Episodes
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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 nature of faith and discipleship. The conversation highlights the importance of childlike faith while cautioning against the dangers of legalism in church practices. Michael and Hanna challenge the idea of arbitrary age limits for baptism and communion, advocating instead for a grace-filled approach to faith and spiritual growth.
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: 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 examines historical perspectives, theological implications, and the emerging trend of requiring individuals to be 18 before baptism. The discussion underscores the importance of understanding the gospel and recognizing baptism as a public declaration of faith in 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].
Takeaways:
Baptism is a debated topic within the church.
Communion participation is often tied to baptism.
Historical tensions exist over baptism practices.
The age requirement for baptism is a recent trend.
Baptism serves as a public identification with Christ.
The concept of sacrament versus ordinance is significant.
Church history shows the dangers of legalism in baptism.
Articulating faith is crucial for baptism eligibility.
The New Testament does not specify an age for baptism.
Discipleship and grounding in faith are essential for youth.
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]. -
Missing episodes?
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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 the context of Jewish history. The discussion explores the nuances of their Jewish heritage, the political dynamics of their reign, and the implications of their actions, such as the beheading of John the Baptist. The conversation highlights the intricate relationship between personal identity, political power, and religious affiliation in the historical narrative of the Herods. If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected].
Takeaways:
Herod the Great was a paranoid murderer.
Herod Antipas is considered half Jewish.
The actions of Herod Antipas raise questions about Jewish identity.
Herod's legacy is marked by political manipulation and violence.
The historical context of the Herods is complex and multifaceted.
Herod the Great's building projects included synagogues and mikvahs.
The relationship between Herod and Judaism is complicated.
Herod Antipas's actions were influenced by his family legacy.
The Herods can be compared to modern political dynasties.
Understanding the Herods requires a nuanced approach to history.
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: 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 comprehension of the parable.
Jesus often used familiar imagery in his teachings.
The relationship between the shepherd and sheep is intimate.
Questions about biblical texts can lead to deeper understanding.
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: 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 of the adulterous woman are key examples.
Historical accuracy of certain passages can still hold value.
Translation and tradition play crucial roles in understanding scripture.
The Bible's reliability is not diminished by textual criticism.
Faith and critical thinking are essential in biblical study.
Understanding the context of scripture enhances its interpretation.
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: 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 accurate interpretation.
Bible study methodology is essential for deeper understanding.
Language issues arise from the complexity of translations.
Different translations serve different audiences and purposes.
Context is key to understanding the meaning of scripture.
Engaging with scripture is a lifelong journey of learning.
Theological understanding requires more than just vocabulary definitions.
To hear Dr. E’s full answer, listen to the podcast or watch on Youtube!
Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
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?
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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.
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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 scriptural basis.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Q: Hi Dr. Easley! I listen to your show each week with my mom. I am a 19 year old freshman in college. My question is does the bride have to take the husband's last name according to the Bible? What is the significance of the husband's last name and not the bride's last name? I look forward to hearing your response!
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Q: Hi Dr. E! During communion, does the bread and wine change into Christ’s body and blood? If not, why do Catholics believe that?
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Q: My 7 year old son wants to be baptized. How do I know he’s ready?
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Dr. E responds to a recent comment made by Pope Francis.
On Sept 13 Pope Francis to students in Singapore at an interreligious meeting at Singapore's Catholic Junior College said, "God is God for all, and if God is God for all," he said, "then we are all sons and daughters of God. All religions are paths to reach God," said Pope Francis. "They are—to make a comparison—like different languages, different dialects, to get there. But God is God for everyone."
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: Hey Hanna and Dr. E. I love your podcast. I have a quick question. Do we pray to God, do we pray to Jesus, or do we pray to both?
To read the show notes, click here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: My name is Samuel and I’m taking an evangelism class. One of our assignments was to role-play a believer and unbeliever with someone. I was playing the believer, and the lady playing the unbeliever asked me, ‘What does it mean that Jesus is the Lord of your life?’ I didn’t know how to explain that without using ‘Christianese’ like ‘get saved’ How should I answer that, and what are some other questions from unbelievers that Christians might struggle with?
To read the show notes, click here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: Acts 15:5 says: “But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” Since these ‘believers’ thought that salvation came by faith in Christ plus being circumcised and following the Law, were they really saved?
To read the show notes, click here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: How is it possible to lie to the Holy Spirit? Are true believers even capable of this? What does scripture say about it?
To read the show notes, click here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: What do you think about Christian families raising their kids to believe in Santa?
To read the show notes, click here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: I’ve started studying the temptation of Christ, focusing on the Scripture Jesus uses to rebuke Satan. The first verse, from Deuteronomy 8:3, was longer than I expected and includes more than just the reference to bread. However, I’m really stuck on the second verse Jesus quotes: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve’; (Luke 4:8). All my Bibles reference Deuteronomy 6:13, but that verse says, ‘You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him,’ not ‘worship’. Why would Jesus change the wording? Is it the same Hebrew word, and if so, why isn’t it translated the same way? I’m curious because I think understanding the correct terminology is important, especially since I’m studying Jesus’ response to apply it to my own struggles. I’d love to hear your thoughts—you know way more about this than I do!
To read the show notes, click here.
Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at [email protected]. -
Full Question: Deuteronomy 17 mentions not taking many wives so we are not led astray. Where does it direct to have just one wife? It seems in the Old Testament that men are allowed to have more than one wife but women must be monogamous.
To read the show notes, click here.
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