Michael Easley inContext

Church discipline is one of the most misunderstood teachings in the church today. Is it punishment? Public shaming? Legalism? Or is it actually one of the most loving things believers can do for one another? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with pastor, author, and professor Dr. J. Carl Laney to unpack the biblical purpose of church discipline and why restoration—not punishme...

Parents spend years preparing their children for college academically—but are they preparing them spiritually? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with therapist, professor, and author Dr. Gary Lovejoy to discuss the growing worldview challenges students face on today's college campuses. Drawing from decades of counseling and teaching at secular universities, Dr. Lovejoy explain...

What does it take to build a life of lasting influence? Former Dallas mayor and U.S. Congressman Steve Bartlett joins Michael Easley to discuss the lessons behind his book, Aha: The Power of Purpose, Family, Faith, and a Life Well Lived. Through stories from decades in public service, Bartlett explains why purpose—not position—is the foundation of meaningful leadership. From navigating political c...

How can Christians remain faithful in a culture that constantly pressures them to compromise? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael sits down with pastor, author, and Portland Trail Blazers chaplain Mike Tatlock to discuss his book A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture. Together they explore what it means to engage culture without compromising biblical truth, identify the hid...

Can archaeology really confirm what the Bible records? In this episode of inContext, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with archaeologist and Dallas Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paul Weaver to discuss his new book, Faith Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries That Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture. From the fallen walls of Jericho to Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the Pool of S...

What keeps people stuck between where they are and where they want to be? In this episode, Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Henry Cloud to discuss leadership, vision, psychology, faith, and the practical path toward a desired future. Drawing from Dr. Cloud’s book Your Desired Future, this conversation explores why talent alone is never enough, how relationships shape growth, and why many people s...

What if Christianity isn’t built on blind faith—but on real historical evidence? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with attorney, apologist, and author Daniel Buttafuoco to discuss why Christians can confidently trust the Bible and defend their faith in today’s culture. Drawing from years as a trial lawyer, Daniel explains how the New Testament reads like eyewitness testimony...

What happened to higher education in America—and why does it matter for Christians today? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Corey Miller to discuss the cultural and ideological shifts transforming universities, churches, and society. Drawing from his book The Progressive Miseducation of America, Dr. Miller explains how worldview battles that began in academia are now...

What happens when years of military training, astronaut preparation, and deep Christian conviction collide in a life-or-death moment in space? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore to talk about faith, perseverance, suffering, and the sovereignty of God. From flying combat missions during Desert Storm to commanding spacecraft and spending 464 d...

Most Christians read the Bible—but miss what connects it. In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Benjamin Glad to uncover what many believers overlook: the deep, intentional connections between the Old and New Testaments. They discuss Connecting Scripture in the New Testament, a unique study Bible that highlights over 3,000 Old Testament allusions embedded in the New Testa...

In this episode, Michael Easley talks with Liz and Jack Hagler, the creative team behind the Patrick Wigglesworth Bible Adventure Series. Together, they share how decades of ministry, homeschooling, and creative work led to a bold vision: helping kids experience the Bible through graphic-novel storytelling that is both theologically grounded and highly engaging. Liz brings her background in illust...

Why are so many men feeling isolated, disconnected, and stuck? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with Mark Warren to talk about the growing crisis facing men today—and the biblical solution most are missing. Drawing from Power of Four, Mark explains why Jesus didn’t build large groups—He built deep relationships. And in a world dominated by social media, independence, and surf...

In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Wendy Widder, Old Testament scholar and author, to explore the timeless relevance of the biblical prophets. They discuss how the prophets called God’s people to covenant faithfulness, warned against idolatry, and pointed toward repentance and restoration. From interpreting prophetic poetry to understanding God’s grace in the midst of...

In this episode of InContext with Michael Easley, Michael Easley talks with Mark Hopson about the growing cultural confusion facing the next generation—and why the gospel is the only message powerful enough to bring true freedom. Hopson leads Decision Point, a ministry that equips students to share the gospel boldly in their public schools. Drawing from his book Set Free, he explains how many youn...

Was the Trinity invented in the fourth century? Or was it always there in Scripture? On this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with church historian Bryan Litfin to discuss his book, The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed. Together they explore why the Trinity was not created at First Council of Nicaea, but clarified there. From the Shema i...

What’s really happening with the Kurds—and why does it matter right now? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with author and geopolitical expert Dr. Stephen Mansfield to unpack one of the most overlooked stories in the Middle East. The Kurdish people are one of the largest ethnic groups in the world without their own nation. They’ve fought alongside Western powers, helped defeat...

Robert J. Morgan joins Michael Easley for a powerful conversation about the history, theology, and enduring influence of Christian hymns. Why have these songs lasted for centuries? What are we losing when churches abandon them? And how can we recover the richness of hymnody without rejecting modern worship? Drawing from his book The Origin of Hymns, Morgan traces the story of congregational singin...

How does the entire Bible fit together? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with New Testament scholar Alan Thompson, author of A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology, to explore how Scripture unfolds as one unified story. They unpack the difference between exegesis, biblical theology, and systematic theology—and explain why context is king when reading the Bible. You’ll learn how t...

In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and the global response that followed, many Christians — especially younger believers — feel confused about Israel, Palestine, Zionism, and anti-Semitism. How should followers of Christ think about these issues biblically rather than politically or culturally? In this episode of InContext, Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Michael Rydelnik, professor emeri...

In this episode of InContext with Michael Easley, Pastor Daniel Batarseh shares his journey from studying creative advertising to planting Maranatha Bible Church in Illinois — a growing, multi-ethnic church built on prayer, discipleship, and the faithful teaching of God’s Word. Daniel explains how a revival moment among young adults led to long-term ministry, why Scripture must remain central in c...

The Lord’s Prayer may be the most familiar prayer in Christianity—and the most overlooked. In this episode of InContext, Michael Easley sits down with Brad Gray and Brad Nelson of Walking the Text to uncover the depth, power, and biblical context behind the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. Drawing from years of study in Israel, pastoral ministry, and personal experiences of grief and suffering,...

What if some of the most familiar Gospel stories aren’t quite what we’ve imagined? In this episode of Michael Easley in Context, Michael is joined by renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Evans to explore why historical and cultural context is essential for understanding Scripture. Drawing from his book Wow, I Didn’t Know That, Dr. Evans helps everyday believers move past assumptions and into a...

What if spiritual growth didn’t require more intensity—but more consistency? In this episode of Michael Easley InContext, Michael is joined by Hanna Seymour to discuss her book Everyday Spiritual Habits and the powerful idea that spiritual disciplines are meant to become reflexes, not burdens. Drawing from Scripture, spiritual formation theology, and the science of habit formation, Hanna explains...

In this episode, Michael Easley sits down with Jon Gauger, author, radio personality, and lifelong lover of Scripture, to explore how the Psalms can transform the way we think and speak to ourselves. From anxiety and impatience to sleepless nights and moments of regret, Jon shares how memorizing and meditating on Psalms reshapes our self-talk, helps us navigate life’s challenges, and strengthens o...

In this episode of Michael Easley in Context, Michael sits down with his pastor and longtime friend Darren Tyler, lead pastor of Conduit Church in Franklin, Tennessee, to address a growing cultural shift: many people—including professing Christians—no longer believe that sin is real, universal, or serious. Using recent Barna research as a starting point, Michael and Darren explore how ideas like “...