What happens when someone who once professed faith in Christ later renounces it and calls themselves an atheist?
In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Michael Easley answers one of the most difficult questions Christians face: Can you lose your salvation?
Dr. Easley walks through key passages like Ephesians 1:13, John 3:16, John 10:27–28, and Romans 8 to explain the doctrine of eternal security. He also addresses the theological divide influenced by Jacob Arminius and how different Christian traditions understand perseverance.
If you’re praying for someone who has walked away from the faith, this conversation will ground you in Scripture and give you practical clarity.
Salvation rests on Christ’s finished work — not our fluctuating faithfulness.
Chapters
00:00 – The Question: What If Someone Walks Away?
01:45 – Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
03:05 – “No One Can Snatch Them” (John 10)
04:30 – Can You Remove Yourself from God’s Hand?
05:20 – Romans 8 and the Golden Chain of Salvation
06:45 – Apathy, Sin, or Never Truly Saved?
08:00 – What Should We Do for a Prodigal Friend?
09:00 – Pray Boldly and Speak Truth
Key Topics Discussed
-Eternal security vs. losing salvation
-The sealing of the Holy Spirit
-Once saved, always saved — what it really means
-Arminian vs. Reformed perspectives
-The “golden chain” of salvation in Romans 8
-How to respond when someone renounces their faith
-Praying for prodigals
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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?

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 [email protected].

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?

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 mystery
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:19 – Did God and Adam share a language?
01:25 – What Scripture tells us—and what it doesn’t
01:52 – Hebrew and Semitic language roots
02:40 – Was there a pre-Fall or “holy” language?
03:10 – Adam naming the animals
04:05 – The Tower of Babel explained
04:40 – Acts 2 and the unity of language
05:23 – Oral tradition and writing the Pentateuch
06:15 – Inspiration and authority of Scripture
06:57 – Final thoughts

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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

Can Christians biblically support the modern nation of Israel—or is that a theological mistake? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley responds to a viral question about Genesis 12, political leaders quoting Scripture, and whether God’s promises to Abraham apply to Israel today.

Dr. Easley explains the Abrahamic Covenant as an unconditional, unilateral promise that unfolds across Genesis 12, 15, and 17. He addresses common misunderstandings about covenant theology, replacement theology, and the belief that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan. Drawing from Romans 9–11, Judges, Deuteronomy, and biblical history, Dr. Easley shows why God’s land promise remains intact—and why it cannot be dismissed as merely symbolic or political.

The conversation also explores how God works through history, governments, and flawed leaders under His providence, reminding listeners to be cautious of “clickbait theology” and oversimplified social media takes. Rather than offering partisan talking points, this episode encourages careful Bible study, theological humility, and a bigger view of God’s redemptive purposes.

If you’ve wrestled with questions about Israel, modern politics, and Scripture—or felt confused by online debates—this episode will help you think biblically and clearly.

Key Topics Covered

-Does the Bible support modern Israel?

-The Abrahamic Covenant explained (Genesis 12, 15, 17)

-Is the land promise to Israel still valid today?

-Covenant theology vs. replacement theology

-Romans 9–11 and Israel in God’s redemptive plan

-God’s sovereignty and providence in world history

-Christians, geopolitics, and biblical interpretation

-Political leaders using Scripture correctly or incorrectly

-Blessing Israel: biblical meaning vs. modern politics

-How Christians should think about Israel today

Chapters

00:00 Theological Foundations of Land Promises

02:48 Modern Israel and Biblical Interpretation

05:43 Covenant Theology and Its Implications

08:09 America's Role and Support for Israel

10:59 Geopolitical Realities and Future Perspectives

🎧 Listen to full episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at michaelincontext.com

👍 Like this video, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].