Michael Easley inContext

How should Christians engage in politics without allowing political convictions to divide families, friendships, and the church? Michael Easley sits down with Jeff Samelson, author of Walk This Way, to discuss how believers can approach politics through the lens of their Christian faith. Rather than fitting Christianity into our political positions, Jeff challenges Christians to let their identity in Christ shape how they vote, engage, and respond to disagreement. They discuss political polarization, Christian nationalism, voting with integrity, Paul's Roman citizenship, and the church's responsibility to help believers think biblically about political issues. Jeff also shares his practical SEE IT / CULMET model for responding thoughtfully to difficult issues. Ultimately, Christians can hold firm convictions, love their neighbors, and engage the political world without losing sight of what matters most: our identity in Christ and confidence in God's sovereignty. In This Episode: - How Christian identity should shape political engagement - Navigating political division and broken relationships - Why Christians should resist political binaries - Christian nationalism and national identity - Paul's example of using Roman citizenship - The church's role in addressing political issues - Voting with biblical conviction and integrity - Humility, listening, and loving our neighbors - Trusting God's sovereignty amid political uncertainty Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Jeff Samelson and Walk This Way 02:28 – Putting Politics in the Context of Christian Faith 03:35 – Understanding Political Division 05:00 – Christian Identity and Loving Our Neighbors 06:30 – Why We Need Humility in Political Conversations 08:25 – Moving Beyond Political Binaries 10:15 – Voting with Integrity 11:40 – Understanding Christian Nationalism 13:45 – Personal Identity Versus National Identity 15:00 – Paul's Roman Citizenship and Christian Engagement 17:40 – Should Churches Address Political Issues? 20:00 – Evaluating Candidates and Moral Convictions 23:40 – Political Compromise and the Pro-Life Question 25:40 – Restoring Civility in Political Conversations 27:55 – God's Sovereignty and an Eternal Perspective 30:00 – Human Nature and Political Leadership 31:40 – Humility and the Temptation of Power 34:15 – The SEE IT / CULMET Model 36:10 – Center, Assess, Learn, Measure, Implement, Trust 38:25 – Loving Others Through Political Disagreement Links Mentioned: Walk This Way by Jeff Samelson Jeff’s Website Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Can we trust the Bible? From fulfilled prophecy and archaeological discoveries to ancient manuscripts and historical records, there are compelling reasons to take Scripture seriously. In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael sits down with Todd Hampson, author of The Apologetics Guide to Trusting the Bible, to explore six lines of evidence supporting the reliability of God's Word. Todd explains why apologetics should be about more than winning arguments. The goal is to remove barriers to belief, strengthen Christians' confidence in Scripture, and help others consider the claims of Jesus. Together, they discuss fulfilled prophecy, the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeological discoveries, the historical evidence for Jesus, and the Bible's remarkable unity across authors, centuries, and cultures. Whether you're a believer seeking to strengthen your faith or someone honestly examining Christianity's claims, this conversation offers an accessible introduction to the evidence for trusting the Bible. In this episode: - Why biblical apologetics should serve evangelism - Six lines of evidence for the Bible's reliability - Fulfilled prophecy and the predictions concerning Jesus - Daniel's prophecies and successive world empires - The Dead Sea Scrolls and the preservation of Scripture - Archaeological discoveries involving David, the Hittites, Jericho, and other biblical figures and places - Internal and external evidence for the Bible - How ancient manuscripts support confidence in the biblical text - What it means for Scripture to be God-breathed - Why Christians should prioritize God's Word over sensational extra-biblical texts Chapters - 00:00 — Apologetics, faith, and removing barriers to belief - 00:33 — Todd Hampson's journey into prophecy and ministry - 04:45 — What is biblical apologetics, and why does it matter? - 06:45 — Using evidence to strengthen faith and reach skeptics - 08:55 — Creation, intelligent design, and the evidence for God - 10:38 — Fulfilled prophecy as evidence for Scripture - 12:38 — The statistical significance of Jesus' fulfilled prophecies - 14:24 — Daniel's prophecies and the succession of empires - 16:52 — The Dead Sea Scrolls and the preservation of Scripture - 19:40 — Israel's dispersions and regathering in biblical prophecy - 25:50 — Archaeology and the historical reliability of the Bible - 29:47 — Biblical discoveries involving Hezekiah, Jericho, and David - 35:41 — Internal and external evidence for the Bible - 37:39 — How ancient manuscripts support biblical reliability - 41:46 — Inspiration, inerrancy, and the authority of Scripture - 43:07 — Extra-biblical texts and the sufficiency of God's Word - 44:00 — Using apologetics as a tool for evangelism Links Mentioned: Todd’s books The Apologetics Guide to Trusting The Bible by Todd Hampson Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 pastors research Scripture more efficiently. Charlie shares his sermon preparation framework, including four essential conversations: listening to the text, listening to listeners, listening to the Spirit, and listening to Christ. He also explains how a preparation grid can help pastors develop a clear central idea, anticipate objections, incorporate application throughout a message, and evaluate their sermons. The conversation goes beyond technology to address the purpose of preaching itself. Faithful preaching is not simply about communicating information or giving people rules to follow. It connects Scripture to the redemptive work of Christ and points believers toward the Spirit-enabled transformation that comes from abiding in Him. IN THIS EPISODE -Using AI as a research assistant rather than a sermon writer -Protecting biblical integrity and theological convictions -Building a sermon preparation and evaluation grid -Developing a clear, text-driven big idea -Anticipating listener questions and resistance -Connecting biblical exposition to Christ’s redemptive work -Moving beyond external rules toward inward transformation -Practicing Scripture meditation and prayer for spiritual growth CHAPTERS 00:00 — Can Pastors Use AI for Sermon Preparation? 03:26 — The Cautions and Dangers of AI in Preaching 05:06 — Is AI Research Cheating? 07:31 — Saving Research Time to Study Scripture More Deeply 10:17 — Listening to the Text and Developing the Big Idea 14:38 — Building a Sermon Preparation Grid 17:34 — Setting Theological Boundaries for AI 20:07 — Training AI to Understand Your Preaching Approach 22:35 — Integrity, Originality, and Giving Attribution 26:18 — Using AI to Discover Biblical Connections 29:16 — How to Set Up AI for Sermon Research 32:33 — Listening to Your Congregation and Anticipating Questions 38:42 — The Gospel Pivot and Grace-Based Application 43:19 — Refining Your AI-Assisted Preparation Process 46:40 — Abiding in Christ Rather Than Just Following Rules 48:56 — Scripture, Prayer, and Transformation from the Inside Out 53:40 — Praying Scripture and Renewing Your Mind 55:45 — Growth, Discipleship, and Becoming More Like Jesus 57:09 — Using AI to Make More Time for Meditation Links Mentioned: Dr. Boyd’s AI PDF 1 Dr. Boyd’s AI PDF 2 Dr. Boyd’s AI PDF 3 Scripture on AI by John Dyer Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 responses” can turn conversations back toward ourselves, and why curiosity, wisdom, humility, and courage are essential for asking better questions. The conversation also moves into a deeper question: What do we ask God when life hurts? J.R. shares a framework for moving from “Why did this happen?” toward asking what God may be forming in us through difficulty. Most importantly, Michael and J.R. examine the questions of Jesus. Jesus asked more than 300 questions, often using questions to invite people into deeper reflection rather than simply giving them answers. If you want to become a better listener, deepen your relationships, grow in spiritual maturity, or learn to engage people with greater curiosity and humility, this conversation will give you practical ways to start. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Why We Should Study Jesus’ Questions 01:44 — Meet J.R. Briggs 03:56 — Living With Your Arrows Pointing Out 05:18 — Stop Asking Lazy Questions 06:48 — Shift Responses vs. Support Responses 08:46 — The Quality of Your Questions 09:59 — Asking Better Questions at Church 13:52 — Questions as Hospitality 15:04 — “Tell Me Your Story” 16:08 — The Connection Between Questions and Listening 17:16 — How Questions Engage the Brain 19:16 — The Questions God Asks 21:43 — Asking Better Questions in Pain 22:51 — From “Why?” to “What Is God Forming?” 25:44 — Does Spiritual Maturity Come With Age? 27:03 — What Do You Need to Unlearn? 30:21 — Wisdom Revealed Through Questions 31:20 — Studying the Questions of Jesus 34:01 — Questions That Keep Working After the Conversation 34:41 — The Art of Asking Better Questions KEY TOPICS • Asking better questions • Jesus’ questions • Listening well • Curiosity, wisdom, humility, and courage • Questions and spiritual maturity • Faith in seasons of suffering • Discipleship and community • Hospitality through conversation • Learning, unlearning, and relearning • Loving others by keeping our “arrows pointing out” Links Mentioned: The Art of Asking Better Questions by Dr. J.R. Briggs Dr. Briggs’ website Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 striving. At some point, we have to stop—and trust that God continues to provide while we rest. Brett and Michael discuss the biblical wisdom of Psalm 127, the connection between sleep and Sabbath, the impact of phones and screens on rest, the dangers of blurred work-life boundaries, and why receiving sleep can point us toward the gospel of grace. In a culture marked by anxiety and exhaustion, learning to rest may become a powerful way to live differently. Key Topics Covered: - Why God designed us to sleep - Sleep as a reminder of our limitations - Psalm 127 and anxious toil - Rest and trusting God's provision - Technology and disrupted sleep - Work, productivity, and boundaries - Sleep, Sabbath, and God's abundance - Sleep as a picture of grace - Becoming a countercultural witness through rest Chapters: 00:00 — Welcome & The Wisdom of Sleep 02:23 — Why Talk About Sleep? 04:13 — Why Did God Design Us to Sleep? 06:35 — Sleep as a Reminder That We Are Creatures 08:34 — Is Sleep a Spiritual Discipline? 10:18 — Psalm 127 and Trusting God's Provision 11:21 — Why We Resist Rest 13:02 — How Sleep Affects Our Relationships 16:22 — Technology, Work, and Modern Rest 17:19 — How Screens Disrupt Sleep 20:07 — When Work Follows You Home 21:21 — Sleep as the “Chief Nourisher” 23:46 — Sleep, Resurrection, and the Gospel 24:43 — The Grace We Receive in Sleep 27:11 — Learning to Live Within God's Limits 30:04 — Sleep, Sabbath, and God's Abundance 32:21 — Becoming a Rested, Countercultural Witness 34:45 — Closing Thoughts Links Mentioned: Brett’s Website The Wisdom of Sleep by Brett McCracken

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 eventually shaped his understanding of transition and his work helping others navigate major changes in life. Drawing from the life of Caleb, Ed describes transition as a process of release, refine, and re-enter. The wilderness wasn't wasted time. It was preparation. Michael and Ed also discuss why retirement should not mean retiring from God's purposes, how suffering shapes us, and why our legacy should focus on equipping others to continue the mission. Key Topics -The impact of 9/11 -Military service and transition -Retirement and purpose -Caleb's example of perseverance -Release, refine, and re-enter -Suffering and spiritual growth -Leadership and legacy -Finishing strong -Living for the line rather than the dot Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and the 9/11 connection 02:35 – Ed's experience at the Pentagon on 9/11 06:19 – How 9/11 recalibrated what mattered 08:59 – Why Ed wrote The Caleb Challenge 12:43 – Change versus transition 13:45 – Caleb and finding God's purpose 16:08 – Release, refine, and re-enter 18:03 – Purpose beyond retirement 23:09 – Why transitions are difficult 23:59 – Suffering and spiritual transformation 29:58 – Navigating transition with biblical principles 32:55 – Love, live, lead, and leave a legacy 37:45 – Leading worthy and finishing strong 42:16 – Retirement isn't simply another job transfer 45:18 – The wilderness wasn't wasted time 49:08 – Living for the line, not the dot 50:42 – Final thoughts on The Caleb Challenge Links Mentioned: The Caleb Challenge by Ed Hatch Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 leaders. He explains why achievement can become a substitute for identity, why we cannot always trust our feelings, and why suffering and difficulty can play an important role in developing wisdom, courage, and strength. Michael and Jim also discuss parenting, retirement, the pressure to perform, being present, gratitude, and the challenge of mastering the ego. Chapters 00:00 — Why difficulty is necessary for growth 00:37 — Jim Murphy’s story and the road to The Best Possible Life 01:24 — From professional baseball to a crisis of identity 02:54 — The three worlds model 05:32 — Achievement, identity, and the need for love 07:17 — Why success can leave us empty 09:47 — Purpose, sacrificial love, and joy 11:18 — Happiness vs. joy 13:37 — Trusting God when we are uncertain 14:49 — What unconditional love really means 16:33 — Why you can’t always follow your heart 18:03 — Feelings versus truth 19:01 — Parenting, grit, and doing hard things 21:19 — When achievement doesn’t bring happiness 22:28 — The role of suffering in growth 24:12 — The hidden struggles of high achievers 26:16 — Growth through suffering 26:41 — Four daily goals 29:02 — Learning to live in the present 30:10 — Letting go of achievement 32:07 — What people really want 34:54 — Mastering the ego 36:23 — Learning through pain and experience Key topics covered • Achievement and identity • The pursuit of success • Unconditional love • Happiness vs. joy • Sacrificial love • Suffering and spiritual growth • Parenting and grit • Purpose and retirement • Presence and gratitude • High performance • Mastering the ego • Love, wisdom, and courage Links Mentioned: Inner Excellence website The Best Possible Life by Jim Murphy The Inner Excellence 90 Day Challenge Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 pursue Scripture, and how Bob Tolson, Ed Bloom, Floyd Sharp, and others became significant voices in his spiritual formation. Years later, Bob Tolson told Michael that he had prayed for him every day and followed his ministry through the years. That conversation prompted Michael and Hanna to reflect on the “tapestry” God weaves through our lives. The challenge is simple: take stock. Remember the people God used. Thank them. Encourage someone. And ask where God may be using you. Chapters 00:00 – A Different Kind of In Context Conversation03:21 – 16-Year-Old Michael Easley03:45 – Coming to Christ05:48 – The Man Who Taught Him John 3:1608:27 – Danny File and the Power of Friendship10:32 – Hearing the Bible Taught Clearly12:35 – From Tradition to Scripture17:48 – Wrestling With Questions of Authority18:34 – Leaving the Catholic Church20:23 – Considering Seminary23:19 – Ed Bloom and Bible Teaching25:24 – Meeting Floyd Sharp27:37 – Floyd Sharp Comes to Christ29:53 – How God Weaves the Tapestry31:47 – Bob Tolson's Unexpected Phone Call32:38 – “I Pray for You Every Day”34:20 – Taking Stock of Your Life35:10 – The Power of Praying for Children and Grandchildren36:56 – Write the Note39:42 – The Ministry of Encouragement42:24 – Where Is God Using You?46:09 – “Christ Loves You”47:31 – Who Do You Need to Thank? Key Topics • God's providence• Spiritual formation• The authority of Scripture• Mentorship and discipleship• Encouragement• Prayer• Legacy• Christian influence• Faithfulness in ministry• Gratitude Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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, caregiving, and changing family dynamics. How can Christians honor their parents while also caring for their marriages, children, finances, and other responsibilities? Dr. Davis draws from his background in medical ethics and years of conversations with pastors, social workers, gerontologists, lawyers, caregivers, and families to offer a biblical framework for these decisions. This conversation explores why families should prepare before a crisis, how siblings can coordinate their strengths, what to do when parents make demands, why caregivers need encouragement, and how the church can come alongside families carrying the weight of caregiving. Most importantly, Michael and Dr. Davis consider what it really means to honor our parents when circumstances change. Key Topics Covered: • Honoring dependent parents biblically • Preparing for future caregiving • Dementia and declining independence • Driving and taking away the keys • Financial responsibility toward aging parents • Sibling responsibilities • Setting appropriate boundaries • Protecting your marriage and children • Prayer and seeking wise counsel • The role of the church • Encouraging caregivers • Family legacy and generational influence Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Dr. William Davis 01:01 – Why Honoring Dependent Parents? 03:27 – When aging parents begin needing help 04:26 – Why “parenting your parents” isn't quite right 06:24 – Preparing before a crisis 08:20 – Why caregiving often falls to one child 10:37 – The responsibility to provide for parents 13:19 – How much should adult children provide? 14:17 – When siblings contribute differently 16:27 – Why families need to talk early 18:57 – Preparing for difficult caregiving situations 21:43 – When family relationships are dysfunctional 23:21 – Honoring parents without surrendering everything 25:08 – What happens when parents make demands? 27:24 – Prayer, wisdom, and mature counsel 29:51 – When caregiving affects your immediate family 32:37 – How the church can support caregivers 33:04 – Helping aging parents maintain independence 35:06 – Finding creative solutions 36:41 – Why caregivers need encouragement 39:37 – Family, legacy, and generational influence 42:00 – Becoming a source of encouragement 44:49 – Learning to pray for others 47:01 – The heart behind Honoring Dependent Parents Links Mentioned: Honoring Dependent Parents by Dr. William Davis Departing in Peace by Dr. William Davis Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 engagement, and the challenge of discipling the next generation. This conversation isn't ultimately about political parties. It's about stewardship, leadership, discipleship, and whether Christians are willing to faithfully engage the culture God has placed them in. Key Topics Covered -Romans 13 and respecting governing authorities -Why midterm elections matter -Christian civic responsibility -Voting beyond personalities and political parties -The role of worldview in government -Pastors addressing cultural issues -Voter guides and churches -Courage versus fear in Christian leadership -Reaching different generations through media -Loving our neighbors through civic engagement -Discipleship and cultural responsibility Chapters 00:00 Christians and civic responsibility 01:04 Respecting governing authorities 04:03 Why midterm elections matter 05:46 Understanding worldview and policy 08:01 Christian citizenship and the American experiment 11:44 What happened to voter guides? 13:04 The pastor's responsibility to shepherd 15:49 Reaching a changing media culture 19:51 Reaching different generations 22:49 Moving from politics to governance 25:43 Courage in Christian leadership 29:28 Churches, voter guides, and the 501(c)(3) question 31:46 Do Christians want pastors to address cultural issues? 34:49 Three questions Christians should ask 36:45 Three questions pastors should ask 37:54 Final thoughts on courage and discipleship Links Mentioned NRB Website Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.