Ask Dr. E

Who Are You Voting For and How Should Christians Vote? Oct 31, 2024

Full Question: Who are you voting for and how should Christians vote? What does the Bible tell us about making wise political decisions?

Links Mentioned:

Dr. Jeff Myers on inContext

Jason Yates on inContext

Dr. Cal Beisner on inContext

David Closson on inContext

Dr. Brian Baugus on inContext

To read the show notes, click here.

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Oct 24, 2024

Full Question: Should Christians participate in Halloween? Are we making a big deal out of nothing or are we engaging something that is evil?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Is Messianic Judaism a Valid Belief? Oct 17, 2024

Full Question: Messianic Judaism puzzles me. You have Jewish religion, you have Christianity, then you have something created in between the two in the 1960’s with that said is messianic Judaism a valid thing--this is all weird to me. Didn’t all the apostles that were Jews convert to Christianity (believers in Christ)? Am I right in saying that they never went back to their Jewish traditions and Jewish worship?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Do Musical Instruments Belong in The Church? Oct 10, 2024

Full Question: A work colleague of mine, and Church of Christ preacher on the side, often debate theology. The biggest debate topic is the idea of that musical instruments do not belong in the church; a well known tenant of the Church of Christ. I ask him what about David and his harp? And he quotes Amos 6:4-7.

He says there is no mention of instruments AFTER Amos, so they shouldn’t be used in worship, and has alluded to me that I may not be saved if I do go to a church that has instruments. Other members of the Church of Christ have essentially told me the same thing, or at least try to cast doubt on my salvation because of the instruments. Would love for this all to be put in-context!

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Are Our Tribulations Punishment or Just The Aftermath of a Fallen World? Oct 03, 2024

Full Question: I am currently reading through Judges and came across the passage in 9:23 “Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem, dealt treacherously with Abimelech,”

Since we have all sinned in the sight of God and are deserving of punishment, does this verse give credence to people who believe their struggles and trials are all some sort of punishment sent from God for their bad deeds? Obviously, our God is a God of justice, but also a God of grace who is in control of everything. Even the evil spirits of this world. Where do you feel the Bible lands on this issue?

Are our tribulations a result of God sending punishment or just the aftermath of a fallen world? If the answer is both, how do we discern between the two and encourage others toward the truth?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Was Simon the Magician in Acts 8 Saved? Sep 26, 2024

Full Question: Was Simon the magician in Acts 8 saved or was his faith fake? Can we know for sure?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does Isaiah 65 Support a Millennial Kingdom? Sep 19, 2024

Full Question: When reading about “the new heavens and a new earth,” in Isaiah 65:17-25, I read, in verse 20, about the youth will die at the age of one hundred and the one who does not reach the age of one hundred will be thought accursed.” I wonder if this is support for the idea of a millennial kingdom, or does this refer to some other time? Because it speaks of death, I imagine it is not speaking of the heaven we experience after our resurrection, but I am not sure what was meant by this passage. (Other pastors have been happy to skirt this question, but I know you better than that.)

Links Mentioned:

Bible.org

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Was Jesus Fully God and Fully Man on Earth? Sep 12, 2024

Full question: I send out a weekly email with 1 Bible verse, 1 quote, 1 question each week…. Recently I sent out an email that included Mark 1:35 and I wrote a little commentary that said: If the God-man (remember He was FULLY God and also fully man) needed to get up early in the morning, get away from all the people, and spend time in the presence of His Father-- HOW MUCH MORE DO WE?! I got an email back that said this: Almighty GOD is not a man nor has he ever been. Read a little deeper in your Bible. Learn his name and differentiate between the father and his son who also is a god but the one and only ALMIGHTY GOD. So, I thought it’d be fun to bring this to you, mi padre, and see how you would respond to this person.

Links Mentioned:

Sign up for The Weekly One

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Do I Know That I Love God? Sep 05, 2024

Full Question: How do I know that I love God? I read the Bible daily, I pray, practice spiritual disciplines, do all the things a Christian “should do” but how do I know that I really love God and am not just doing all those things because I know I’m supposed to or because I’m trying to earn His favor?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Form is God The Father? Aug 29, 2024

Full Question: What form is God the Father? If Jesus is the bodily man form, the Spirit is the spirit form, what is God the Father’s? Does He also have a body?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Should Christians Study Extra Biblical Books? Aug 22, 2024

Full Question: A friend of mine went out with a guy who believes that books like the book of Enoch and the suffering of Moses should be read along with the scripture and thus be treated as inerrant. Is this a new thing or have people always tried to include these books in scripture? Obviously in Catholicism they add books to the bible, so I’m guessing this is a similar situation. I’ve heard the teaching that Jude quotes the book of Enoch in his letter. So, should Christians study extra Biblical books?

Links Mentioned:

The Chicago Council on Biblical Inerrancy

Defending Inerrancy by Norman Geisler and William Roach

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Are Your Thoughts on AI as a Christian? Aug 15, 2024

Full Question: Michael, thanks for doing everything you do. Was curious to get your thoughts on AI. I’ve used Chat GPT and it’s almost like having a smart personal assistant. It’s also terrifying. I also see trailers for movies about robots taking over the world and it’s like... the warning signs are there - what are we thinking by moving forward even more so with this?! To give an inanimate object sentient. Is it un-similar to the Tower of Babel? We’re playing God, right?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can Satan and The Demonic Forces Read Our Minds? Aug 08, 2024

Full question: Can Satan and the demonic forces read our minds/hear our thoughts or are they limited to what we speak and do? I cannot find definitive evidence one way or the other in the Bible... So naturally I’ve heard teaching in churches leaning on both sides.

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Will We Have Free Will in Heaven? Aug 01, 2024

Full Question: I have always understood that, since God loves us, He gives us free will to choose Him or not choose Him. For those of us that go to heaven, will we still have free will there? If yes, what happens if, over trillions of years, someone decides to reject Him? If not, what is the nature of God in heaven?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can Someone be Gay and be a Christian? Jul 25, 2024

Full Question: I have several friends who are gay and profess to be Christians. How does that work? How do I ask them, or do I ask them, how they reconcile being gay and Christian with the Bible? Can someone be gay and be a Christian?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What is a Biblical Revival? Jul 18, 2024

Full Question: Can you discuss the revival issue? I’ve just seen it happening even in the small town I live in, to kids I know and love, and I have no clue how to approach it (and them) with love. Ultimately, Biblical revival is shown over time by the fruit it bears (if any), yet this generation seems obsessed with pop culture/IG/Tik Tok ‘theology’ and it worries me as I approach my own context of ministry.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Do You Go To Heaven After You Die? Jul 11, 2024

Full Question: Do you believe you go to heaven after you die? I’m just curious. I noticed you have been using “new heaven and new Earth” and such and I was just curious if you believe you go to heaven right after you die.

To read the show notes, click here.

Does The Bible Affirm The Existence of Ghosts? Jul 04, 2024

Full Question: My question is about ghosts. In Luke 24, Jesus says he is not a ghost because ghosts (or spirits) do not have flesh and bones. I wondered what or who the ghosts are that Jesus is referencing? I have respected Christian friends who believe that they’ve seen ghosts of their loved ones. I’ve heard others who say these encounters are all demonic or imaginary. It seems Jesus acknowledges that there are ghosts/spirits in this passage. What are your thoughts on this topic?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Do We All Worship The Same God? Jun 27, 2024

Full Question: Do Jews, Muslims, and Christians all worship the same God?” It is challenging for me to understand the answer to this topic, especially when we talk about the definition and nature of God - believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who is eternal with God and IS God (but Muslims and Jews do not believe the same). So, how could we all worship the same God if we do not believe the same nature and definition of who and what God is?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can a Single Person Commit Adultery? Jun 20, 2024

Full Question: My question is if a man or woman is not married and looks at another person lustfully did he/she commit adultery?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Do I Discern What Spiritual Gifts I Have? Jun 13, 2024

Full Q: Recently a young man in our Men’s Bible Study Group asked a good and relevant question — “ How do I discern or determine what spiritual gift(s) I have”? I supplied him with one of my historic books from 40 years ago but that got me wondering if inContext has discussed this issue in past podcasts or — if not, could Dr. E discuss and recommend a recent book or article, or even a spiritual assessment survey, for your audience’s information. I welcome your discussion on Spiritual Gifts, whether believers can have more than one spiritual gift, whether some spiritual gifts are no longer active in the church and whether some gifts are meant only for men and exclude women?

Links Mentioned:

Spiritual Gifts by Tom Schreiner

Dynamics of Spiritual Gifts by William McRae

Review of Spiritual Gifts by Tom Schreiner

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Is There Hope For My Bipolar Husband? Jun 06, 2024

Full Question: I've been wanting to ask this question from a pastor or somebody from the church, but I'm hesitant because I feel that I get branded as "other" and nobody ever knows what to tell me. It usually makes things awkward and so I've gotten used to just sneaking in and out of church without letting anyone get to know me or my family. It's actually quite easy to do these days as relationships are not easily pursued in church.

My husband is bipolar and to say it's been hard is a massive understatement. He does believe in Jesus and I see proof of God's work in his life. It is, however, very difficult in a much different way than most people describe difficulties in marriage. We only have one 5 year old daughter who has seen and heard things that she shouldn't have. I am just one person and cannot deal with the "all" of it that is our day to day. I've failed miserably at keeping her from witnessing some pretty traumatic stuff. I love my husband and he loves us. What does the word say about this type of situation? I've prayed and i trust the Lord. Is it just His will that we should be in this type of personal hell until death do us part? Is it the will of God for my daughter to be brought up in this environment? I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Maybe just some hope.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Happened After The Temple Curtain Tore? May 30, 2024

Full Question: When the temple curtain tore in two after Jesus died, did the Jews put a new one back up? If not, why?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Whose Name Should We Baptize in? May 23, 2024

Full Question: My sister and I can't agree on this. Should we be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit or just in the name of Jesus? I stand on Matthew 28:19 and she stands on Acts 19:5 and Acts 2:38.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does Confession to a Priest Count? May 16, 2024

Full Question: If I was to confess my sins to a priest or a religious leader who themselves is a bad moral character or a sinner, am I still absolved or would that nullify my confession?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Were Dinosaurs on The Ark? May 14, 2024

Full Question: What is your belief/interpretation of when God created dinosaurs, and why were they not on Noah’s ark?

Links Mentioned:

Answers in Genesis

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can a Person Get Saved Through Seeing Visions or Having Dreams of Jesus? May 02, 2024

Full Question: Can a person get saved through seeing visions or having dreams of Jesus? or does salvation come by hearing the word of God, getting convicted of sin and then responding in faith? I’ve heard and read of stories especially from the Middle East of people (mostly Muslims) seeing visions of Christ and having dreams than waking up and converting to Christianity. Please clarify or explain ways of salvation (Biblically)

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Does Romans 1:24-28 Mean? Apr 25, 2024

Full Question: My question concerns Romans 1:24-28, where Paul is talking about the unrighteous, and how “God gave them up,” first in the “lusts of their hearts,” then to “dishonorable passions,” and finally to a “debased mind.”

What does it mean when God does this? Is it a progressive removal of divine restraints and consequences that push people closer and closer to “rock bottom?” Does it ever go to the point that God abandons the unrighteous and they can never be saved, or is there still hope for them through the Gospel? If there is still hope for them, why does Paul seem to put them in a special category of being “given up?” Wouldn’t they be in the same state as everyone else before conversion, i.e. biased to choosing sin over holiness until God changes their hearts?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Do You Consider Social Security to be Income That You'd Tithe On? Apr 18, 2024

Full Question: Do You Consider Social Security to be Income That You'd Tithe On?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

In Light of The Alistair Begg Controversy, Can We Attend in Love Without Compromising Our Faith? Apr 11, 2024

Full Question: Alistair Begg is in the headlines for his advice to a woman to attend her grandson’s gay marriage ceremony. I’ve also heard one of your previous episodes on the subject. The issue has hit close to home with a brother-in-law who has chosen this lifestyle. A hypothetical marriage combined with Alistair Begg’s advice made for an interesting Valentines date conversation with my wife. How do we juxtapose attending “in love” with “not compromising our faith”.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Happens to People Who Don’t Have Access to God’s Word? Apr 04, 2024

Full Question: There are people in the world in remote locations that have no access to God’s Word in their language. What happens to them when they die?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Did Judas go to Heaven? Mar 28, 2024

Full Question: Do you think that Judas is in heaven? Does that Bible say anything about that? Is there any way to know for sure?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Should Our Stance on Homosexuality be as Christians? Mar 21, 2024

Full Question: What is your stance on homosexuality? How should we relate to the LGBTQ+community?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

When Newborn Babies Die Where Do They Go? Mar 14, 2024

Full Question: When newborn babies die, (or stillborn or aborted) where do they go? Does Scripture tell us anything about this?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

After Someone Becomes a Follower of Christ Can They Stop Sinning? Mar 07, 2024

Full Question: After someone becomes a follower of Christ, is there any way for them to not sin aside from their gratitude and obedience to God?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Did Other People Resurrect When Jesus Did? Feb 29, 2024

Full Question: After the death of Jesus in Matt 27:52-53 it states that, 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Does this mean that physical bodies resurrected and witnessed to people or does it symbolize their spiritual accession into heaven?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Why Doesn’t God Condemn Polygamy in The Old Testament? Feb 22, 2024

Full Question: In the Bible, kings like David and Solomon had literal 100’s of wives, and yet, God never condemns their polygamy. In the New Testament, a woman who has had a mere 5 husbands is condemned by Jesus as a sinner. How can God have such a double standard?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Should Christians Always Obey The Government? Feb 15, 2024

Full Question: If the Bible says to follow the rules of the land, what if they outlaw the Bible or force you to bow down to other gods?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Did God Create All The Planets? Feb 08, 2024

Full Question: Did God create all the planets? And if so, what all is out there if there is an infinite number of galaxies and planets?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

If God Hates Religion, What Should I Do as a Religious Man? Feb 01, 2024

Full Question: If God hates religion, what should I do as a religious man? What does religion actually mean?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does it Take Anything Besides Belief That Jesus is Lord to Get into Heaven? Jan 25, 2024

Full Question: Does it take anything besides belief that Jesus is Lord to get into heaven and can I do anything to get out of that?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does Prayer Change The Providence of God? Jan 18, 2024

Full Question: Does prayer change the providence of God? Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to make a case against prayer. I just wonder if we pray in the right way or for the right things?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does God Need Our Prayers? Jan 11, 2024

Full Question: I was recently in a conversation with a group of guys about answered prayers. One guy shared how years ago a group of them traveled to a foreign country on a mission trip and when they got there, they discovered that there was a need to build a house for orphan children. He said that night they all prayed about it and the next morning they got news that someone had offered to match up $50K in donation. He said that was confirmation of answered prayer. Was God waiting for that group of people to pray before He put in on the heart of another guy to donate a match? If no one prayed would the orphans still need a home? If God knew before the foundations of the earth who would be saved how does prayer affect those who we pray for to be saved?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Why Does God Only Answer Some Prayers? Jan 04, 2024

Full Question: Does the “more Christian” a person is affect if prayers are answered? Why do some receive healing and others don’t?

Links Mentioned:

ADE Episode 168

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does The Number of People Praying Affect if God Answers? Dec 28, 2023

Full Question: It is always nice to know that people are praying for you. But does the number of people praying affect if God answers the prayer? Does the more popular you are, increase the likelihood to see answered prayer?

Links Mentioned:

Handbook to Prayer by Kenneth Boa

Arthur G. Bennett- The Valley of Vision

Joy and Strength by Mary Tileston

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Should Pastors Approach The Gospels? Dec 21, 2023

Full Question: I’m currently a student at Truett Seminary, and am taking a Scriptures class over the Gospels. That has prompted this question: When preaching and teaching from the Gospels, particularly the synoptics, how do we approach passages that have differing or additional material in the other accounts? Should we harmonize, preach/ teach each account, preach it purely expository, or something else?

Links Mentioned:

Dr. Morris Proctor on Matthew 26:36-46

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Did The Disciples Leave Their Families to Follow Jesus? Dec 14, 2023

Full Question: Did the disciples leave their families to follow Jesus? Were they married with children? It seems that Jesus wouldn’t have them abandon wives and children, right?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Why Does God Punish The ‘Children’s Children’? Dec 07, 2023

Full Question: We’ve been following a chronological bible study plan together since the new year, and we’re really struggling to get through portions of the Old Testament, namely places where God’s wrath is in the foreground. After reading about the Rebellion of Korah, we were hit with a very troubling question about God’s ‘rightness’ to not only punish those who rebelled, but their children as well... We know that God is sovereign and His ways are higher than ours, and that’s so far been the only real answer to our struggles. Do you have further biblical understanding of why God would kill or order the death of children, infants, or otherwise ‘innocent’ people on account of the sins of their parents?

Links Mentioned:

Is God a Vindictive Bully? by Paul Copan

Paul Copan on inContext

Ask Dr. E: What Sin Caused God To Take The Lives of Ananias and Sapphira?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Were The Angels Made as Beasts of The Field? Nov 30, 2023

Full Q: Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. And as far as I understand, Satan was (is) an angel. Were the angels made as beasts of the field?

Links Mentioned:

Angels Elect and Evil by C. Fred Dickason

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Should The Lack of Oversight in Non-Denominational Churches Concern us? Nov 23, 2023

Full Q: I’d like to visit a denominational church such as a PCA church or an Anglican Church - both Protestant churches. We go to a bible teaching church right now but for some reason I’m concerned about non-denominational churches not having oversight or connected to a larger church body for direction. I understand having elders but just feel having a mothership if you will church with layers may be better. If we go to a bible teaching church now, perhaps I should be grateful even with my doubts of non-denominational?

Further to my question about possibly leaving a non-denominational church (albeit scripture taught) and looking at a conservative Protestant church like the PCA or Anglican think institutional unity is important. Ultimately my unity lies in Jesus and his followers as a whole but is there something important scripturally about having an earthly unified church. Is there something scripturally important or pointed about being with believers in a unified earthly church setting? On one hand every few years there occurs a split and is self perpetuating when they don't agree then just split even though they yearn for unity.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What is The Will of God? Nov 16, 2023

Full Question: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” What is the will of God??

Links Mentioned:

Decision Making and The Will of God by Garry Friesen

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Are Biblical Hermeneutics at Odds With Dispensational Theology? Nov 09, 2023

Full Q: Hi Dr. E, you recently described reformed theology and I found that incredibly helpful! Can you talk about a biblical hermeneutic and some ways it might be at odds with dispensational theology?

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

If Someone Goes to Hell, Are They Still Made in The Image of God? Nov 02, 2023

Full Q: If Someone Goes to Hell, Are They Still Made in The Image of God? Dr. Michael Easley explains the image of God.

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Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Sin Caused God To Take The Lives of Ananias and Sapphira? Oct 26, 2023

Full Question: What did Ananias and his wife Sapphira do in Acts 5:3-4 that would cause God to take their lives so quickly? I have always considered this to be blaspheming. Am I wrong? It couldn't be because they lied; I know we would all be dead. The Holy Spirit had led them to sell their property so that it could be shared by all and out of greed (representative of the acts of sin through Satan) they thought they knew better than God of where that money should be allocated. I believe they promised the whole amount to share among all and then reneged on that promise. Matthew 5:33-36 It is better not to promise anything and then if the spirit leads then to share or as Christ put it not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing (not giving Satan a foothold into the decision) Matthew 6:3-4.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What Does it Mean to be a 5-Point Calvinist? Oct 19, 2023

Full Question: I follow most of your podcasts and have listened to almost all of your "Michael Easley Sermons". Somewhere along the way I heard you say you were more of a "5 Point Spurgeon than a Calvinist". Can you please possibly explain further on this statement? I believe I am a "5 pointer" but I am unsure exactly if Spurgeon believed along those lines as well or if he had a slightly different view.

Links Mentioned:

Michael Easley Sermons Podcast

The Extent of the Atonement: Limited Atonement Versus Unlimited Atonement (Part One)

The Extent of the Atonement: Limited Atonement Versus Unlimited Atonement (Part Two)

Pocket Dictionary of The Reformed Tradition by Kelly M. Kapic and Wesley Vander Lugt

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Will There Be Dogs in Heaven? Oct 12, 2023

Full Q: I just learned that my little velty has a tumor in his bladder and I think I know what that means. I call him a velcro doggie. He's been my constant companion for 10 years and helped me through some really rough times including when my husband passed away 4 years ago. He's very bright and he follows me everywhere. Sometimes I look at him and I wonder if I could be as devoted as my doggy is to me. If I could be that devoted to God, I would be a better person. Anyway, some of my friends say we won't see our pets in heaven and some say we will. All I know is there's a phrase about the lion will lay down with the lamb, but I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this. It kind of gives me comfort to think that I'll see my Riley again in heaven, but I'm not sure that's right.

To read the show notes, click here.

Is it Wrong to Lay Out a Fleece? Oct 05, 2023

Full Q: A good friend of mine is wrestling with whether to close his business or not. He wants clarity from the Lord on what direction he should go but feels like he is getting silence. The topic came up in our discussion of "laying out a fleece" before the Lord as Gideon did in the book of Judges. We were both stumped, though, and also feeling like that was putting God to the test which we are warned not to do in Exodus 17 when the Israelites tested God at Massah. I tried reading both of these passages in context but still was met with some confusion.

Is it wrong to "lay out a fleece" or is testing God something completely different? God did honor Gideon's request after all. Also, if we feel like we're hearing silence from the Lord in a major life decision, what are we missing and what might be the next step in seeking His help? Thanks for your wisdom on this one.

To read the show notes, click here.

Did The Sun Stand Still in Joshua 10:12-15? Sep 28, 2023

Full Question: Do you think there is anything more to the passage, Joshua 10:12-15? The NASB says “the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies… the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.” I’ve heard everything from this being a solar eclipse to scientists at NASA discovering a “lost day”. Appreciate your thoughts!

Links Mentioned:

Bible.org

To read the show notes, click here.

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What Does it Mean to Practically Take Up Your Cross? Sep 21, 2023

Full Q: What does it mean to “take up your cross” as a person in Franklin, TN? In other words, a person who is relatively speaking “well off”, doesn’t experience persecution, etc? Perhaps a seemingly unrelated follow up– does this life somehow prepare us or allow us to practice for the next?

To read the show notes, click here.

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Thoughts on Aliens Being Brought up in Congress Sep 14, 2023

Full Q: What are your thoughts on aliens (like the extraterrestrial ufo ones) being brought up as a real thing in Congress? What does this mean for the Bible? If aliens are real are they the ones that bring on the end of the world?

To read the show notes, click here.

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What is Jephthah's Vow? Sep 07, 2023

Full Q: What do you think about Jephthah’s vow to sacrifice whatever came out of his house in return for his victory in battle that resulted in the sacrificing of his daughter?

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Did Christ go to Hell and Preach The Gospel? Aug 31, 2023

Full Question: What was Christ’s purpose in going and proclaiming to the saints in prison? What are 1 Peter 3:18 and 1 Peter 4:4 all about?

Links Mentioned:

Constable’s Notes

Did Jesus Spend Saturday in Hell?

Read the show notes here.

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What Does it Mean to Blaspheme/Grieve/Quench The Holy Spirit? Aug 24, 2023

Full Question: I’m afraid I committed the unpardonable sin and blasphemed the Holy Spirit. What can I do to get the Holy Spirit back? Have I messed up so badly that God won’t forgive me? What does it mean to blaspheme, grieve, and quench the Holy Spirit? How are they different and what scripture backs this up?

To read the show notes, click here.

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How Do I Obey and Follow God’s Will? Aug 17, 2023

Full Q: I have now lived in NYC for a year and a half, and I've felt very stagnant and alone in my faith. I've never not believed in Christ and that he died for us, or in God. I somehow always have the battle of "doing good works." meaning, I haven't done much at all to learn, and I keep sinning. With everything online nowadays (especially tiktok), I keep seeing messages being spread on the end being near.

I know fear does not come from the Lord, but I sin and sin, ask for forgiveness and still have fear, because of this, if Jesus will take me into His arms because my thoughts are telling me im taking advantage of His forgiveness. I've been lazy in finding a Christian community, lazy in studying my Bible, and lately have only been thinking about death. When I commit a 'big' sin, I usually cry the next day about it and beg for forgiveness. I don't know how to hear what he wants me to do.

To read the show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can Women Baptize People in The Church? Aug 10, 2023

Full Question: A friend of mine, in Chattanooga, is upset because his Baptist church is starting to allow women to baptize. They have only men as elders and deacons, but he is afraid this could turn into other things. I argue that the New Testament is silent on this, and should not make a difference. But now, I’m second guessing that and would love to know your thoughts!

To read the show notes, click here.

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How to Parent a Prodigal Aug 03, 2023

Full Q: My second child (19) has turned her back on the Lord and is "reconstructing" her world view. She has stopped attending Church. She has gone distant with all her Christian friends from childhood. She has moved out and is living with her boyfriend. My question is this: should I cut off all financial support, including the tuition I am paying from the 529 I already funded?

Links Mentioned:

Resources from Dr. Jay Burns

To read the show notes, click here.

Has The Lord's Prayer Been Misinterpreted? Jul 27, 2023

Full Q: Has The Lord's Prayer been misinterpreted ... Does the line “give us today our daily bread” mean daily food or the bread of life? Does the Greek word epiousios used in the prayer have another possible meaning?

To read the show notes, click here.

To watch clips on Youtube, click here.

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What is The Difference Between Anglican and Evangelical? Jul 20, 2023

Full Q: What’s the difference between anglican and evangelical? I was looking into Logos & answering their quiz questions on how to determine what type of study software I should get.

To read the full show notes, click here.

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Is Lordship Salvation an Accurate Belief? Jul 13, 2023

Full Q: I’ve heard both John MacArthur and Francis Chan teach we must fully surrender to Christ’s lordship in our lives in order to receive the gift of salvation. How could someone be mature enough at the point of salvation to fully know what it means to follow Christ without time for sanctification to occur?

Links Mentioned:

The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Ens

To read the full show notes, click here.

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Can You Define Reformed, Calvinism, and Arminianism? Jul 06, 2023

Full Q: Can you please explain a few terms that I am hearing more frequently and direct me to some Biblically sound resources to learn more? Reformed-In the context of -“She has come out as being reformed.” Calvinism, and Arminian.

Links Mentioned:

What is Reformed Theology? Ask Dr. E Ep. 141

What is TULIP and How Does it Relate to Calvinism? Ask Dr. E Ep. 142

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What is TULIP and How Does it Relate to Calvinism? Jun 29, 2023

Short Summary: What does the TULIP acrostic mean, how does it relate to John Calvin/Calvinism, and what is the history behind it all?

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What is Reformed Theology? Jun 22, 2023

Full Q: Reformed theology seems to be creeping into many churches and denominations. I’ve always associated “old earth”/nonliteral 6 days of creation, limited atonement, amillennialism, infant baptism and replacement theology to be tenets of reformed doctrine but since these positions are not widely accepted by some of the so-called reformed churches, I’m not clear now on what is meant when someone says they are reformed. So, what is reformed theology?

Links Mentioned:

Heidelberg Catechism

To read the full show notes, click here.

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What is Experiential Worship? Jun 15, 2023

Q: Hello Dr. Easley, I'm trying to understand the term, "experiential worship”. Can you help me understand?

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Let's Talk About Demon Possession Jun 08, 2023

Question: Why do exorcisms seem to be predominantly in the domain of the Catholic Church? Do Protestants in general not believe possession can happen anymore, and if we do, are the Catholic methods the best practices? This may be too big of a question for the "Ask Dr. E" podcast but it's been on my mind and heart a lot lately.

Links Mentioned:

Angels Elect and Evil by C. Fred Dickason

To read the full show notes, click here.

Is There Such a Thing as The Spirit of Suicide? Jun 01, 2023

Full Q: If we are IN Christ is there a way that demonic activity can still be “brought into” our lives? Or is it just sin, not necessarily demonic activity? I see a lot of things with this lingo and it never sits right with me but I'm curious about your thoughts. Also naming all the spirits “suicide, addiction” etc isn’t it all just either from the devil or from God? Not all these different spirits?

Links Mentioned:

Angels Elect and Evil by C. Fred Dickason

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

To read the full show notes, click here.

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What Does The Bible Say About Do Not Resuscitate Orders? May 25, 2023

Full Question: What does the Bible say about death and dying, and how it applies Do Not Resuscitate orders? I am an ICU nurse and I deal with death on a regular basis, and lately I've been having conversations with God about it and wanted to see your thoughts.

I was thinking and praying about families who hold on to their loved ones with very poor prognosis and they want aggressive treatment, and how it's almost "un-Christian" to be a DNR, akin to even murder.

I was talking to God and I thought about how in the Bible, it talks a lot about dying and how it can happen at any moment, and that it is finishing the race, fighting the good fight, and not to cling to our life on this earth. But it’s really heartbreaking for me to see families that profess the faith and go through this dilemma and I wanted some more Godly insight on the subject.

Links Mentioned:

Bible.org

Bio Basics: Suicide and Euthenasia

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does Speaking in Tongues Signify Salvation? May 18, 2023

Full Question: I have been attending a church with my family for several years now, and they teach that you are not truly saved unless you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I was raised in church, and have been a member of multiple denominations and hadn’t heard this before. I don’t doubt my own salvation having the foundation I have, but I do struggle with inviting unbelieving friends to church when I disagree with this belief, and my family doesn’t understand why.

I attend my church out of respect and obligation to my family, and because we do have friends we adore there, and I drink up all of your sermons, teachings, and series, and am also enjoying Warren Weirsbe’s books of the Bible series, but am also wondering if that’s enough or if I should consider finding a church home elsewhere.

Links Mentioned:

Michael Easley inContext Youtube

Books of The Bible Commentaries by Warren Wiersbe

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How Did God Put The Canon of Scripture in Place? May 11, 2023

Full Q: How did we come by 66 books instead of 73? I know you said it is written through man by God so why do we not follow and read all 73 books? Love your podcasts, all 3 of them. They have helped me learn and come closer to God. They have also helped me figure out what I like to hear in a church.

Links Mentioned:

Michael Easley inContext Youtube

To read the full shows notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Is God's Presence in Hell? May 04, 2023

Full Question: Is God’s presence in hell? Revelation 20:10 says, “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Who torments the devil and the beasts forever?… God? I would love to be enlightened but I always thought hell was the total absence of God.

Links Mentioned:

Revelation of Jesus Christ by John Walvoord

Tom Constable’s Notes

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How do we Evangelize to Catholics and Other Denominations? Apr 27, 2023

Full question: We tend to evangelize only to those who don't know Jesus at all. I think I am just curious how important it is to evangelize to Catholics, or those who aren't exactly believing everything theologically "correct". I understand Mormons believe very different things about God and Jesus and can see why we would need to spread the gospel to them. But what about people who are believing Mary was sinless or that we have to work for our faith? How do we go about this?

Links Mentioned:

Reasoning From The Scriptures With The Catholics by Ron Rhodes

To read the full show notes, click here.

Is The Perpetual Virginity and Sinlessness of Mary Sound Theology? Apr 20, 2023

Full Question: I wanted to see what you thought about the perpetual virginity and sinlessness of Mary. I grew up never having talked about this but a friend of mine has been explaining this church doctrine to me. In my research, I found that apostles and church leaders, including ones that evangelicals look up to like Martin Luther and Zwingili, believed and didn’t question this doctrine. I’m torn on the issue but want to know your thoughts and the implications of believing or not this doctrine and whether it is sound theology.

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Do You Know Christ is in You? Apr 13, 2023

Full Q: How do you know Christ is in you? I look back on my words and don't see a very nice person. I have asked Him to change me, and I keep repeating the same things.

Links Mentioned:

The Testimony of The Evangelists by Simon Greenleaf

Keep in Step With The Spirit by J. I. Packer

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Where Did Pharaoh's Magicians Get Their Power? Apr 06, 2023

Full question: I’m curious about Exodus 7:10-11, and really this whole part of the Exodus story, where pharaoh’s magicians were repeatedly able to duplicate the miracles Moses and Aaron performed. How were they able to do this, and does this mean that there’s more to the idea of magic than we think?

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Will There Be Queso in Heaven? Apr 01, 2023

Full Question: Is there any Biblical support that there will be chips and queso in heaven? I’ve heard some say the streets of gold might actually be cheese. Do you think there is any validity here?

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Do You Choose a Church? Mar 30, 2023

Full Question: My Fiancé and I are getting married in December and are moving to Bowling Green, Kentucky. We’ve both gone to the same church our entire lives and will be starting the process of looking for a church home. I just wanted to ask you for some guidance in how to find the right church and how to separate necessities (non-negotiables) from preference? As well as overcoming pride and the expectations of what we’ve already experienced in a church our whole lives and being disappointed when a church isn’t exactly that?

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Why is Wisdom a Woman in Proverbs? Mar 23, 2023

Full Q: I've got a good one that came up in a small group tonight! In Proverbs (and probably many other places) why is wisdom a woman? It's obviously referring to Jesus in many ways. But regardless, why female?

Related Resources

Proverbs 31 Woman Ask Dr. E

Michael Easley Sermons Proverbs Series

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Are There Different Levels of Sin? Mar 16, 2023

Full Q: We are studying Romans. We were in chapter 2:1-16 today. The person leading today made an interesting comment. She said there are “degrees” of sin. Many tried to ask her to explain and a few tried to point out that the consequences are different but sin is sin in God’s eyes. She was using scripture but it was very confusing. What does God’s Word say about this and could you give me specific scriptures to study?

To read the full show notes, click here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Should Christians Watch The Chosen? Mar 09, 2023

Full Q: I would love to know your thoughts about how we should take the series, The Chosen? So many Christians, we know, are watching it and there have been over 400 million views worldwide. We love the idea of Jesus and the Disciples going viral, but have a few problems with our kids seeing some of the creative additions, such as: Jesus appearing to practice, to get his words right, before having a sermon (he’s God right?) and Mary Magdalene being called Lilith. We’d like to support it, but also have reservations.

Read the full show notes here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Is Letting ‘Jesus Take The Wheel’ The Right Perspective? Mar 02, 2023

Full Q: I’ve heard a lot of people say “let Jesus take the wheel,” meaning Jesus takes control of your life and “steers” it where he wants. I have also heard someone compare it to Jesus being in the passenger seat. He tells you where to go, and you can either obey him or go your own way. I kind of feel like “Jesus take the wheel” isn’t realistic because you aren’t forced to obey him. What do you think? Which view is more realistic?

Read the full show notes here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Should Christians Respond to Gay Marriage? Feb 23, 2023

Full Q: I’m having a hard time with responding as to why I can’t attend a gay wedding… I have a friend that’s gay, she’s getting married and she’s invited me. I’ve declined, but she would like to know why I cannot attend… she’s not a believer. I stumble upon my words because I see from a worldly perspective how it can be interpreted as judgmental and non loving. I’m really struggling…she’s expressed to others that she’s hurt by the lack of support she’s receiving. I do not want to reflect anything other than Christ's love and I don’t feel peaceful with not addressing, any biblical guidance would greatly help! What are we called as Christian’s to do in these circumstances? How is her sin any different than the sins we commit daily?

Read the full show notes here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

What are Some Resources For Understanding The Bible in Context? Feb 16, 2023

Full Q: What are some good resources for understanding the culture and society of the Old Testament times and the New Testament times?

Links mentioned:

Life and Times of Jesus The Messiah by Alfred Edersheim

Dr. Tom Constable's Notes

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey

Talk Thru The Bible by Kenneth Boa and Bruce Wilkinson

The Words and Works of Jesus Christ by J. Dwight Pentecost

Read the full show notes here.

Are We Able to See Any of The Stones of Remembrance? Feb 09, 2023

Full Q: Are we able to see any of the stones of remembrance that the Bible talks about? I’ve always wondered if they have found piles of stones in the Holy Land that might be stones of remembrance.

Read the full show notes here.

Is There a Possibility That God Created Life on Other Planets? Feb 02, 2023

Full Q: Is There a Possibility That God Created Life on Other Planets? And if so, would salvation look the same or would the life on that planet even receive salvation?

Read the full blog post here.

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What if I Continue Struggling With The Same Sin? Jan 26, 2023

Question: "No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning".

"No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him".

What does it mean when we repent from a sin (repeatedly) but just cannot seem to “shake it“, in light of these verses?

Read the full blog post here.

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Is Forgiveness Conditional? Jan 19, 2023

I was conflicted recently hearing that "forgiveness is conditional"; that we are to forgive like God forgives, giving the scripture 1 John 1:9; that it would be unfair to Christ to forgive without the offending person repenting. Is forgiveness conditional?

Read the full blog post here.

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Will We See Our Loved Ones in Heaven? Jan 12, 2023

Full Q: To expand on the question “Can our loved ones see us from heaven” will we see our loved ones when we get to heaven? Will the relationships still be the same? Will we remember our lives on earth with each other? Will we still love them or will all our love be redirected to only Christ?

I have breast cancer and my grandmother died of breast cancer when I was two. I have no memory of her but I know she was a Christian. I really want to meet her and find out what her life was like. From your answer to the other question she probably has no idea what my life has been like since we can’t see down from heaven. But does the light dim so much she won’t know who I am?

Links Mentioned:

Can Our Loved Ones See us From Heaven?

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Read the full blog post here.

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Why Does Jesus Tell The Man to Wash The Mud Off His Eyes? Jan 05, 2023

Full Q: Why does Jesus tell the man to do something (wash the mud off his eyes) when in other places like Matthew 9:30, He just heals people without them doing anything?

Read the full blog post here.

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Are There Still Apostles Today? Dec 29, 2022

Q: My husband and I were driving and passed by a church where the sign said the church was led by "Apostle So-and-so." It made us wonder, are there still apostles today?

Read the full blog post here.

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How Often Should Something be Prayed About? Dec 22, 2022

Q: When we are faced with decisions and seeking the Lord through prayer and His word, how often should something be prayed about?

Resources Mentioned:

Barbara Brand inContext episode

Cindy Easley inContext episode

Robert Morgan inContext episode

Kenneth Boa - Handbook to Prayer

Kenneth Boa inContext episode

Arthur G. Bennett - The Valley of Vision

Read the full blog post here.

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How Do We Steward Our Inheritance in Line With Proverbs 13:22? Dec 15, 2022

I have a question specifically about the verse Proverbs 13:22 which reads a good man leaves his inheritance for his children’s children. This verse is haunting to us as we are in the middle of restructuring our living will here in Tennessee and our grown son is not wise with money and has no wherewithal or interest. Basically, we are leaving our legacy to the church. How do we grapple with this verse? Our son is not married and has no inclination toward getting married anytime soon with the way his lifestyle is. Help!

Find the full blog post here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Is it a Waste of Time to Speculate Over Biblical Archaeology? Dec 08, 2022

Question: I’ve always been fascinated with biblical archaeology. Is it a waste of time to speculate over such things?

Resources Mentioned

J. Randall Price and H. Wayne House - Zondervan Handbook of Biblical Archaeology

The Bible and Spade Magazine

Biblical Archaeologist

Read the full blog post here.

Can We Be Cast Out of Heaven? Dec 01, 2022

Q: If Satan was cast out of Heaven, can we (being believers after death and during our eternal lives in heaven) also be cast out of Heaven? If we struggle with pride, selfishness, and greed now, what’s to say we are or aren’t going to be capable of falling like Satan?

Read the full blog post here.

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Can You Test God With Your Offerings? Nov 24, 2022

Q: Could you explain the concept of "testing God with your offerings"? Does God "return favors" to us? Where is the line with the prosperity gospel in regards to offerings?

Resources Mentioned:

Joyce Baldwin- Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi

Lewis Sperry Chafer- Systematic Theology

Craig A. Blaising, “Malachi,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

Read the full episode blog post here.

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Is The Great Commission a Command For All Believers? Nov 17, 2022

I’ve often heard churches and pastors tell believers that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is binding on all believers. It is often the explicit or functional mission statement of churches. That all seems good. But I have wondered…

If this is the case, why is it so difficult to find any Epistles clearly repeating this command or commanding Christians to evangelize and baptize disciples directly?

We see passages like 1 Peter 3:15 calling for a life of faithfulness that provokes outsiders - and to be prepared to defend our hope. But in my reading, it is difficult to find one verse from Paul or Peter compelling people to evangelize to make disciples actively. Instead, most of what I read focuses the believers on loving one another and living and suffering well in the world.

Maybe I’m missing something, but I’ve wondered if the Great Commission is incumbent upon all believers in every local church - why didn’t Paul and the other writers clearly command us?

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Read the full blog post here.

Why Do We Practice Corporate Communion? Nov 10, 2022

Q: I don’t see anywhere in the Bible where after the description of Jesus sharing bread and wine during the Passover meals that it says that this should become a ritual… As in something that you do in church or at a gathering. I’ve often wondered why we don’t just do this at home every day. It’s like when we break bread at suppertime and have our drink why don’t we just say it and remember that Christ died for us broke his body and shed his blood for us. Does it have to be something that we do in church? When did communion and church become a thing? And how do the Scriptures support what we do?

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Read the full blog post here.

Proverbs 31 Isn't About a Woman?! Nov 03, 2022

Q: You always say we must take the word at its word. We don’t add or take away. You say not to worry about what we “think” it means, but what it does mean. A few weeks ago you mentioned that the Proverbs 31 woman was not really about what a woman should want to be but was about wisdom. This was a little surprising to me because since I’ve read it as a little girl it seems very cut and dry. It’s a lot less ambiguous than some of the verses and books of the Bible. I never looked at this passage as a burden. I always loved the fact that God took time to show us this amazing reflection of what I believe so many women do and are.

The ‘woman’ is used as a personification throughout wisdom literature. Solomon is using this personification of wisdom to teach his son, and us, what it looks like to choose wisdom or wickedness. It would not be a negative thing for a woman to dedicate herself to living out Proverbs 31, but this is simply using wisdom.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Read the full blog post here.

Should we use people's preferred pronouns when it's counter to God's truth? Oct 27, 2022

Question: What do you think of Christians using pronouns for themselves and others who demand we address them with their preferred pronouns? I feel like by using pronouns for myself and others; I'm conforming to the culture and, in turn, humoring those individuals that identify as they/them and other opposing pronouns that don't line up with their biological sex. I don't want to make them feel disrespected, but at the same time, I don't want to conform to their false truth. I want to tell them the truth in love.

Read the full blog here.

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Was Sexual Desire Present Before The Fall? Oct 20, 2022

Before the fall, God invented sex as a form of intimacy to be a blessing within marriage. Therefore, we have always been sexual beings. It is important to know that within God’s purpose, it is not sin, but outside of this purpose, it is sin. Sexual intimacy is a gift of God to a husband and wife, and it is a wonderful blessing.

Check out the blog post here.

Resources Mentioned:

Ed Wheat- Intended For Pleasure

Sandra Glan and Bill Cutrer- Sexual Intimacy In Marriage

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Why Do We Pray? Oct 13, 2022

Q: If everything happens for a reason, and things are predestined to happen, then why do we pray? How does prayer change things? I struggle with this area in my Christian life, and I think partly because I don’t understand and don’t know if my prayer makes a difference.

Resources Mentioned:

The Handbook To Prayer By Ken Boa

Andrew Murray- With Christ in the School of Prayer

Arthur G. Bennett- The Valley of Vision

Michael J. Easley- Interludes

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Check out the blog post.

How Do I Know if I Am Actually Growing? Oct 06, 2022

Q: How Do I Know if I Am Actually Growing?

Resources Mentioned:

The Handbook To Prayer By Ken Boa

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Read the Blog Post

What does it mean to "lift up your horn"? Sep 29, 2022

What does it mean to “lift up your horn” like in 1 Samuel 2:1a: “Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord.”?

Resources mentioned are all in our Show Notes.

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Can Women Be Deacons? Sep 22, 2022

Q: After listening to your episode on women in pastoral leadership (which I completely agreed with), I was wondering if you could answer another question from the same passage…

Scripture seems a little unclear on the service position of a deacon, at least compared to the office of an overseer/elder. So, were deacons an actual “office" in the first church, or were they simply servants/volunteers as the word denotes? Does verse 11 actually mean “women“ instead of “their wives“? If it does mean “their wives," why would elders’ wives not have any parameters also?

Find resources &. more in our Show Notes.

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Will I Get My Dream Home in Heaven? Sep 15, 2022

Q: I have a question about Heaven. I have a desire to have a home near water. It doesn’t matter if it is an ocean, river, or mountain lake. I would also like it to be big enough to host people for dinner or as a retreat. My dad had a desire to have a big home where the whole family could gather and we would have plenty of room for everyone. He went to Heaven before he was able to have that house.

My question is do you think our home in heaven will be our dream home? I know we’ll be completely satisfied with Jesus, but I just wonder if our longings on earth will be fulfilled in Heaven.

Visit our Show Notes for resources mentioned in this episode. Have a Biblical or theological question? Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Other reasoning aside, should Christian parents have their sons circumcised for theological reasons? Sep 07, 2022

Today's question is a follow-up to our recent episode about infant baptism. Based on comments Hanna and Michael both made during that episode, the question:

Health, cultural or traditional reasons aside, should Christian parents have their sons circumcised for religious or theological reasons?

Do you have a biblical or theological question? Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does the "good Shepherd" who goes after lost sheep refer to unbelievers or believers who have strayed? Sep 01, 2022

Q: Regarding the "lost sheep" and our Good Shepherd Who goes after even one: is that referring to unbelievers, or to someone who has strayed from the flock, and do they both "know His voice"?

A great question! Do you have a biblical or theological question?

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Why are Censuses usually considered sin in the Old Testament? Aug 25, 2022

Q: Why are censuses usually considered a sin in the OT? For example, 2 Samuel 24:9-10 says,

“Joab gave the king the total of the registration of the troops. There were eight hundred thousand valiant armed men from Israel and five hundred thousand men from Judah. David’s conscience troubled him after he had taken a census of the troops. He said to the Lord, 'I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away your servant’s guilt.'"

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What's the context of Jesus' statement in Matthew 16:28? Aug 18, 2022

“Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28

This week's question:

Can you please put into context the meaning of Jesus’s comment found in Matthew 16:28:

“Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

This is also found in Luke 9:27 and Mark 9:1, so must have been pretty significant to those that heard it.

Find resources mentioned at michaelincontext.com.

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Wait a Minute, Was John the Baptist Elijah? Aug 11, 2022

"And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come." Matthew 11:14

Q: Wait a minute, was John the Baptist Elijah?

A question more than a few careful students of scripture have pondered. Hear Dr. E's answer in this episode.

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Why did God create people who would reject Him? Aug 04, 2022

Q: Why did God create people who would reject Him?

A complicated question with an answer that's perhaps simpler than you'd think.

"If we say that God created man to destroy him, we make God capricious and malevolent. If we say man has complete free will, we brush up against the doctrine of election/predestination..."

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Is there a Biblical argument for Christians to use self-defense? Jul 28, 2022

Today's question: Is There a Biblical Argument for Christians to use Self-Defense?

Find resources mentioned at michaelincontext.com.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Why do we ask others to pray for us when we can pray for ourselves? Jul 21, 2022

A great question prompting a candid discussion about performative prayer, gossip, and the Biblical instruction to bear one another's burdens.

Q: My question has to do with the idea of asking others to pray for whatever. I follow several Christian social media groups, for example. I find myself overwhelmed by the requests for prayer, often for “Unspoken needs” as “God knows.” I have been dealing with a serious cancer for 5 years and I know the prayers of many have been pivotal.

On the other hand, I find myself wondering why we ask others to pray when we are able to pray for our concerns ourselves.

Is There No Accountability for Believers on Judgment Day? Jul 14, 2022

Q: The Bible says we will have an accounting for everything on the day of Judgement. If we are saved aren’t we spared from all the sins we’ve committed with Jesus standing by our side stating HE took our sins? Or are we still given an account of our life both good and sinful?

Along with this is- what about all the horrible sins committed by Christians while they were Christians- ie slavery, treating or mistreating others? Is there no accountability? What if a Christian insisted you do something you did not want to do, for example, a sin like abortion?

What is Sanctification? Jul 07, 2022

A number of terms become part of our vernacular as believers. We use these terms freely among fellow believers, non-believers, seasoned Christians, and those new to the faith. But we seldom stop to define these terms, which is why we love today's question:

What is Sanctification?

Do you have a question for Dr. E?

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How Did You Come to Christ? Jun 30, 2022

We've got a lot of new Ask Dr. E's listeners around these parts and we thought we'd give Michael 10 minutes to tell you a little bit more about himself and how he came to know the Lord.

Do you have a question for Dr. E? Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can you explain limited atonement? Jun 23, 2022

Q: My question is about the L in TULIP - limited Atonement. I have had trouble wrapping my mind around this and reconciling it with some of scripture. RC Sproul's term definite atonement has helped me and I think it is probably a more accurate term. But would like to hear what Dr. E has to say about this doctrine and scripture to support it.

Head to our show notes for all of the resources mentioned in Dr. E's answer.

Do you have a biblical or theological question for Dr. E?

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Did Jesus give the Apostles the power to forgive sins? Jun 16, 2022

Q: Jesus breathes on the disciples (John 20:22) and they receive the the Holy Spirit. Seems like creation account when He breathed life into Adam. It seems like a picture of we’re dead in our sins but when forgiven because of the cross, we receive new life, abundant and eternal life and the Holy Spirit dwells within us.

Why does John 20:23 seem to imply Jesus also conferring power to forgive sins to the disciples. Only God can forgive and Jesus spends first 17 chapters building the narrative of His oneness with the Father in all the I AM statements.

What is the point of conferring power to forgive in v23? This seems out of place giving all Jesus does to secure our forgiveness by dying on the cross and being resurrected. How should we think about this?

Are Billionaires Biblical? Jun 09, 2022

Q: In light of Elon Musk's twitter purchase, Shane Claiborne posted, "If people of faith practiced the biblical Jubilee, there would be no billionaires. Every generation was to forgive debts, free slaved, and redistribute property. (Leviticus 25) It was God's Way of systematically dismantling inequality." Is this for real?

What does "having no knowledge of good or evil" mean in Deuteronomy 1:39? Jun 02, 2022

Q: "Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it." (Deuteronomy 1:39)

Is "no knowledge of good or evil" a call back to the tree of knowledge of good & evil in Eden? This seems like language that would've brought that to an Israelite's mind immediately. I'm very curious about what Moses may have been telling them by using it, which may not be immediately obvious to us.

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Why does Jesus handle disabilities differently than instructed by Levitical law? May 26, 2022

Q: Why would God tell Moses that none of Aaron's descendants who had physical defects could come near to present offerings to the Lord (Lev. 21:16-24) but Jesus would later interact with, heal, and even touch the lame, blind, and crippled?

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What does Infant Baptism Accomplish? May 19, 2022

Q: Why do some Christian denominations practice infant baptism while others only practice believer baptism? What do practitioners believe infant baptism does/does not mean or accomplish?

How do you reconcile moments when you lack faith or don't trust God? May 12, 2022

Dr. E answers: How do you reconcile moments when you lack faith or don't trust God?

We can't overstate that we are fallen creatures in a fallen condition. We're going to doubt. I don't want to say it's normal and we should be okay with it, but I will say it's normal and it's okay.

He loves you and me when we fail. God can handle our doubtful prayers.

Faithfulness is the objective, not success.

What's so wrong with "Ask Jesus into your heart"? May 05, 2022

Q: What's so wrong with the instruction to "ask Jesus into your heart?"

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Are issues like homosexuality and transgenderism hills worth dying on? Apr 28, 2022

Q: Are (or why are) issues like homosexuality and transgenderism "hills worth dying on" for believers? Can't we agree to disagree with, for example, the Episcopalians, over differing interpretations of Scripture?

Don't let the culture define your identity in Christ.

I'm going to defend the scripture. Christians are afraid to say, "I'm not mad at you, I don't hate you, but that's not what the Scripture says."

Be loving and kind to your friends but don't back down.

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What Bible Should I Buy? Part 2 Apr 21, 2022

Part 2 of Dr. E's answer:

Q: I'm looking to buy a new Bible. What do you recommend?

Let's talk about translations, cross-references, footnotes, and other features within a Bible: what's best? What's helpful for personal study, and what might be extraneous?

What Bible should I buy? Part 1 of 2 Apr 14, 2022

Q: I'm looking to buy a new Bible. What do you recommend?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between all of the options for binding styles or materials used in available Bibles? Does it make a difference? What makes a Bible last longer, or makes it easier to use?

Dr. E shares practical tips for what and where to look for a new Bible.

Is Separatism a biblical mandate? Apr 07, 2022

This week's question comes from a caller wondering about legalism, separatism, earning God's approval, being judgmental. Dr. E offers advice on how to reframe the Christian life from living by a set of rules to living by the discipline and leading of God's Word, God's Spirit, and God's People.

Q: I grew up in a legalistic Baptist church... My question is about separation—[the church I grew up in] taught separation: you should stay away from the wrong people, wrong habits, wrong places, a list of do's and don't's. Of course, they used Scripture to back it up, but I just always battled and am re-thinking everything I believe. I don't want to be legalistic and judgmental, I want to quit earning God's approval. I'm having a hard time recalibrating my thinking, I don't want to live by a list of do's and don't's.

Do you have a biblical or theological question? Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Do I have to join a small group? Mar 31, 2022

Q: I’ve always thought community happens when you embrace the people God has put in your life and you choose to do life together with them. Some insist that you should join a “community group” with your church to properly do life with fellow believers. I find it difficult to join a group of people you don’t have anything in common with when you have people in your life already that you don’t see enough. I’d love your thoughts on this!

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Does spiritual warfare take place on earth? Mar 24, 2022

Q: Does spiritual warfare take place here on earth? Or in a spiritual realm? Or both?

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What are your thoughts on Young Life? Mar 17, 2022

Q: What are your thoughts on Young Life and its role in collaboration with local churches?

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What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and can there be more than 1 filling? Mar 10, 2022

Q: My question centers around the Holy Spirit. Given the diversity of conflicting views, what is the correct view. Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit separate from regeneration? When the word says "be ye filled" is this one filling of possibly many? What can we expect of the Holy Spirit as comforter?

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Salvation for children? Mar 03, 2022

Q: What does the scripture say about children that die without making a decision to follow Christ? i.e. a 4-6 year old? Is there an age of innocence? When does volition occur?

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Carcass and Vultures: What on earth is this verse talking about? Feb 24, 2022

Q: I am confused about Matthew 24:28 regarding vulture/carcass. Does it have anything to do with the Revelations and the great feast where all the birds are called?

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Can an "apostate" still get saved? Feb 17, 2022

Q: If one is an apostate, using the textbook definition of that, can that person still get saved? I have been told by someone very educated in apologetics that there is no return from that.

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Where was Jesus after His death but before His resurrection? Feb 10, 2022

Q: Where was Jesus (both God and man) during the time after His death and before His resurrection?

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Who were the Nephilim in Genesis? Feb 03, 2022

Q: Who were the Nephilim (first in Genesis 6) and what role did they play in the Old Testament? It also references lowercase sons of God. How is this differentiated from Jesus, the one and only Son of God?

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How do I talk to a friend in a cult? Jan 27, 2022

Q: Could you please offer any advice or wisdom you might have on what to say to a friend who is deep into a "christian" cult. I feel good about defending, explaining and preaching what the Bible and the Gospel actually say. And I also feel pretty good on explaining what I find very problematic on his beliefs. So I am mostly interested in any general tips on interaction. How do I navigate a meeting with a former Christian acquaintance who is fully in a cult? We have talked a bit on and off lately on the phone wanting to catch up in person. When that happens I know it may be a bit of a friendly Bible/theology shootout. I want to tell him in love that he is in a very dangerous spot and that its not just about my side being right. If you can share any similar experiences and tips, I would deeply appreciate!

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What does the Bible say about women leading in the church? Jan 20, 2022

Q: My question is what is your interpretation as to what the Bible says about women leading in the church?

My almost 11 year old daughter has a relationship, understanding and hunger for God and His word that is incredible. I have felt/ believed for many years that there is a special calling and anointing on her life. She, in the last year, has declared that she “wants to be a preacher” -

A few Sundays ago she visited a Baptist church with a friend and in that sermon heard that “women should not be preachers” based on 1 Timothy -

I have researched, we have talked about it but agreed we (her and I) would “dig in” and figure it out. I want to lead her in the right way and I don’t want to allow doubt to be planted that could confuse her or keep her from Gods will in her life. What are your thoughts on this matter?

Lastly, I found this article yesterday as I look for insight and understanding. I have attached the article. https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/yes-women-are-called-to-lead/

Resource mentioned: https://cbmw.org

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Let’s talk about angels Jan 13, 2022

Q: Can you speak on the topic of Angels? Are they amongst us / Do they take on human form? People say they encountered an angel...is that true? Or are we unaware when we interact with them?

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Can our loved ones see us from heaven? Jan 06, 2022

Q: My father recently died very unexpectedly and quickly from a brain tumor following his brain surgery. We rejoice that he is completely healed. I'm wondering if my father can see earthly happenings. I received several sympathy cards that said he could. I'm still trying to understand and find truth in this. My son was married in my parent's backyard before my father died. We are having the wedding reception this weekend. Will my father be able to see this from heaven?

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How does the book of Leviticus apply to our lives today? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I’m stuck in Leviticus chapters 10 and 11: what should my takeaway be?

Resource cited: Holiness to the Lord, Allen Ross.

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Has Homosexuality Always Been in the Bible? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Article: Has Homosexuality Always Been in the Bible

A friend sent me this article and I’m VERY interested in Dr. Easley’s thoughts as I am raising my girls and want to educate them appropriately on this topic.

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Was God at work throughout history among ancient people groups other than the Israelites? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Was God at work throughout history among ancient people groups other than the Israelites? If He was—do their ancient writings line up with ours?

The Parable of the Fig Tree Dec 01, 2021

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Is it okay to be cremated? Dec 01, 2021

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What is the difference between the “body, soul, and spirit”? Dec 01, 2021

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Are supernatural spiritual gifts still viable today? Dec 01, 2021

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What are your thoughts regarding Old Earth vs. New Earth? Dec 01, 2021

Q: What are Michael's thoughts regarding Old Earth vs. New Earth? This is a question I’ve had for some time, being someone who has traveled and seen the Grand Canyon and other places that are supposed to be millions or billions of years old, and yet Scripture seams to teach the earth is more like thousands of years old.

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Is it okay to switch churches? Dec 01, 2021

Short of heresy, is it ever okay, and if so when, to leave my church and look elsewhere to worship?

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Did God really turn His face away from Christ on the cross? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Did God the Father turn His face away from Christ when He was on the cross? I've heard He did this in quoting Psalm 22, to fulfill its prophecies, but I've seen entire theologies built around this "cosmic abandonment" around this idea that Christ was separated from God while He was on the cross, but I don't know where that claim is substantiated in Scripture.

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Is it in poor taste not to attend a family member's funeral? Dec 01, 2021

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Is it okay for unmarried couples, who are abstaining from sex, to share hotel rooms while traveling? Dec 01, 2021

Q: We mentor and are friends with many young adults that say they abstain from (premarital) sex but will spend the night at each other’s homes or go on vacation together and share a hotel room.

I would love to hear a theological point of view of why you should not live with your spouse before marriage, spend the night at each other’s places, and/or share a hotel room while on vacation together if you are abstaining from sexual relations.

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What is dispensationalism, and is there accuracy to this approach? Dec 01, 2021

Q: What is dispensationalism, and is there accuracy to this approach?

Wasn’t Jesus kind of harsh rebuking the disciples for being terrified of a horrible storm? Dec 01, 2021

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Can you explain Jephthah's vow? Dec 01, 2021

What do you think about Jephthah's vow to sacrifice whatever came out of his house in return for his victory in battle that resulted in the sacrificing of his daughter?

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Do you believe Jesus died for all men or just for the elect? Dec 01, 2021

I believe that Jesus Christ died for all men. I don't believe that we are predestined–that He selected a few and died for the few. That would be like being on the cross and saying, “oh wait, i’m not dying for you. I'm just dying for these folks over here.” So i have a hard time with that concept.

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Are generational curses real and how do we fight Satan and his demons? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I recently came across a study called “breaking the bonds of familiar spirits” and I wanted to see what your knowledge is on this. It seems a lot of scripture that I’ve found speaks about sorcery, divination, etc. or people talking about experiences where there could be curses in their family or generational addictions, a few different things there, at first I hadn’t heard this term before so I wanted to figure out what scripture actually says about this?

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How do you reconcile judging right from wrong without being judgmental? Dec 01, 2021

Q: How do you reconcile judging right from wrong without being judgmental? How do you speak the truth in love without condoning what is so biblically wrong? I feel like a bad witness for Jesus Christ because I am looked down upon by those in and outside the church. If my position is judged the moment some meet me, how am I going to be that example for who I truly am in Christ and in Him alone? Why does my flesh need approval and acceptance by others in the Church?

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Is remarriage post-divorce a sin? Is it adultery? Is it ever ok? Dec 01, 2021

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How does salvation by faith alone and judgement day of our works go together? Dec 01, 2021

Q: How do Ephesians 2:8-9 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 go together? This states that our works will be revealed when we stand before the judgment seat - specifically what we have done in the body whether good or evil. Are we to "receive what is due"? That's a daunting thought.As believers, if our sins are as far as the east is from the west, is it only our good works that will be revealed at the judgment seat? How can the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in Christ when we know that the judgment seat is coming and still live in the Romans 7 tension of knowing what we ought to do but being unable to do so?

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Should Christians practice yoga? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Should Christians practice yoga? Yoga's origin in pagan hinduism, yet many Christians practice it everyday. Is yoga a form of pagan worship that should be avoided, or is it personal preference? Is this comparable to Daniel's refusal to be defiled when he avoided the king's meat, is it 'legalism' to denounce yoga? Many churches offers yoga within their walls and this continues to grow. Are we headed down a dangerous path?

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Is assisted suicide ever ok? Dec 01, 2021

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Once saved, always saved? Dec 01, 2021

When we are secure [in our salvation], can we walk out of the hand of God volitionally or are we in His hand securely once we belong to Him?

What are Dr. Michael Easley's top book recommendations? Dec 01, 2021

Q: What are Dr. Michael Easley's top book recommendations?

To see all of Michael's recommendations with links: https://michaelincontext.com/ask-dr-e-episode-10/

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Will the church be going through the tribulation? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Will the church be going through the tribulation?

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What do inerrancy and infallibility really mean when it comes to specific verses? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Battles loom large over the definitions of inerrancy and infallibility. What do these terms really mean when it comes to specific verses?

For instances, some will say it’s an error when the Bible uses round numbers for how many are in a tribe, or for the number of people killed in a battle. When the text uses specific numbers in other places, or when one gospel account has Jesus calling for a single donkey to be brought to Him and He says, “bring it to me” – versus calling for a donkey and the foal of a donkey – “bring them to me.”

Or they’ll cite the last two verses of 2 Chronicles, which duplicates the opening verses of Ezra exactly but cuts off the command of Cyrus mid-sentence, losing the gist of his command.

Obviously God didn’t inspire the writer of chronicles to do that, there was an error of transmission over the centuries, and part of Ezra was copied into Chronicles.

I’ve heard good theologians say, and I tend to agree, that scripture is accurate and dependable enough for the purpose for which its intended, but to insist that every word, every description, every story is perfect down to the molecular level leads to unnecessary controversies.

Does dispensationalism have a place for study and application today? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I've been studying the different dispensations for a while and seem to get caught up in Ephesians 1:10 where the KJV renders the word "dispensation" but in the NASB it's "administration." what is the correct rendering in this word and does dispensationalism have a place for study and application here in 2020?

Is polyamory the next pastoral sexual frontier, and if so, how should we respond? Dec 01, 2021

Q: According to an article in Christianity Today, polyamory is the next pastoral sexual frontier. My son and daughter-in-law are polyamorous. They have been married 9 years and have two kids, they each have significant others, and these individuals are part of their family unit. They spend time with the kids and are with the family much of the time, including overnight. My daughter-in-law's parents, like me, have a huge issue with this lifestyle choice. If we host a family event, we do not include the "extras," we've also let them know that we choose not to interface with these individuals at events hosted by others, as we can't see how to do that without condoning or appearing to condone this choice. While both were raised in Christian homes, neither claim belief in God and are both adamantly opposed to religion, specifically Christianity. Dr. Christopher Yuan joins Dr. E to answer this question.

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Why did we change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday? Dec 01, 2021

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Women & The Bible Dec 01, 2021

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Does divorce disqualify a man from being a church elder? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I began my eldership at Central Bible Church in Fort Worth on Jan 1, 2021. We are studying the qualification of "one-woman man" for eldership. The topic I am studying is "an elder can never have been divorced" Can you give me your thoughts on this?

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How do we know God’s will in specific situations? Dec 01, 2021

In the Old Testament, they drew lots to determine God’s will… why don’t we do that now?

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Were other people groups saved in the Old Testament other than the Jews? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I’VE BEEN READING A LOT ABOUT THE ISRAELITES LATELY AND I WAS CURIOUS IF THERE WAS SALVATION FOR ANY OF THE OTHER PEOPLE GROUPS THAT WERE ALIVE DURING THAT TIME, OR IF ALL OF THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT WERE ALIVE DURING THE ISRAELITES TIME WEREN’T SAVED BECAUSE THEY WEREN’T PART OF THAT GROUP?

How is Jesus fully God and fully man? Dec 01, 2021

When Jesus was on earth, could He only do what the Father asked Him to do? Since He was fully God and fully man, was He able to do miracles on His own? Was He able to look at the heart of man on His own or was it always through the power of the Holy Spirit or His Father who would communicate with Him because of their special connection?

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I'm afraid I committed the unpardonable sin and blasphemed the Holy Spirit Dec 01, 2021

What can I do to get the Holy Spirit back? Have I messed up so badly that God won't forgive me?

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Will God Provide? Dec 01, 2021

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Is there Biblical evidence that refutes polygyny as a sin? Dec 01, 2021

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Does demonic possession work differently between the old and new covenant? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I was listening back to an episode of Ask Dr. E and you were talking about oppression, or demonic or evil spirits, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit not allowing that. I was wondering if there was a differentiation between the old covenant and the new covenant. We seem to see evidence that the devil was given permission with Job and with Peter, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat but I have prayed for you,” is what Jesus had told Peter, so I was wondering – is there that differentiation between the Testaments or the covenants, and the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

Do you still think the NASB is the closest to the original text? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Since I heard you teach on Moody Radio as President of Moody Bible, I have been studying mostly from NASB. I preferred it to all other versions before I heard you, but when I heard your reasons for preferring it over others I was even more convinced it was the best. Even when the ESV seemed to be the “chosen” one by our beloved Dr. Lutzer I stuck with my NASB. The past few weeks I have been studying Romans 7:14 thru chapter 8. I like how the ESV Is written for these verses. Do you still think the NASB is the closest to the original text?

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Jesus says I am with you always. So why doesn't He ever show up corporally? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Jesus says I am with you always. So why, in dire situations, doesn't He show up corporally?

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What was Christ's purpose in proclaiming to the saints in prison? Dec 01, 2021

Q: WHAT WAS CHRIST’S PURPOSE IN GOING AND PROCLAIMING TO THE SAINTS IN PRISON?

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Do you have to believe in a literal hell to be a true Christian? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I would think there are certain beliefs you have to have to truly be a genuine believer in Christ. One has come up recently that some of my dear Christian friends seem to be taken with and that is that they don’t believe there is a literal hell. I’m glad to be in Christ and saved from hell and I can’t understand not believing in that, and I think that would change a few things in life – maybe how you look at sin – so I just wanted your thoughts.

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Why does God seem so different in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Why does God seem so different in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament?

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How do you reconcile Luke 6:29 and have healthy boundaries with those who hurt you? Dec 01, 2021

Q: How do you reconcile Luke 6:29 and have healthy boundaries with those who use you for their own personal gain and hurt you because they just can?

How do you reconcile obeying God in denying oneself and taking up your cross daily, and protecting oneself from those who use this passage of scripture against you; once again for personal gain?

"Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either." Luke 6:29

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How would you answer questions about "false" prophecies in the Old Testament? Dec 01, 2021

A local pastor named Josh wrote in and shared a man in his community he's been meeting with, who is an atheist. They've been getting coffee and having lots of "lively discussions." This man pointed the pastor to a series of articles he wrote, called "the false prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel." In these writings, he points to some of the more obscure prophecies and posits that history nowhere mentions the fulfillment thereof. He, therefore, comes to the conclusion that all Old Testament prophets are proven false, Jesus is a fraud, and Christianity has been exposed as a sham.

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What happens to those who denounce their faith and walk away? Dec 01, 2021

Q: WOULD LOVE YOU TO HELP US UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO DENOUNCE THEIR FAITH AND WALK AWAY LIKE JOSHUA HARRIS AND NOW, SADLY, MARTY SAMPSON.

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Predestination? Dec 01, 2021

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Why did God give Israel so many weird, specific laws? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Why did God give Israel so many weird, specific laws like not to boil a young goat in its mother's milk?

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The Doctrine of Election Dec 01, 2021

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Is it ever okay to lie? Dec 01, 2021

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Is it okay to get a tattoo? Dec 01, 2021

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Will believers experience judgement day? Dec 01, 2021

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What is your view on Calvinism? Dec 01, 2021

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON CALVINISM? IS THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH BECOMING MORE CALVINIST?

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How do I get started reading the Bible? Dec 01, 2021

Q: How do I get started reading the Bible?

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What do you know about The Mirror Bible? Dec 01, 2021

Q: My brother’s attending a church where they are using a Bible called The Mirror Bible. I was just wondering if you had any ideas about this Bible, what you know about it. I have some concerns about it and wondered if you did, or if you’ve looked into that, I’d appreciate your help.

Does God still speak today as He did in the Old Testament through dreams, burning bushes, etc? Dec 01, 2021

My question is about hearing from God. It seems to be a trend among popular bible studies and teachers today–hearing from God–quite a bit. Even my Sunday school class at church is doing a video series from a very popular christian author who talked about how God still speaks the same today as He did in the Old Testament through dreams, through burning bushes, etc, and I found that to be unbiblical. My understanding through studying the word is that God spoke in the Old Testament because we didn’t have the scripture yet, the inspired Word of God, and we didn’t have the Holy Spirit yet. And that, yes, today the Holy Spirit can speak to us but our primary means of hearing from God is through His word, the Bible. I just want to make sure I have a correct understanding of that, and I was hoping you could Biblically walk me through that to make sure I understand about “hearing from God.”

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Why are so many church leaders silent about abortion? Dec 01, 2021

Why does it seem that church leaders are often so silent in regards to abortion laws and pro-life issues?

Is the Trinity 3 separate persons or 1 God with 3 attributes? Dec 01, 2021

Q: My husband and a trusted spiritual advisor had arrived at different view of the trinity - instead of three separate persons as one God, they believed there are three aspects of the one God. I was not taught that growing up and I can't understand how they arrived at this conclusion. My husband died in 2019 and I asked the spiritual advisor, who is a very intelligent man, who Jesus was praying to in the Garden before being crucified and he replied, "Himself." I can't wrap my head around this. Could you explain?

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How could Jesus forgive sins before dying on the cross? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Jesus forgave two people in the Bible before He went to the Cross – what gave Him the power to forgive sin before He went to the Cross?

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Does the Bible say you have to spank your child? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Does the Bible say that to raise my children biblically, under God's design, I have to spank my child?

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What if you don't believe God will answer when you pray? Dec 01, 2021

Q: The Bible talks about having faith when you pray, what if you don't believe God will answer you when you pray?

Can you explain the conflict in Israel? Dec 01, 2021

Q: I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING THE ISRAEL TRIPS. ONE OF MY HESITATIONS IS THAT I FEEL LIKE I’M STILL SO IGNORANT ABOUT THE CONFLICT AND THE SITUATION OVER THERE, AND I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU COULD SUMMARIZE EVERYTHING AT A MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL, SIMPLIFY IT, AND DISCUSS THAT OR SHARE BOOKS YOU’D RECOMMEND BEFORE SOMEONE DOES THAT TRIP.

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Can prayer change God's mind or His plans for you? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Can prayer change God's mind or His plans for you?

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If Adam and Eve only had 2 sons, where did Cain's wife come from? Dec 01, 2021

Q: It said in Genesis Cain took a wife from the Land of Nod. How did the people in Nod come into existence when God only created Adam and Eve who bore Cain and Abel at that time. Did they all come from Adam and Eve since they were the first creation?

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When Jesus resurrected, Matthew says other saints also resurrected from the dead. Who were these saints? Dec 01, 2021

Q: Who were the saints that were raised in Matthew?

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How will rewards and leadership work in heaven? Dec 01, 2021

Q: How will rewards and leadership work in heaven?

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