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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 hidden idols that compete for our hearts, and discover how abiding in Christ transforms our daily lives.

Mike shares practical wisdom for believers who want to grow spiritually, walk in the Spirit, share their faith with confidence, and develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Whether you're a pastor, parent, business professional, athlete, or simply seeking a stronger faith, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical next steps.

In This Episode:

-Why many Christians struggle to share their faith

-The difference between disciple-making and church attendance

-How culture shapes our hearts more than we realize

-Identifying modern idols like comfort, approval, success, and control

-What it truly means to abide in Christ

-Walking in the Spirit versus relying on willpower

-The power of slowing down and listening to God

-Why spiritual growth requires dying to self

-Biblical leadership, sacrifice, and serving others

-Ministry opportunities in sports and culture

Chapters

00:00 Why Most Christians Don't Share Their Faith

00:49 Introducing Mike Tatlock

01:45 Why Christians Must Engage Culture

03:09 A Third Way Between Compromise and Conflict

04:28 The Church's Discipleship Problem

07:03 The World, the Flesh, and the Devil

08:41 Modern Idolatry Explained

11:07 What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?

12:56 The Benefits of Abiding

15:13 Practical Ways to Abide Daily

18:20 Walking in the Spirit vs. Willpower

21:02 The Power of the Pause

23:02 The Paradox of the Crucified Life

25:02 Dying to Self in Everyday Life

26:33 Marriage, Leadership, and Sacrifice

31:00 Vertical Pursuit and Discipleship Resources

32:08 Ministry as an NBA Chaplain

34:02 Reaching Athletes and Students for Christ

35:15 Final Encouragement

Links Mentioned:

A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture by Mike Tatlock
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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 Siloam, Peter’s house in Capernaum, and the famous Lachish Reliefs, Dr. Weaver explores some of the most compelling archaeological discoveries connected to the biblical world. Together, they discuss how these findings continue to challenge skepticism and strengthen confidence in the Bible’s historical reliability.

Whether you're interested in biblical archaeology, apologetics, Israel, or defending your faith, this conversation offers fascinating insights into how archaeology helps illuminate Scripture and its historical context.

If you've ever wondered whether the Bible can be trusted, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 Archaeology and the Bible: Critics Proven Wrong

00:40 Introduction to Dr. Paul Weaver

03:23 Can Archaeology Validate Scripture?

03:51 Minimalists vs. Maximalists Explained

07:56 Jericho and the Fallen Walls

12:14 The Lachish Reliefs and Assyrian Evidence

17:10 Hezekiah's Tunnel and Jerusalem's Defense

21:10 The Discovery of the Pool of Siloam

22:33 Peter's House in Capernaum

26:33 The Magdala Synagogue Discovery

33:30 Caesarea Philippi and Peter's Confession

38:13 Why Archaeology Strengthens Faith

39:16 Final Encouragement for Bible Students

Key Topics Covered

• Biblical archaeology and Christian faith
• Archaeological evidence for Scripture
• David, Belshazzar, and historical verification
• Jericho and Joshua's conquest
• The Lachish Reliefs and King Sennacherib
• Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem
• The Pool of Siloam discovery
• Peter's house in Capernaum
• The Magdala Synagogue
• Caesarea Philippi and Jesus' ministry
• Bible reliability and apologetics
• Israel and archaeological discoveries
• How archaeology responds to skepticism
• Faith-affirming evidence from the ancient world

Links Mentioned

Faith Affirming Findings by Dr. Paul Weaver

More of Dr. Weaver’s books

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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 struggle with fear, discouragement, and learned helplessness.

Dr. Cloud explains how God designed people to grow through connection, community, humility, and purposeful action. From neuroscience and attachment theory to biblical leadership and emotional health, this episode offers practical insight for pastors, leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, creatives, and anyone trying to move forward in life and faith.

Whether you feel stuck personally, spiritually, or professionally, this conversation will help you think differently about growth, leadership, and the future God may be calling you toward.

Key Topics Covered

-Why vision matters in leadership and life

-The definition of a “desired future”

-Why talent alone is not enough

-Leadership, teams, and engaging the right people

-Psychology and theology working together

-Learned helplessness and loss of hope

-Attachment theory and emotional health

-Why God designed people for connection

-Necessary endings and healthy leadership decisions

-Spiritual maturity and becoming whole

Chapters

00:00 – God Made Love the Foundation

00:39 – Introducing Dr. Henry Cloud

01:14 – Why Henry Cloud Wrote Your Desired Future

03:01 – Defining Leadership and Vision

05:05 – Psychology, Theology, and the Gospel

07:40 – God’s Design for Leadership

11:17 – The “Finley Factor” Explained

13:49 – Why Talent Alone Is Not Enough

17:15 – The Importance of Asking for Help

19:26 – Building Vision Step by Step

20:44 – Henry Cloud’s Daughter and Pursuing a Dream

24:18 – Leadership, Teams, and Necessary Talent

27:10 – Why Some People Never Reach Their Potential

30:49 – Learned Helplessness and Losing Hope

33:28 – Emotions, the Psalms, and Human Struggle

35:35 – Why Love and Attachment Matter

40:49 – Necessary Endings and Leadership Decisions

45:35 – Can People Really Change?

46:23 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Links Mentioned

Your Desired Future by Dr. Henry Cloud

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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 in a courtroom and why the evidence for Jesus, the resurrection, and the reliability of Scripture is stronger than many believers realize. Together, they unpack common objections to Christianity, the rise of skepticism online, manuscript evidence, apologetics for everyday believers, and why so many young Christians walk away from their faith in college.

If you’ve ever struggled to answer tough questions about Christianity—or wanted more confidence talking about your faith—this episode will equip and encourage you.

Chapters

00:00 Why Christians Need Apologetics Today

01:43 Daniel Buttafuoco’s Journey & Historical Bible Society

04:13 Why Daniel Wrote Unapologetic

07:48 Why Many Christians Feel Afraid to Speak Up

08:13 The Evidence for Christianity Explained

10:39 Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Faith

13:04 Eyewitness Testimony & the New Testament

15:15 Was the Bible Written Too Late?

17:10 Why Christians Need Both Truth and Compassion

19:39 Do Multiple Gospel Accounts Strengthen the Case?

21:29 Can We Trust Bible Manuscripts?

24:30 Answering Claims That the Bible Was Corrupted

25:39 The Resurrection and the Missing Body of Jesus

27:18 Suffering, Faith, and Spiritual Growth

33:07 Seeing God Through Trials

34:30 Final Thoughts on Defending the Faith

Key Topics Covered

-Christian apologetics

-Evidence for Christianity

-Can the Bible be trusted?

-Historical evidence for Jesus

-Eyewitness testimony in the Gospels

-Manuscript evidence for the Bible

-Defending your faith in college and culture

-The resurrection of Jesus

-Faith and reason

-Why young Christians deconstruct

-Responding to skepticism and atheism

-How Christians can answer tough questions

Links Mentioned

Unapologetic: Clear Answers to Tough Bible Questions by Daniel Buttafuoco