Ask Dr. E

Latest Episodes:

Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations? Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Why do sincere Christians who love God's Word arrive at different theological conclusions?

In this episode, Dr. E answers a listener's question about denominational differences, Protestantism, Catholicism, and why faithful believers disagree on issues like baptism, Calvinism, spiritual gifts, and church authority.

Drawing from Scripture and church history, Dr. Easley explains the difference between essential doctrines and secondary issues, why church hierarchy cannot eliminate human sin, and how believers can hold firm convictions while maintaining biblical unity. Most importantly, he reminds us that Jesus never commanded us to build impressive institutions—He commanded us to make disciples while He builds His Church.

Whether you've struggled with church differences or simply want to better understand Christian unity, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in Scripture.

Key Topics Covered

Why Christians disagree on doctrine
Essentials vs. non-essential beliefs
Protestant and Catholic views of authority
Unity without compromising truth
Church history and theological diversity
Why disciple-making is the Church's primary mission
Loving believers who hold different convictions

Chapters

0:00 Why do faithful Christians disagree?

2:37 "In essentials, unity" explained

5:50 Liberty, love, and Christian maturity

7:20 MacArthur, Sproul, and charitable disagreement

8:15 What are the essential doctrines?

9:45 Catholic authority and doctrinal consistency

14:05 The universal Church vs. the local church

16:47 When should Christians draw doctrinal lines?

17:45 Jesus' command: Make disciples

22:34 What perfect unity will look like in eternity

Links Mentioned:

Article by Mark Ross on Church unity

The Nicene Creed by Phillip Cary

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

If Jesus Was Fully God on Earth, How Was He Able to Coexist With Sinful People? Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

How could Jesus be fully God and fully man while living among sinful people?

It's one of Christianity's most important doctrines—and one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode, Dr. E answers a listener's question about the incarnation and explains why Jesus' divine and human nature was essential for our salvation. Drawing from passages like 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Peter 2–3, Colossians 2, Galatians 4, and John 1, Dr. Easley shows that Christ's perfect humanity, complete deity, and sinless life uniquely qualified Him to redeem sinful humanity.

Along the way, he discusses why Jesus could interact with sinners without becoming defiled, why theology matters in everyday Christian life, and practical resources for studying biblical doctrine more deeply.

If you've ever struggled to explain who Jesus is—or why the incarnation matters—this episode provides a clear, biblical foundation.

Key Topics Covered

-Why Jesus had to be fully God and fully man

-How Christ lived among sinners without sin

-The purpose of the incarnation

-What happened on the cross

-Why Jesus' righteousness matters for our salvation

-Biblical passages that explain Christ's two natures

-Recommended resources for studying theology

Chapters

0:00 How could Jesus be fully God and fully man?

1:15 Why understanding theology matters

2:00 Christ bore our sin without becoming sinful

3:15 Why Jesus had to become human

4:20 John Stott's powerful explanation of the incarnation

5:25 Jesus touched sinners without being defiled

6:20 What happened spiritually at the cross

8:20 Recommended passages to study

9:45 Helpful theology resources for deeper study

Links Mentioned:

Logos Bible Software

Bible.org

The Moody Handbook of Theology by Dr. Pauls Enns

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Should Christians Read The Book of Enoch? Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Should Christians read the Book of Enoch? What is pseudepigrapha, and why wasn't Enoch included in the Bible?

In this episode, Dr. E answers a listener's question about the Book of Enoch and explains how Christians should think about extra-biblical literature. He distinguishes the Book of Enoch from the Apocrypha, discusses other early writings like the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas, and explains why the biblical canon remains the Christian's final authority.

While books like Enoch can offer historical or literary value, Dr. Easley encourages believers to spend far more time in Scripture than pursuing speculative theories or biblical mysteries. God's Word provides everything necessary for knowing Him and living a faithful life.

Whether you've heard conversations about the Nephilim, giants, or ancient manuscripts, this episode offers a balanced, biblical perspective rooted in the sufficiency of Scripture.

Chapters

00:00 – Should Christians Read the Book of Enoch?

01:22 – What Is Pseudepigrapha?

02:03 – Enoch vs. the Apocrypha

02:30 – Why People Are Fascinated by Enoch

03:17 – How the Biblical Canon Was Recognized

03:46 – Paul's Warning About False Letters

05:25 – The Didache & Shepherd of Hermas

06:56 – Historical Writings vs. Inspired Scripture

08:10 – Why Scripture Is Sufficient

09:14 – Submit Your Question

Key Topics Covered

* The Book of Enoch explained

* What is pseudepigrapha?

* Enoch vs. the Apocrypha

* Why Enoch is not in the Bible

* How the biblical canon was recognized

* Paul's authentication of his letters

* The Didache and Shepherd of Hermas

* Extra-biblical literature

* The Nephilim and biblical speculation

* The sufficiency of Scripture

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can You Be Saved Without Showing Fruit? Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Can someone genuinely be saved without showing lasting spiritual fruit?

In this episode, Dr. E tackles one of the most debated questions in Christian theology: What is the relationship between salvation, fruit, and sanctification? If salvation is by grace through faith alone, what role do good works play? And should Christians expect evidence of transformation in every believer's life?

Dr. Easley explains the biblical distinction between justification, sanctification, and spiritual fruit, while cautioning against becoming "fruit inspectors" who attempt to determine another person's salvation based solely on outward behavior. Through passages like Ephesians 2, Romans 6, 1 Thessalonians 4, John 15, and Matthew 7, he offers practical wisdom for balancing grace, holiness, discipleship, and biblical discernment.

Whether you've questioned your own salvation, struggled with legalism, or wondered how to lovingly respond to a believer living in sin, this conversation provides biblical clarity and encouragement.

Key Topics Covered

What salvation, fruit, and sanctification each mean

Are Christians saved by faith alone or faith plus works?

Can a genuine believer show little or no spiritual fruit?

What Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches about good works

Why Christians shouldn't become "fruit inspectors"

How to lovingly confront a believer living in sin

The difference between judging fruit and exercising biblical discernment

The role of discipleship in spiritual transformation

Legalism, liberty, and the weaker/stronger brother

Why only God ultimately knows the human heart

Chapters

00:00 – Should Christians Follow Paul's Example?

00:22 – The Question: Salvation, Fruit & Sanctification

01:00 – Defining Salvation, Fruit & Sanctification

01:49 – Ephesians 2:8–10 Explained

03:30 – Can a Christian Be Fruitless?

05:05 – What Is Sanctification?

07:10 – Can Someone Live in Ongoing Sin and Be Saved?

10:58 – What Does the Bible Mean by "Fruit"?

12:02 – Can We Know if Someone Is Truly Saved?

15:22 – Following Christ Instead of Legalism

17:15 – God's Word, God's Spirit & God's People

18:20 – Why Discipleship Matters More Than Judgment

21:10 – Final Encouragement: Pursue Relationship, Not Fruit Inspection

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Is It a Sin for Christians Not to Have Children? Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

Is it sinful for Christians to choose not to have children?
In this episode, Dr. E tackles a question many Christian couples quietly wrestle with: Does God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" apply to every believer today?
Together they explore what Genesis teaches about God's design for marriage and family, how the New Testament shapes our understanding of singleness and parenting, and whether choosing not to have children is a matter of sin, wisdom, calling, or personal conviction.
Dr. Easley also shares why children are one of God's most powerful tools for sanctification, how parenting reveals our need for grace, and why many Christians trust God with eternity while struggling to trust Him with everyday life.
Whether you're considering having children, navigating infertility, wrestling with family challenges, or simply seeking a biblical perspective on marriage and parenting, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight.
Key Topics Covered
-Is it sinful for Christians to choose not to have children?
-What "be fruitful and multiply" means today
-God's design for marriage and family
-The blessing and challenge of parenthood
-Infertility, adoption, and foster care
-The gift of singleness in Scripture
-How children shape our spiritual growth
-Trusting God with your future and your family
-Parenting as a tool for sanctification
-Christian freedom and wise decision-making
Chapters
00:00 Why We Trust God With Eternity But Not Everyday Life
00:28 Is It Sinful for Christians Not to Have Children?
01:19 God's Design for Marriage and Family
02:12 Are Children a Blessing or a Requirement?
02:52 Does "Be Fruitful and Multiply" Apply Today?
03:13 What the Apostle Paul Says About Singleness
04:12 Why Dr. Easley Would Ask "Why?"
05:00 Sin, Wisdom, and Life Choices
05:31 How Children Sanctify Parents
06:07 Looking Back on the Blessing of Family
07:20 God's Design for Most Marriages
08:03 What Parenting Teaches Us About God's Love
09:13 Command or Principle? Interpreting Genesis
09:58 When Family History Makes Parenting Hard
10:44 Can Children Help Heal Family Relationships?
12:26 Trusting God With Your Children's Future
13:36 Why Trust Grows With Time
14:00 Final Thoughts on Choosing Not to Have Children

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Are Modern Jews Still God’s Chosen People? Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

Are modern-day Jews still God's chosen people if they don't believe Jesus is the Messiah?

In this episode, Dr. E tackles one of the most common—and often misunderstood—questions in Christian theology. Looking carefully at Romans 9–11 and the Abrahamic covenant, he explains how God's covenant promises to Israel relate to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Dr. Easley discusses the biblical origins of the terms Hebrew, Israel, and Jew, the difference between ethnic identity and saving faith, and why Christians can affirm both God's ongoing faithfulness to Israel and the necessity of trusting Christ for salvation.

Whether you've wondered about replacement theology, the modern nation of Israel, or how to understand God's promises in Scripture, this episode offers a thoughtful, biblically grounded perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Can Israel still be God's chosen people?

00:44 The listener's question

01:07 Hebrew, Israel, and Jew: What's the difference?

03:28 Romans 9 and God's covenant promises

05:12 The modern nation of Israel and 1948

06:46 Chosen people vs. personal salvation

07:50 Why rejecting Jesus matters

09:24 Jewish identity, faith, and culture

11:12 Pray for the peace of Israel

Key Topics

-Are the Jewish people still God's chosen people?

-Romans 9–11 explained

-God's covenant with Abraham

-Salvation through Jesus Christ alone

-Replacement theology

-Modern Israel and biblical prophecy

-Hebrew vs. Israel vs. Jew

-God's faithfulness to His promises

-The Messiah in Scripture

-Praying for the peace of Israel

Links Mentioned:

Dr. Michael Rydelnik on inContext

How Should Christians Think About Israel by Dr. Michael Rydelnik

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Can a Christian marry a non-Christian? Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. E tackles a frequently misunderstood passage and explains its context within Paul's letter to the Corinthians. He discusses what sanctification means, why Paul encouraged believers to remain in existing mixed-faith marriages, and how this passage relates to the biblical principle of being unequally yoked.

Dr. Easley also shares practical wisdom for dating, marriage, and pursuing God's best when choosing a spouse. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or seeking to understand a challenging biblical text, this conversation offers clarity and biblical perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Can a Christian Marry a Non-Christian?

00:30 Understanding 1 Corinthians 7:14

01:15 The Context of Paul's Letter to the Corinthians

02:00 What Does "Sanctified" Mean?

03:10 Sanctification vs. Being Set Apart

04:05 The Influence of a Believer in the Home

05:00 A Powerful Story of a Husband Coming to Faith

06:30 Does This Passage Justify Marrying an Unbeliever?

07:15 What Does It Mean to Be Unequally Yoked?

08:00 God's Design for Marriage

08:50 Dating, Faith, and Spiritual Compatibility

09:50 Why Evangelistic Dating Is Unwise

10:30 Considering Family, Children, and Long-Term Faith

11:00 Run Toward Christ First

11:40 Final Encouragement and Takeaways

Key Topics Covered

-1 Corinthians 7:14 explained

-What sanctification means in marriage

-The role of a believing spouse in a non-Christian home

-The biblical principle of being unequally yoked

-God's design for Christian marriage

-Dating and marriage wisdom for believers

-Evangelistic dating and spiritual compatibility

-Faith, family, and raising children

-Pursuing Christ before pursuing a spouse

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Does the Shroud of Turin Prove Jesus? Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Does the Shroud of Turin prove Jesus' resurrection?

In this episode, Dr. E tackles one of Christianity's most debated artifacts: the Shroud of Turin. While many believers see the shroud as compelling evidence for Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, Dr. Easley explains why he remains unconvinced that it is Jesus' actual burial cloth.

Drawing from biblical theology, church history, archaeology, and first-century Jewish burial practices, Dr. Easley discusses why faith ultimately rests on Scripture—not relics. He explores the dangers of elevating artifacts above God's Word, addresses common arguments for the shroud's authenticity, and explains why the greatest obstacle to belief is not a lack of evidence.

Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, apologetics, or the evidence for Christianity, this conversation will challenge you to think carefully about where faith is grounded.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:48 What Is the Shroud of Turin?

01:03 Dr. Easley's Short Answer

01:32 Why Christians Can Become Focused on Artifacts

02:15 Norman Geisler's Argument About Relics

03:04 The Real Problem Isn't Lack of Evidence

03:50 Archaeology and Biblical Faith

04:35 First-Century Jewish Burial Practices

05:24 Historical Questions About the Shroud

06:15 Does the Blood Evidence Make Sense?

06:50 Can God Use the Shroud Evangelistically?

07:38 Can Truth Come Through Unexpected Sources?

08:10 Why the Shroud Isn't Necessary for Faith

08:50 The Rich Man and Lazarus Connection

09:25 Why People Still Reject Jesus

10:00 Final Thoughts

Key Topics Covered

The Shroud of Turin explained
Is the Shroud of Turin authentic?
Evidence for Jesus' resurrection
Christian apologetics
Archaeology and the Bible
Norman Geisler on religious relics
First-century Jewish burial customs
Faith versus physical evidence
Why people reject Christianity
The sufficiency of Scripture
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Biblical evidence for the resurrection

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

How Does The Trinity Actually Work? Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

What is the Trinity — and why is it so difficult to understand?

In this episode, Dr. E responds to a listener asking one of the most common questions in Christianity: If God is one, how can the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all be God?

Dr. Easley walks through key biblical passages that reveal the Trinity, explains why Christians are not worshipping three gods, and shows why the doctrine matters for salvation, prayer, and everyday faith. Along the way, the conversation covers Jesus’ baptism, the role of the Holy Spirit, common misunderstandings about the Trinity, and why some truths about God remain beyond human comprehension.

Whether you’ve followed Jesus for decades or still feel confused about the Trinity, this episode offers a thoughtful, biblical explanation grounded in Scripture and centered on worship.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Listener Question

01:15 – What Is the Trinity?

02:40 – Biblical Evidence for Father, Son & Holy Spirit

03:45 – Jesus’ Baptism and the Trinity

05:10 – Why the Trinity Matters for Salvation

06:40 – Why Christians Don’t Worship Three Gods

08:20 – How Prayer Relates to the Trinity

09:00 – The Trinity in the Old Testament

10:45 – The Holy Spirit’s Role in Believers’ Lives

13:10 – Spiritual Gifts and God’s Empowering Work

14:00 – Why the Trinity Is Difficult to Explain

16:40 – The “Holy Ghost” Story

Key Topics Covered

-What the Trinity means

-One God in three persons

-Is Jesus really God?

-The Holy Spirit explained

-Jesus’ baptism and the Trinity

-Why the Trinity matters for salvation

-Common misunderstandings about the Trinity

-How Christians should pray

-The Trinity in the Old Testament

-Why God’s nature is both knowable and mysterious

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Should Churches Discipline Christians For Dating Non-Believers? May 28, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a Christian starts dating a non-believer? Should a church step in? And when does wisdom become a matter of church discipline?
In this episode, Dr. E discusses one of the most difficult issues pastors and churches face today: church discipline, restoration, and how believers should respond to ongoing sin.
Dr. Easley explains the biblical purpose of church discipline, why the phrase “unequally yoked” is often misunderstood, and how churches should approach situations involving dating, cohabitation, affairs, LGBTQ issues, and public unrepentant sin. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that discipline should always aim toward restoration, never punishment.
This episode offers biblical wisdom, pastoral insight, and practical guidance for Christians navigating messy real-life situations with truth and compassion.
If you’ve ever wrestled with accountability, grace, or how churches should handle difficult situations, this conversation is for you.
Chapters
00:00 — Should Churches Discipline Dating Non-Christians?
00:40 — Why This Question Is Complicated
01:25 — What “Unequally Yoked” Really Means
02:45 — Dating, Marriage, and Wisdom
03:30 — What Counts as Ongoing Sin?
05:20 — The Purpose of Church Discipline
06:20 — Treating Someone “Like an Unbeliever”
07:00 — Protecting the Church From Public Sin
08:10 — What Churches Get Wrong About Discipline
09:15 — Is Dating a Non-Christian Actually Sin?
10:00 — Restoration vs Punishment
11:00 — Why Gentleness Matters
12:10 — How Churches Should Confront Sin
14:00 — Membership, Removal, and Restoration
15:00 — Truth, Compassion, and LGBTQ Questions
16:30 — Mercy Without Compromising Truth
17:20 — The Goal of Discipline Is Restoration
18:00 — Final Thoughts and Recommended Resources
Key Topics Covered
-Church discipline and restoration
-Dating non-Christians as a believer
-The meaning of “unequally yoked”
-Biblical confrontation and accountability
-Matthew 18 and church discipline
-Public sin in the church
-Grace and truth in pastoral ministry
-Cohabitation and sexual immorality
-LGBTQ questions in the local church
-Protecting weaker believers
-Church membership and removal
-Restoration through repentance
-Compassion in difficult pastoral situations
-Biblical wisdom for pastors and church leaders

Links Mentioned:

A Guide to Church Discipline by J. Carl Laney

What Christ Thinks of The Church

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected