Ask Dr. E

Michael Easley
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Dr. Michael Easley answers your biblical and theological questions each week. Call or text us at 615-281-9694 or email us at question@michaelincontext.com with your question.

  1. 3h ago

    Can You Be Saved Without Showing Fruit?

    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.

    24 min

  2. Jul 2

    Is It a Sin for Christians Not to Have Children?

    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-makingChapters00:00 Why We Trust God With Eternity But Not Everyday Life00:28 Is It Sinful for Christians Not to Have Children?01:19 God's Design for Marriage and Family02:12 Are Children a Blessing or a Requirement?02:52 Does "Be Fruitful and Multiply" Apply Today?03:13 What the Apostle Paul Says About Singleness04:12 Why Dr. Easley Would Ask "Why?"05:00 Sin, Wisdom, and Life Choices05:31 How Children Sanctify Parents06:07 Looking Back on the Blessing of Family07:20 God's Design for Most Marriages08:03 What Parenting Teaches Us About God's Love09:13 Command or Principle? Interpreting Genesis09:58 When Family History Makes Parenting Hard10:44 Can Children Help Heal Family Relationships?12:26 Trusting God With Your Children's Future13:36 Why Trust Grows With Time14:00 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.

    16 min

  3. Jun 25

    Are Modern Jews Still God’s Chosen People?

    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.

    13 min

  4. Jun 18

    Can a Christian marry a non-Christian?

    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.

    13 min

  5. Jun 11

    Does the Shroud of Turin Prove Jesus?

    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.

    11 min

  6. Jun 4

    How Does The Trinity Actually Work?

    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.

    20 min

  7. May 28

    Should Churches Discipline Christians For Dating Non-Believers?

    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.Chapters00:00 — Should Churches Discipline Dating Non-Christians?00:40 — Why This Question Is Complicated01:25 — What “Unequally Yoked” Really Means02:45 — Dating, Marriage, and Wisdom03:30 — What Counts as Ongoing Sin?05:20 — The Purpose of Church Discipline06:20 — Treating Someone “Like an Unbeliever”07:00 — Protecting the Church From Public Sin08:10 — What Churches Get Wrong About Discipline09:15 — Is Dating a Non-Christian Actually Sin?10:00 — Restoration vs Punishment11:00 — Why Gentleness Matters12:10 — How Churches Should Confront Sin14:00 — Membership, Removal, and Restoration15:00 — Truth, Compassion, and LGBTQ Questions16:30 — Mercy Without Compromising Truth17:20 — The Goal of Discipline Is Restoration18:00 — Final Thoughts and Recommended ResourcesKey Topics Covered-Church discipline and restoration-Dating non-Christians as a believer-The meaning of “unequally yoked”-Biblical confrontation and accountability-Matthew 18 and church discipline-Public sin in the church-Grace and truth in pastoral ministry-Cohabitation and sexual immorality-LGBTQ questions in the local church-Protecting weaker believers-Church membership and removal-Restoration through repentance-Compassion in difficult pastoral situations-Biblical wisdom for pastors and church leaders Links Mentioned: A Guide to Church Discipline by J. Carl Laney What Christ Thinks of The Church Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

    21 min

  8. May 21

    Why Do We Call God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit The Trinity? (RERELEASE)

    The word “Trinity” never appears in the Bible… so why do Christians believe it? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Michael Easley answers a thoughtful question about the Trinity, early church history, and whether Christians should describe God more “mysteriously” rather than as three persons in one God. Dr. Easley explains why the doctrine of the Trinity matters, why common analogies often fail, and how Scripture consistently reveals the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together as one God. Using passages like Matthew 3 and 1 Corinthians 12, this conversation explores how the Trinity is taught throughout the Bible even if the specific word itself is not used. Dr. Easley also explains why rejecting the Trinity leads to major theological problems—including modalism and polytheism—and why the doctrine is essential to understanding salvation itself. If you’ve ever struggled to explain the Trinity, questioned whether it’s biblical, or wanted a clearer understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, this episode will help ground you in Scripture and strengthen your confidence in Christian doctrine. Key Topics Mentioned -Why the word “Trinity” is not found in Scripture -What the Trinity actually means -Why common Trinity analogies fail -Modalism explained -One God in three persons -Matthew 3 and Jesus’ baptism -1 Corinthians 12 and the work of the Spirit -The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in salvation -Early church debates about the Trinity -Monotheism and Christian doctrine -Why the Trinity matters for believers today Chapters 00:00 — “I Only Do What Pleases the Father” 00:19 — Why Isn’t the Word “Trinity” in the Bible? 01:05 — Why Analogies Like Water and Ice Fall Short 01:43 — A Biblical Definition of the Trinity 02:16 — Understanding the Trinity Diagram 02:48 — 1 Corinthians 12 and the Father, Son, and Spirit 03:36 — Why the Trinity Matters for Salvation 04:01 — Matthew 3 and Jesus’ Baptism 04:38 — The Father Sends the Son and Spirit 05:09 — One God, Not Three Gods 05:44 — A Conversation with a Rabbi About the Trinity 06:16 — God Is One in Essence, Three in Persons 07:10 — Distinct Roles Within the Trinity 07:30 — Jesus and Submission to the Father 08:02 — Explaining the Trinity to Children 08:30 — Final Thoughts on the Trinity Links Mentioned: The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

    11 min
See All (302)

About

Dr. Michael Easley answers your biblical and theological questions each week. Call or text us at 615-281-9694 or email us at question@michaelincontext.com with your question.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Easley
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Ask Dr. E

You Might Also Like