In this special Christmas episode of inContext, Michael Easley invites you into a thoughtful and engaging Christmas Quiz designed to test what we think we know about the Nativity story. Many of our assumptions come from tradition, art, and cultural imagery — but how much of it actually comes from Scripture? As Michael walks through each question, he highlights key biblical details, corrects common misconceptions, and helps us remember the stunning simplicity of the birth of Christ.

Grandparenting isn’t just a season of life — it’s a calling. In this powerful episode, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Larry Fowler from the Legacy Coalition to explore how Scripture calls grandparents to disciple their grandchildren and leave a legacy of faith.
Learn how to build spiritual connections with your grandkids, even when distance, age, or family tension makes it difficult. Discover how to balance truth and grace, respect your adult children’s boundaries, and model godly living that draws future generations toward Christ.
Topics Covered:
00:00 – Why Grandparents Matter Spiritually
06:45 – The Biblical Command for Grandparenting (Deut. 4:9)
12:00 – How Churches Can Equip Grandparents
15:30 – Overbearing vs. Distant Grandparents
19:00 – When Adult Children Aren’t Believers
23:00 – Prayer and Influence When Words Aren’t Welcome
27:30 – Building Lasting Faith Legacies

Links Mentioned

The Legacy Coalition

Legacy Grandparenting Summit 2026

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What does it mean to be a godly man today?

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Easley sits down with Sean Dunn, founder of GroundWire, an innovative ministry reaching young people where they already are—online. With decades of experience in youth ministry, Sean shares how God shifted his focus from platform ministry to personal evangelism that points people to Jesus, not a personality. His mission stems from a prayer he first wrote in his Bible at 14: “Contend for a generation.” 

Together, Michael and Sean discuss how today’s younger generations—particularly Gen Z—are both deeply anxious and spiritually open, though often disconnected from traditional church structures. Sean unpacks practical ways to engage them with empathy and authenticity, using the simple yet powerful acronym LETS: Listen, Empathize, Transition, Share. He also challenges believers to rethink evangelism through Jesus’ words in Matthew 9: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The conversation calls every listener to see the current culture not as hopeless, but as ripe for harvest—and to pray earnestly for God to send workers into the field.

Takeaways:

Links Mentioned

Contending For The Rising Generation by Sean Dunn

Groundwire Ministries

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Summary

In this episode, Dr. Easley reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Dallas Theological Seminary alumnus Greg Hatteberg to reflect on a lifetime of faithfulness—through ministry, marriage, and the mentorship of godly leaders. Hattenberg shares how his grandfather’s quiet devotion to Scripture laid the foundation for his own walk with Christ, eventually leading him to Moody and then to Dallas Seminary. There, he and Michael sat under professors like Howard Hendricks and J. Dwight Pentecost, whose lives modeled the truth they taught. 

Their conversation weaves together memories of those formative years with reflections on enduring faith amid hardship—especially Greg’s story of loving and caring for his late wife Lisa through her decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis. Her faith and joy in suffering continue to shape his ministry and outlook today. Together, they explore how theological education has expanded from classroom walls to a global platform, yet the heartbeat remains unchanged: to know Christ and serve Him faithfully. Hatteberg’s message to leaders and believers alike is simple: don’t quit; stay the course; finish well.

Takeaways

This episode is for anyone who longs for a faith that lasts. Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or believer walking through hardship, endurance, integrity, and love for God’s Word are what sustain a lifetime of ministry.

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Summary

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley welcomes best-selling author and leadership coach Patrick Lencioni for a candid conversation about the intersection of faith, humility, and leadership. Patrick shares how spiritual maturity and self-awareness shape the way leaders serve others, especially in ministry and organizational life. He and Michael discuss how pride and insecurity often hide behind titles or success—and how true leadership begins with embracing our dependence on Christ.

Patrick reflects on his personal journey of learning to lead through weakness, not image, and explains why the healthiest teams are built on honesty and vulnerability, not performance. Together, they unpack the dangers of ego-driven ministry and the freedom that comes when leaders prioritize humility, obedience, and joy in the Lord over outcomes.

This conversation challenges every listener—pastor, leader, or parent—to evaluate what drives their influence. Through laughter, honesty, and deep biblical truth, Patrick and Michael remind us that leadership in the kingdom of God is not about control or recognition—it’s about service and surrender.

Takeaways

LINKS MENTIONED:

The Table Group

Pat’s books

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Summary

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Keith Bodner—Old Testament scholar, author, and professor—to explore the beauty, depth, and divine design of Scripture. Together, they examine how literary artistry and theological truth intertwine throughout the Old Testament, showing that these ancient texts are far more than historical accounts—they’re masterfully constructed narratives revealing God’s character and redemptive plan.

Dr. Bodner unpacks the importance of reading Scripture as both literature and revelation, pointing out how patterns, irony, and structure illuminate meaning. He and Dr. Easley discuss what it means to approach the Bible with reverence, curiosity, and literary attentiveness, and why doing so deepens our understanding of God’s Word.

Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are just beginning to appreciate its complexity, this conversation will renew your awe for the divine craftsmanship behind Scripture—and encourage you to see the Old Testament not as a collection of disconnected stories, but as a coherent narrative revealing the wisdom and sovereignty of God.

Takeaways

LINKS MENTIONED:

Exploring The Financial Parables of Jesus by Dr. Keith Bodner

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Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley and former NFL quarterback Jeff Kemp talk about what it means for men to follow Jesus with humility, dependence, and intentionality. Kemp draws from John’s Gospel, where Jesus repeatedly affirms that He only does what His Father tells Him to do. Michael reflects on how staggering it is that the God-man chose to say and do only what pleased His Father. Jeff unpacks this further: if Christ Himself modeled such dependence, then we too must stop striving to impress God and instead learn to receive from Him.

The conversation then turns to one of the greatest needs among men today—true friendship. Many men isolate, even while surrounded by people, leaving them lonely, insecure, and vulnerable. Kemp encourages men to take simple but intentional steps: initiate, honor others, pray together, and practice accountability. He shares practical questions for building deeper friendships, emphasizes the power of confession, and reminds us that level-five friendships are rooted in Christ and His Word.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple challenge: don’t try to live the Christian life alone. Depend on Christ. Invest in other men. Take the initiative to build friendships that are honest, prayerful, and life-giving.

Takeaways

LINKS MENTIONED:

Receive by Jeff Kemp

Men Huddle

Get Jeff's book LEVEL 5 FRIENDSHIP PLAYBOOK for free

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Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley welcomes back Dr. S. Jonathan Murphy, senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church and author of The Story of God and Us. Dr. Murphy shares how his book was written to give believers a clear framework for understanding the Bible from beginning to end, while also highlighting the relevance of each book for everyday life. He and Dr. Easley discuss how faith produces obedience—not through guilt or “shoulds” but through the Spirit’s work within us. 

Dr. Murphy explains how God births new desires in His people as they spend time in His Word and with Him, shifting appetites from empty pursuits to joyful obedience. Together, they explore God’s providence in everyday details, the warnings and encouragements of Malachi, and how God prepared His people for Christ even during the 400 years of silence. Dr. Murphy emphasizes that Scripture, even the often-overlooked minor prophets, speaks with direct relevance to our lives today. He closes by pointing to the believer’s eternal hope and the joy of what is to come. This episode invites listeners to delight in God’s Word, trust His providence, and live out their faith with Spirit-driven joy and anticipation.

Takeaways

Links Mentioned

The Story of God and Us by Dr. S. Jonathan Murphy

Authentic Influencer by Dr. S Jonathan Murphy 

Dr. Murphy's website

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Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley and Ken Ham have a candid conversation about faith, leadership, and navigating criticism. Together, they wrestle with the tension between personal responsibility, pure motives, and God’s sovereignty—asking whether decisions truly glorify God or sometimes serve our own ambitions. Looking at biblical examples like Nehemiah, they explore the difference between bold faith and foolish presumption, and how leaders can step forward with courage while staying grounded in humility.

Ken Ham shares personal stories of how God shaped his calling, from his early burdens to the building of the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. He reflects on how criticism—especially from within the church—has tested but refined him, and how he’s learned to measure faithfulness not by approval but by obedience to God’s Word. Dr. Easley and Ham also highlight the importance of wise mentors, compassionate leadership, and learning to speak truth with both authority and grace.

This conversation is a reminder that while opposition is inevitable, God uses it to strengthen our faith. Whether in ministry, family, or personal decisions, we’re called to stand firm on God’s Word, lead with humility, and trust that He will use us for His glory.

Takeaways

Links Mentioned

Answers in Genesis

The Creation Museum

Miraculous by Ken Ham

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