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 striving. Over time, he discovered that abiding in Christ means something different. Jesus doesn't call us to manufacture spiritual fruit through greater effort. He calls us to remain connected to Him. In this conversation, Michael and Charlie explore what it means to “preach the gospel to yourself,” read Scripture slowly, meditate on God's Word, practice silence and solitude, and recognize the Holy Spirit's work in our everyday lives. They also discuss Galatians 2:20, union with Christ, legalism, grace, spiritual maturity, anxiety, surrender, and our longing for a heavenly home. Chapters 00:00 — The Christian life beyond striving 01:09 — A 45-year friendship begins in seminary 04:13 — Why Charlie wrote The Abiding Life Primer 05:57 — What does it mean to preach the gospel to yourself? 07:59 — Renewing your mind through Scripture 10:11 — Why repetition matters in spiritual growth 12:07 — What does it mean to abide? 13:36 — Abiding versus striving 17:02 — Moving beyond “read your Bible and pray” 19:10 — Rule-based Christianity versus grace 23:03 — Experiencing Christ rather than merely knowing about Him 26:20 — A practical approach to meditating on Scripture 30:02 — Galatians 2:20 and Christ living through us 35:38 — You can't make the flesh better 39:04 — Homesick for heaven 41:15 — Obedience as an invitation into life 45:46 — Charlie's journey through anger and striving 49:33 — Spiritual maturity and learning to surrender 53:46 — Trusting God instead of leaning on our understanding 55:09 — Becoming a non-anxious presence 56:34 — The simplicity of abiding 57:31 — The Abiding Life Primer Key Topics Covered -Abiding in Christ -Union with Christ -Preaching the gospel to yourself -Renewing the mind -Legalism versus grace -Slow Scripture reading -Scripture meditation -Silence and solitude -Spiritual maturity -Surrender and trust -Living by the Spirit -Anxiety and spiritual formation -Longing for our heavenly home Links Mentioned: The Abiding Life Primer by Dr. Charles Boyd What God Has Always Wanted by Dr. Charles Boyd Different Children Different Needs by Dr. Charles Boyd Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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. Together, Michael and Robin explore a biblical framework for how Christians earn, spend, give, and invest. If God owns it all, what does faithful stewardship look like? They discuss generosity, contentment, comparison, ethical investing, treating workers justly, starting to invest early, and the importance of understanding what your investments actually support. Chapters 00:00 — God Owns It All: We Are Stewards 01:38 — Robin John's Story and Calling 04:18 — Witnessing Poverty and Injustice 06:43 — Investing for the Common Good 08:05 — “I Am a Human Being Too” 10:30 — Christians, Business, and the Common Good 12:10 — A Biblical Framework for Generosity 14:34 — Make, Save, and Give Money Wisely 17:03 — Can Christians Enjoy Wealth? 19:17 — Contentment and “Enough” 23:08 — Why You Should Start Investing Early 25:23 — Connecting Giving to Its Impact 26:30 — What Are Your Investments Supporting? 28:05 — Faith-Based Investing and 401(k)s 31:00 — Why Investing Can Feel Complicated 32:29 — Ethical Questions in Healthcare Investing 35:16 — Business as an Engine of Blessing 37:30 — Seeing Work as an Act of Generosity 39:41 — Treating Workers Justly 42:06 — A Lesson From Working as a Valet 44:03 — Generosity and Christian Witness 45:22 — Doing Good Work for God's Glory 47:24 — Closing Thoughts Key Topics Covered • Biblical stewardship and ownership • Generosity and the common good • Contentment and comparison • Ethical and faith-based investing • How Christians should think about wealth • Treating employees and workers justly • Starting to invest early • Using work as an expression of generosity • Aligning financial decisions with biblical values Links Mentioned: The Good Investor by Robin John Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 leadership rooted in the example of Jesus Christ. They also explore why discipleship across generations is essential for the health of the church and how older believers can intentionally invest in younger men. Key Topics Covered: What biblical masculinity really means The difference between toxic and Christ-centered masculinity Why discipleship is essential for spiritual growth Fatherlessness and the loneliness epidemic The importance of mentoring across generations Taking initiative as a Christian man Building healthy churches through intentional leadership Chapters00:00 Why Masculinity Matters Today01:28 The Crisis of Biblical Manhood08:29 Why Men Often Become Passive10:48 The Need for Intergenerational Discipleship20:36 How Young Men Find Mentors30:04 The Biggest Challenges Facing Young Men39:28 Welcoming Men into Biblical Manhood44:22 A Simple Philosophy of Discipleship47:18 Encouragement for the Next Generation Links Mentioned: A Courageous Identity by Dr. Paul Pettit Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 gratitude, present-tense grace, and the hope believers have because of Christ. Whether you're battling chronic pain, caring for someone who is, or simply walking through a difficult season, this conversation offers biblical encouragement without offering shallow answers. Chapters 00:00 Why "How?" matters more than "Why?" 02:12 Glenna Marshall's diagnosis and journey with chronic illness 09:10 Living with chronic pain every day 13:00 What James teaches about trials and perseverance 16:20 Learning to pray through suffering 20:18 When you don't have words to pray 23:10 Present-tense grace for today's struggles 25:30 Is suffering caused by personal sin? 31:05 Gratitude as the pathway to joy 35:50 Joy vs. happiness 40:18 Choosing joy in suffering 43:30 Hope for those who are losing hope 46:10 Why suffering has an expiration date Key Topics Covered Chronic pain and the Christian life Praying through suffering Biblical lament Joy versus happiness Gratitude and contentment Present-tense grace James 1 and perseverance Romans 8 and freedom from condemnation The hope of resurrection Encouragement for caregivers and those who suffer Links Mentioned: Praying in Pain by Glenna Marshall Memorizing Scripture by Glenna Marshall  Glenna’s website Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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, offers wisdom for aspiring Bible teachers, discusses the importance of preparation over platform, and shares why every believer should learn to see Christ throughout the entire Bible. Whether you're leading a Bible study, preparing sermons, or simply wanting to understand Scripture more deeply, this conversation offers practical encouragement rooted in God's Word. Key Topics Covered -Nancy Guthrie's journey through grief and suffering -How suffering deepened her understanding of Scripture -Why biblical literacy matters -Practical Bible study methods and hermeneutics -Preparing to teach God's Word faithfully -Preparation vs. platform in ministry -Encouraging women to teach the Bible -Learning under church leadership and accountability -Seeing Christ throughout all of Scripture -Nancy's new Beholding Christ Bible resource Chapters 00:00 How suffering shaped Nancy Guthrie's ministry 03:40 Losing two children and studying Job 09:35 How Nancy became a Bible teacher 15:10 Why theological training matters 19:30 Nancy's step-by-step Bible study process 28:30 Applying Scripture faithfully today 36:30 Evangelism, discipleship, and everyday faithfulness 40:15 Encouraging women to teach the Bible 46:20 Ministry, accountability, and the local church 54:15 Why every page of Scripture points to Christ 58:30 Introducing Beholding Christ Links Mentioned Nancy’s Bible Studies PRE ORDER Beholding Christ by Nancy Guthrie

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 of social media. Drawing from decades of pastoral ministry and personal experience, they offer practical, biblical wisdom for building a Christ-centered marriage. Whether you're engaged, newly married, celebrating decades together, or mentoring younger couples, this conversation will encourage you to pursue humility, honest communication, and a deeper dependence on God in your marriage. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and why newlyweds need biblical guidance 02:20 – The biggest mistakes couples make in year one 04:00 – Unspoken expectations and why they create conflict 08:30 – Home life, chores, and different family backgrounds 09:30 – Healthy conversations about intimacy and expectations 15:20 – Communication that strengthens marriage 18:45 – The Ten Commandments of Communication 20:45 – Listening instead of trying to fix every problem 24:45 – Growing spiritually together through church and prayer 29:50 – Navigating relationships with in-laws 34:15 – Social media, comparison, and contentment in marriage 37:40 – Why authentic Christian community matters 40:50 – God's design for lifelong marriage 42:30 – Encouragement for couples in every season In This Episode Why unmet expectations cause so many marriage conflicts Practical communication habits every couple should practice Biblical wisdom for navigating intimacy How family backgrounds shape marriage Healthy boundaries with parents and in-laws The dangers of comparing your marriage to social media The importance of prayer, church, and Christian community How God strengthens marriages through every season Links Mentioned: Newlywed by Mike Novotony Time of Grace Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 not in biohacking or longevity, but in Christ. Dr. Honea shares how years of studying the aging brain led her to publicly integrate her Christian faith with her scientific work. They discuss the fear of dementia, the promise and limitations of medical advances, the role of exercise and healthy habits in brain health, and why believers should steward their bodies without making health an idol. Whether you're caring for aging parents, interested in neuroscience, working in healthcare, or simply wondering how faith and science fit together, this conversation offers biblical wisdom, scientific insight, and lasting encouragement. Topics Covered: Neuroplasticity explained Alzheimer's research and brain imaging Faith and science working together The fear of aging and dementia Brain health, exercise, and lifestyle Supplements, longevity, and biohacking Romans 12 and renewing your mind Music, memory, and dementia Why our identity is more than biology Living with hope as we grow older Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Meet Dr. Robyn Honea 02:20 – From Schizophrenia Research to Alzheimer's Disease 05:00 – What Is Neuroplasticity? 08:30 – Why Dr. Honea Began Writing About Faith and Science 11:00 – What the Bible Says About Aging 13:00 – Can We Outsmart Aging? 15:15 – Supplements, Longevity & Health Culture 18:00 – Integrating Faith into a Scientific Career 22:15 – The Fear of Aging and Cognitive Decline 26:00 – Brain Scans, Biomarkers & Medical Wisdom 33:00 – Trusting God Instead of Living in Fear 35:00 – Why Music Unlocks Memory in Dementia 37:00 – Romans 12 and Renewing Your Mind 41:00 – Finding Identity Beyond Biology 47:30 – Does Someone with Dementia Still Know You're There? 49:30 – Final Encouragement and Closing Links Mentioned The Honea Lab The Brain God Designed on Substack Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 punishment—is always God's goal. Together they explore Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18, the role of accountability in Christian community, common abuses of church discipline, church membership questions, legal concerns, forgiveness, and how churches can lovingly help wandering believers return to fellowship. Whether you're a pastor, elder, ministry leader, or church member, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating one of the church's most difficult responsibilities with grace and truth. Key Topics Covered: -What church discipline really is—and isn't -Why accountability is an act of love -Jesus' process for restoration in Matthew 18 -The difference between discipline and legalism -Church membership and accountability -How gossip can undermine restoration -When churches misuse authority -Forgiveness after repentance -Legal challenges churches face today -Leading with compassion instead of control Chapters 00:00 Why Church Discipline Makes People Uncomfortable 00:48 Meet Dr. J. Carl Laney 03:18 What Is Church Discipline? 05:54 Why "Church Restoration" May Be a Better Term 07:33 Are Some Sins More Disciplinable Than Others? 10:45 Accountability vs. Legalism 12:57 The Heart Behind Restoration 14:54 Why Most Churches Avoid Discipline 16:17 Do Churches Need a List of Disciplinable Sins? 18:52 Members vs. Non-Members 21:37 Building a Culture of Accountability 23:33 Who Are the "Spiritual" in Galatians 6? 24:31 Gossip, Division, and Church Conflict 26:16 What Does "Bound in Heaven" Mean? 29:51 Real-Life Discipline Scenarios 35:41 When Church Discipline Goes Too Far 36:44 Legal Risks and Church Leadership 40:08 Balancing Truth, Love, and Church Health 41:47 A Story of Repentance and Restoration 49:14 Forgiveness After Restoration 50:19 Final Thoughts Links Mentioned A Guide to Church Discipline by Dr. J. Carl Laney Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 explains why many students struggle when their beliefs are challenged and how parents, churches, and mentors can better equip the next generation. This conversation explores the importance of critical thinking, biblical discipleship, healthy family conversations, and preparing students to engage culture without compromising their faith. Whether you're raising a future college student, leading a youth ministry, or mentoring young adults, this episode offers practical wisdom for helping students stand firm in a rapidly changing culture. Key Topics Covered -Why some students lose their faith in college -The six types of students most vulnerable to campus influence -How professors shape worldview beyond their areas of expertise -What critical thinking actually looks like -The impact of social media on today's students -Delayed adolescence and emotional maturity -How parents can prepare students before college -Teaching students to evaluate ideas through a biblical worldview -Why asking better questions leads to stronger faith Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Prayer 00:45 Why college campuses are challenging Christian students 05:00 Why many students aren't prepared for worldview challenges 08:00 The six types of vulnerable students 15:30 What critical thinking really means 20:50 Are professors intentionally shaping ideology? 24:30 Delayed adolescence and social media's influence 30:45 The "intellectual adrenaline junkie" explained 37:20 Teaching students to think instead of react 43:40 Socialism, culture, and the importance of worldview 49:20 Final encouragement for parents, pastors, and educators Links Mentioned Students in The Lion’s Den by Dr. Gary Lovejoy Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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 conflict to reducing crime in Dallas, building lifelong friendships, and recognizing God's guidance throughout his career, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leaders in every field. Whether you serve in ministry, business, government, or your own home, these timeless principles will challenge you to live intentionally and lead with integrity. If you've ever wondered how to discover your purpose, make wise decisions, or leave a lasting legacy, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Why Steve Bartlett Wrote Aha 04:15 Defining Your Purpose 07:20 Leadership Without Losing Your Integrity 10:10 The Importance of Wise Friends 13:40 "What Are You Going to Do About It?" 16:15 Kindness Is a Leadership Strategy 20:40 Leading Through Difficult Decisions 25:05 Habits That Build Great Leaders 28:30 The Cheeseburger Summit: Civility in Politics 31:35 Setting a Clear Mission 35:30 Recognizing God's Direction 39:45 Advice for the Next Generation 45:15 Final Encouragement In This Episode -Why purpose is more important than goals -Leadership lessons from public service -How to stay focused during conflict -The value of integrity and kindness -Building friendships that sharpen your character -How faith shapes wise decision-making -Practical habits of effective leaders -Learning to recognize God's guidance -Advice for young leaders entering politics -Living a life that leaves a lasting legacy Links Mentioned AH HA! The Power of Purpose by Steve Bartlett Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.