Michael Easley Incontext

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 question@michaelincontext.com. 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/