Michael Easley inContext

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Conversation
03:21 – 16-Year-Old Michael Easley
03:45 – Coming to Christ
05:48 – The Man Who Taught Him John 3:16
08:27 – Danny File and the Power of Friendship
10:32 – Hearing the Bible Taught Clearly
12:35 – From Tradition to Scripture
17:48 – Wrestling With Questions of Authority
18:34 – Leaving the Catholic Church
20:23 – Considering Seminary
23:19 – Ed Bloom and Bible Teaching
25:24 – Meeting Floyd Sharp
27:37 – Floyd Sharp Comes to Christ
29:53 – How God Weaves the Tapestry
31:47 – Bob Tolson's Unexpected Phone Call
32:38 – “I Pray for You Every Day”
34:20 – Taking Stock of Your Life
35:10 – The Power of Praying for Children and Grandchildren
36:56 – Write the Note
39:42 – The Ministry of Encouragement
42:24 – 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 root motivations behind crime, and why proximity matters when investigating a murder. The conversation then moves into a much deeper question: Who are we when our careers, accomplishments, relationships, or abilities change?

Wallace argues that identity is one of humanity's greatest struggles and that Christians need an identity that does not shift. Rather than making Christ one label among many, he describes Christ as the foundation supporting every other role in our lives.

They also discuss aging, retirement, marriage, financial freedom, mistakes, objective moral truth, the nature of humanity, apologetics, and how to faithfully share the gospel while trusting God's power to change hearts.

Key topics covered:

-Why we're fascinated by true crime

-The root motivations behind crime

-What cold cases reveal about human nature

-Identity, purpose, and meaning

-Finding our identity in Christ

-Retirement and identity shifts

-Learning wisdom through mistakes

-Aging and changing seasons

-Financial freedom and simplicity

-Objective truth and moral truth

-Human depravity and the biblical view of humanity

-Apologetics and gospel conversations

-God's sovereignty and our responsibility

Chapters:

00:00 — What True Crime Reveals About Us

01:45 — Why Are We Fascinated by Crime?

03:15 — The Three Root Causes of Crime

05:38 — What Crime Reveals About Human Nature

08:49 — Identity, Purpose, and Meaning

12:13 — When Your Career Becomes Your Identity

14:00 — Finding an Identity That Doesn't Change

15:54 — Retirement, Trauma, and Identity Shifts

19:10 — How to Identify Your Idols

21:33 — Is Christ the Foundation of Your Identity?

22:29 — A Life Well Experienced vs. Well Lived

24:00 — Aging, Wisdom, and Letting Go

25:54 — Learning Through Mistakes and Pain

28:53 — Financial Freedom and Simplicity

33:06 — Why We Root for the Bad Guys

36:09 — The Enigma of Human Nature

40:27 — What Is Truth?

43:47 — Objective Moral Truth

45:29 — Apologetics, God's Power, and Our Responsibility

48:33 — Sharing the Gospel One “Single” at a Time

52:03 — Final Thoughts

Links Mentioned:

Cold Case Christianity Website

The Truth in True Crime by J Warner Wallace

Other Books by J. Warner Wallace

Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel.

For more inContext interviews, click here.