Curious Faith

Questions from Teenagers: Evangelism & Eternity (Episode 30)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In Episode 30 of Curious Faith, we return to more questions from teenagers, and this time they take us from heaven back to our mission on earth. What will eternal life with Christ really be like? Will heaven ever get boring? And what does the Bible actually tell us about what believers will do forever?

Then we turn to another set of important questions: How do I share the Gospel with someone else? What does a person need to understand about salvation? And how can we talk about Jesus naturally without making the conversation awkward or confusing?

From eternity to evangelism, these are honest questions about where Christians are going—and what Christ has called us to do until we get there.

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Can you be a Christian without being a disciple? (Episode 29)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

It’s a question that gets at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Is discipleship an optional next step for more serious believers, or is it inseparable from genuine Christian faith?

In this episode of Curious Faith, we have a live phone call with our Curious Companion to explore the difference between identifying as a Christian and actually living as a disciple. We look at some of Jesus’ strongest statements about following Him, the cost of discipleship, and how passages like the Parable of the Soils help us think about what real, lasting faith produces.

This episode asks an uncomfortable but important question: Are we simply calling ourselves Christians, or are we actually following Christ?

God, the Bible...and Why Do Cows Have Four Stomachs? (Episode 28)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

What do high school students really want to know about God, faith, and the Bible?

In this episode of Curious Faith, Ryan joins his AI Curious Companion to work through real questions submitted by high school students. Some are deep, some are difficult, and some are unexpectedly hilarious—including why cows have so many stomachs.

From serious questions about God and Scripture to the kinds of things teenagers genuinely wonder about, this episode reminds us that curiosity is not the enemy of faith. It can begin deeper understanding.

What happens to Christians when they die? (Episode 27)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

What about teenage relationships? (Episode 26)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

What does it mean to become a Christian? (Episode 25)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

How do Christians grow spiritually? (Episode 24)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Where Did Jesus Go After He Died? (Episode 23)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

What's the deal with speaking in tongues? (Episode 22)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

SPECIAL EDITION: Live from the VBS Break Room! (Episode 21)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Lost in Translation: What are we being saved from? (Episode 19)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Lost In Translation: What does it actually mean to become a Christian? (Episode 18)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

What's Up With the Ethiopian Bible? (Episode 17)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Did God Kill a Man for Trying to Help? (Episode 16)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Lost In Translation: What is Worship? (Episode 20)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

What Time is It for God? (Episode 15)

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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

Will We See Our Pets Again? (Episode 14)

Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Would You Stop the Fall? (Episode 13)

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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?

Does Ryan Really Love Questions? (Episode 12)

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

If We Forget God… Does He Forget Us? (Episode 11)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

What Does Jesus Mean by “Lukewarm”? (Episode 10)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Does God Decide Everyone’s Eternal Destiny? (Episode 9)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

How Do You See Yourself Clearly Without Pride or Insecurity? (Episode 8)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Did Jesus Give the Church the Power to Forgive Sins? (Episode 7)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Does Being Quoted in the Bible Make a Book Scripture? (Episode 6)

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Can Someone Claim Christ While Refusing to Surrender to Him? (Episode 5)

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Does God Want Us to Fake It? (Episode 4)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Is Taking Precautions a Sign of Weak Faith? (Episode 3)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Is There Still a Judgment for Christians? (Episode 2)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.

Why Curious Faith? (Episode 1)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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.