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The Cold-Case Christianity Podcast

The Cold-Case Christianity Podcast

519 episodes — Page 10 of 11

How to Set the Stage to Effectively Communicate the Gospel

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues to discuss the practices and principles of good investigators and applies these techniques to the Christian worldview. How do detectives eventually communicate what they've discovered? How do prosecutors communicate these truths to a jury? Is there anything we might learn from this process to help us communicate the Gospel, and what is the single most important thing we should consider when preparing to share the truth? This approach is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Nov 2, 201728 min

How to Add Evidence to the Case for Christianity

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues to discuss the practices and principles of good investigations and applies these techniques to the Christian worldview. How do investigators add to their cases evidentially to establish their case in front of a jury? Can this approach be adopted by Christians to help us defend the Christian worldview? If so, what forms and types of evidence would qualify as we add to the case for Christianity? This investigative approach is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Oct 26, 201728 min

Can You Answer Tougher Questions About Faith?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner examines the challenge offered by Bill Keller in his New York Times Article, "Asking Candidates Tougher Questions About Faith". Keller's challenge to political candidates is also an important test for those of us who want to be good ambassadors for Jesus.

Oct 19, 20171h 13m

How to Engage Culture Like a First Responder

J. Warner Wallace hosts the Stand to Reason Podcast and talks about engaging the culture as "first responders," then answers a question about 1 Corinthians 14:34 and discusses the new moral consensus and how evil points to the existence of God. Be sure to download and subscribe to Stand to Reason's great podcast to learn from Greg Koukl and the Stand to Reason team.

Oct 12, 201758 min

J. Warner and Susie Wallace on Family Life Today

J. Warner Wallace, a cold-case homicide detective, and his wife, Susie, tell Dennis Rainey about how they met in high school, and then together found the Lord. J. Warner tells how he applied his investigative skills to his study of the Bible, sure he could prove it wrong. To his amazement, the witness accounts set forth in the Gospels seemed compellingly true and trustworthy. This podcast was recorded as part of a series of interviews on FamilyLife Today. To listen to the extended interview, visit the FamilyLife Today Podcast.

Oct 5, 201730 min

How to Organize the Evidence to Make the Case As A Christian Case Maker

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues to discuss the practices and principles of good investigations and applies these techniques to the Christian worldview. How do assemble the evidence they collect to make a proper inference? Are there any techniques or practices we can adopt as Christians to help us defend the Christian worldview? Good investigators know how to organize their case visually. This investigative approach is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Sep 28, 201728 min

How to Evaluate and Record the Evidence As A Christian Case Maker

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues to discuss the practices and principles of good investigations and applies these techniques to the Christian worldview. How do detectives investigate cases, and what can be learned from their approach to document evidence? Can any of these principles be applied to the reading of scripture? Good investigators know how to evaluate evidence broadly and take good notes as they do so. This investigative approach is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Sep 21, 201728 min

How to Read and Think More Clearly As A Christian Case Maker

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner begins to discuss the practices and principles of good investigations and applies these techniques to the Christian worldview. How do detectives investigate cases, and what can be learned from their approach to document evidence? Can any of these principles be applied to the reading of scripture? It all begins with learning how to read and think carefully. This investigative approach is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Sep 14, 201728 min

What is the Relationship Between Evangelism and Apologetics?

In this podcast, J. Warner converses with author and church planter, Peyton Jones, about the relationship between Christian case making (apologetics) and evangelism. What role does apologetics play in reaching the unreached. Can taking an evidential approach toward the Christian worldview actually help church planters achieve their mission? Learn more about Peyton at http://JumpSchoolTraining.com and http://peytonjones.ninja/.

Sep 7, 201751 min

When Is Enough Evidence… Enough?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner responds listener email questioning the adequacy of circumstantial evidence. Can we really trust circumstantial evidence or must we also have direct evidence to determine the truth of a matter? How does this apply to defending the Christian Worldview? When do we know we have enough evidence to make a decision? J. Warner examines the Casey Anthony trial (one more time) in an effort to understand "evidential sufficiency".

Aug 31, 20171h 10m

How to Nurture and Be Nurtured As a Christian

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues his comprehensive description of the difference between teaching and training by discussing the importance of good mentorship. Are you mentoring anyone as a Christian? Do you have a mentor to whom you can look for answers and examples of how to live the Christian life? Given the challenges we face, all Christians must learn how to nurture others on the battlefield of ideas. This training model is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Aug 24, 201728 min

How Involvement Changes the Christian Life

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues his comprehensive description of the difference between teaching and training by articulating the need for all Christian believers get involved in the battlefield of ideas. Do you want to change your Christian walk? Do you want to become a more articulate, prepared believer? You can make this change by simply adjusting your calendar. Set the challenge and then study in preparation for the battle you've calendared. This training model is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Aug 17, 201728 min

Christians Must Arm Themselves With The Truth

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues his comprehensive description of the difference between teaching and training by articulating the need for all Christian believers to study the objections of atheists and the evidence for Christianity. Young Christians must be inoculated rather than isolated from bad ideas. This training model is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Aug 10, 201728 min

Wouldn't A Loving God Reform Rather Than Punish?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner responds to a common objection to the nature of God: If God is all-loving, why doesn't he "reform" people rather than simply "punish" them in Hell? How would you answer a skeptic who argues a God who simply punishes his children in Hell is sadistic and vengeful, unworthy of our worship? J. Warner responds to this objection and answers listener email related to the nature of "election", and the evidence for "annihilationism."

Jul 27, 20171h 15m

Why Would God Send Good People to Hell?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner addresses a common objection to the loving nature of God. Isn't it unfair for God to penalize people who are otherwise good, just because they haven't heard about Jesus? A good God would not send good people to Hell. Jim responds to this objection and answers listener email related to the Craig/Harris debate, pre-existing mythologies that are similar to Jesus, and the difficult, exclusive nature of "election".

Jul 20, 20171h 4m

Raising The Bar As Christian Believers

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner continues his comprehensive description of the difference between teaching and training by articulating the need for parents and youth leaders to expect more from their children and students. Our kids can typically learn more, engage more deeply, and understand more than we often require of them. How can we "raise the bar" to better prepare them for the future? How can we better prepare ourselves by requiring more in our own process of discipleship? This training model is described in more detail in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Jul 13, 201728 min

Young Christians Need Worldview Training

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner describes the challenges facing young Christians and introduces his viewers to Summit Worldview Conferences. This premiere program teaches high school students a robust, all-encompassing Christian worldview. J. Warner includes "behind the scenes" video from Summit as he describes why all Christian parents need to take an intentional approach to teaching their kids the truth.

Jul 6, 201728 min

If The Evidence for Christianity Is So Good, Why Isn't Everyone a Believer?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner discusses a common objection of non-believers and examines three reasons why someone might reject a truth claim. Jim also addresses the Rob Bell's controversial claims about the nature of hell and describes the most important question you can ask your atheist friend.

Jun 29, 20171h 9m

Do Christians Believe Simply Because They Were Raised In A Christian Environment?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner responds to a common atheistic claim: Skeptics argue that Christians believe Christianity is true simply because they were raised in a Christian culture. If believers were raised in a Muslim culture (according to the skeptics), they would believe that Islam is true with the same passion and certainty they have for Christianity. J. Warner responds to this common objection and answers listener email related to the "hidden" nature of God, the prerequisites of creation and dualism.

Jun 22, 20171h 7m

The Case for Christianity - J. Warner Wallace on the Called2Action Radio Show

In this podcast, J. Warner talks with Steve Noble from Called2Action Radio about the cumulative case for Christianity from the perspective of a cold-case homicide detective. This broadcast was originally aired on the Called2Action Radio Show; be sure to download their podcast.

Jun 15, 201739 min

Why It's Important to Test Yourself As A Christian

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner presents a strategy to equip Christians to defend the truth of the Christian worldview. The "Training" model he describes in Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith begins with a test. Are you ready to defend what you believe as a Christian? Have you tested yourself? Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Jun 8, 201728 min

Stop Teaching Young Christians

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner presents a strategy to equip young Christians to defend the truth of the Christian worldview. J. Warner presents the training model described more fully in his book, Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. What is the differences between "teaching" and "training"? Why should we abandon the teaching model in favor of more intentional training? Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Jun 1, 201728 min

Answering Objections to Developing an Evidential Faith

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner responds to three common objections to "evidentialism," the approach toward Christian belief that he describes in his book, Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Why should we use the word "faith" if belief is actually the most reasonable inference from evidence? Why should Christian s make the case to others if God is in control and is ultimately the reason why anyone believes? J. Warner answers these objections and more. Be sure to check out Forensic Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

May 25, 201728 min

J. Warner Wallace Discussing Forensic Faith with Hank Hanegraaff

In podcast, J. Warner talks with Hank Hanegraaff (the Bible Answer Man) of the Christian Research Institute about his J. Warner's book, Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. J. Warner and Hank discuss the need for an evidential approach to the Christian faith, and the difference such an approach makes in the lives of Christians today. This broadcast was originally aired on the Bible Answer Man Broadcast; be sure to download their podcast. If you appreciate the great work of the Christian Research Institute, please support this important ministry by purchasing Forensic Faith as part of their ministry premium offer.

May 18, 201755 min

Talking About Forensic Faith with Susie Larson

In podcast, J. Warner talks with Susie Larson about his new book, Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith. Is there really evidence to prove the claims of Christianity? We often fall into the trap of relying too heavily on the experience of faith when there is a plethora of evidence to back up what we believe. This conversation first aired on the Live the Promise with Susie Larson Radio Show.

May 11, 201749 min

Accepting Our Duty As Christians

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner discusses the importance of becoming a Christian Case Maker. In fact, Christians have a duty to understand and make the case for the truth of the Christian worldview. Why is this the case? How should our duty as Christians shape the way we live? Be sure to check out Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

May 4, 201728 min

The Rich Robust Evidential History of Christianity

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner traces the rich evidential history of Christianity. Unlike other theistic worldviews, Christianity is grounded in the historical events of the first century. As a result, the Christian worldview can be tested unlike any other. But why are so few Christians ready or able to make an evidential defense? Be sure to check out Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Apr 27, 201728 min

The Importance of Developing a Forensic Faith

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner introduces the concept of "forensic faith," based on his new book (releasing May 1st, 2017). What does it mean to possess a forensic faith and why is it so important? How can this form of belief and Christian faith change your life? Be sure to check out Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith and the accompanying curriculum.

Apr 20, 201728 min

Did God Return to the "Crime Scene"?

In podcast, J. Warner talks with Dr. Khaldoun A. Sweis from Logically Faithful. Together they examine the evidence for God in the universe and the need for Chirstian Case Making in a skeptical culture. This conversation first aired on the Logically Faithful Podcast. Be sure to subscribe.

Apr 13, 201733 min

Was Jesus Offensive? (Podcast)

In podcast, J. Warner talks with Dr. Frank Turek from CrossExamined Radio. Together they examine the way in which Jesus engaged His culture. Did Jesus set an example of pacifism? Was He ever confrontational? How should we, as Christians, respond to our culture? This conversation was first aired on CrossExamined with Frank Turek on American Family Radio network. Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Turek's radio show and podcast to hear more.

Apr 6, 201748 min

Why Didn't Mary Recognize Jesus?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner takes time to review the four parallel accounts of Mary's interaction with Jesus in the garden following His Resurrection. Why didn't Mary recognize Him instantly? Is this a proof that the Resurrection is a fraud? How are we to read the parallel accounts and determine what is true?

Mar 30, 20171h 1m

What Do the Non-Canonical Gospels Say About Jesus - Part 3

In this blast from the past, J. Warner finishes his examination of the ancient non-canonical writings to see what they say about Jesus. In this episode, J. Warner examines some of the better known (and more controversial) non-canonical texts: The Gospel of Judas, the Gospel of Thomas, and the Gospel of Philip. What does the non-canonical tradition tell us about the true life of Jesus? Why would these writers twist the truth in the first place? Can we have confidence in the New Testament canon?

Mar 23, 20171h 11m

What Do the Non-Canonical Gospels Say About Jesus - Part 2

In this blast from the past, J. Warner continues to examine the ancient non-canonical writings to see what they say about Jesus. In this episode, J. Warner examines the Gospel of Basilides, the (Greek) Gospel of the Egyptians, the Gospel of Cerinthus, the Dialogue of the Saviour, the Gospel of Mary, the Trimorphic Protennoia, the Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit, the Apocryphon of John, the Gospel of the Savior, the Second Apocalypse of James, and the Gospel of Marcion. Are these documents alternate eyewitness accounts? Do they express the truth about Jesus, lost over the centuries? Are there any good reasons for us to accept what they say about Jesus? Is there anything TRUE we can learn from them?

Mar 16, 20171h 11m

What Do the Non-Canonical Gospels Say About Jesus - Part 1

In this blast from the past, J. Warner begins to examine the ancient non-canonical writings to see what they say about Jesus. Are these documents alternate eyewitness accounts? Do they express the truth about Jesus, lost over the centuries? Are there any good reasons for us to accept what they say about Jesus? Is there anything TRUE we can learn from them?

Mar 9, 20171h 14m

Christian Case Making from a Law Enforcement Perspective

In this interview recorded with Jonathan Parker of the Watch Your Six law enforcement podcast, J. Warner talks about his career in law enforcement and the role that police officers play in the Christian and secular culture. Visit Jonathan's page for this podcast, or subscribe to his podcast on iTunes.

Mar 2, 201740 min

Are Theists the Only People Who Have the "Burden of Proof"?

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner discusses a common claim of atheists: Theists are the only people who have a "burden of proof". According to many non-believers, theists who believe in the existence of an invisible God hold the singular responsibility for defending what they believe. But is this true? J. Warner explains why everyone has an equal burden of proof to account for what we experience in the universe.

Feb 23, 201728 min

Why Is God So Hidden?

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner discusses a common objection to God's existence: If God exists, why doesn't He make His existence more obvious? Why are there times when God seems completely absent? J. Warner provides several good reasons why God might remain silent or elusive in order to accomplish a greater good, and J. Warner provides an analogy to help explain why God may seem "hidden".

Feb 16, 201728 min

Should Christians Judge Others?

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner discusses an often-misunderstood verse of Scripture: "Do not judge so that you will not be judged" (Matthew 7:1). Does this verse preclude us from making any judgment of behavior in our culture? How is this verse used to silence Christians?

Feb 9, 201728 min

Are There Good Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection?

In this audio recorded at Brentwood Academy, J. Warner teaches students about "abductive reasoning" and applies this form of thinking to the case of the Resurrection of Jesus. J. Warner offers seven possible explanations for the evidence surrounding the Resurrection, and then briefly investigates four of these explanations to see if they are reasonable. This presentation is excerpted from J. Warner's longer talk on the issue and the material in Cold-Case Christianity and ALIVE.

Feb 2, 201738 min

Was Jesus Worshiped As God, and Did He Accept This Worship?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner examines the Deity of Jesus by investigating the way his disciples treated him. Did the disciples of Jesus worship Him as God? Can a case be made from the New Testament accounts? If Jesus was worshiped in this way, what does this mean, given the culture and religious beliefs of the time? The first century Jews knew better than to place their worship or adoration in anything other than the God who created the Universe; to do so would be to break the first commandment of God. Yet it seems that those closest to Jesus were eager to worship Him.

Jan 26, 20171h 14m

Does Jesus Possess the Nature of God?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner examines the Deity of Jesus. If there is a God, it is reasonable to believe that this God would have several classic attributes, including omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence and omnibenevolence. Does Jesus possess these qualities? What do the reliable eyewitness accounts tell us about the nature of Jesus? Does He possess the nature of God?

Jan 19, 20171h 9m

Who Did Jesus Claim to Be?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner examines the Deity of Jesus. Even non-believers will often admit that Jesus was among the finest moral teachers the world has ever known. But part of Jesus' teaching involved proclamations related to his identity as God Himself. While skeptics often maintain that Jesus never claimed to be God, the Biblical record indicates just the opposite. What did Jesus teach about his own identity? What does the evidence of Scripture tell us about this teaching? Why do orthodox Christians believe that Jesus was God incarnate?

Jan 12, 20171h 2m

Maintaining Our Christian Priorities In An Ever-Changing Culture

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner discusses the importance of making the case for the reliability of the Bible, even when we are tempted to jump into arguments related to culture, politics or current events. Why is the case for the Bible more important than any other discussion we might have? J. Warner also discusses the important role of fathers in the culture and the Biblical calling of fatherhood. What role does fatherhood play in stabilizing our future?

Jan 5, 201728 min

Why People Sometimes Disagree About the Evidence for Christianity

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner examines the difference between evidence and inference in an effort to clarify the role that evidence plays in forming a conclusion. Why is it that two people can look at the same evidence yet come to two different conclusions? What other factors are involved in the decision-making process? What do people mean when they say something is "settled science" and is this term used correctly by the culture? How do these issues impact the way we present and consider the case for Christianity?

Dec 29, 201628 min

Is the Virgin Conception An Essential Claim of Christianity?

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner examines the Virgin Conception and discusses its role in the Christmas narrative and its place in the Christian worldview. Why is the virgin conception of Jesus important? Is it an essential claim of Christianity? Could Jesus be the Savior of the world if he wasn't conceived miraculously? How should we, as Christians making the case for truth, approach the subject with our skeptical friends and family members?

Dec 22, 201628 min

Is the "Virgin Conception" True (and Can It Be Defended)?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner takes a thorough look at objections to the essential Christian claim that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the Virgin Mary. Is the "virgin conception" a ridiculous claim that defies reason and is unsupported by the history recorded in the New Testament and elsewhere?

Dec 15, 20161h 14m

Five Principles to Respond to Claims That Jesus is a Copy-Cat

In this blast from the past, J. Warner again examines the claim that Jesus is simply a fictional reiteration of prior copy-cat mythologies and offers five basic principles necessary to examine the claims fairly. J. Warner then applies these five principles to a common atheist assertion that Psalm 23 is simply a copy of a Hymn to Osiris. In addition, Jim discusses the nature of eyewitness testimony related to the life of Jesus in response to an email from a non-believer.

Dec 8, 20161h 11m

Are There Early Eyewitness Accounts of the Life of Jesus?

In this blast from the past, J. Warner discusses the dating of the Gospels. Critics often claim that Jesus never really lived and that the Gospels were written centuries after his "supposed" life. These same critics claim that the Gospels are mythologies that appear late in history rather than eyewitness testimonies that first appeared within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses. Did the Gospels appear early enough to have been written by eyewitnesses? In this podcast, J. Warner examines the textual and historical evidence for the dating of the Gospels to establish whether we should trust what they say about Jesus.

Dec 1, 20161h 14m

Why Thanksgiving Will Always Be A Uniquely Christian Holiday

In this new audio podcast, J. Warner discusses the nature of "giving thanks" and the holiday we call Thanksgiving. Is it possible to celebrate a secular, atheistic "Thanksgiving"? Is it possible to thank the impersonal forces of physics that govern the universe? J. Warner explores several ways atheists have tried to propose secular versions of this historically Christian holiday. Can they successfully remove God from the celebration?

Nov 24, 201641 min

Rapid Responses to Difficult Questions - Part 2

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner Wallace provides a short, conversational response to two questions (or objections) related to Christianity. J. Warner responds to the claim, "I don't believe the Gospels were written by eyewitnesses," and the objection, "You can't trust the Gospels because there are variations between the ancient manuscripts."

Nov 17, 201628 min