Ask Dr. E

Latest Episodes:

Does God Ever Tell us Not to Pray? Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Q: Dr. E, my question concerns prayer. Does God ever tell us not to pray for someone or something? What does this say about the power or purpose of prayer? Jeremiah 7:16 God states do not pray for those people, when he found that Judah was not inclined to repent. In the New Testament, John 17:9 Jesus did not pray for the world, but those you have given me.

Summary

In this episode. Dr. E unpacks a fascinating question rooted in Scripture: when God told the prophet Jeremiah not to pray for Judah, what did He mean—and what does that teach us about prayer today?

Dr. Easley explains that Jeremiah’s command was a specific prophetic instruction tied to judgment, not a model for believers today. In contrast, we’re repeatedly told to “pray without ceasing” and to bring everything before the Lord.

Prayer, he reminds us, isn’t a formula or a way to change God’s mind—it’s an alignment of our hearts with His will. “The litmus test for prayer,” Dr. Easley says, “is whether the answer would glorify God.” It’s not outcome-based but obedience-based.

Drawing on examples from Jeremiah, Jonah, and Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, Dr. Easley helps us see prayer not as a spiritual wish list, but as humble communication with our Creator—rooted in trust, surrender, and reverence.

Takeaways

Prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind—it’s about aligning our hearts with His will.
God’s command to Jeremiah not to pray was a specific act of judgment, not a model for believers.
The purpose of prayer is to glorify God, not to secure the results we want.
Even Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” modeling perfect submission.
True peace comes when we bring our requests to God and trust His verdict.
The best prayers we can pray are those shaped by Scripture and God’s revealed Word.

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.

Do Christians Receive Praise in Heaven? Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Q: The death of John MacArthur. I've heard Abner Chou in both a Sunday evening church service and seminary chapel, eulogize Mac Arthur and claim that "all heaven gave him a “standing ovation” when he died.” In Chou’s mind, MacArthur is elevated to the position of the apostle Paul. Is there any scriptural basis for this type of recognition of a man entering heaven?

The hero worship grates on me. I’m a widow; all men die. Some men fought for our country; others were martyred. This type of eulogy detracts from my Savior, the one who died for all of us.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Dr. E, a listener raises a question following the passing of John MacArthur: is there biblical basis for imagining heaven giving a standing ovation when a well-known Christian leader arrives?

Dr. E explains that while it is appropriate to acknowledge the ministry impact of faithful men and women, Scripture makes it clear—Christ alone is the hero. Hero worship, even in subtle forms, distracts from the glory of God. Mature Christians know that heaven is not about applause for accomplishments but worship of the triune God.

From church history, we can honor figures like D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, and Billy Graham, but even their legacies fade with time. In contrast, God calls His people not to fame or recognition but to faithfulness.

Dr. E reminds us that heaven is not about eulogizing human achievement but magnifying Christ. Our calling is simple: be faithful servants of Christ. Whether known by millions or by a few, believers are celebrated in the right way only when Christ is the focus. God does not ask us to be successful—He asks us to be faithful.

Takeaways

Hero worship in the church can easily distract from Christ as the true focus.
Eulogies should highlight faith in Christ, not human accomplishment.
Scripture shows that Christ does not share His glory or worship.
God uses flawed people, but their legacies ultimately fade with time.
True recognition in heaven is given to faithful servants of God.
God calls His people to faithfulness, not worldly success.

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.

Where is God in Miscarriage? Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Q: Hi! I recently had a miscarriage and it has been a season that has brought up a lot of questions. I was wondering if you had any insight? If God knits each person together in their mother’s womb, as Psalm 139 describes, then where is God in miscarriage? And if God is the creator of life, why does miscarriage happen? Does He create a life, then immediately change his mind? Do babies who die before they are born go to Heaven?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E addresses a listener’s heartfelt question: Where is God in miscarriage? This painful reality raises deep theological concerns—if God creates life, why does miscarriage happen? Do babies who die before birth go to heaven? Dr. Easley draws on both Scripture and personal experience with infertility to help frame the conversation. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows us intimately, even from conception, and yet we live in a fallen world where tragedy and loss are unavoidable.

Turning to Ecclesiastes, he explains that life under the sun is marked by brokenness, and not every “why” question will be answered this side of eternity. From David’s grief over his infant son in 2 Samuel 12, we see an example of trust: “I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” Ultimately, spiritual maturity means acknowledging our questions while leaning by faith into God’s sovereignty and goodness. Though miscarriage leaves parents with grief and unanswered questions, God’s Word assures us that He is near to the brokenhearted and offers peace that surpasses understanding.

Takeaways

Miscarriage raises difficult questions about God’s role in life and loss.
Scripture teaches that God knows and forms every life from conception.
We live as fallen people in a fallen world, where tragedy is inevitable.
David’s response to his infant’s death shows trust in God despite grief.
Maturity in faith means setting aside unanswered “why” questions.
God is near to the brokenhearted and offers peace beyond understanding.

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 God is Sovereign and Desires That All Be Saved, Why Does He Not Do So? Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Q: I have been taught the holiness, grace, and righteous wrath of the Lord my whole life. However I've begun to struggle deeply with the nature of God and His love.

If God is sovereign and desires that all be saved, why does He not do so? Wouldn't that be the natural expression of His love? That not happening feels like a betrayal of what I've known His character to be. I know He can do whatever He desires, but I don't understand why He doesn't redeem all.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E and Hanna tackle a challenging theological question: If God is sovereign and loving, why doesn’t He save everyone? At the heart of this question lies the tension between God’s perfect nature and humanity’s sinful condition. Scripture affirms that God desires none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), yet salvation requires faith in Christ. Universalism—the belief that everyone will ultimately be saved—fails to account for God’s holiness and justice. If God simply overlooked sin, He would no longer be just.

Dr. E explains that our human perspective of fairness is shaped by sin, while God’s nature is defined by His Word—He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, loving, and just. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God offers the one and only remedy for sin. Just as one cure is effective for a disease while others fall short, only Christ’s saving work secures eternal life. Hanna reflects that many underestimate the seriousness of sin, which diminishes how good the gospel truly is. When we recognize the depth of our sinful condition, we see God’s love and mercy more clearly. Salvation is not earned but received by faith in Christ alone, who lived, died, and rose again.

Takeaways

God desires none to perish, but salvation requires faith in Christ.
Universalism overlooks God’s holiness and justice.
Our sense of fairness is distorted by sin.
Scripture, not feelings, defines God’s character.
Christ’s death and resurrection provide the only true cure for sin.
Recognizing our sin magnifies the beauty of God’s love.

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 Deliverance Ministry Sound and Reliable? Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Q: In the women’s ministry at my church, there is a woman who encourages many of the Bible study facilitators to attend an outside event/separate ministry to receive deliverance.

At first, I was intrigued, but then after prayer and research, started to have discernment about this. I’m looking for clarification on the topic.

My understanding is Jesus is the deliverer. Through daily practice of prayer on our own and with others, reading the Word, and tuning into the Holy Spirit- we will be sanctified and therefore delivered from (rejection, anger, addiction, etc).

This event is where people are praying over you individually but in a corporate setting and they are claiming to deliver you of evil spirits. That seems to be elevating people over God. This deliverance ministry does claim Jesus as Lord but this doesn't seem biblically sound. Can you clarify more on this topic?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E addresses a listener’s concern about deliverance ministry that claims to free people from evil spirits through prayer and pronouncement. While Scripture records Jesus and the apostles casting out demons, Dr. E emphasizes that the New Testament never instructs believers or churches to continue these practices as an ongoing ministry. Instead, the biblical pattern for Christians is to stand firm in the faith, resist temptation, and live under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. E explains that a believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed by demons, though Satan and his forces will harass and tempt us. The danger of deliverance ministries, he notes, is that they can elevate human leaders and rituals above Christ, and in doing so, diminish the sufficiency of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. True freedom does not come through formulaic prayers or rituals, but by walking faithfully with God through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.

Ultimately, Dr. E encourages discernment. If something feels unbiblical, measure it against Scripture. Christ is enough, and believers can live in confidence that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

Takeaways

Scripture records demonic encounters, but it never prescribes ongoing deliverance rituals for the church.
A believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed by demons.
Temptation and harassment are real, but God calls us to stand firm and resist.
Deliverance ministries risk undermining Christ’s finished work by adding extra steps.
Discernment is vital—if something feels unbiblical, test it against God’s Word.
True freedom comes through Christ’s sacrifice and walking with God’s Word, Spirit, and people.

Links Mentioned

Alisa Childers Youtube Channel

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 Can We Reverse Generational Curses With Adopted Children? Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Q: As a fellow believer who adopted a pair of siblings who were 5+ years of age, how best may we seek to reverse what seem to be ‘generational curses’?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E tackles a difficult question from an adoptive parent wrestling with the idea of “generational curses” and the lingering effects of brokenness.

Dr. Easley reminds us that while Scripture warns about the consequences of sin, it does not teach that children are doomed by their parents’ failures. Instead, each person is responsible before God for their own life and choices. At the same time, we can’t ignore the very real challenges that come with adoption: past trauma, struggles with attachment, and the weight parents feel to somehow “fix” their children.

Through both biblical teaching and personal experience, Dr. Easley points listeners back to the steady hope of the gospel. Parents cannot control outcomes—but they can faithfully love, nurture, and pray, trusting the Lord to do what only He can do. Adoption mirrors our place in God’s family: welcomed, broken, yet deeply loved.

This conversation is an honest encouragement for adoptive parents, foster families, and anyone walking through the complexity of raising children in a fallen world.

Takeaways

The Bible teaches consequences of sin can affect generations, but children are not guilty of their parents’ sins.
Misapplications of “generational curses” are common in some ministries, but Scripture does not provide formulas for breaking them.
Adoption is rooted in brokenness—children come from loss and often trauma that families must carefully navigate.
Attachment theories can be helpful, but they are not ultimate; only God heals hearts and secures identity.
Parents can disciple, love, and encourage, but they cannot control the spiritual outcomes of their children’s lives.
Hope rests in Christ, who loves our children more than we do and continues His work even when the path is difficult.

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 Should We Respond When Christian Celebrities Sin? Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Q: What are your thoughts on Michael Tait, DC talk, how the industry should respond, and what CCM listeners should do as far as keeping music in rotation?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E addresses a thoughtful question about contemporary Christian music (CCM) artists who fall into moral failure. Should believers continue listening to their music? Should the Christian music industry respond differently when artists face scandals?

Dr. E and Hanna discuss how these questions are not new. From Amy Grant to Sandy Patty, the industry has long wrestled with balancing ministry and business. While some organizations once pulled music from the shelves, today financial interests often outweigh ethical concerns.

At the heart of the issue is Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22: “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” Dr. E encourages believers to take this personally and seriously. If supporting a particular artist or listening to their music troubles your conscience, don’t do it. But at the same time, he reminds listeners that we live in a fallen world where every industry—including Christian music—will reflect sin.

Takeaways

Believers must examine carefully and hold fast to what is good (1 Thess. 5:21–22).
If listening to certain music troubles your conscience, it’s wise to avoid it.
The CCM industry is often driven by profit more than ethics.
Moral failure among Christian leaders and artists is nothing new.
God can still use flawed ministries to spread the gospel.
Our trust must rest in Christ, not in celebrities or cultural figures.

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.

Can Women Be Pastors? Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Q: I am sure you have asked and answered this before and here I am asking again. This may be several questions because I can't parse it to something simple due to its complexity and the rigidness that's felt within the church in regards to this (on either side). Can women be pastors? Can women be given the title of pastor? I did search and the title pastor is defined as a person leading a congregation or church so my thinking is no. However, what if the title is that of pastor of children's ministries etc? However that brought another question to mind - which is why give a woman the title of pastor and not as director? There are two groups of people - some say yes and use scripture and some say no and use Scripture.

Paul in Corinth with Pricilla, Phoebe and a few others are all part of the thinking that women can be in authority and leadership. The argument from the yes side is that scripture is being taken out of context and that 1 Timothy 1 is a prime example of how women can be in authority (there is also question of who actually wrote Timothy 1) Acts 18 is also used as a stance that women can teach/be in authority over men. Maybe part of the issue here is the definitions of what Pricilla was doing in Acts 18 vs what a pastor really does. But Phoebe was considered a deacon so that would assume she had some leadership capabilities.

The flip side to the stance that women can't be is how are we to mother/teach our sons? Are women allowed to be teachers? You can see the slippery slope down I am sure. So, could you please do a deep dive into this? I am struggling as I am running into this more and more within churches. One church we were attending came out and said women could be deacons and then another called a woman a pastor but they also had director roles - which made it more confusing as a person attending an event.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E draws from both Old and New Testament passages to help listeners navigate the often-confused conversation about women in ministry by distinguishing between the office of elder and the gift of pastor-teacher.

He explains that the New Testament uses terms like presbuteros (elder) and episkopos (overseer) interchangeably to describe a church office reserved for men, while the role of pastor-teacher is given as a spiritual gift, not an office. Women are clearly permitted to pray and prophesy in the church (1 Corinthians 11), yet Paul prohibits them from teaching or exercising authority over men (1 Timothy 2).

Dr. E also explores how churches use titles like “director,” “minister,” or “pastor,” and why clarity in terminology is essential. He highlights examples like Phoebe in Romans 16 and Timothy’s upbringing under his mother and grandmother to show the important role women play in ministry, even if not as elders. Men and women share equal value before God, yet Scripture outlines distinct roles within the church for the sake of order and faithfulness.

Takeaways:

Scripture affirms equal value of men and women while assigning distinct church roles.
Elders/overseers are reserved for qualified men according to the New Testament.
The gift of pastor-teacher is not the same as the office of elder.
Women are permitted to pray and prophesy but not to teach with authority over men.
Phoebe and other women in Romans 16 show the vital role of female ministry.
Clarity in church titles like “pastor” or “director” avoids unnecessary confusion.

Links Mentioned

Can Women Baptize People in The Church?

Can Women Be Deacons?

What Does The Bible Say About Women Leading in The Church?

Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

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.

Will There Be Mourning in Heaven Before The New Earth? Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Q: I recently finished a Bible study on Revelation and have a lingering question. Revelation states that after Satan is permanently cast into the lake of fire and after the final judgement, God will create a new heavens and a new earth. In the new heavens and new earth there will be no more tears, mourning, etc because sin is no longer present and the heirs of Christ are transformed to be like Him. Because God remains in control, Satan must ask permission or be allowed to wreak havoc, evil, and pain on earth. Since (If) Satan still has access to God and the souls of the heirs of Christ that have died physically are in God's presence, is there mourning in heaven for the souls, angels, and God until the new heavens and new earth?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E addresses a listener’s question about whether there is mourning in heaven before the creation of the new heavens and new earth. Drawing from Revelation 20, Dr. E explains the premillennial view: Christ will reign for a literal thousand years before Satan is released to deceive the nations. Even in a perfect environment, humanity’s sinful nature will persist, revealing mankind’s deep depravity and God’s sovereign plan. While Satan is the tempter and deceiver, he does not force people to sin, and not every hardship should be attributed to him. In heaven, believers will have shed their sin nature and be fully transformed in Christ’s presence. The overwhelming glory and holiness of Jesus will eclipse earthly concerns, leaving no room for fear, worry, or grief. Dr. E emphasizes that while we may speculate about prophetic details, Scripture assures us that God’s justice will be complete and His people fully redeemed. In light of eternity’s reality, our greatest focus should be on faithful living now, knowing that the presence of Christ will surpass every sorrow we have ever known.

Takeaways:

In the premillennial view, Christ will reign on earth for a literal thousand years before Satan’s final rebellion.
Even in perfect conditions, humanity’s sin nature leads to rebellion against God.
Satan tempts and deceives but cannot force people to sin.
Not every hardship is directly caused by Satan—life happens in a fallen world.
In heaven, believers will be fully transformed, free from sin and grief.
The presence of Christ will overshadow all earthly concerns and sorrows.

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 Can Christians Maintain Their Faith as They Go Through Chronic Suffering? Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Q: Do you have a book, sermon, or other resource to help Christians to maintain their faith as they go through chronic suffering? My daughter has a debilitating disease that she got in her early 20’s and it has progressively got worse in 3+ years. She says she can’t forgive God for not healing her and even if he healed her now she asks why he didn’t heal her before. She’s so angry with God she’s giving up on a relationship with Him and ready to completely walk away from any faith. Please help.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E offers wisdom to a father whose daughter is wrestling with debilitating illness, anger at God, and a fading faith. Dr. E shares that while he’s never asked God “why,” he’s often asked Him “how” — how to live well through pain, how to endure with grace, and how to resist bitterness. Drawing from his own chronic suffering journey, Dr. E unpacks the difference between entitlement and surrender, encouraging listeners to reframe suffering in light of God's sovereignty.

He offers gentle but clear guidance: some “why” questions may never be answered this side of heaven, and continuing to ask them may only deepen bitterness. Instead, he urges us to ask “how” — how can I respond faithfully today? Recommended resources like A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada and How Long, O Lord? by D.A. Carson offer paths to healing and spiritual perspective. Ultimately, Dr. E reminds us that we can't carry others’ faith, but we can lead, love, and trust that God is still writing the story — even in the pain.

Takeaways

Asking “how do I live?” leads to faithfulness; asking “why did this happen?” can lead to bitterness.
Chronic suffering may never come with clear answers — but God offers sustaining grace.
We cannot force someone else’s faith, but we can lead them gently through love.
Surrendering our sense of entitlement is key to enduring trials with spiritual maturity.
There are some “why” questions in life that will never be answered — and that’s okay.

Links Mentioned

A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada

Pain And Providence by Joni Eareckson Tada

Beyond Suffering Bible by Joni Eareckson Tada

How Long, O Lord by D.A. Carson

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.