Agape Baptist Church | Scottsboro, Alabama

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.

Romans 9 raises one of the most difficult questions in Scripture: does God choose some people for salvation—and others for judgment? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we walk through Romans 9:21–29 and explore what Paul means by “vessels of mercy” and “vessels of wrath.” How do we understand God's sovereignty without misrepresenting His character? And how do we hold together divine justice and human responsibility? This episode aims to bring clarity to a challenging passage while keeping our focus on the goodness, justice, and mercy of God.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 spiritual growth isn't just about learning more—but living more? In this message from Philemon 1:4–6, we explore how God deepens our faith not by keeping us comfortable, but by calling us into obedience. As we step out in faith, our need for Him increases—and so does our experience of His sufficiency. Because Jesus is alive, hope is alive, and that hope is discovered as we follow Him.

How do you evaluate yourself honestly without drifting into pride or insecurity? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we explore what Paul means in Romans 12:3 about thinking with “sober judgment” and how to measure ourselves by the faith God has given. Learn how the Gospel helps us see ourselves clearly—neither inflated nor diminished.Send your questions or comments to questions@curiousfaithpodcast.com.For more information about Agape Baptist Church or the Community Care Village, visit agapebaptist.com.

Everyone is searching for hope. Easter answers why. In this message from 1 Peter 1:3, see how the resurrection of Jesus doesn't just inspire hope—it creates a living hope that changes your past, present, and future.

In John 20:22–23, Jesus tells His disciples, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them.” But doesn't Scripture teach that only God can forgive sins? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we explore what Jesus actually meant in this surprising passage. We'll look at the context of Christ's commission to His disciples, how the original language clarifies the meaning, and why the church has the authority to declare forgiveness through the Gospel—not create it. This episode helps us understand the difference between divine forgiveness and the church's responsibility to proclaim it.

You can be close to Jesus—and still miss Him. On Palm Sunday, the crowd praised a King they didn't fully understand. In Colossians, Paul shows us who Jesus really is: supreme, sufficient, and worthy of everything. This message explores what happens when Christ is truly preeminent in your life—and challenges you to answer the question Jesus still asks today: Who do you say that I am?

If the New Testament book of Jude quotes the Book of Enoch, why isn't Enoch included in the Bible? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we explore how the biblical canon was recognized, why quoting a source does not make it Scripture, and how ancient Jewish and Christian communities evaluated religious writings. We'll also look at what scholars mean by “pseudepigrapha” and why the Book of Enoch—though historically interesting—was never considered authoritative by the Hebrew Scriptures recognized in the time of Jesus.

What does real unity look like in a diverse church—and why is it so hard to maintain? In this message from Ephesians, we explore how Christ has already accomplished unity through the cross and how we are called to protect, practice, and live it out. From relationships in the home to spiritual battles we often overlook, this message reveals that unity is not something we create—but something we trust God to sustain.

If someone professes faith in Christ but openly lives in a way Scripture calls sin, what does that say about their relationship with God? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we tackle a difficult but important question about salvation, repentance, and the transforming power of the Gospel. Rather than focusing on one particular sin, we step back and ask a deeper question: How does the Bible describe a believer's relationship to sin? Looking at passages like 2 Corinthians 5, Ezekiel 36, and 1 Corinthians 6, we explore the difference between struggling with sin and settling into it—and what genuine faith in Christ produces in a person's life.

In this message, we step back and look at the sweeping message of the book of Romans and Paul's declaration that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation. This message invites us not only to understand the Gospel more clearly, but to experience its power as it transforms how we live.

James 1:2 tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials — but what does that really mean? Is biblical joy a deep confidence in God's work, or does it sometimes become a spiritual mask we wear to avoid admitting pain? In this episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we explore the difference between genuine, gospel-rooted joy and pretending everything is okay. We'll look at how sorrow and joy can coexist — and why real faith doesn't require emotional denial.

The world celebrates strength, success, and influence—but the Gospel tells a different story. In this message from 2 Corinthians, discover how God's power is revealed through weakness and how the very places we feel most fragile can become the places where Christ's grace shines the brightest.

Is it possible to take wise precautions and still fully trust God — or do those compete with each other? In this episode of the Curious Faith podcast, we explore the difference between prudence and fear, human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Does trusting God mean rejecting practical protection, or does God often work through those very means? We'll look at what Scripture says about wisdom, preparation, and where our ultimate confidence should rest.

Jordan walks us through his life of growing up in North Alabama in the Holiness Church. He also shares his struggles in young adulthood, and what eventually led him to coming into a true relationship with Christ and the digital ministries he now leads.

In this message from our HIStory series, we walk through 1 Corinthians and discover how the Cross redefines everything — our allegiances, our purity, our freedom, and our future.

Did the cross remove all judgment — or is there still something ahead for believers? In this episode, we unpack what it means that Christ bore our punishment and what Scripture teaches about the judgment seat of Christ. Clear answers. Gospel assurance. No fear-driven confusion.

What happens when faith grows — but so do the questions?In 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to a church under pressure. Persecution was intensifying. Rumors about Christ's return were spreading. Some believers were fearful. Others had grown idle. In this powerful letter, Paul steadies their hearts by reminding them that God's judgment is righteous, Christ's return will be unmistakable, and Christian waiting is never passive.

Why build a podcast entirely around questions? In this first episode of Curious Faith: Questions Answered, we unpack the heart behind the show — why questions are not threats to faith but invitations to deeper understanding. We'll talk about the goal of this podcast, the role of the Curious Companion, where these questions have come from in the past, and how you can help shape future episodes. If you've ever wrestled with something you were afraid to ask out loud, this podcast is for you.

What does faithful waiting look like? In 1 Thessalonians, Paul shows us that the return of Christ is not about timelines and charts—it's about endurance, holiness, and encouragement. This message calls us to be a people shaped by the Gospel, strengthened in community, marked by holiness, and sustained by hope.

In this message, we welcome Gary Pate of Pate Ministries, serving faithfully in Ecuador, as he shares a powerful testimony of God's work on the mission field.

In this message on Jude, we examine Jude's urgent warning about false teachers—how rebellion against God's authority leads to judgment, how distorted grace produces moral compromise, and how deception spreads to those who follow it. At the same time, we're called to resist isolated, internet-shaped faith and instead grow through truth, discernment, and embodied church community, anchored in the hope that God Himself is able to keep His people from stumbling and present them with joy.