Agape Baptist Church | Scottsboro, Alabama

What happens when a Christian dies? Do believers enter the presence of Christ immediately? Are they conscious? What happens to the body? And how does the resurrection fit into the picture?In this episode of Curious Faith, we explore the major Christian views of what happens after death and compare them with what Scripture actually says. From the intermediate state to the resurrection and the hope of the New Creation, this conversation moves beyond the simple idea of “going to heaven” and looks at the fuller biblical picture of eternal life with Christ.If you've ever wondered what happens in the moments after death—or what hope Scripture gives us when someone we love dies—this episode is for you.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control you. In this episode, Tommy Bates discusses how stress affects your mind and body and shares practical ways to manage it - including letting go of what you can't control, becoming more aware of your stress responses, and using simple techniques to regain calm. Learn how to stop sweating the small stuff, protect your peace, and live a healthier life.

Who will define us—God or the world around us? Using the illustration of a surveyor's benchmark, this message explores who God is, who we are, and the relationships and responsibilities he has entrusted to us. From our identity as male and female to God's design for marriage, we face a personal decision: Will we allow Jesus to define our lives? God is the benchmark. Christ is the cornerstone. His Word does not move.

Why is it so hard to say "no" - and when does helping someone actually begin to hurt them?In this episode of Stuff That Works, Tommy Bates explores codependency, boundaries, and the sometimes uncomfortable difference between genuinely helping others and enabling unhealthy dependence. Drawing from more than 20 years of counseling experience, Tommy identifies three common forms of codependence: the manipulator, who finds identity through controlling others; the nurturer or rescuer, who finds worth through taking care of others; and the achiever, who depends on accomplishment and pleasing people to feel valuable. The episode examines how even good qualities - being helpful, nurturing, hardworking, compassionate, or driven - can become unhealthy when we depend on them for our sense of identity and self-worth.Tommy then turns to one of the most important tools for breaking the cycle: healthy boundaries. Setting boundaries means understanding what we are responsible for - and what we aren't. We are responsible for treating people with kindness, compassion, and respect, but we cannot take responsibility for everyone else's feelings, choices, reactions, or consequences. Through practical examples, personal stories, and the powerful illustration of a butterfly that needs the struggle of escaping its cocoon in order to develop its wings, Tommy explains why continually rescuing someone can sometimes prevent the very growth we're trying to encourage. Whether you're a parent struggling to let an adult child experience consequences, a people-pleaser who has trouble saying no, an overachiever heading toward burnout, or simply someon who tends to carry responsibilities that aren't yours, this episode offers a practical challenge:Stay in your lane. Set healthy boundaries. Allow others room to grow - and give yourself permission to grow, too. Practical tools. No fluff. Real life.

In Marriage Fulfilled, Dr. Max Croft explores God's design for marriage through Genesis 2:18 and Ephesians 5:20–25. Discover how husbands and wives find fulfillment by receiving marriage as God's gift, serving one another in covenant faithfulness, and reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.

Insecurities can quietly shape how we see ourselves - and how we treat the people we love. they can lead to jealousy, fear, control, people-pleasing, and an unhealthy dependence on others for our sense of worth. In this episode of Stuff That Works, Tommy Bates explores where insecurities come from, including childhood experiences, past relationships, failure, comparison, and the painful belief that we simply aren't enough. More importantly, he talks about what we can actually do about them. You'll learn why recognizing the source of insecurity matters, how changing negative self-talk can begin rebuilding self-worth, and why healthy relationships require two people who aren't depending on each other to make them whole. Tommy also explores the difference between striving to become a better version of yourself and expecting yourself to be perfect. For Christians, the conversation goes deeper into finding identity and worth in God rather than allowing other people's opinions, successes, failures, or past mistakes to define us.Overcoming insecurity doesn't happen overnight. It takes self-reflection, intentional changes in how we think, grace for our imperfections, and the willingness to keep doing the repair work.

Sin disorders the mind, hardens the heart, and enslaves our desires—but the gospel offers more than surface-level improvement. Drawing from Ephesians 4:17–24 and Colossians 3:1–11, this message explores how those united with Jesus receive a new life and identity, are renewed in the image of their Creator, and are formed within a renewed people. We were made by God, disordered by sin, and are being remade in Christ.

God has given humanity real authority, but never autonomy. In this message, drawing on Genesis 2:15–17 and Romans 14:10–12, this message explores God's calling to cultivate and guard what He places in our care. Whether the responsibility involves our families, work, relationships, gifts, or opportunities, kingdom work begins when what is in our hands is placed under the King's authority.

God created humanity in his image as male and female—equal in dignity, distinct by design, and united in purpose. From Genesis 1–2, this message explores how our embodied identity is a gift to receive, how men and women reflect God's image together, and how biblical distinction strengthens rather than threatens our shared calling.

Recorded on a beach condo patio during a family vacation, this special episode of Curious Faith features Ryan Johnson and his daughters discussing one of the biggest questions facing teenagers today: How do you honor Christ in your relationships?Together they explore biblical wisdom for dating, friendships, character, purity, and making wise decisions in a culture that often points in the opposite direction. More than a conversation about romance, this is a conversation about becoming the kind of person who follows Jesus faithfully in every relationship.Whether you're a teenager, a parent, or someone investing in the next generation, this episode will encourage you to see that some of the greatest discipleship moments happen in ordinary places—when God's Word becomes the center of everyday conversations.

Negative thoughts can feel automatic, powerful, and sometimes even convincing—but just because a thought enters your mind doesn't mean you have to believe it.In this episode, we explore the power of negative thinking and how our thoughts can shape our emotions, behaviors, and everyday lives. More importantly, we'll discover practical cognitive tools and biblical principles that can help us recognize unhealthy thought patterns, challenge them, and replace them with truth.You'll learn a simple three-step plan you can practice throughout your day:1. Write a reminder note.Create a simple, visible reminder that helps you pause and remember to pay attention to what you're thinking. Use it as an intentional cue to check in with your thoughts throughout the day.2. Put your thoughts on trial.Instead of automatically accepting every thought as truth, examine it. Ask yourself: Is this thought true? What evidence supports it? What evidence challenges it? Is this thought helpful? Learn to separate facts from assumptions, fear, and negative interpretations.3. Filter your thoughts through biblical truth.God's Word gives us a framework for evaluating what we allow to take root in our minds. We'll explore how principles such as Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:2, and Proverbs 23:7 can help us become more intentional about what we think about and how we respond.This episode isn't about pretending negative thoughts don't exist or simply “thinking positive.” It's about learning to slow down, examine your thoughts, recognize what doesn't align with truth, and intentionally choose a healthier and more God-centered perspective.Your thoughts deserve to be examined—not automatically obeyed.Listen in and discover how a simple daily practice can help you take your thoughts captive, renew your mind, and respond to life with greater clarity, peace, and purpose.

Who are we, what gives human life value, and who has the authority to answer those questions? While our culture tells us to construct an identity by looking within, Scripture calls us to receive our identity from the God who made us. In this message, discover how being made in God's image gives every person unshakable worth, meaningful responsibility, and the hope of being remade through Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Christians often use phrases like "You need to be born again," "Give your life to Christ," and "Take up your cross." But have you ever stopped to ask what those words actually mean—and whether we're using them the way the Bible does?In this episode of Curious Faith: Lost in Translation, Ryan Johnson is joined by Dakota Parrish, Duane Thomas, and the AI Curious Companion to rediscover the biblical meaning behind these familiar expressions. Together, they explore what Jesus meant by being born again, what it means to surrender your life to Christ, and why taking up your cross is about far more than enduring life's difficulties. If you've ever heard these phrases but wondered how they fit together, this conversation will help you see the beauty of the gospel with fresh eyes.

Anxiety rarely comes from nowhere. It is often a heavy echo of past trauma, a painful reminder of moments where we felt helpless or unprotected. When those memories linger, they trap our minds in a cycle of looking backward, asking "why" and wishing we could rewrite history. Alternatively, anxiety forces our minds to race forward into the future, creating terrifying "what-if" scenarios about things we cannot control. This constant mental tug-of-war between yesterday's hurts and tomorrow's fears leaves us feeling completely unsafe in the present moment.To find lasting relief, we must address the fundamental question: Am I safe in this world? From a Christian perspective, the answer is not found in a guarantee that the world will be free of trouble, but in the unchanging character of God. True safety means knowing that your identity, your soul, and your future are securely held by a loving Creator.Scripture reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Relief comes when we surrender the past and the future to Him, anchoring our hearts in the truth that He is our refuge, our fortress, and our ever-present help in times of trouble. You are safe because the One who rules tomorrow is already there, and the One who redeemed your past has already forgiven and healed it.Scriptures related to today's topic: Psalms 103:12, Matthew 6:34, Isaiah 26:3, john 14:27, Psalms 56:4

Stress and Anxiety lowers our immune system, adversely affects our cardiovascular system, our digestive system, and can literally shorten our lives. If you want to improve your life, you have to buy into this concept of embracing calm.Take less than ten minutes to practice a guided breathing exercise by learning to belly breathe and taking an imaginary trip to the beach, using your senses to experience the calming affects of the ocean with this exercise.

Stress and Anxiety lowers our immune system, adversely affects our cardiovascular system, our digestive system, and can literally shorten our lives. If you want to improve your life, you have to buy into this concept of embracing calm. Take less than ten minutes to practice a guided breathing exercise by learning to belly breathe and taking an imaginary trip to the mountains, using your senses to experience the calming affects of a mountain stream with this exercise.

Christ is not merely one part of a faithful life—He is the cornerstone who establishes its direction and holds it together. Through Colossians 1:15–20 and Ephesians 2:19–22, this message explores Christ's supremacy over creation and redemption, His work of reconciling sinners, and His purpose of building us together as God's people. Before considering God's design for identity, marriage, family, and the church, we must begin with the One upon whom everything is built.

What do men and women truly need? This podcast explores the differences between men and women and how those differences shape relationships, purpose, and everyday life. Each episode dives into practical insights and honest conversations about what men and women are looking for, how they communicate, and how to build stronger connections. Whether you're curious about relationships, personal growth, or understanding the opposite gender better, this show offers thoughtful discussions that help answer the question: what do men and women really need

How do you actually grow closer to God? Is spiritual maturity something that happens automatically, or is there a way to intentionally pursue it? In this episode of Curious Faith, we explore what Scripture says about spiritual growth, the renewing of the mind, and the role God's Word plays in transforming our hearts. Along the way, we discuss practical ways to begin reading the Bible, why meditation is different from merely consuming information, and how consistent time in God's presence shapes us into the likeness of Christ.

Why do so many conversations leave us feeling unheard, misunderstood, or frustrated?In this episode of Stuff That Works: Practical Tools for Lasting Change, Thomas C. Bates explores practical principles that can dramatically improve the way we communicate with the people who matter most. You'll learn why listening is far more than simply waiting for your turn to speak, discover habits that create genuine understanding, and identify common communication pitfalls that often fuel conflict.Thomas also discusses some of the foundational emotional needs that many men and women experience in relationships, helping listeners better understand why we often miss each other—and how we can begin connecting in healthier, more meaningful ways.Whether you're married, dating, parenting, leading a team, or simply hoping to strengthen your everyday relationships, this episode offers practical, immediately applicable tools to help you communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and purpose.Because lasting relationships are built through conversations that work.

What is the pursuit of your life? In this message, our guest speaker, Kyle Rosas, unpacks Jesus' Great Commission from Matthew 28:16–20, reminding us that every follower of Christ has one unifying mission: making disciples.

Where was Jesus between His death and resurrection? It's a question that has sparked centuries of discussion—and one that has led to no shortage of speculation. In this episode of Curious Faith, we explore what Scripture actually says about Christ's time between the cross and the empty tomb. Looking at passages such as Luke 23, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 3, and other key texts, we'll distinguish tradition from biblical teaching and discover why this distinction matters for understanding Christ's finished work and our hope in the Gospel.

Every church wants to be known for love—but genuine biblical love doesn't happen by accident. In this message, discover why love is the foundation for every spiritual gift, how our preferences can quietly become barriers to unity, and what practical commitments every believer can make to strengthen the body of Christ. Whether you've been hurt by the church, struggle with difficult relationships, or simply desire to help cultivate a healthier church family, this message offers a gospel-centered vision for becoming the kind of people who genuinely love one another as Christ has loved us.

What does the Bible actually teach about speaking in tongues? In this special episode of Curious Faith, Ryan is joined by a unique conversation partner—an AI-powered “Curious Companion” that doesn't provide answers but asks thoughtful follow-up questions throughout the discussion. Together, they explore Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 12–14, and the role of speaking in tongues in the early church, while considering how Christians from different traditions have understood this often-debated gift. The goal isn't to win an argument, but to let Scripture shape the conversation.Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about ⁠Agape Baptist Church and Community Care Village, visit agapebaptist.com.

Why do Christians gather every Sunday? Is worship simply singing songs, or is something much greater taking place? In this message, we'll uncover the biblical purpose of worship and discover how God uses it to shape our hearts, reorient our lives, and fuel our mission.

In this special Live from the Break Room episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, two honest questions spark thoughtful biblical conversations. What does Scripture say about Christians living together before marriage? And after a believer dies, are they watching over us from heaven? Join us as we explore what God's Word teaches about holiness, relationships, eternity, and the hope believers have in Christ. As always, our goal isn't simply to answer questions—but to let Scripture shape the way we think and live.

As America celebrates 250 years as a nation, how should followers of Jesus respond? This message explores what Scripture teaches about patriotism, government, gratitude, repentance, and our ultimate allegiance to Christ. Join us as we seek God's heart for our nation and pray with humility, hope, and confidence in His sovereign rule.

What comes to mind when you hear the word worship? For many people, it's music, singing, or a Sunday morning service. But worship is much bigger than a song list or a musical style. In this episode of Lost in Translation, we explore what the Bible actually means by worship and discover how worship is not merely something we attend—it's a life lived in response to the worthiness of God. Join us as we unpack one of Christianity's most common words and one of its most misunderstood practices.

Revelation is not mainly a book for charts, timelines, and speculation. It is the unveiling of Jesus Christ. In this message, we see how the final book of the Bible completes the story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration by showing that Christ reigns, the Lamb has conquered, the saints must endure, and God will make all things new.

What do Christians mean when they say someone needs to “get saved” or “come to Jesus”? These phrases are common in churches, but they often raise a deeper question: Saved from what? In this episode of Lost in Translation, we explore the biblical meaning of repentance and salvation, uncover what Scripture says about our greatest need, and discover why the Gospel is far more than self-improvement or religious activity. If you've ever wondered what it truly means to be saved, this episode is for you.

Every person carries a voice in their head—often the voice of a father. In this heartfelt Father's Day message, Jonathan Light examines the power of blessing, the wounds left by silence, and the incredible opportunity fathers and mentors have to shape the lives of those they influence.  

Fatherhood has changed dramatically over the last twenty years. Today's fathers face challenges previous generations never imagined—smartphones, social media, competing worldviews, constant distractions, and increasing pressure to be providers, mentors, coaches, counselors, and spiritual leaders all at once.Yet while the challenges have changed, God's design for shaping people and generations has not.In this Father's Day message from 2 and 3 John, we discover that the Apostle John's final letters revolve around three timeless tests of genuine faith: walking in the truth, walking in obedience, and walking in love. These simple but profound principles reveal how God continues to shape fathers, families, churches, and future generations.Join us as we explore why God is the God of Faithfulness and why John's greatest joy remains the greatest goal for every believer: seeing the next generation walk in the truth.

Christians use phrases like “ask Jesus into your heart” and “give your life to Christ” all the time. But what do those expressions actually mean? Are they found in the Bible? And how do they relate to foundational biblical concepts like grace, faith, and salvation? In the first episode of our Lost in Translation series, we explore some of Christianity's most common phrases and uncover the biblical truths they aim to convey. Whether you're new to the faith or have been in church for years, this conversation will help you better understand what it means to truly follow Jesus.

The apostle John writes like a loving father reminding his children of the one truth that changes everything: because He loved us. In this message from 1 John, we discover that the Christian life is not driven by fear, guilt, or the pursuit of God's approval—it is a response to the love God has already shown us in Jesus Christ.

The Ethiopian Bible contains more books than most Christians are familiar with—and it belongs to one of the world's oldest Christian traditions. So does that mean our Bible is missing something? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we explore the history of the Ethiopian Bible, why it includes books like Enoch and Jubilees, what makes a book Scripture, and how Christians have historically recognized the biblical canon. Along the way, we'll distinguish between a book being ancient, influential, and inspired and discover why the question of authority matters more than the question of age.

Why does the book of Hebrews repeatedly warn believers not to drift away, harden their hearts, or neglect their faith? Because its central message is simple and powerful: Jesus is better. When life is difficult, faith is costly, and temptation is real, Hebrews calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus and hold fast. Why? Because Jesus is better.

Why would God strike a man dead for trying to keep the Ark of the Covenant from falling? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we wrestle with one of Scripture's most unsettling moments: Uzzah's death in 2 Samuel 6. Was this an overreaction—or a sobering revelation of God's holiness? We explore what the Ark represented, what God had actually commanded, and why this story forces us to think differently about worship, obedience, and the danger of becoming too familiar with holy things.Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about Agape Baptist Church and Community Care Village.

What keeps a believer steady when truth is challenged, culture is shifting, and God's promises seem delayed? In his final letter, Peter urges Christians to remain anchored in God's truth, grow in Christlike character, and live with eternity in view. Join us as we explore 2 Peter and discover why stability is not found in circumstances, but in the unchanging character and promises of God.

Is God experiencing time the way we do—moment by moment, second by second—or does He stand outside of time altogether? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we tackle one of theology's most mind-bending questions: Is God inside of time, outside of time, or somehow both? We'll explore what Scripture says about God's eternity, His relationship to creation, and what it means that the God who transcends time still enters into our moments, hears our prayers, and acts in history.Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about Agape Baptist Church and Community Care Village

Freedom never survives by accident. Whether on battlefields or in the church, what is precious must be protected. In this message from Titus, discover why Paul left Titus in Crete, why faithful leadership matters, and how God uses courageous truth-tellers to strengthen His people in a vulnerable world.

Do animals go to heaven? And will we ever see the pets we've loved again? In this episode of Curious Faith, we explore what the Bible says about animals, creation, and the promise of restoration. While Scripture doesn't answer every question directly, it does reveal a God who cares deeply for His creation and promises to make all things new. Join us as we consider what hope, eternity, and redemption might mean for the animals we love.Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about Agape Baptist Church and the ministries of Community Care Village, visit agapebaptist.com.

In a world filled with uncertainty, what can you actually be certain of? In this message from 1 Peter, we explore Peter's powerful encouragement to believers facing suffering, pressure, and an uncertain future. Discover why suffering is not a detour from the Christian life, why vindication belongs to those who trust Christ, and how the Gospel gives unshakable hope when everything around you shifts.

If you had the chance to go back to the Garden of Eden, would you stop Adam and Eve from sinning? It sounds like an easy answer—but what if the implications are deeper than we realize? In this episode of Curious Faith, we explore the Fall, God's sovereignty, and how the story of redemption shapes our understanding of what's truly at stake. What would we lose if sin never entered the world? And what does this question reveal about God's plan and purpose?Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about Agape Baptist Church and the ministries of Community Care Village, visit agapebaptist.com.

In Paul's final and most personal letter, 2 Timothy calls believers to endure faithfully in a confused and shifting culture. This message explores generational faithfulness, biblical motherhood, intentional discipleship, the power of God's Word, and the unshakable faithfulness of Christ in our darkest moments.

In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we revisit a powerful moment from our 2025 Resurrection Celebration, where live questions shaped the conversation in real time. Join us as we explore one honest question through the lens of Scripture and discover how faith grows when we bring our questions to the right place.

In this message, Director of MemberCare and New Connections, Gary Mohney, shows us two examples in Scripture of a square peg in a round hole (and how not to become one).

What happens when someone who once trusted Christ begins to lose their memory—and even their ability to remember Him? And what about unborn children or those too young to fully understand the Gospel? In this deeply personal episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we explore how salvation relates to memory, understanding, and the condition of the human mind. Looking to Scripture, we'll consider the security of those who belong to Christ, the nature of saving faith, and the character of a God who is both just and deeply compassionate. This conversation is meant to bring clarity—and comfort—to those carrying these questions in their hearts.Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about Agape Baptist Church and the ministries of Community Care Village, visit agapebaptist.com.

In this message from 1st Timothy, we uncover a powerful truth: you don't drift into godliness—you fight for it. But not by trying harder, but by standing on the Gospel.

What does it really mean to be a “lukewarm” Christian—and how do you avoid becoming one? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we look at Jesus' warning in Revelation 3 and unpack what lukewarm faith actually looks like. Is it apathy, self-sufficiency, or something more subtle? We'll explore how spiritual drift happens, the difference between struggling and settling, and how to cultivate a faith that is alive, growing, and fully engaged with Christ.Have a question or comment you'd like us to address in a future episode? Email us at questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com. To learn more about Agape Baptist Church and the ministries of Community Care Village, visit agapebaptist.com.

What if joy isn't found in better circumstances—but in faithful obedience? In this message from Philippians, we discover that when we step into what God calls us to—even when it's hard—His sufficiency meets us there. Learn how Gospel partnership, humble service, and surrendered trust lead to a joy that circumstances can't take away.