Ask Dr. E

Q: Hi Dr. E, Based on Revelation 12:9, when was Satan cast out of heaven? Could you give me Scriptures for your reasoning? Thanks so much! Summary In this episode, Dr. E unpacks Revelation 12:9 and explores what Scripture reveals about Satan’s fall, his defeat, and final judgment. From his rebellion and role in Eden to his defeat at the cross and expulsion during the tribulation, Dr. E outlines th...

Q: Over the past few episodes or so, I believe I heard that “the Trinity” is not found in the Bible.  This inspired some study, and now I’m wondering why we call God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit the Trinity at all?  It seems that, before the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, early Christians had differing ways of describing them, usually referring to them as separate, but not necessarily as a 3-in-1.  A...

Q: I go to a Christian college and many students, including some of my friends, are converting to Catholicism. Here are my questions: What are your insights on how to engage with them when they are talking about it? I am concerned they are leaning more towards works rather than trusting in the finished work of Jesus. What are things that I can do as a friend veer towards judgement? I am trying to...

Q: I’m studying Revelation chapter 20 with BSF right now. I’ve never understood something about the final judgement. How do we reconcile verses such as Matthew 16:27 referencing the rewards individual believers will receive during the final judgment with teachings found in Galatians about freedom from the law (behavior and sins condemnation) and concepts such as every good and perfect gift comes f...

Q: Knowing division in the church displeases the Lord, what are your thoughts about the “sharp disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas. How should it have been handled? Summary: In this episode Dr. E and Hanna address a question about the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas recorded in Acts 15. They discuss how they should have handled their conflict, assuming that division in the church...

Q: My question is from Romans 4:10-12. If Abraham’s righteousness was based on faith and not circumcision, how might women in Abraham’s time have expressed their covenant relationship with God, given they did not receive circumcision? Summary: In this episode Dr. E and Hanna respond to a listener’s insightful question from Romans 4:10–12: If Abraham was credited as righteous by faith before he was...

Q: I was reading Daniel 10 recently, and there’s some wild stuff in there I’d love to get your thoughts on. Daniel’s fasting and mourning for three weeks, and then he’s finally met by an angel. The angel says he was sent in response to Daniel’s prayer but was delayed for 21 days by the 'spirit prince of Persia.' He goes on to say he left Michael the archangel there to continue fighting the prince...

Q: A few years ago, a dear friend and his wife (mid 70’s), lost an adult son to a drug overdose. Upon that death, another son (early 50’s) confessed to his parents that he, too, was an addict. Since then, the older son has been in and out of drug rehab and has also been incarcerated several times for drug offenses. At the end of their rope, both financially and emotionally, they have given the old...

Q: Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, but I’m curious what your take is on spiritual attacks in dreams? Do you think it’s possible that one growing in their faith could be being attacked by the other realm during sleep or is just simply bad dreams? Summary In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna discuss the complexities of dreams, particularly in relation to spiritual attacks...

Q: My husband and I are looking at the option of IVF in our fertility journey. Do you think that there is a biblical way to go about this process?  Summary In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna discuss the emotional and ethical complexities of infertility, focusing on whether there is a biblical way to go about IVF. They explore key questions couples must ask—most importantly, why they want to hav...

Q: In regards to the Lord’s Supper, can you explain 1 Corinthians 10:14-17? That text has always been a conundrum for me. Summary In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna address a question regarding the Lord's Supper, specifically focusing on 1 Corinthians 10:14-17. They explore the complexities of the passage, emphasizing the importance of understanding the elements of communion and their significa...

Q: How did Pharaoh know to use his magicians and dark arts when Moses was coming to meet with him? Moses was basically dealing with “hostage“ negotiations to let the Israelites go free— seems like it would be a matter of negotiating terms rather than conjuring up the dark arts? Since the Old Testament is a foreshadow of things now, do you think that wicked power in high places is being used today?...

Q: Growing up in the 80s and 90s, having Christian ideals was about as common as speaking English.  Sunday lessons were “winsome”, and friends I invited usually came back. I never felt at odds with society, ever.  It was much easier to be a Christian, even when a few disagreed.  Those Sundays, Wednesday night bible studies, and church camps had a lasting positive effect on me. Fast forward 30- 40...

Q: Dear Dr. E, I have often wondered about the meaning of Jesus’ parable in Luke 16:1-8, the shrewd manager. Can you explain? Summary In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna discuss the parable of the shrewd manager from Luke 16, exploring its context, the actions of the characters, and the lessons it imparts about shrewdness and stewardship. Dr. E emphasizes the importance of understanding the cult...

Q: Are gifts of the Spirit as detailed in 1st Corinthians, chapters 11-13 still applicable or are they no longer relevant/needed in this day and age?  Summary In this conversation, Dr. Michael Easley and Hanna Seymour discuss the relevance of spiritual gifts as outlined in 1 Corinthians, emphasizing their purpose and application in today's church. He explores the distinction between miraculous gif...

Q: I am a minister of music, and I've been reading through the Pentateuch to study the foundations of the Israelites' worship... and I've hit a theme I'm curious about, application-wise, for the church today. In Deut. 7:25–26, God orders the pre-conquest Israelites to completely destroy the idols of the pagans when they overtake their cities, saying, "Don't covet the silver or gold on the images a...

Q: Hello Dr. E. I've always been taught that if you have professed your faith in Christ you could participate in the communion. But recently our pastor is preaching that we have to be baptized in order to participate in the communion! Summary In this episode, Dr. Michael explores the significance of understanding the gospel, the implications of age restrictions on baptism and communion, and the na...

Q: Hello Dr. E. I've always been taught that if you have professed your faith in Christ you could participate in the communion. But recently our pastor is preaching that we have to be baptized in order to participate in the communion! Summary Dr. Michael Easley explores the complexities of baptism and communion in the church, focusing on the debate between believers' baptism and infant baptism. He...

Q: I am studying to teach Matthew 14 and wanted to see if you could help me with this question: Was Herod Antipas (who had John the Baptist beheaded) Jewish? One of my commentaries said he was, but I'm not convinced. Please help! Summary Dr. Michael Easley delves into the complex legacy of Herod the Great and his son, Herod Antipas, particularly in relation to their actions and identities within t...

Q: Who is the gatekeeper in John 10:3 who opens the gate for the Shepherd and sheep? Takeaways The identity of the gatekeeper in John 10:3 is uncertain. Parables serve as memorable teaching tools. Cultural context is crucial for understanding parables. Many modern interpretations miss key cultural insights. The good shepherd is a protective and guiding figure. Understanding sheepfolds enhances com...

Q: My Bible says that John 7:53 - 8:11 isn't found in the earliest manuscripts, so why are we including this in the Bible that we say is the inerrant word of God? Takeaways Inerrancy is a complex issue, focusing on original autographs. Manuscript evidence is abundant but requires careful analysis. Textual criticism helps us understand variations in biblical texts. The ending of Mark and the story...

Q: Hi Dr. Easley! I just don’t know which Bible translations to trust. I know reading your Bible is a vital part of having a relationship with God, but I don’t know if the version I have been reading is the most accurate, and I worry that I’ve been taking verses out of context my whole life. Takeaways Translations vary, but the core message remains intact. Understanding vocabulary is crucial for a...

Q: Was the garden of Eden really “perfect”? I read this in some bible study notes recently: When the first man and woman disobeyed God, sin disrupted God’s perfect creation. But was it perfect? Satan was in the garden. How can that be perfect? Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Q: When God so loved the world, why would He take the offering of His Son on earth with such a horrific suffering and death? I understand it is the ultimate to sacrifice the offering of something so valuable to show that love, but still it is conflicting. Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

Q: A friend of mine and I were talking about discipleship. She said that the scripture never uses the word. The only mention is as a noun: disciples. She said that churches don’t really need to disciple Christians because we can read the Bible and God will guide us on our own. Can you talk about this? My opinion is that new Christians SHOULD be discipled. Would love your thoughts & if there is any...