Ask Dr. E

Michael Easley

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. 4d ago

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

    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.

  2. Jul 16

    Should Christians Read The Book of Enoch?

    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.

  3. Jul 9

    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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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.

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