Michael Easley inContext

Can pastors use artificial intelligence for sermon preparation without sacrificing biblical integrity, theological depth, or originality? Michael Easley welcomes Dr. Charlie Boyd for a practical conversation about using AI as a research assistant for biblical preaching. They explore the risks of outsourcing sermon preparation, the value of establishing theological boundaries, and ways AI can help...

What if one of the most important skills for following Jesus is something we rarely study: asking good questions? Michael Easley sits down with J.R. Briggs, author of The Art of Asking Better Questions, to explore how our questions shape our relationships, spiritual maturity, and conversations with others. J.R. explains why thoughtful questions are an expression of hospitality, how “shift response...

What does sleep have to do with trusting God? Michael Easley sits down with Brett McCracken, author of The Wisdom of Sleep, to explore why God designed us to sleep, what rest reveals about our dependence on Him, and how our technology-driven culture has changed the way we work and rest. Sleep reminds us that we are creatures, not the Creator. We cannot always be working, producing, watching, or st...

What happens when the role that once defined you suddenly changes? Michael Easley sits down with Ed Hatch, author of The Caleb Challenge, to discuss 9/11, military service, retirement, suffering, leadership, legacy, and what it means to finish strong. Ed's experience in the military—including being at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001—forced him to reconsider what mattered most. That experience e...

What if the life you’re working so hard to build isn’t actually the life you want? Jim Murphy, author of The Best Possible Life, joins Michael Easley for a wide-ranging conversation about achievement, suffering, joy, purpose, unconditional love, and what it means to live fully. Jim draws from his experience as a professional baseball player, coach, and mentor to high-performing athletes and leader...

How has God used people to shape your faith, calling, and life? In this special conversation, Hanna Seymour sits down with her father, Michael Easley, to trace the people and moments God used throughout Michael's journey—from his conversion as a teenager to his years in ministry. Michael shares how C. Ridley Fatnau used John 3:16 to help him understand the gospel, how Danny File challenged him to...

What does it mean to honor your parents when they become dependent on you? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael Easley sits down with Dr. William Davis, author of Honoring Dependent Parents, to discuss the difficult and deeply personal realities of caring for aging parents. As parents grow older, families may face difficult decisions about driving, dementia, finances, housing, care...

What does faithful Christian citizenship look like? Michael Easley sits down with Troy Miller, president of the National Religious Broadcasters, to discuss why Christians should understand their civic responsibility and engage culture with biblical courage. They explore Romans 13, voting, midterm elections, civic responsibility, the role of pastors, voter guides, the 501(c)(3) question, cultural e...

What can cold-case investigations teach us about human nature, identity, purpose, and truth? Michael Easley sits down with J. Warner Wallace, former cold-case homicide detective and Christian apologist, to discuss what years of investigating murder have taught him about humanity—and how those observations point back to Scripture. Wallace explains why people are fascinated by true crime, the three...

What if spiritual growth isn't about trying harder to become a better Christian? Michael Easley sits down with longtime friend and pastor Charlie Boyd to discuss the abiding life and what it means to live from the inside out. Charlie shares how his understanding of Christianity changed after decades of ministry. He once approached spiritual growth through discipline, rules, information, and strivi...

What does it really mean to be a faithful steward of money? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael Easley talks with Robin John, author of The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World. Robin shares how witnessing poverty and injustice in India reshaped his understanding of wealth and led him toward faith-based investing....

What does it mean to be a man according to Scripture? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley welcomes Dr. Paul Pettit to discuss his book A Courageous Identity and the urgent need for Christ-centered masculinity. Together they examine why so many young men are struggling with loneliness, fatherlessness, addiction, and a lack of purpose, while offering a biblical vision of courageous leadersh...

What do you do when the pain doesn't go away? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with author Glenna Marshall to discuss living faithfully through chronic illness, unanswered prayers, and years of physical suffering. Rather than asking, "Why me?" Glenna explains why Scripture invites us to ask, "How do I trust God today?" Together they explore biblical lament, the role of gratit...

How do you faithfully teach the Bible? How should Christians study Scripture? And what does suffering teach us about knowing God? Nancy Guthrie joins Michael Easley and Hanna Seymour for an encouraging conversation about biblical theology, hermeneutics, ministry, and how the loss of two children shaped her lifelong passion for God's Word. Nancy explains her practical process for studying Scripture...

What makes the first years of marriage so challenging—and how can couples build a strong foundation that lasts? In this episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with pastor and author Mike Novotny to discuss his book Newlywed. Together, they unpack the biggest challenges young couples face, from unmet expectations and communication breakdowns to intimacy, finances, in-laws, and the influence...

Can neuroscience strengthen your faith? In this thought-provoking episode of inContext, Michael Easley sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Robyn Honea, whose research has focused on Alzheimer's disease, brain imaging, and neuroplasticity for more than two decades. Together, they explore what modern neuroscience reveals about the incredible design of the human brain—and why our ultimate hope is found...

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...