In this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles recap a full Mother’s Day weekend at First Baptist Arlington, from baby dedications and baptisms to honoring Dr. Charles and Rosemary Wade’s 50 years of ministry. Katy shares real-life mom moments involving head bumps, ER visits, and missing car seats, while Dr. Wiles talks family traditions and grilling on the Big Green Egg. Together they unpack Ephesians 4:1–3, exploring what it means to “walk worthy” with humility, gentleness, and patience in a culture obsessed with self-promotion and online influence. They also highlight the importance of true Christian community, accountability, and summer opportunities at FBCA.

Hosts Luke Stehr and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles welcome missionary Sarah Pursley to discuss Ephesians chapter 5 and explore how believers discern convictions that go beyond explicit biblical commands.

Drawing from Dr. Wiles' sermon on the Holy Spirit, they examine why Baptists historically took stances on alcohol, tobacco, and dancing—practices without direct biblical prohibition. The conversation explores how cultural context shapes these decisions, using First Baptist Arlington's 1991 vote on deacon standards as a case study.

Sarah shares valuable perspective from her eight years in Slovenia, where church attitudes toward alcohol differ dramatically from American Baptist traditions. This leads to broader discussion about navigating cultural differences while maintaining biblical witness.

A key theme: the difference between baptism of the Holy Spirit (one-time) and being filled with the Spirit (ongoing discipline). Dr. Wiles reflects on his journey from a purely intellectual faith approach toward greater openness to the Spirit's leading.

The episode concludes with hopeful reflection on the current state of the Church—noting decreased denominational polarization and renewed spiritual hunger among younger generations.

This week, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Luke Stehr are joined by Curt Grice, who filled in as guest preacher this past Sunday. The conversation covers everything from Curt's daily routines (Cliff Bars, PS5 RPGs, and morning coffee with his wife Kim of 46 years) to the heart of Sunday's powerful service. Preaching from Romans 12:1–2, Curt made the bold choice to feature a live testimony from Frank and Karen — a couple whose honest story of addiction, brokenness, and redemption moved the congregation to a standing ovation. Curt shares how the Holy Spirit led him to invite them to share, the careful preparation behind the moment, and his deep conviction that the church should be a safe place to be real. At the center of it all: a reminder that too many people try to do Christianity without ever falling in love with Jesus.

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