Podcast
Ask Dr. E
Hosted by Michael Easley · EN
Dr. Michael Easley answers your biblical and theological questions each week. Call or text us at 615-281-9694 or email us at question@michaelincontext.com with your question.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Can a Christian marry a non-Christian?
1w ago00:13:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. E tackles a frequently misunderstood passage and explains its context within Paul's letter to the Corinthians. He discusses what sanctification means, why Paul encouraged believers to remain in existing mixed-faith marriages, and how this passage relates to the biblical principle of being unequally yoked. Dr. Easley also shares practical wisdom for dating, marriage, and pursuing God's best when choosing a spouse. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or seeking to understand a challenging biblical text, this conversation offers clarity and biblical perspective. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Can a Christian Marry a Non-Christian? 00:30 Understanding 1 Corinthians 7:14 01:15 The Context of Paul's Letter to the Corinthians 02:00 What Does "Sanctified" Mean? 03:10 Sanctification vs. Being Set Apart 04:05 The Influence of a Believer in the Home 05:00 A Powerful Story of a Husband Coming to Faith 06:30 Does This Passage Justify Marrying an Unbeliever? 07:15 What Does It Mean to Be Unequally Yoked? 08:00 God's Design for Marriage 08:50 Dating, Faith, and Spiritual Compatibility 09:50 Why Evangelistic Dating Is Unwise 10:30 Considering Family, Children, and Long-Term Faith 11:00 Run Toward Christ First 11:40 Final Encouragement and Takeaways Key Topics Covered -1 Corinthians 7:14 explained -What sanctification means in marriage -The role of a believing spouse in a non-Christian home -The biblical principle of being unequally yoked -God's design for Christian marriage -Dating and marriage wisdom for believers -Evangelistic dating and spiritual compatibility -Faith, family, and raising children -Pursuing Christ before pursuing a spouse Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →Does the Shroud of Turin Prove Jesus?
2w ago00:10:47Tap to summarizeDoes the Shroud of Turin prove Jesus' resurrection? In this episode, Dr. E tackles one of Christianity's most debated artifacts: the Shroud of Turin. While many believers see the shroud as compelling evidence for Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, Dr. Easley explains why he remains unconvinced that it is Jesus' actual burial cloth. Drawing from biblical theology, church history, archaeology, and first-century Jewish burial practices, Dr. Easley discusses why faith ultimately rests on Scripture—not relics. He explores the dangers of elevating artifacts above God's Word, addresses common arguments for the shroud's authenticity, and explains why the greatest obstacle to belief is not a lack of evidence. Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, apologetics, or the evidence for Christianity, this conversation will challenge you to think carefully about where faith is grounded. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:48 What Is the Shroud of Turin? 01:03 Dr. Easley's Short Answer 01:32 Why Christians Can Become Focused on Artifacts 02:15 Norman Geisler's Argument About Relics 03:04 The Real Problem Isn't Lack of Evidence 03:50 Archaeology and Biblical Faith 04:35 First-Century Jewish Burial Practices 05:24 Historical Questions About the Shroud 06:15 Does the Blood Evidence Make Sense? 06:50 Can God Use the Shroud Evangelistically? 07:38 Can Truth Come Through Unexpected Sources? 08:10 Why the Shroud Isn't Necessary for Faith 08:50 The Rich Man and Lazarus Connection 09:25 Why People Still Reject Jesus 10:00 Final Thoughts Key Topics Covered The Shroud of Turin explained Is the Shroud of Turin authentic? Evidence for Jesus' resurrection Christian apologetics Archaeology and the Bible Norman Geisler on religious relics First-century Jewish burial customs Faith versus physical evidence Why people reject Christianity The sufficiency of Scripture The Rich Man and Lazarus Biblical evidence for the resurrection Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →How Does The Trinity Actually Work?
3w ago00:19:45Tap to summarizeWhat is the Trinity — and why is it so difficult to understand? In this episode, Dr. E responds to a listener asking one of the most common questions in Christianity: If God is one, how can the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all be God? Dr. Easley walks through key biblical passages that reveal the Trinity, explains why Christians are not worshipping three gods, and shows why the doctrine matters for salvation, prayer, and everyday faith. Along the way, the conversation covers Jesus’ baptism, the role of the Holy Spirit, common misunderstandings about the Trinity, and why some truths about God remain beyond human comprehension. Whether you’ve followed Jesus for decades or still feel confused about the Trinity, this episode offers a thoughtful, biblical explanation grounded in Scripture and centered on worship. Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Listener Question 01:15 – What Is the Trinity? 02:40 – Biblical Evidence for Father, Son & Holy Spirit 03:45 – Jesus’ Baptism and the Trinity 05:10 – Why the Trinity Matters for Salvation 06:40 – Why Christians Don’t Worship Three Gods 08:20 – How Prayer Relates to the Trinity 09:00 – The Trinity in the Old Testament 10:45 – The Holy Spirit’s Role in Believers’ Lives 13:10 – Spiritual Gifts and God’s Empowering Work 14:00 – Why the Trinity Is Difficult to Explain 16:40 – The “Holy Ghost” Story Key Topics Covered -What the Trinity means -One God in three persons -Is Jesus really God? -The Holy Spirit explained -Jesus’ baptism and the Trinity -Why the Trinity matters for salvation -Common misunderstandings about the Trinity -How Christians should pray -The Trinity in the Old Testament -Why God’s nature is both knowable and mysterious If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →Should Churches Discipline Christians For Dating Non-Believers?
4w ago00:20:45Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a Christian starts dating a non-believer? Should a church step in? And when does wisdom become a matter of church discipline?In this episode, Dr. E discusses one of the most difficult issues pastors and churches face today: church discipline, restoration, and how believers should respond to ongoing sin.Dr. Easley explains the biblical purpose of church discipline, why the phrase “unequally yoked” is often misunderstood, and how churches should approach situations involving dating, cohabitation, affairs, LGBTQ issues, and public unrepentant sin. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that discipline should always aim toward restoration, never punishment.This episode offers biblical wisdom, pastoral insight, and practical guidance for Christians navigating messy real-life situations with truth and compassion.If you’ve ever wrestled with accountability, grace, or how churches should handle difficult situations, this conversation is for you.Chapters00:00 — Should Churches Discipline Dating Non-Christians?00:40 — Why This Question Is Complicated01:25 — What “Unequally Yoked” Really Means02:45 — Dating, Marriage, and Wisdom03:30 — What Counts as Ongoing Sin?05:20 — The Purpose of Church Discipline06:20 — Treating Someone “Like an Unbeliever”07:00 — Protecting the Church From Public Sin08:10 — What Churches Get Wrong About Discipline09:15 — Is Dating a Non-Christian Actually Sin?10:00 — Restoration vs Punishment11:00 — Why Gentleness Matters12:10 — How Churches Should Confront Sin14:00 — Membership, Removal, and Restoration15:00 — Truth, Compassion, and LGBTQ Questions16:30 — Mercy Without Compromising Truth17:20 — The Goal of Discipline Is Restoration18:00 — Final Thoughts and Recommended ResourcesKey Topics Covered-Church discipline and restoration-Dating non-Christians as a believer-The meaning of “unequally yoked”-Biblical confrontation and accountability-Matthew 18 and church discipline-Public sin in the church-Grace and truth in pastoral ministry-Cohabitation and sexual immorality-LGBTQ questions in the local church-Protecting weaker believers-Church membership and removal-Restoration through repentance-Compassion in difficult pastoral situations-Biblical wisdom for pastors and church leaders Links Mentioned: A Guide to Church Discipline by J. Carl Laney What Christ Thinks of The Church Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →Why Do We Call God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit The Trinity? (RERELEASE)
May 2100:10:34Tap to summarizeThe word “Trinity” never appears in the Bible… so why do Christians believe it? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Michael Easley answers a thoughtful question about the Trinity, early church history, and whether Christians should describe God more “mysteriously” rather than as three persons in one God. Dr. Easley explains why the doctrine of the Trinity matters, why common analogies often fail, and how Scripture consistently reveals the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together as one God. Using passages like Matthew 3 and 1 Corinthians 12, this conversation explores how the Trinity is taught throughout the Bible even if the specific word itself is not used. Dr. Easley also explains why rejecting the Trinity leads to major theological problems—including modalism and polytheism—and why the doctrine is essential to understanding salvation itself. If you’ve ever struggled to explain the Trinity, questioned whether it’s biblical, or wanted a clearer understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, this episode will help ground you in Scripture and strengthen your confidence in Christian doctrine. Key Topics Mentioned -Why the word “Trinity” is not found in Scripture -What the Trinity actually means -Why common Trinity analogies fail -Modalism explained -One God in three persons -Matthew 3 and Jesus’ baptism -1 Corinthians 12 and the work of the Spirit -The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in salvation -Early church debates about the Trinity -Monotheism and Christian doctrine -Why the Trinity matters for believers today Chapters 00:00 — “I Only Do What Pleases the Father” 00:19 — Why Isn’t the Word “Trinity” in the Bible? 01:05 — Why Analogies Like Water and Ice Fall Short 01:43 — A Biblical Definition of the Trinity 02:16 — Understanding the Trinity Diagram 02:48 — 1 Corinthians 12 and the Father, Son, and Spirit 03:36 — Why the Trinity Matters for Salvation 04:01 — Matthew 3 and Jesus’ Baptism 04:38 — The Father Sends the Son and Spirit 05:09 — One God, Not Three Gods 05:44 — A Conversation with a Rabbi About the Trinity 06:16 — God Is One in Essence, Three in Persons 07:10 — Distinct Roles Within the Trinity 07:30 — Jesus and Submission to the Father 08:02 — Explaining the Trinity to Children 08:30 — Final Thoughts on the Trinity Links Mentioned: The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →Why Did God Command Violence in the Old Testament?
May 1400:18:05Tap to summarizeWhat do you do with the hardest passages in the Bible? In this episode, Dr. E responds to a listener wrestling with one of the biggest objections people have about Christianity: Why did God command the destruction of entire nations in the Old Testament? Dr. Easley walks through passages in Joshua, Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, and 2 Kings while explaining the historical, theological, and spiritual context behind God’s judgment against the Canaanites and other nations. This conversation explores God’s sovereignty, justice, mercy, evil, idolatry, and why these passages still feel deeply difficult for believers today. Rather than avoiding the tension, this episode honestly addresses it—pointing listeners back to the holiness of God and ultimately to Jesus Christ, where justice and mercy meet at the cross. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult Bible passages or wondered how to answer skeptics who call God cruel or inconsistent, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 – Why These Passages Are So Difficult 01:52 – Understanding God’s Judgment in the Old Testament 05:09 – The Wickedness of the Canaanites 08:02 – Does God Take Pleasure in Judgment? 10:18 – Justice, Mercy, and the Cross of Christ 13:15 – Wrestling With God’s Sovereignty Key Topics Covered Why God commanded war in the Old Testament God’s justice and sovereignty The wickedness of the Canaanites Mercy, holiness, and judgment Difficult Bible passages explained Spiritual warfare in Scripture Romans 9 and the sovereignty of God How the cross fulfills justice and mercy Answering skeptical objections to Christianity Wrestling honestly with difficult theology Links Mentioned: Is God a Moral Monster? by Paul Copan Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →How Could Angels Rebel Against God?
May 700:19:05Tap to summarizeWhat really happened when Satan fell—and how could angels rebel against God in the first place? In this episode, Dr. E answers a deep theological question about heaven, angels, and the nature of evil. If heaven is perfect and without sin, how could rebellion ever exist? Dr. Easley explains the difference between the final, sinless heaven and the broader spiritual realms described in Scripture. He also explores what angels are (and aren’t), why their rebellion was rooted in pride, and what that means for believers today. This episode will help you better understand spiritual warfare, the unseen realm, and why Scripture calls us to stand firm—not fight—against spiritual forces. Chapters 00:00 – The Question: How Could Angels Rebel? 01:20 – Misunderstanding Heaven vs. Spiritual Realms 03:00 – What Is “Paradise” (Paradiso)? 05:00 – The Intermediate State Explained 07:30 – Awareness, Grief, and Hope in Paradise 09:00 – The Structure of the Angelic Realm 11:30 – What Angels Can and Cannot Do 13:30 – Satan’s Rebellion and the Root of Pride 15:00 – Why Angels Cannot Be Redeemed 16:30 – Spiritual Warfare: Stand Firm, Don’t Fight 17:30 – Final Thoughts Key Topics Covered -The difference between heaven, paradise, and the spiritual realms -Whether angels are omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent -Why Satan and other angels chose to rebel -The role of pride in both angelic and human fall -What happens after death before the final resurrection -Biblical descriptions of spiritual powers and authorities -How Christians should approach spiritual warfare -Why angels cannot experience redemption like humans If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →Does Ezekiel 33 Teach You Can Lose Salvation?
Apr 3000:11:31Tap to summarizeDoes Ezekiel 33 teach that you can lose your salvation? In this episode, Dr. E walks through a difficult Old Testament passage that often confuses both believers and skeptics. At first glance, it sounds like a righteous person can lose everything by sinning—or that a wicked person can earn their way back through good behavior. But is that really what Scripture is saying? Dr. Easley explains how this passage fits within the broader story of the Bible and why it doesn’t contradict the gospel of grace. You’ll see how both the Old and New Testaments consistently point to one truth: we are not saved by our works, but by God’s mercy alone. If you’ve ever struggled with questions about eternal security, felt like you had to “balance the scales” with God, or wondered how to explain salvation to a non-believer, this episode brings clarity and confidence straight from Scripture. Chapters 00:00 – We’re All Sinners: The Core Truth 00:18 – The Question from Ezekiel 33 00:36 – Why This Passage Feels Confusing 02:01 – What Ezekiel Is (and Isn’t) Saying 03:30 – The Bigger Biblical Picture 04:25 – No One Is Righteous (Romans 3) 05:00 – Saved by Grace, Not Works (Titus 3:5) 06:10 – God’s Purpose, Not Our Performance (2 Timothy 1:9) 07:00 – Can You Lose Salvation? (John 10) 07:40 – The Assurance of Eternal Life (1 John 5:13) 08:30 – Breaking the “Scales” Mentality 09:00 – Final Answer: What Really Saves You Key Topics Covered -Ezekiel 33 explained in context -Can a righteous person lose salvation? -Are we saved by works or grace? -What the Bible says about eternal security -Why “balancing good and bad deeds” is a myth -Old Testament law vs New Testament grace -Assurance of salvation in Christ -How to explain salvation to a non-believer Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →How Should Women Biblically Respond to Prejudice?
Apr 2300:16:24Tap to summarizeShould women vote? A viral video makes bold claims about women, leadership, and politics—but what does the Bible actually say? In this episode, Dr. E responds to a controversial perspective that blurs the lines between cultural opinion and biblical truth. He unpacks commonly misused passages, addresses the role of women in Scripture, and explains why Christians must be careful not to fuse political ideologies with their faith. From Eve and Proverbs 31 to Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3, this conversation brings clarity to what the Bible really teaches about men, women, and leadership—while pointing us back to what matters most: Christ’s unchanging authority over a chaotic world. No matter how loud the culture gets, believers are called to think critically, live faithfully, and rest in the sovereignty of Jesus. Chapters 00:00 Viral Video Reaction: “Women Shouldn’t Vote?” 00:56 Initial Response & Cultural Frustration 02:33 Eve, Adam, and Responsibility in the Fall 03:28 Proverbs 31: Wisdom, Not a Checklist 04:20 Strong Women Throughout Scripture 05:31 Ephesians 5: Roles or Responses? 06:32 Marriage, Submission, and Misunderstandings 07:40 Misleading Statistics & Cultural Narratives 08:30 Women, Influence, and Church History 09:40 Biblical Manhood & Womanhood Resources 10:05 1 Timothy 4 and Deception 11:01 Culture vs Scripture: Don’t Confuse the Two 12:09 Faith, Politics, and Discernment 13:36 Christian Nationalism & Cultural Tension 14:00 Jesus Is Still King Key Topics Covered -Can Christians mix politics and biblical truth? -Are women more “emotional” decision-makers? -What does the Bible actually say about women and leadership? -Is Proverbs 31 describing a literal woman or wisdom? -What do Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3 really teach about marriage? -How should Christians respond to extreme or misleading cultural claims? -Why discernment—not control—is the Church’s true influence -Resting in Christ’s sovereignty in a chaotic culture Links Mentioned The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth by Wayne Grudem Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →Why Aren't Catholics Encouraged to Read Their Bible?
Apr 1600:13:56Tap to summarizeWhy don’t many Catholics read the Bible—and are they actually discouraged from it? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley answers a thoughtful question from a listener who grew up Catholic and now wonders why Scripture often feels unfamiliar or inaccessible within that tradition. Dr. Easley walks through church history, including the impact of the Council of Trent, and explains how authority over biblical interpretation has traditionally been handled in the Catholic Church. Dr. Easley and Hanna discuss why every believer needs to engage Scripture personally, how the Protestant Reformation reshaped access to the Bible, and why studying God’s Word should happen in three key ways: individually, in community, and with trusted teachers. If you’ve ever wondered: Why don’t Catholics read the Bible as much? Who has the authority to interpret Scripture? Can I understand the Bible on my own? How should Christians study God’s Word today? This episode will help you think biblically and practically about the role of Scripture in your life. 👉 The bottom line: God gave us His Word to be read, understood, and lived. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:22 Listener Question: Why Don’t Catholics Read the Bible? 01:26 Dr. Easley’s Catholic Background 02:30 The Role of the Mass and Scripture Readings 03:10 The Council of Trent Explained 04:30 Authority and Interpretation of Scripture 05:35 Protestant Reformation and Justification by Faith 06:45 The Priesthood of All Believers 08:00 Personal Story: Being Told Not to Interpret the Bible 09:30 The Role of the Church Today 10:40 How Christians Should Study the Bible 11:30 Final Encouragement: Read Your Bible Key Topics Covered Catholic vs Protestant views of Scripture The Council of Trent and church authority Biblical interpretation and the role of the Church The priesthood of all believers Justification by faith vs works and sacraments How to study the Bible personally and in community Avoiding misinterpretation while growing in faith Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.
Transcribe →