Michael Easley inContext

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

Proverbs 11:14 tells us there is victory in an abundance of counselors, so I called a few of my wiser friends and asked if they'd share their counsel with us as we navigate a rather contentious presidential election. First up, Dr. Wayne Grudem offers his wise insights. For Show Notes and to learn more about Dr. Grudem visit: https://michaelincontext.com/we-vote-god-establishes/

In this Benchmarks series, I want to look at passages that have provided me with a framework that has helped me navigate life, suffering, ministry, and purpose. This week we look at what I might consider my life's verse: Colossians 1:28-29. For Show Notes visit: https://michaelincontext.com/pauls-great-commission/

This is the first episode of a series called Benchmarks. By definition, a benchmark is standard point of reference to which other things are measured. This series features benchmarks in my life looking back over 50 years of following Christ. We begin by looking at Psalm 101. For show notes visit: https://michaelincontext.com/maturing-in-christ/

In this episode, Pastor Mike Glenn offers wisdom and encouragement to us in his answers to our 10 Questions. In our conversation, Mike and I discuss: Longstanding steadfastness in ministry Believing God loves and likes us Mike's book Coffee with Mom https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-mike-glenn/

In this episode I host my favorite guest, my bride, Cindy Easley. In Cindy's answers to our 10 Questions are valuable reminders and instructions straight from God's Word. "My goal is to be more like Christ every day, to live a life of grace, and to demonstrate the love of Christ––which is not the love of the world." For notes and resources visit: https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-cindy-easley

We welcome Ron Rhodes to inContext today to answer our 10 Questions. In this conversation, Michael and Ron talk about: Having an eternity-focused perspective Apologetics, the defense of our faith The importance of daily time in the Bible For notes and resources, visit: https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-ron-rhodes

Today we hear answers to our 10 Questions from Robert J Morgan. "Happiness is an emotion, but joy is an attitude. Our attitudes we can choose, and our emotions come out of our attitudes." For notes and resources visit:https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-robert-j-morgan/

Today we hear answers to our 10 Questions from Dr. John Ankerberg. "Learn to trust God. Because everything works with Him, and nothing works without Him." For notes and resources visit: https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-john-ankerberg/

Today we hear answers to Michael's 10 Questions from his longtime friend, Rob Schwarzwalder. In this conversation, Rob shares about his struggles with doubt and anxiety, and how he escaped from under the weight of that struggle and embraced a life of surrender to Christ as his Lord. "It was as though years of anxiety, questioning, unbelief, and doubt fell off my back." For notes and resources visit https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-schwarzwalder/

Today's guest is Ralph Weitz, a longtime friend of Michael's, veteran in ministry, and expert in faithful financial stewardship. "I need to rest from the notion of earning my salvation, but work at the issue of my sanctification––my spiritual growth in Him." For Notes and Resources: https://michaelincontext.com/10-questions-ralph-weitz/

Michael speaks with Dr. Philip Cary about his book: Good News for Anxious Christians: 10 Practical Things you Don't Have to Do. "We don't have faith in faith, we have faith in the Gospel." How does our experience of God inform our faith? How does one know, truly know, that they're saved? How do we let God take control of our lives? For Show Notes and Resources visit: https://michaelincontext.com/good-news-cary/

This third and last episode from Dr. Carl Trueman was originally taught at the 2017 Blue Ridge Bible Conference. It is not simply believing the Bible is authoritative that makes you a Christian. It is what you believe the Bible teaches that constitutes you as a Christian. For Notes and Resources visit: https://michaelincontext.com/carl-trueman-authority-of-scripture/

In our last episode we heard Dr. Trueman address the psychological nature of the way in which we typically think of ourselves and our identity. In this episode he adds another strand to that: the context in which we think of ourselves as human beings having an identity. https://michaelincontext.com/carl-trueman-2019-2/

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Carl Trueman back to inContext. Today we're sharing part one of a lecture series originally given at the 2019 Blue Ridge Bible Conference: Gender, Sexuality, and What it Means to be Human. Listen to how the Bible shapes our understanding of human identity, gender, and sexual ethics, and consider how the Church can offer the Gospel to those who are struggling. For Show Notes visit: https://michaelincontext.com/carl-trueman-2019-1/

In this episode Michael talks with two of his and Cindy's closest friends, Robert and Liz White. The Whites live with great intentionality that makes itself evident in their marriage, their family and their ministry. In this conversation, Michael and the Whites discuss: Friendship Local Ministry Marriage Community Discipleship Parenting For notes and resources visit https://michaelincontext.com/living-intentionally-the-whites/

This episode first released on Hanna Seymour's podcast No Matter What. The premise is simple. Will you be the man or woman that God created you to be, no matter what? Hanna, having heard this admonishment from Michael throughout her life, invited him on to explain this concept as the first episode of her podcast: No Matter What. For resources visit http://michaelincontext.com/no-matter-what

Dr. Mark David Hall, author of Did America have a Christian Founding? Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth joins Michael to discuss the history of our nation, our faith, and how the intersection of the two guide our future. Our thanks to Dr. Hall for sharing his time and wisdom! For notes and resources visit: https://michaelincontext.com/christian-founding-mark-david-hall/

Michael teaches a few observations from the Old Testament and reminds us where The Big Book––Cover to Cover series came from. As we wrap up the Old Testament it's important that we revisit why we began this series in the first place: Why is it important to understand the big picture of Scripture as a whole? https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-old-testament

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Malachi. The last of the prophets serves as a perfect photo-finish to the Old Testament. Covenant people, will you live faithfully no matter what your experience tells you? For Show Notes visit: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-malachi

Michael teaches an overview on the book of Zechariah. We rarely have answers to our "why" or "how long" questions, but we have clear instructions from the Lord: Trust Him. Join us for another remarkably timely reminder from an ancient prophet, whose words to his original audience point them–and us–to timeless truth about the God we serve. For Show Notes: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-zechariah

Dr. Wayne Grudem joins Michael to talk through difficult questions we may have or face in our Christian lives pertaining to knowing God's will, end of life decisions, and the leadership and future of the church. For Show Notes including timestamps for each question asked, or to learn more about Dr. Grudem visit: http://michaelincontext.com/dr-e-asks-dr-g-1

Michael teaches an overview on the book of Haggai. Haggai is the second-shortest book in the Bible, but don't discredit it. There's a lot here in 38 short verses. For Show Notes visit: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-haggai

What does the Bible say about spanking your children? Is polyamory the next pastoral sexual frontier, and if so, how should we respond? (Also, what is polyamory?) Did God really turn His face away from Christ on the cross What are Dr. E's top book recommendations? You asked, Dr. E Answered! For Show Notes containing timestamps for each question and resources listed, visit: https://michaelincontext.com/ask-dr-e-episode-10/

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Zephaniah. An interesting book at many levels, Zephaniah prophesied during the time of the young King Josiah as he tried to lead his people to turn back to God. This is a book of warning and encouragement, and one with practical application fitting for our time. Show Notes: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-zephaniah

Dr. Jack Collins joins Michael to talk about this book: what understanding should we bring to our study of Habakkuk, and what should we take away? This is a unique book. Where most prophetic books address a people group, Habakkuk is an account of dialogue between a prophet and God. For Show Notes visit http://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-Habakkuk

People have always had the same responses to crisis: How long? How can this go on? Why do the righteous suffer? Why do the wicked prosper? God, why aren't You doing something? Unlike most prophets who spoke to Judah, Israel, Assyria, the Babylonians–some people group–this is a conversation between a prophet and God. Join us as we study this unique prophetic text. Show Notes: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-habakkuk

Dr. Ken Boa is back on inContext to help us understand Nahum and to offer guidance in studying the books of the minor prophets. Dr. Boa is engaged in a ministry of relational evangelism and discipleship, teaching, writing, and speaking. To learn more about Dr. Boa and his ministry, books, and resources mentioned in the episode visit: http://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-nahum

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Nahum. Nahum delivered a potent decree of God's judgment in three short chapters. His message is clear: God is indeed a God of wrath. Is it possible, however, that God's wrath demonstrates His love? For Show Notes visit: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-Nahm

Michael speaks with Dr. Mark Chavalas about the book of Micah. What does God require of His people? Micah offers a stark warning of God's impending judgment, and future hope for the remnant God will preserve according to His promises. For Show Notes visit http://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-micah

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Micah. One of the features of the book of Micah that sets this prophet apart is his audience. Isaiah prophesied to kings and princes, but Micah prophesied in the country - a more rural prophet. But his message aligns with the over-arching message of most of the prophets: a reminder of God's Word, His coming judgment, and His gracious goodness. For Show Notes and resources visit: http://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-micah

Dr. David T. Lamb returns to inContext to talk about a book many of us have been familiar with since childhood. In Dr. Lamb's word: It's easy to make fun of Jonah, but I'd encourage us to be able to somehow see ourselves in Jonah and the ways that we resist God's lead. How am I like Jonah? How can I be open to God's leading? How can I love my enemies? Our thanks to Dr. Lamb for his time and expertise! For shown notes: http://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-jonah

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Jonah. Well known and widely regarded as a children's story or a "whale's tale," this is a text many of us ought to look at with fresh eyes. It's the living word of God. https://michaelincontext.com/cover-to-cover-jonah/ Have a biblical or theological question? Ask Dr. E! Call 615-281-9694 and leave a voicemail with your question or email [email protected]. Michael will answer on an upcoming episode!

Dr. Mark Chavalas joins us at inContext again, this time to discuss the Minor Prophet Obadiah. As always, the historical context Dr. Chavalas brings helps us to wrap our minds around the bigger picture. In this case, he reminds us that we can expect God to be the same today that He was when this book was written: He is faithful and He is just. For Show Notes visit: https://michaelincontext.com/bonus-episode-obadiah/

Michael teaches an overview of the book of Obadiah. Hard to believe we're 31 books into our series The Big Book–Cover to Cover. This week we look at the book of Obadiah. We don't know a lot about the prophet Obadiah or the exact timeframe in which this was written, but we know a lot about his message. It's very clear. For Show Notes visit: https://michaelincontext.com/?p=156164&preview=true

Michael speaks with Carl Trueman about what the Bible tells us about identity, sexuality, and the role of the church in our current cultural moment. Dr. Trueman is an esteemed church historian and previously served as the William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life at Princeton University. Trueman has authored or edited more than a dozen books. For Show Notes visit: https://michaelincontext.com/special-edition-carl-trueman/