
Answering Listener Email

May 11th, 2009 

In this podcast, we take a short break to answer listener email related to the reliability and transmission of the New Testament, the evidence from the martyrdom of the apostles, and the nature of apparent discrepancies in eyewitness testimony. We also replay last week’s radio interview with WORDFM in Pittsburgh as Jim talks about the “Need for Creeds”.

Podcast Number Ninety Eight
The Need for Creeds

May 3rd, 2009 

Why do we need creeds when we've already got the Bible? Why would we develop creeds in the first place? Aren't creeds simply divisive and destructive? Don't they cause more heat than light? In this podcast, Jim talks about the continuing need for creeds in a culture that denies the existence of objective truth in the first place. We also answer listener email related to the martyrdom of the apostles.

Podcast Number Ninety Seven
Was Jesus Just a Man (And Did He Live At All)?

April 26th, 2009 

In this podcast we look at the man we know as Jesus. Did He really live and exist as the Bible records? Is He a myth? How are we to respond to the objections of atheists, and are there good reasons to believe that the Resurrection really occurred? We’ll look at these issues and answer listener email related to sin and genetic predisposition, and evidence for God from the presence of information in the DNA code.

Podcast Number Ninety Six
Is the Bible Reliable?
April 20th, 2009
In this podcast, we examine the reliability of the Bible. Can the New Testament hold up to the scrutiny of skeptics? Is it simply Mythology? Has it been corrupted over time? Is it full of contradictions? Jim examines the reliability of the most attested ancient document known to mankind. We also answer listener email related to moral grounding and the death of dinosaurs!

Podcast Number Ninety Five
Does the Existence of Dinosaurs Contradict the Teaching of the Bible?
April 13th, 2009
In this podcast, we take a look at the ancient fossil record of life and death before the appearance of mankind. Does this archeological record contradict the Biblical claims related to Adam and Eve, the fall of mankind, and the Biblical description of the Garden? Jim also answers email related to the existence of moral absolutes.

Podcast Number Ninety Four
Are There Contradictions in the Easter Account?

April 6th, 2009
In this podcast, Jim interviews pastor and apologist Steven Kingsley, author of "The Easter Answer". Kingsley provides a thoughtful response to atheist Dan Barker's "Easter Challenge". Are there inherent internal contradictions in the Easter accounts found in the Gospels? Are these contradictions a proof that the Christian claims related to the Resurrection are false? We'll examine the "Easter Challenge" and Steven Kinsley's "Easter Answer" in this edition of the show.

Podcast Number Ninety Three
The Age of the Universe

March 30th, 2009
In this podcast, Jim explores the age of the universe. Does an ancient universe prove that Christianity is false? Does the Bible actually say anything about the age of the Universe? Why are so many Christians committed to the "young earth" position? Jim examines these questions and also answers email about prayer and looks at an article examining the "evolving" theory of evolution.

Podcast Number Ninety Two
Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayers?

March 23rd, 2009
In this podcast, we take a look at the nature of prayer. Why does it sometimes feel as though God is ignoring our prayers? What was Jesus trying to teach us in the Lord's Prayer? Does God consider the prayers of all of us equally, or are there some people he ignores altogether? We'll mine the scriptures to reason through what the Bible has to say.

Podcast Number Ninety One
Issues Related to Evolution, ID and Resistance to the Christian Worldview

March 16th, 2009
In this podcast, Jim answers listener email related to the evidence that supports evolution, the insertion of Intelligent Design Theory in public science curriculum, the role of volitional rebellion when considering the Christian worldview, and secular university efforts to criticize the Biblical perspective. Are there legitimate concerns and doubts related to the theory of evolution? Should Intelligent Design Theory be taught in public schools? Is there an effort being made in secular universities to discredit the Christian worldview?

Podcast Number Ninety
Can Evolution Explain All of Life's Diversity?

March 8th, 2009
In this podcast, Jim takes a brief look at the theory of evolution and examines some of the evidence that has classically been presented in order to argue for the truth of the theory. Can evolution account for all the diversity that we see in biology today? What is the definition of evolution and has adequate evidence been provided to establish the viability of 'macro-evolution'? What is the nature of the evidences that have historically been offered to make the case?

Podcast Number Eighty Nine

Has Science Eliminated the Need for a Creator God?

March 1st, 2009
In this podcast, Jim examines scientific projects that attempt to create life in the laboratory, including so called 'Wet Artificial Life' experiments. Have scientists discovered how to create life from non-living matter, and if so, does this endeavor answer questions related to the origin of life in our universe? Is it possible that 'life creation' projects actually make a better case for theism than they do for philosophical naturalism?

Podcast Number Eighty Eight

The Problem with Darwinism

February 22nd, 2009
In this podcast, Jim interviews Michael, a biochemist, and examines the limited explanatory power of Darwinism. Is there any evidence within 'systems biology' to indicate that Darwinism is an insufficient explanation for the complexity that exists within molecular organisms? If so, what might better account for the complex and detailed information we find there? Is it possible to be a serious Christian and an impartial judge of the scientific evidence? Are there 'smart' Christians working diligently in the sciences? Join Jim as he investigates the limits of naturalism and the journey of one Christian biochemist.

Podcast Number Eighty Seven

Answering Objections to the Existence of a Supernatural Creator and Designer

February 16th, 2009
In this podcast, Jim answers challenges related to intelligent design and the origin of life. Isn't it possible that an alien race may have planted the seeds of life here on earth? Isn't there evidence from the oldest rocks on earth that establishes a reasonable timeline for the evolution of life? Doesn't scientific consensus invalidate objections on the part of theists? Doesn't evolution provide the most reasonable explanation for the bacterial flagellum? Jim tackles these tough questions in an effort to establish the reasonable nature of the Christian Worldview.

Podcast Number Eighty Six

Can Science Explain the Origin of Life?
February 8th, 2009
In this podcast we take a detailed look at the atheistic explanation for the origin of life in our universe. Philosophical naturalists have been theorizing about "abiogenesis" for some time now. Do they have a natural explanation for the origin of life? Does their own evidence support their theories? What is the connection between "abiogenesis" and Darwinism? How can we, as Christians, being to dialogue with non-believers about the importance of asking the all-important question, "How did life begin?"

Podcast Number Eighty Five

Answering Questions About Morality, Salvation, and Intelligent Design
February 2nd, 2009 
In this podcast, we answer some listener email and try our best to answer the following questions: “Are we falling into moral relativism if we choose to commit a lesser sin to avoid a greater sin?” “Can moral truths originate in the heart of man or does moral truth require a transcendent God?” “Is it fair for God to save a murderer in the last moments of his life, yet let a child who has never heard of Jesus go to hell?” “Isn’t it true that Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites?” Join us as we tackle important questions related to faith, ethics and culture…

Podcast Number Eighty Four

Is Intelligent Design Theory 'Unscientific'?
January 26th, 2009 

In this podcast, Jim discusses the controversial issue of Intelligent Design Theory. Is "ID" Theory "unscientific"? What do we mean when we use the word "science" in the first place? Is Intelligent Design a reasonable inference from the scientific evidence found within biological organisms? Can the rules of evidence that are used in other kinds of investigations be applied to the study of our origin? What does good detective work tell us about the possible existence of a supernatural creator?

Podcast Number Eighty Three

Are There Moral Absolutes?
January 18th, 2009 

In this podcast, we examine the existence of moral truth. Are moral truths relative to culture and individuals, or are they absolute and transcendent? Do we, as humans, have the last word related to moral truth, or is there a higher transcendent source of moral authority? How can we, as Christians, begin to make a case for absolute moral truth in a world where relativism reigns?

Podcast Number Eighty Two

Does Truth Exist (and Can It Be Known)?
January 11th, 2009 

In this podcast, we examine the truth about truth! Does absolute, objective truth exist, or is all truth merely a matter of perspective and opinion? If objective truth does exist, can we ever really know it with any certainty? How are we supposed to determine the truth in the first place? We try to answer these questions and more as we examine the nature of knowledge, belief and truth.

Podcast Number Eighty One

Why Are Christians So Intolerant?
January 5th, 2009 

In this podcast, we talk about the definition of tolerance as we try to understand why our culture often labels Christianity as an intolerant faith system. We also read listener email related to the eyewitness accounts of the Gospels.