Ask Dr. E

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 from the father of lights. I think I’ve heard in church, about rewards and extra jewels in your crown, but I’m not certain where that is in the Bible. It is a little confusing to consider freedom through Christ and also a reward system that doesn’t equally reward if we can’t add or take away anything from the work of Christ on the cross.

Summary

In this episode , Dr. E and Hanna tackle a nuanced question about Revelation 20 and the concept of eternal rewards. Drawing from multiple New Testament passages, Dr. E outlines seven distinct judgments found in Scripture, explaining the Judgment Seat of Christ as a moment for believers' works—not their salvation—to be evaluated. He unpacks how rewards in heaven are not based on merit, but are gracious gifts from God, rooted in faithfulness and obedience. The conversation explores the meaning of crowns, such as the crown of righteousness and the unfading crown of glory, and how believers will ultimately cast these rewards before Christ’s throne. They also reflect on the earthly mindset that struggles with the idea of disparity in heaven and offer reassurance that envy and pride will be absent in eternity. This episode encourages believers to live faithfully now, knowing that our lives carry eternal significance beyond what we can see.

Takeaways

Eternal rewards are not about merit but about faithfulness and obedience to God.

Scripture describes multiple types of judgment, including the judgment seat for believers.

Crowns of righteousness and glory are symbols of God’s gracious recognition.

Rewards will be cast at Christ’s feet—there’s no room for pride or envy in eternity.

Modern culture often downplays eternal life, but Jesus emphasized it repeatedly.

Living with an eternal perspective reshapes how we view our work, suffering, and purpose.

Links Mentioned:

Why Should We Care About Eternal Rewards?

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

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 displeases the Lord. Dr. Easley begins by reminding believers that the Bible is not always prescriptive; sometimes it simply describes what happened. The disagreement centered on John Mark, who had deserted their mission earlier, causing tension. Paul was firm and cautious, while Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” took a more compassionate approach. This resulted in them parting ways, but God used that division for good, expanding the missionary work as they went different directions.

Dr. E emphasizes that believers are sinful, prone to conflict, and that sometimes peace isn’t fully possible. He encourages humility and prayer, trusting God to work through even broken situations. Finally, he urges believers to keep the church’s mission—evangelism and discipleship—at the forefront, rather than getting caught up in internal disputes. Ultimately, God can bring good even from sharp disagreements.

Takeaways:

The Bible sometimes describes conflicts without giving a “how-to” fix.

Paul and Barnabas parted ways over John Mark’s earlier desertion.

Barnabas showed compassion; Paul took a firmer stance.

God used their disagreement to expand the missionary effort.

Peace isn’t always possible, but believers should pursue it so far as it depends on you.

The church’s mission of evangelism and discipleship should always be the priority over internal disputes.

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

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 circumcised, how did women—who were never circumcised—participate in the Abrahamic covenant? Dr. E explains that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith in Genesis 15:6, and circumcision came later as a sign and seal of that faith.

Though only males received the physical mark of circumcision, Dr. E emphasizes that women absolutely participated in the covenant. Like uncircumcised Gentiles who believed, women were counted righteous by faith in Yahweh. The sign of circumcision was given to men as a symbol of being set apart and because the covenant seed passed through the male line. But the covenant itself—and its blessings—extended to all who believed, regardless of gender.

Women participated fully in the Abrahamic covenant by their belief in the promises of God. Their faith, not ritual, was what God honored. This reinforces a key biblical truth: righteousness and covenant inclusion have always been by faith. Abraham’s story serves as a timeless reminder that it is belief in God—not outward signs—that defines belonging in His family.

Takeaways:

Abraham was declared righteous by faith before he was ever circumcised.

Circumcision was a sign of the covenant, not the source of righteousness.

Women participated in the covenant by faith, just like uncircumcised Gentiles.

The physical sign was given to men because the seed of the covenant passed through them.

Inclusion in God's promises has always been by belief, not by physical rituals.

Romans 4 affirms that faith is the defining mark of God’s people—then and now.

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

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 of Persia while he came to deliver the message. Then he also mentions needing to go back to fight the 'prince of Greece.'

So, I’m just really curious—what does this say about spiritual warfare? More specifically, what do we make of the fact that God sent an angel, but the answer to prayer was apparently delayed by a demonic power? What can we take away from this? How can we apply it to our lives today?

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna discuss Daniel 10 and what it reveals about spiritual warfare. Prompted by a listener's question about the delayed response to Daniel’s prayer, they unpack the unseen realities at play when Daniel is told that his answer was hindered by the “prince of Persia” and aided by the archangel Michael. Dr. E emphasizes that while the Bible gives us glimpses into spiritual battles, it does not provide exhaustive detail. What we do know, from passages like Ephesians 6, is that spiritual warfare is real, it’s unseen, and it involves powers beyond human comprehension.

Rather than focusing on deliverance language or engaging demons directly, Dr. E stresses the biblical instruction to stand firm, remain alert, and stay rooted in Christ and His Word. The passage reminds us that God's answers to prayer may be delayed—not because He is absent—but because of realities we cannot see. While the idea of angels battling behind the scenes may be mysterious or unsettling, it ultimately points us back to trusting in God's sovereign control. The call for believers is not to fight these battles ourselves but to remain faithful, prayerful, and grounded in biblical truth.

Takeaways:

Daniel 10 offers a rare glimpse into spiritual warfare, showing unseen conflict among angelic beings.

The delay in Daniel’s answered prayer reflects a spiritual battle, not God’s negligence.

Believers should not attempt to “pray out” demons, but instead stand firm in Christ.

Scripture teaches us to be alert, resist, and lean on God’s word—not to engage directly in cosmic battles.

Evil and spiritual principalities often explain what human reasoning cannot, especially societal violence.

We trust in God's sovereignty even when we don’t fully understand how or why delays occur in the spiritual realm.

Links Mentioned:

Constable’s Notes

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

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 older son a deadline to be out of the house. While in agreement and at peace (somewhat) with this decision, he and his wife are struggling with the “what if’s”. Any wisdom and/or resources that you can share on how these parents can navigate this journey would be greatly appreciated. They are believers.

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. E reflects on the painful tension between loving and enabling, offering hard-earned wisdom. Addiction wreaks havoc on families. The deception, manipulation, and endless cycle of rehab and relapse can leave even the most committed parents worn thin. The key question becomes: are we actually helping this child take responsibility, or are we preventing that growth by cushioning the consequences?

Dr. E urges parents to lock arms in unity, prepare for difficult emotions, and remember that unconditional love doesn’t mean underwriting sin. Sometimes love means saying, “I’ll help you when you’re ready—but I will no longer enable you.” While there may not be easy answers, there is a path to navigating addiction with Biblical wisdom—even when it looks like letting go.

Takeaways:

Links Mentioned:

Focus on the Family’s Drug & Addiction Resources

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].

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 and the influence of faith. They emphasize the reality of spiritual warfare, the importance of prayer, and how a strong foundation in Christ can mitigate fears associated with nightmares. The discussion also touches on parenting, encouraging children to focus on positive thoughts and dreams, and the significance of being aware of the content they consume.

Bottom line? Dreams aren’t where the real battle lies. It’s about who and what you trust. Stand firm in your identity in Christ, resist the devil, and let God’s Word shape your peace. The believer's strength is not in dream interpretation—but in the indwelling power of the Spirit.

Takeaways:

-Demons are real, but the Holy Spirit who indwells believers is far more powerful.

-Satan can tempt but cannot control a Christian’s dreams or thoughts.

-Obsessing over dreams or mysticism can lead to spiritual vulnerability.

-Scripture and prayer are the best defenses against spiritual anxiety—even during sleep.

-Teach children to end their day focused on God to guard their imagination and rest.

-Stand firm in faith, not fear—Christ has already won the battle.

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

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 have children—and emphasize the need for unity between spouses before pursuing any path.

Drawing from personal experience and trusted Christian ethics resources, Dr. E highlights issues surrounding embryo creation, selection, and storage, as well as the emotional weight of long-term outcomes. They stress that neither IVF nor adoption is for everyone and that wisdom, prayer, and sound counsel are essential.

Takeaways

Adoption and IVF are not for everyone.

Understanding the 'why' behind wanting a child is crucial.

The ethical implications of embryo handling are significant.

Couples should set a time frame for IVF procedures.

Seek good counsel from trusted sources.

Be cautious of advice from those with different experiences.

God may provide children in unexpected ways.

Links Mentioned

Dr. Joy Riley interview

Outside The Womb by Dr. Joy Riley and Scott Rae

Focus on the family IVF article

Wayne Grudem IVF article

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

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 significance in Christian fellowship. The discussion also touches on various theological perspectives, including the concept of transubstantiation and the implications of idolatry in relation to the Lord's Supper.

Takeaways

The Lord's Supper is a significant aspect of Christian worship.

Idolatry is a key theme in understanding the Lord's Supper.

The elements of communion symbolize unity in the body of Christ.

Proclaiming the Lord's death is central to the practice of communion.

The act of communion should be both a moment of reflection and celebration.

Understanding the context of the Lord's Supper can enhance its meaning.

The Lord's Supper anticipates Christ's return and the hope of renewal.

Links Mentioned

ADE 228: During Communion, Does The Bread and Wine Change Into Christ’s Body and Blood?

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

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? In a massive, behind the scenes way? 

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna address questions about the use of dark arts in biblical times, particularly in relation to Pharaoh and Moses. They explore the nature of evil in today's world, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith and focusing on the personal work of Christ rather than being distracted by demonic influences. The discussion also highlights the role of prayer in spiritual warfare and critiques literary works that delve into the nature of evil, advocating for a focus on biblical truths instead.

Takeaways

Pharaoh’s magicians show that spiritual deception has always been a tool of the enemy.

The true battle was about who is God, not about political negotiations.

Evil influence still exists behind power structures today.

Christians are called to stand firm, not obsess over spiritual warfare.

Scripture gives us enough — we don’t need to over-study the demonic realm.

Prayer is our main response to unseen battles, not fascination or fear.

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

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 years, and it seems much more difficult to speak openly about what we believe.  Our values are openly being targeted, and a Christian is wondering if the 90s playbook still works?  Should we respond to these attacks “winsomely”, with grace/peace?  Or should Christians go on the attack to get our values back?  How best to do this in 2024?  Appreciate your thoughts!

P.s. We’ve been to several local churches over the last ten years.  In our experience, about 80% still use the winsome technique, while about 15-20% seem to be taking the Don’t Tread On Me approach.  What is “The Way”?

In this conversation, Dr. E and Hanna discuss the evolving nature of Christianity, the importance of effective communication within the church, and the resilience of the church despite cultural challenges. Dr. E emphasizes the need for clarity in messaging and the significance of being involved in the church community.

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