Michael Easley inContext

The book of James is often called "The Proverbs of the New Testament." It's filled with commands, allusions to the Old Testament, and language reminiscent of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount. Join us as we examine what this text tells us about: Faith & works Enduring trials Wisdom Temptation & The will of God For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-james/

Dr. George Guthrie is back on inContext to help us continue our study of the book of Hebrews. "Your perseverance in the Christian life will be in direct proportion to the clarity with which you see who Jesus is and what He has accomplished on our behalf." Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-hebrews/

A look at the rich and rewarding text of Hebrews. "Hebrews integrates Old Testament theology and New Testament Christology in a way no other book does." For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-hebrews/

Dr. Constantine Campbell joins Michael to discuss the short book of Philemon. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Campbell discuss: Paul, history's most profound missionary The relational oneness of believers Paul's unique word choices in his letter to Philemon Navigating Christian values in the ancient culture "Effective" fellowship in the faith Implications of this text for present-day ministry Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-philemon/

Michael teaches through the book of Philemon. Though short in length, what this text covers has great depth. "The world is crazy, but Scripture is stable and trustworthy. Don't let the world teach you theology." For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-philemon/

Dr. Bob Yarbrough joins Michael to discuss Paul's letter to Titus. In this episode, Michael and Dr. Yarbrough discuss: The person: Titus Leadership roles in the church Being "above reproach" Leadership qualities and character Works/deeds versus faith Faith, hope, and love Conflict in the church "Sound doctrine is foundational to living a fruitful life." -Dr. Yarbrough Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-titus/

Michael teaches through Titus: a great book and a timely message. "The tension of faith and works will always exist in the heart of man because, I think, sown in somewhere to our sinful life is: "I gotta do good." The motivation for what we do, and why we do it, is the hard part to diagnose." https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-Titus

Dr. E is back in the studio answering your questions! In this episode: Do you still think the NASB is the translation closest to the original text? Is the Trinity three Persons, or one with three roles? What are your thoughts on the age of the earth? ...What about dinosaur bones? For show notes including timestamps for each question: https://michaelincontext.com/ask-dr-e-13/

A teaching on the book of 2 Timothy. Paul's second letter to Timothy, the last letter he wrote, stands alone as a personal exhortation from a father in the faith to his spiritual son. In it, Paul encourages: Be strong and courageous Do not be ashamed of the gospel Entrust sound doctrine to those who will also teach others Endure hardship Fulfill your ministry This text is unique in its warning, encouragement, and warmth. For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-2-timothy

Dr. Mark Bailey joins Michael to discuss Paul's letters to Timothy, and how they apply to us today. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-1-2-timothy/

A short book full of practical theology, we look at the first of the three Pastoral Epistles today: 1 Timothy. Paul writes to a younger Timothy about how to organize and and oversee the church at Ephesus. His instruction is loving, simple, and timeless. https://michaelincontext.com/1-timothy/

Janet Parshall joins Michael to answer our 10 Questions. In this conversation Michael and Janet discuss: Sharing in the suffering of Christ Urgency for sharing the gospel with others Walking and growing in intimacy with God "I'm not trying to win over the favor of a party or a political candidate, I want to articulate God's truth in the marketplace of ideas." Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-janet-parshall/

Michael teaches through the book of 2 Thessalonians: persevere when facing persecution, stand firm on sound doctrine, and follow the right examples of faith. https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-2-thessalonians/

Dr. Jeffrey Weima joins Michael to discuss Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. In this conversation, Michael & Dr. Weima discuss: Paul's missionary history & his time in Thessalonica Trinitarian theology in 1 Thessalonians Persecution of the church End times: the return of Christ The empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live a sanctified life. The rapture A Biblical perspective on work And much more! For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-thessalonians

Michael teaches through the book of 1 Thessalonians: a common-sense overview of sanctification. In this letter, we see Paul's fatherly affection, encouragement, and nurturing toward the Thessalonian believers—and his fatherly exhortation: grow in Christ and be bold in sharing the gospel. For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-1-thessalonians/

Dr. Joshua Jipp joins Michael to continue our discussion on the book of Colossians. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Jipp talk about: Why Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians The ancient cultural context of Colossae Our role in our own sanctification A Christian's role in politics Paul's instructions for marriage For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-colossians

Michael teaches through the book of Colossians, a deeply Christ-centered text that prompts each of us to ask: what's at the center of our lives? https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-colossians

Answered in this episode: Are there false prophecies in the Bible? Is there accuracy to Dispensationalism? Where do I learn what the Bible says about women? How do I start reading the Bible? Did Jesus die for all, or only for the elect? Was God at work among ancient people groups besides the Israelites? And, if so, do their ancient texts line up with ours? For timestamps for each question + resources and scripture referenced in this episode: https://michaelincontext.com/ask-dr-e-episode-12/

Michael teaches through the book of Philippians in order to offer a closer look. Many are familiar with the book of Philippians, but we come to Scripture with new perspective throughout our lives. We may know these verses well, but a reminder or closer look might yet yield a surprising revelation. For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-philippians

Dr. Michael Burer joins Michael to continue discussing Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In this conversation: Vertical implications of our salvation Horizontal implications of our salvation The singularity of God + unity of the church Spiritual gifts Gender Roles and Responsibilities as given in Ephesians The Armor of God "The salvation that God has given us is so deep, so extensive, it leaves no area of our lives untouched." Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-ephesians

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Ephesians. Do you love God, and would anybody know it? These are the questions Paul encourages the believer to consider in the book of Ephesians. https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-ephesians

Dr. Jeff Robinson joins Michael to continue our discussion of Paul's letter to the church at Galatia. In this conversation: -The one gospel -Salvation by faith -Living in the flesh, by faith -Fruit of the spirit Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-galatians

How do you know if a person is saved? What do we believe? How do we behave—and can that be measured? As a Christian, we generally agree on belief—but what behaviors are acceptable? This is precisely the question Paul addresses to the church in Galatia. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-galatians/

Dr. George Guthrie joins Michael to continue our look at Paul's letters to the church at Corinth. In this episode, Michael and Dr. Guthrie discuss: Paul's Christology The gift of being comforted, that we may comfort others The illuminating affect of growing in Christ Momentary suffering The Resurrection What it means that God's power is perfected in our weakness For Show Notes:

An overview of the book of 2 Corinthians; the Apostle Paul's most personal letter. Are you suffering? Are you concerned your prayers don't matter? Do you wonder if you're growing as a Christian? Are you struggling to maintain hope? Believer in Christ, don't lost heart. This episode is for you. https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-2corinthians/

Dr. Craig Blomberg joins Michael to share insights about the book of 1 Corinthians and discuss its application for the Church today. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Blomberg discuss: -Paul's corrections to the church at Corinth -Division and unity in the church -Judgment -What it means to inherit the Kingdom of God For notes or to learn more about Dr. Blomberg: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-1-corinthians/

An overview of 1 Corinthians: A correction given generations ago that remains poignantly applicable today. In this episode we briefly recap what we've surveyed so far in The Big Book—Cover to Cover: New Testament, and dive into the first of two letters we have from Paul to the church in Corinth. https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-1corinthians/

Dr. Woodrow Kroll joins Michael to answer our 10 Questions In their conversation, Michael and Dr. Kroll discuss: Struggles in ministry for those who have been believers from childhood An eternal perspective, which prioritizes God's design for one's life—not one's own design. Beginning each day aware of the judgement seat of Christ. https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-woodrow-kroll/

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Romans. Paul's letter to the Romans is both a deeply doctrinal theological thesis and an accessible, practical handbook to following Christ. It is a clear presentation of the gospel and its implication for our lives. Join us as we examine this text, beneficial to all believers. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-romans/

Dr. Bock is back to continue his conversation with Michael about the words of Luke found in the New Testament. In this robust discussion about the book of Acts, Michael and Dr. Bock discuss: The authorship of Acts Geographic significance of the literary structure Expanse and influence of the Roman Empire The significance of Pentecost Water Baptism v. Baptism of the Holy Spirit The early church And more! https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-acts/

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Acts. Often referred to as The Acts of The Apostles, but perhaps more aptly titled: The Acts of God. In Acts, Luke details the initial fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), the spread of the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to Rome. Listen to learn the significance of the symbolism in that journey, and how it ties into the text. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-acts/

In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Loritts discuss: The purpose of John's gospel Jesus as the Word The 9 "I Am" statements Miracles The upper room discourse “We know enough to have confidence in what God’s communicated to us, but we don’t know it all. If we did, we’d cease to be dependent upon the One we should be dependent upon." Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-john

The book of John is unique both in what it includes and what it excludes in its account of the life and works of Jesus Christ. Today, we dive into all of it in this overview episode on the gospel of John. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-john/

Dr. Darrell Bock returns to inContext to help us study the gospel of Luke. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Bock discuss: Discipleship Ethics The purpose of Luke The "Lost" parables The Good Samaritan Luke's clear concern for the life of believers https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-luke

Today we take a look at the gospel account written by Luke, the largest contributor to the New Testament. J. Sidlow Baxter observes: "Whereas the emphasis in Matthew is on what Jesus said, and in Mark on what Jesus did, here in Luke it is rather on Jesus Himself." https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-luke

Dr. Mark L. Strauss helps us handle the gospel account of Mark. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Strauss discuss: Mark's authorship and influences The significance of Mark's gospel Christ's example as represented in Mark Major parables and themes from Mark's gospel https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-mark

The gospel of Mark is the shortest, most concise, most candid, and arguably the most complex account of Jesus's life and ministry. Michael helps us begin to rightly place this important account in the whole of Scripture in this overview of the book of Mark. https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-mark

The gospel of Matthew: a fitting continuation to the New Testament. Dr. Kevin Zuber joins Michael in this episode to discuss the book of Matthew in regards to its purpose, context, & application for its original recipients and for us today. "The kinds of questions we like to ask are not completely illegitimate, but one problem with modern hermeneutics is that we're often asking questions of the text it was never really intended to answer." Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-matthew/

We're glad to be back in The Big Book––Cover to Cover. Michael teaches an overview of the book of Matthew and offers context for discussing the four gospel accounts this month. "The gospel in regards to Christianity is, in fact, the best news." For show notes & links to resources mentioned in the episode: https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-matthew/

We're closing out this year with a brand new episode of Ask Dr. E! You asked and Dr. E answered: -Does prayer change God's mind or His plans for us? -Why does God seem so different in the Old and New Testaments? And more... If you have a question you'd like answered, you can call and leave your question in a voicemail at 615-281-9694 or email us at [email protected]. Show Notes/Timestamps: https://michaelincontext.com/ask-dr-e-episode-11/

A special Christmas episode featuring some great Christmas music as well as a conversation with Michael W. Smith as he shares his heart behind writing music for Christmas and for worship in general. In this episode Michael Easley and Michael W. Smith talk about: -Writing worship and leading music -Michael W. Smith's advice to young worship writers and leaders -A theology of worship Show notes: https://michaelincontext.com/mws-merry-christmas/

We would be remiss if we moved through this series and never turned the tables to ask Michael to answer these 10 Questions. In this episode, our co-host Hanna does just that. In his answers, Michael shares: The call to ministry and the dream that almost became Michael's career instead Michael's favorite passages of Scripture and how they've impacted him The advice Michael would offer to his younger self https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-michael-easley/

It seems believers are often searching for practical ways to apply Scripture to their personal circumstances, asking questions like "I know Scripture says to trust God and to follow Him, but how do I do that practically in midst of my pain? My struggles? My trials?" Gil Wesley joins us again to share his practical experience of walking through unthinkable trials with God and coming out the other side––twice. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/invitation-suffering/

Gil Wesley joins Michael to answer our 10 Questions. "I had mistakingly believed that having a relationship with God was about belonging to the right team, thinking the right things about God and being able to articulate the right ideas, and then keeping a moral code. What I had to learn is that those are fine, but they can get in the way of the relationship." Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/lessons-pain/

This is part 3 of our 3-week series studying the person and work of the Holy Spirit: Holy Spirit 101: Examining the identity, function, and personality of the Holy Spirit according to Scripture. Holy Spirit 102: How is the Holy Spirit described in Scripture? Holy Spirit 103: What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? For Show Notes: http://michaelincontext.com/holy-spirit-103

Last week we examined what the person and work of the Holy Spirit does, according to Scripture. This week: How is the person and work of the Holy Spirit described in the Word? "The Holy Spirit leads, guides, teaches, and instructs. But that instruction had better have the Word of God behind it and not just your or my experience." For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/holy-spirit-102/

For many Christians, the person and work of the Holy Spirit remains mysterious at best and confusing at worst. That’s why it’s critical that our theology of the person and work of the Holy Spirit be clearly defined in Scripture. This episode begins a three-part study on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/holy-spirit-101/

In this episode we take a look at a Psalm I have gone back to over and over throughout my walk with Christ: Psalm 90. This Psalm offers us: clarity that we are finite and need infinite help the encouraging reminder that God is eternal an example that shows us we can appeal to His lovingkindness to sustain us––and even to grant us otherworldly joy in all circumstances. Our experience cannot––and should not, ever––define our faith.

For the final episode of our Election 2020 series, Dr. E. Calvin Beisner offers biblical perspective regarding the 'social justice' issues we're grappling with in our country and culture today. "We may have a lot of passion, but we have to set the passion aside for a while to carefully investigate the facts. Once we understand the facts well, we can bring our passion back in and it can be well-directed." https://michaelincontext.com/beisner-social-justice/

The second call I made in search of counsel to help us navigate the current presidential election was to my friend Bob McEwen. After serving six terms as a member of the United States Congress, Bob's rich knowledge of our history and understanding of our government make his insights invaluable. For Show Notes: https://michaelincontext.com/fear-in-2020