We discuss various schools of thought regarding creation, all of which maintain the authority of Scripture. Basic areas of agreement are that all things are created by God, and He is transcendent over all things. There are areas of disagreement in terms of "how" God created our universe. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Today on a Plain Answer we have kicked off a discussion of Biblical creation. The subject was huge and we hope there will be followup sessions. On today's program we read the creation account from Genesis 1, we discuss the concept of "ex nihilo," the Latin phrase meaning out of nothing - and that is applied to the Biblical record of creation. We discuss light and its origin. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

The resurrection was a real bodily resurrection, not merely a resuscitation (or a reincarnation). Christianity arose out of historical facts with eye witnesses. The resurrection is the basis for the Christian's future hope and that we too, look forward to our own resurrection someday, with glorified bodies. Jesus reminds us of this when He says: "I am the resurrection and the life..." We also discuss the origin of Sunday worship and how God has changed the Christian sabbath to now be on Sunday rather than Saturday. We call it the Lord's day. It was the day upon which Pentecost came, and was also the day upon which John was "in the spirit." Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Has the "Church age" ended? That's the assertion of one Bible teacher today. In this discussion we look at what he Bible itself has to say about this assertion. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Dan Elmendorf

There are many translations of the Bible, but is it "OK" to translate the Bible? What was the practice of Jesus Himself with respect to one of the translations of His day? What are the two basic categories of Bible translations? We close discussing some historical examples of Bible translations and the penalties that some men had to endure for their labor of love. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Where does the Bible come from? In this discussion we review that it is God-breathed, and how many men were moved by the Holy Spirit to record the library of books which comprise the Bible. Are there different genres to be observed? How were these books recognized as canonical? What was the role of the church in all this? Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

What are some Biblical examples of the proper treatment of aliens? What are some of the legal aspects? We share some examples of questions asked on the US naturalization test. What should our policies be if we try and implement godly laws in our land? Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.

What is a Christian perspective of immigration? How should we as Christians treat those who immigrate to our land? What is the roll of individuals and what is the role of government in a godly land? Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

We continue last week's discussion on creeds and confessions. First we review some basic creeds as listed in the Bible. We move to exploring some of the confessions of the Protestant Reformation, with a closer look at the Westminster Confession and the Shorter Catechism. ONLINE OFFER: If you download and listen to the podcast, you may order a free copy of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Just email us that you listened, and request a free copy today! Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Why has the Christian church through the years felt it necessary to document the faith using Creeds and Confessions? Is there an advantage to it, and does it have Scriptural precedence? What are some early Christian creeds which we find from the Scriptures themselves? We begin to look at some of the confessions which came out of the Reformation. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf