Ask Dr. E

Michael Easley
  • 4.8 (70)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Should We Use The Legacy Standard Bible?

    What is the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB), and how does it compare to the NASB? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley answers a listener’s question about the LSB translation, explaining its connection to the New American Standard Bible and the translation philosophy behind it. He discusses formal equivalency, why certain wording choices were updated, and how readers should think about choosing a Bible translation. Dr. Easley also reminds listeners that while English speakers have access to dozens of translations, many languages around the world only have one — making the most important step simply reading Scripture consistently. If you’ve ever wondered which Bible translation to use for study or daily reading, this episode will help you think wisely and practically about the options available. Chapters 0:00 Intro to Ask Dr. E 0:22 Question about the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) 1:05 Background of the NASB and LSB 2:17 Why reading the Bible’s introduction matters 3:14 Translation changes in the LSB (Yahweh, doulos, etc.) 5:22 The MacArthur Study Bible and translation history 6:27 Formal vs. dynamic equivalency explained 7:20 Choosing a translation for study vs. reading 7:58 Final encouragement to read Scripture consistently Key Topics Covered -Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) overview -NASB translation history -Formal equivalency vs dynamic equivalency -Translating Yahweh in the Old Testament -The meaning of doulos (“slave” vs “bondservant”) -Choosing a Bible translation for study -Why consistency in Bible reading matters Links Mentioned Abner Chou on inContext 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.

    10 min

  2. FEB 19

    How Do You Explain The Gospel to Young Children?

    How do you explain salvation to a toddler without oversimplifying the gospel — or pressuring them into a decision they don’t understand? In this episode, Dr. E answers a parenting question about helping young children understand faith, sin, and salvation. He explains why children can grasp concepts like trust, belief, and faith, even before they fully understand theology, and encourages parents to focus on consistent discipleship instead of a single “decision moment.” Drawing from Deuteronomy 6, the Gospels, and key passages like Ephesians 2:8–9 and Romans 10:9, Dr. Easley shows how everyday conversations and simple gospel explanations can shape a child’s understanding over time. Parents don’t have to carry the burden of saving their children — God loves them even more than we do. Our role is to teach faithfully, pray consistently, and trust God’s work. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader wondering how to talk about salvation with children, this episode will encourage and equip you. Chapters 00:00 — Can children understand faith? 00:34 — A parent’s question about explaining salvation 01:41 — Should parents avoid “decision pressure”? 03:32 — Salvation vs. sanctification in a child’s life 03:48 — Why “ask Jesus into your heart” can confuse kids 04:53 — Deuteronomy 6 and everyday discipleship 07:27 — Explaining faith using simple illustrations 08:28 — Jesus’ teaching about childlike faith 10:33 — Teachable moments in parenting 12:06 — Explaining the gospel with four key verses 14:26 — Trusting God with your children’s faith Key Topics Discussed Teaching the gospel to toddlers and young children Faith, trust, and belief in early childhood Parenting without fear-based salvation decisions Deuteronomy 6 and family discipleship Avoiding confusing salvation language with kids The difference between salvation and sanctification Using simple gospel illustrations for children Trusting God with your child’s spiritual growth Links Mentioned: Dr. Larry Fowler of The Legacy Coalition on inContext Board books for toddlers Tales That Tell The Truth Series Big Truths About Our Big God Series 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.

    17 min

  3. FEB 12

    Why Are People Converting From Evangelical Christianity to Roman Catholicism?

    Why don’t Jews still offer animal sacrifices if the Old Testament law still applies? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley answers a thoughtful listener question by walking through Jewish history, Scripture, and the book of Hebrews.Dr. Easley explains the differences within modern Judaism, why the sacrificial system requires very specific biblical conditions, and how the destruction of the temple in AD 70 made sacrifices impossible under the law. He also explores the significance of the red heifer, the role of the priesthood, and why the author of Hebrews points to Jesus as the once-for-all sacrifice who fulfilled the entire system.This episode is a helpful guide for anyone trying to understand Judaism, the Old Testament sacrificial system, and why Christians believe Jesus is fully sufficient—no temple required.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Sacrificial System00:48 Understanding Jewish Sects and Their Practices02:24 The Historical Context of Sacrifices05:24 Modern Implications: The Red Heifer and the Temple Institute08:03 Theological Reflections on Sacrifices and ChristKey Topics Covered-Why Jews no longer offer animal sacrifices-The destruction of the temple in AD 70-Orthodox vs. Conservative vs. Reformed Judaism-The red heifer and ritual purification-Hebrews 9 and Jesus as the final sacrifice-Do Christians need a future temple? Links Mentioned: Reasoning From The Scriptures with Catholics by Dr. Ron Rhodes Why Do Protestants Convert? By Chris Castaldo Chris Castaldo on inContext 10 Most Important Things You Can Say to a Catholic By Dr. Ron Rhodes 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

  4. FEB 5

    Why Do The Jews No Longer Offer Sacrifices?

    Why don’t Jews still offer animal sacrifices if the Old Testament law still applies? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley answers a thoughtful listener question by walking through Jewish history, Scripture, and the book of Hebrews. Dr. Easley explains the differences within modern Judaism, why the sacrificial system requires very specific biblical conditions, and how the destruction of the temple in AD 70 made sacrifices impossible under the law. He also explores the significance of the red heifer, the role of the priesthood, and why the author of Hebrews points to Jesus as the once-for-all sacrifice who fulfilled the entire system. This episode is a helpful guide for anyone trying to understand Judaism, the Old Testament sacrificial system, and why Christians believe Jesus is fully sufficient—no temple required. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Sacrificial System 00:48 Understanding Jewish Sects and Their Practices 02:24 The Historical Context of Sacrifices 05:24 Modern Implications: The Red Heifer and the Temple Institute 08:03 Theological Reflections on Sacrifices and Christ Key Topics Covered -Why Jews no longer offer animal sacrifices -The destruction of the temple in AD 70 -Orthodox vs. Conservative vs. Reformed Judaism -The red heifer and ritual purification -Hebrews 9 and Jesus as the final sacrifice -Do Christians need a future temple? 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.

    14 min

  5. JAN 29

    How Can Christians Overcome Fear and Anxiety?

    Fear shows up in many forms—panic attacks, self-doubt, trauma responses, or everyday anxiety. In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley responds to a listener’s honest question: What is the best way for believers to overcome fear? Dr. Easley offers a thoughtful, biblically grounded response that acknowledges the complexity of fear. Some fear requires professional counseling. Some fear is rooted in trauma. And some fear must be confronted through renewed thinking shaped by Scripture. These approaches aren’t in conflict—they work together. Drawing from passages like Joshua 1, Romans 12, and Psalm 27, Dr. Easley reminds us that God commands courage not because we are strong—but because we are often weak and afraid. Fear is not a failure of faith; it is a shared human condition. And God meets us there. This episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical steps for believers who want real help—not clichés—when fear feels overwhelming. Chapters 00:00 – Why Fear Is So Common 01:55 – Different Types of Fear Explained 03:45 – When Counseling and Therapy Are Wise 05:00 – The Power of Biblical Self-Talk 06:30 – Why “Do Not Fear” Is Repeated in Scripture 08:05 – Courage Spoken to the Fearful (Joshua 1) 09:30 – Psalm 27 and Fearless Trust 11:10 – How Scripture Rewires the Anxious Mind 12:00 – Why You Shouldn’t Face Fear Alone Key Topics Discussed -Biblical responses to fear and anxiety -Panic attacks vs. situational fear -Trauma and counseling for Christians -Scripture-based self-talk -Memorizing Scripture for anxiety -Why God commands courage -Psalm 27 and fearless trust -Community, vulnerability, and healing Links Mentioned: Jon Gauger on inContext 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.

    14 min

  6. JAN 22

    Did God, Adam, and Eve Have a Language?

    Did God have a language? Did Adam and Eve speak Hebrew—or something else entirely? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley explores what the Bible reveals about language at creation, the Tower of Babel, and how God communicated with humanity from the very beginning.Walking through Genesis, Hebrew, and the broader family of Semitic languages, Dr. Easley explains why Scripture doesn’t give a definitive answer—but does give meaningful insight. From Adam naming the animals to the confusion of languages at Babel and the unity of tongues in Acts 2, this episode connects theology, history, and biblical literacy in a thoughtful and accessible way.Whether you’re curious about Hebrew, biblical inspiration, or how oral tradition shaped Scripture before it was written, this conversation invites you to ask better questions—and trust the authority of God’s Word.Key Topics Discussed• Did God, Adam, and Eve share a language?• Hebrew and the family of Semitic languages• Language and communication before the Fall• Adam naming the animals in Genesis• The Tower of Babel and the origin of languages• Ethnicities and people groups in Scripture• Acts 2 as the reversal of Babel• Oral tradition before the written Pentateuch• Moses, authorship, and biblical inspiration• Why Scripture leaves room for mysteryChapters00:00 – Introduction00:19 – Did God and Adam share a language?01:25 – What Scripture tells us—and what it doesn’t01:52 – Hebrew and Semitic language roots02:40 – Was there a pre-Fall or “holy” language?03:10 – Adam naming the animals04:05 – The Tower of Babel explained04:40 – Acts 2 and the unity of language05:23 – Oral tradition and writing the Pentateuch06:15 – Inspiration and authority of Scripture06:57 – Final thoughts 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.

    9 min

  7. JAN 15

    The Biblical Covenants Explained

    What are the biblical covenants—and why do they matter today? In this Ask Dr. E episode, Dr. Michael Easley explains the major covenants in the Bible and how they point directly to Jesus Christ. Dr. Easley walks through the Edenic, Noahic, Mosaic, Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants, clarifying the difference between unilateral and bilateral covenants. He shows how human failure under the law reveals the need for a Savior and why the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants are central to God’s redemptive plan. This episode helps connect the Old Testament to the New Testament and explains how Jesus fulfills every covenant through His shed blood. If you want a clear, biblical explanation of covenant theology—without the confusion—this conversation will deepen your understanding of Scripture and God’s faithfulness. Chapters 00:00 – Bible Covenants Explained 00:45 – What Is a Covenant? 01:40 – Edenic Covenant 02:30 – Noahic Covenant 03:20 – Abrahamic Covenant 04:15 – Mosaic Covenant 05:10 – Davidic Covenant 06:05 – New Covenant 07:15 – Why God Must Keep the Covenant 08:30 – Jesus at the Center Key Topics Discussed -What a biblical covenant is and what it means to “cut” a covenant -The Edenic covenant and humanity’s first failure -The Noahic covenant as a unilateral promise to all creation -The Abrahamic covenant and God’s unconditional promise -The Mosaic covenant, the law, and the blessing–curse framework -The Davidic covenant and the promise of a Messianic king -The New Covenant and Jesus’ blood as its fulfillment -The difference between unilateral and bilateral covenants -Why human inability reveals the need for a Savior -How all biblical covenants ultimately point to Christ 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

  8. JAN 8

    Should Grandparents be Discipling Your Kids?

    What role should grandparents play in shaping your child’s faith? And what do you do when their beliefs—or involvement—don’t align with yours? In this episode. Dr. E responds to a parent navigating complicated family dynamics, spiritual differences, and the pressure to ensure grandparents become spiritual influences in their grandchildren’s lives. Dr. Easley offers wisdom, realism, and biblical perspective—reminding parents that their primary calling is to disciple their own children, not fix extended family relationships. The conversation explores honoring parents without forcing spiritual outcomes, setting healthy boundaries, and understanding teens as “free agents” who must ultimately own their faith. Dr. Easley also highlights the often-overlooked influence of youth leaders, mentors, and trusted adults God places in a teenager’s life when family relationships are limited or strained.If you’re parenting preteens or teenagers, navigating blended beliefs, or feeling overwhelmed by family expectations, this episode will bring clarity, peace, and encouragement. Chapters 00:00 – The Question 01:00 – Who Is This Episode Really For? 03:15 – Honor Without Unrealistic Expectations 04:30 – Is It the Parent’s Job to Facilitate Grandparent Relationships? 05:55 – When Protection Comes First 06:45 – Focus on Your Teen, Not the Grandparents 07:55 – Teens Are Free Agents 09:05 – The Role of Youth Leaders and Mentors 10:30 – Investing in Those Who Influence Your Teen 11:50 – Final Encouragement to Parents Key Topics Covered -Grandparents and spiritual influence -Parenting teens with mixed-belief families -Healthy boundaries with extended family -Honoring parents biblically -Discipling preteens and teenagers -Teens as spiritual free agents -Youth pastors and mentors as faith influencers -Letting go of control in parenting -Faith formation beyond the nuclear family Links Mentioned: Larry Fowler: Legacy Coalition on inContext 🎧 Listen to full episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at michaelincontext.com 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.

    14 min
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4.8
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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
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Ask Dr. E

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