The Grove Church

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail work through the Parable of the Tenants in Matthew 21 — and Jesus is not being subtle anymore.Coming right off the Parable of the Two Sons, Jesus is still in the temple courts, still talking to the chief priests, and he's about to unload. A landowner builds a vineyard, sets it up completely, rents it to tenants, and leaves. When harvest time comes and he sends servants to collect, the tenants beat them, kill them, and stone them. He sends more. Same result. Finally he sends his son — surely they'll respect my son. They kill him too.Jesus then asks the chief priests what the owner should do. They answer their own indictment. And then Jesus quotes Psalm 118: the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Therefore the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to people who will produce its fruit.They knew exactly who he was talking about. And they started plotting how to arrest him.Charlie and Abigail dig into what it means that God sent his son expecting respect — and what that says about God's character. They get into the massive theological question of Israel vs. the church, what premillennialism has to do with American foreign policy, and C.S. Lewis's Lord, Liar, Lunatic argument — and the fourth option modern scholars try to add. Plus: Hugh Jackman's voice, The Greatest Showman Reimagined, and what happens in between every episode of Cultivate.

Most of us feel like we need to have all the answers before we can tell anyone about Jesus. The right words, the right theology, the right moment. So we wait — and the invitation never comes.In the final week of The Grove's mission series, Charlie walks through a small but significant story in John 1 — Philip, Nathanael, and a two-word response that's still the best evangelism strategy around: come and see.You don't have to convince anyone. You don't have to win the argument. You just have to know where you found hope — and be willing to bring someone with you.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail work through one of the shortest and sharpest parables Jesus ever told — the Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21. It's four verses. Jesus gets an immediate explanation in. And it lands like a slap.A father asks two sons to go work in the vineyard. The first says no — and then goes anyway. The second says yes — and never shows up. Jesus asks the chief priests which one did what the father wanted. They answer correctly. And then Jesus tells them: tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.Charlie and Abigail dig into why this parable lands so differently than the ones with weeping and gnashing of teeth, what John the Baptist actually has to do with it, what a prophet actually is (versus the Harry Potter definition), and why the Pharisees' entire problem was that they couldn't humble themselves all the way down. They also get into economy of words, Charlie's discomfort being photographed loading backpacks at staff meeting, the correct plural of moose, and a preview of next week — the Parable of the Tenants, where Jesus unloads the whole magazine.

Most of us have friends. Acquaintances. People we like. But there's a different category — the kind of people who show up when everything falls apart, who know you well enough to know what you actually need, and who will tell you hard things because they care too much not to.Do you have those people?In week two of The Grove's mission series, Charlie walks through three stories about a man named Barnabas — one of the most underrated figures in the New Testament — and what it looks like to be that kind of person for someone else. He fought for Paul when nobody believed in him. He found him at his lowest and brought him back. And when Paul needed to hear something he didn't want to hear, Barnabas said it anyway.That's the kind of relationship the church is supposed to be built on. And it's closer than you think — it just might require one uncomfortable step to get there.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail work through one of the shortest and strangest parables Jesus ever told — the Parable of the Fig Tree in Luke 13. It's only four verses. It doesn't resolve. And Jesus drops it almost as an aside, mid-crowd, without anyone asking for it.A vineyard owner has a fig tree that hasn't produced fruit in three years. He tells the gardener to cut it down — it's wasting soil. The gardener pushes back: give it one more year, let me tend to it, and if it still doesn't produce, then cut it down. And then the story just... stops. We never find out if the owner agreed. We never find out what happened to the tree.Charlie and Abigail dig into why that ambiguity is the point, who the gardener actually represents and whether the original audience could have possibly known, and what this parable has in common with Noah, Jericho, and two thousand years of patience that most people don't stop to notice. They also get into why God's grace and God's judgment aren't opposites — and why deciding God should never hold anyone accountable is its own kind of arrogance.Plus: Charlie's classic dad move of telling everyone to be ready at 7 when the flight is actually at 7:15, Abigail's experience reading Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry at the beach, and five parables left before the series wraps for good.

Life doesn't come at you in one big wave. It comes in a relentless series of them — and if you don't have something solid underneath you, you end up somewhere you never meant to be.In this week's sermon, Charlie kicks off a new three-week series on The Grove's mission statement and lands on one specific, practical challenge: what does it actually look like to know Jesus — not just know about him, but really know him? He works through Psalm 1 and the contrast between a tree planted by a river and chaff blown around by the wind, and makes the case that the difference between the two isn't talent or circumstance. It's roots. It's what you're letting sink in every day.There's also a church-wide goal announced — reading through the New Testament together this year using The Grove's plan on the YouVersion Bible app. Whether you're brand new to the Bible or have read it a dozen times, this one's a good place to start.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail dig into one of the most well-known parables Jesus ever told — and one of the most misunderstood. The Parable of the Talents (or Bags of Gold, depending on your translation) is sitting at the tail end of their parables series, and Charlie says it's easily top three, maybe number one.A wealthy man goes on a journey and leaves enormous sums of money — one talent being roughly equivalent to a million dollars — with three servants. Two of them put the money to work and double it. The third digs a hole and buries it. When the master returns, the first two are celebrated. The third is called wicked and lazy and thrown into the darkness.The question the parable raises: what exactly did God give you, and what are you doing with it?Charlie and Abigail work through what "talents" actually means (a unit of weight, not a skill — though Sunday school has always blurred that line on purpose), why the amounts given to each servant aren't the point, what it means to steward something that doesn't fully belong to you, and why not doing anything wrong is not the same as being faithful. They also get into whether heaven has neighborhoods, the surprising fact that first-century Jerusalem had interest-bearing savings accounts, and how It's a Wonderful Life explains banking better than most finance courses.

The disciples thought the good news was for their people. Their nation. Their tribe. They had to be pushed — sometimes literally scattered by persecution — before they understood what God had been saying since Abraham: this was never just for one group.In the final week of Foundations, Mark walks through Acts 1 and 15 and traces the early church's journey from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. From a confused Ethiopian official reading Isaiah on the side of the road, to a Roman soldier named Cornelius whose conversion broke every cultural assumption the disciples had, to the council in Jerusalem finally putting it in writing — all the obstacles removed, by grace through faith alone.The question at the end isn't theological. It's personal. You have the Spirit. You have the power. Is it locked up in the garage — or are you letting it loose?

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail work through one of the most unusual parables Jesus ever told — the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16. It's the only parable where a character gets a name. The poor, sick man covered in sores outside the gate is called Lazarus. The wealthy man who ignores him every day gets no name at all.That detail alone is worth sitting with.Charlie and Abigail dig into why Jesus tells this story directly at the Pharisees, what the chasm between heaven and hell actually means, how much theological weight we should put on the fire imagery, and what Jesus is really saying in the last line — "they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." That line lands very differently in hindsight.They also wrestle with the harder questions: Is this a definitive picture of the afterlife, or is it imagery? What does it actually mean that there's no crossing over? And is Jesus saying rich people go to hell and poor people go to heaven — or is he saying something more specific, and more uncomfortable, than that?Plus: La La Land is a bad movie, The Odyssey is tense for 2 hours and 50 minutes straight, and Abigail's niece is still learning her middle name.

After the resurrection, the disciples still had the wrong question. They wanted to know when Jesus was going to fix the world — when he was going to restore Israel, right the wrongs, put the right people in power. And Jesus basically said: that's not your concern. There's a different kind of power coming.In week seven of Foundations, Charlie walks through Acts 1 and 2 — the ascension of Jesus and the day of Pentecost — and unpacks what it actually means that the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. Not just the pastors. Not just the spiritually elite. Everyone.A lot of us are stuck waiting for God to show up in some specific way before we feel equipped to do anything meaningful. But the power has already arrived. The question is whether we're going to live like it.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail tackle what might be the most confusing parable in the Gospels — the Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16. A property manager gets caught mishandling his boss's finances, gets fired, and then — before he's out the door — starts forging documents to reduce what people owe his master, so they'll feel indebted to him once he's unemployed.And then Jesus does something nobody expects: he has the owner commend the manager for it.Not for the fraud. But for the shrewdness.Charlie and Abigail work through why Jesus would tell a story like this — why the dishonesty is deliberate, what "use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself" actually means, and what it looks like to be strategically generous rather than selfishly calculating. They also get into why Jesus teaches the way he does — vague and parable-shaped rather than clear and direct — and why that's the point. This is the episode that makes you glad someone explained it.

We say it so often it starts to lose its weight: Jesus died for your sins. But what does that actually mean? And what changed because of it?In week six of Foundations, Charlie walks through Matthew 27 — the crucifixion and resurrection — and unpacks three things that happened in that moment that most of us have never fully sat with. Jesus took the weight and consequence of our sin onto himself. The curtain in the temple — the barrier that kept ordinary people from the presence of God — was torn in two. And death, the last great enemy, was conquered.What that means practically is this: there are no more obstacles. No more limited access. No more earning your way to the front of the line. The barriers are gone.This is week six of the Foundations series — eight pivotal stories from creation to resurrection that show how Scripture tells one coherent story. This one is where it all comes together.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail dig into Luke 12 and one of Jesus' most pointed parables — the Rich Fool. It starts with a guy in the crowd interrupting Jesus mid-sermon to settle a family inheritance dispute. Jesus' response: "Man, who appointed me your judge?" And then, just to make sure nobody's comfortable, he turns to the whole crowd and says: watch out for greed. Life is not about what you own.What follows is a parable that sounds completely reasonable at first. A farmer has a great harvest, runs out of storage, tears down his old barns, builds bigger ones, and plans to finally relax. Dave Ramsey would approve. But God calls him a fool.Charlie and Abigail work through what's actually being indicted here — because it's not wealth, and it's not even the barns. It's the orientation of an entire life around acquiring and securing things for yourself while never asking what it means to be "rich toward God." That strange, deliberately awkward phrase Jesus uses — and what it demands from anyone who hears it.Honest, a little uncomfortable, and surprisingly relevant to anyone who has ever quietly planned around money more than they've planned around anything else.

For four hundred years, the Jewish people waited in silence for a Messiah — and every expectation pointed to power. A warrior. A political liberator. Someone who would finally overthrow Rome and set things right by force. Instead, God arrived as a newborn, born to an unremarkable teenage mother, laid in a feeding trough because there was nowhere else to put him. In this message from our Foundations series, Spencer walks through Philippians 2:5–11 to unpack why God chose humility over prestige — and shares a personal story from a recent ER visit about what it means to have someone show up and say, "you don't have to do this by yourself." If you've ever expected God to show up one way and gotten something else entirely, this episode is for you.

Most of us have a working theory about how God operates: follow the rules, hope you've done enough, and maybe he'll come through. It's functional. It's familiar. And according to this sermon, it's not even close to what God is actually offering.In week four of Foundations, Charlie walks through Exodus 19 — the moment God arrives at Mount Sinai and proposes something to Israel that would have been completely shocking: not a set of rules to follow from a distance, but a covenant. A relationship. The kind of deep, mutual commitment you'd make at a wedding, not the kind you'd sign in a boardroom.He wanted to make them a kingdom of priests. People with direct access to him. People set apart not because they were better, but because they were his.And that offer hasn't expired.If you've been going through the motions of faith but wondering if there's more to it than this — this one's for you.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail dig into Luke 11 — where the disciples ask Jesus a deceptively simple question: "Lord, teach us to pray." Jesus responds with the Lord's Prayer and then immediately tells one of the strangest stories in the Gospels: a man knocking on his neighbor's door at midnight begging for bread.It's an absurd situation. The neighbor is annoyed, the kids are asleep, and he's yelling from inside instead of just getting up. But the point Jesus makes is surprisingly sharp — if even a jerk like that will eventually give in, how much more will God respond to you?But this isn't a blank check for lottery prayers. Charlie and Abigail work through what Jesus actually means by "ask and you will receive" — why context matters, what counts as a "good thing," why the Holy Spirit is the specific gift Jesus points to, and why most of what we pray for in 21st-century America would have been completely off the radar of the people Jesus was talking to.Honest, funny, and genuinely useful for anyone who has ever wondered why prayer feels complicated.

Most people have heard that Abraham is the father of the Jewish faith. Fewer people understand why — or what it actually means that God "chose" him.In week three of Foundations, Charlie walks through Genesis 12:1–5 and takes apart one of the most misunderstood ideas in all of Scripture: the chosen people. God wasn't picking favorites. He wasn't rewarding Abraham for being especially good. Abraham was just a guy — one who couldn't even have kids — and God said, I want to build something through you that will bless the entire world.That's not favoritism. That's a family being formed.If you've ever wondered why God would choose you — or whether he even would — this one's worth your time.

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail dig into the Parable of the Persistent Widow from Luke 18 and what it teaches about prayer, faith, and God's justice. They explore Jesus' story of a widow who keeps pursuing justice from an indifferent judge, unpacking what it really means to "always pray and not give up." This isn't a formula for getting what we want — it's an invitation to trust God's timing and goodness, even when persistence doesn't look like getting an instant yes. They also wrestle with bigger questions of injustice, patience, and hope when answers feel slow or unclear. Take some time this week to reflect on how persistence in your own prayer life shapes your faith, and consider where God might be inviting you to trust Him more deeply in a season of waiting.

Most of us grew up with the rainbow and the animals. We missed the harder, richer story underneath.In this week's Foundations sermon, Mark walks through Genesis 6–9 and takes the flood narrative seriously — the scale of humanity's wickedness, God's grief over it, and why a truly good God had to respond. Along the way, he reframes the question most people ask ("How could a good God do this?") into a better one: How could a good God just look the other way?We also look at Noah — not as a hero who earned God's favor, but as someone who simply walked with God and found it. And what that kind of faith actually looks like in practice.If you've ever wrestled with God's justice or wondered how mercy and wrath can belong to the same God, this one's worth your time.

This week on Cultivate, we explored the themes of sin, faith, and duty as found in Luke 17:1–10. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dove into Jesus’ challenging words about forgiveness—specifically, the call to forgive someone who wrongs you repeatedly, even seven times in a single day. We discussed what it means not to be a stumbling block in others’ faith journeys, and how Jesus reframed the apostles’ request for “more faith,” reminding them (and us) that even a mustard seed–sized faith is sufficient for great things.The heart of the conversation centered on Jesus’ parable about the servant doing their duty—not as something extraordinary, but as the expected response to God’s grace. Together, we reflected on what it looks like to view forgiveness and faithful obedience as the baseline of following Jesus, not as an exceptional feat.Listen in as we consider how these teachings challenge our attitudes and invite us to check our hearts—encouraging all of us to reflect on how we receive grace and extend it to others each day.

This week in our Foundations series, we discussed the beginnings of God’s story in Genesis 1–3 and what it means for our lives today. Charlie Loften walked us through the creation account, where God not only brings everything into existence but establishes that He is both Creator and Owner of the universe. We considered how being made in God’s image sets people apart within creation and gives us both purpose and responsibility. The story of Adam and Eve’s choice in the garden highlighted humanity’s ongoing struggle with boundaries, trust, and shame—and how quickly we try to hide from God when we fall short. Yet even from the very beginning, God’s grace is evident: it is He who seeks us out, covers our shame, and points to redemption through sacrifice. As we explored these foundational truths, we were challenged to reflect on our view of God’s ownership, our identity, and the invitation to stop hiding, embrace grace, and walk more freely with Him. Consider how these origins shape your own faith journey this week.

This week on Cultivate, we unpacked the cost of being a disciple and what it truly means to follow Jesus. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dove into Luke 14:25–35, where Jesus challenges the crowds with strong words about commitment—going so far as to say that following Him means “hating” even family and choosing a completely new way of life. We explored what Jesus’ hyperbolic language really means in context, and how counting the cost of discipleship isn’t about earning grace but about fully embracing the new life Christ offers. The conversation highlighted the tension between God’s unconditional love and the wholehearted commitment He calls us to—moving beyond just admiring Jesus’ teachings to letting Him reshape our priorities and future. From personal anecdotes to practical examples, this episode invites you to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Jesus, challenging you to consider: What is following Jesus costing you, and is He worth it?

This week in our Off Ramps series, we discussed the powerful role of friendship and the dangers of loneliness on our walk of faith. Mark led us through Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, exploring how the Bible highlights the necessity of true community—reminding us that "two are better than one." We looked at how our culture often promises comfort and safety in isolation, but Scripture shows that real strength, support, and even joy are found in living life together. Through honest stories and practical examples, Mark called out the silent threat of loneliness and challenged us to pursue genuine relationships, even when it feels risky or awkward. We saw that friendship isn’t just an add-on to a good life—it’s a core way God cares for us. If you’ve been hesitant to open up or step into community, we invite you to reflect on what it means to truly belong and to consider taking a step toward connection this week.

This week on Cultivate, we discussed what it looks like to live with humility and generosity, especially in spaces where we’re tempted to seek recognition. Charlie and Abigail walked through Luke 14, where Jesus attends a meal at a Pharisee’s house and challenges both guests and host alike. We explored Jesus’ practical wisdom about taking the “lowest seat” at the table, reminding us that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled. The conversation moved from party etiquette to deeper questions of motive, asking whether we invest in relationships only for what we receive in return. Jesus’ words call us out of self-seeking and into true hospitality—inviting in those who cannot repay us, and finding honor not from people’s admiration, but from God. This episode invites all of us to consider how humility, generosity, and kingdom values can transform even the everyday moments of our lives. Take time this week to reflect on how you treat others—and ask where Jesus might be inviting you to go deeper.

This week in our Off Roads series, we discussed how shame and fear can quietly steer us off course in our relationship with God—especially when it comes to the topic of sex. Drawing from Genesis 2, we explored God’s original intention for intimacy: a beautiful gift designed for oneness, connection, and joy within marriage. We talked honestly about how mixed messages from culture, family, and even the church can lead to harsh stereotypes, unnecessary shame, or secrecy—and how this affects everything from personal struggles to married life. Through biblical insight and real-life examples, we considered the consequences of letting shame linger, and how God’s grace offers hope, healing, and restoration for everyone, no matter their past. We were encouraged to talk openly about these often-taboo subjects, replacing old hurts and falsehoods with the truth of God’s loving design. Take some time this week to reflect or have a conversation—what shapes your perspective, and how might God invite you to experience His healing and freedom?

This week on Cultivate, we explored the Parable of the Growing Seed from Mark 4—a story unique to Mark’s gospel where Jesus describes the mysterious way God’s kingdom grows. Speaker A and Speaker B unpacked how the kingdom isn’t about instant results or obvious victories, but about subtle, often hidden transformation. We discussed how Jesus challenged his listeners’ expectations of a conquering Messiah, instead inviting them to imagine God working much like a farmer planting seeds—patiently trusting that real growth happens in unseen ways. Together, we reflected on what it means to have faith in processes we can’t fully control or explain, whether in our own spiritual lives or in how we care for others. This episode offers practical encouragement to cultivate trust and patience, knowing our role is to plant and tend, while God brings the harvest in His timing. Take some time this week to consider where you might need to trust God’s mysterious work in your own journey.

This week in our Off Ramps series, we discussed the subtle ways spiritual drift can happen, especially in the area of sex and sexuality. Charlie Loften walked us through 1 Corinthians 6:18–20, emphasizing Paul’s call to “flee from sexual immorality” and exploring why God’s boundaries are for our protection, not punishment. We heard stories of real-life struggles and saw how small choices can lead to big consequences over time. Looking at the story of the fall in Genesis 3, Charlie Loften highlighted the importance of trusting God’s wisdom, examining our cravings, and avoiding the incremental "off ramps" that can lead us away from healthy relationships and wholeness. The message combined practical advice with honest reflections, encouraging us to pursue trust, contentment, and healthier intimacy by relying on God and community. If you want to reflect on how God’s boundaries offer freedom and hope for growth, let this week’s teaching prompt new conversations and self-reflection on your own spiritual journey.

This week on Cultivate, we dove into Jesus’s teachings about being “salt and light” from Matthew 5:13–16. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone explored how Jesus calls ordinary people—those listening on the hillside then, and us now—to bring life, hope, and goodness into the world. Together, we unpacked what it means to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” discussing both the historical context (why salt and light mattered so much) and how these metaphors speak to our purpose today. Rather than leaving these teachings for “super Christians,” Jesus emphasized that regular people, living out His ways with kindness, mercy, and humility, can make an extraordinary difference. We also talked honestly about the challenges of living openly for God in a way that draws attention not to ourselves, but to Him. This episode is a great opportunity to consider how your everyday actions—done with Jesus’s heart—can help others see God more clearly. Take some time this week to reflect: where can your “light” and “salt” make a difference?

This week in our Off Ramps series, we discussed how striving to be “good enough” can quietly derail our relationship with God. Charlie Lofton shared from Ephesians 2:8–10, emphasizing that salvation is a gift given by God’s grace—not something we can earn or pay back with our own effort. We heard the story of someone overwhelmed by religious pressure and explored how internalizing that burden can lead either to exhaustion or to giving up on faith altogether. The conversation unpacked the difference between living under a burden of performance and living with the freedom and purpose God intends. We were reminded that while God calls us to do good works, these come from our identity as His handiwork, not to earn His love but to honor the One who’s already done the work. Take some time this week to reflect: What are you trusting in, and how might embracing God’s grace reshape your daily walk with Him?

This week on Cultivate, we explored questions about fasting through the parable of the wineskins in Matthew 9. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone unpacked why Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast like the Pharisees or John the Baptist’s followers, and what Jesus meant when He described Himself as the bridegroom. Together, we dug into Jesus’ teaching about new wine and old wineskins—how He invited people into a relationship with God rooted in grace, not rigid rule-following. We discussed how Jesus’ presence transformed spiritual practices, showing that closeness to Him is what truly matters, not just routine or tradition. This conversation helped us consider how we might be holding onto old ways of thinking about faith, and how Jesus calls us to new life and a new way of connecting with God. If you’ve ever wondered about the purpose of spiritual disciplines or how faith can look different than you expect, this episode is for you. Engage further by reflecting on how Jesus may be inviting you into something new this week.

This week in our Off Ramps series, we discussed how our attitudes toward money can quietly lead us away from faith. Focusing on 1 Timothy 6:6–10, Charlie Loften explored Paul’s teaching on godliness and contentment, challenging us to consider what true “gain” really means in our lives. We looked at the difference between simply having resources and being content, and how the love of money—not money itself—can entangle us in all kinds of trouble. Through relatable stories and honest questions, the message invited us to reflect on whether our hearts are grateful and generous, or caught in comparison and desire for more. The practical takeaway was clear: contentment comes from seeing all we have as a gift from God and cultivating generosity, regardless of our financial situation. This conversation encourages each of us to examine how money shapes our priorities and invites us to seek a deeper sense of peace and purpose in our relationship with God. Take some time this week to reflect on where your true contentment comes from.

This week on Cultivate, we dove into the familiar parable of the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7:24–27. Charlie Lofton and Abigail Boone explored how Jesus’ teaching at the end of the Sermon on the Mount isn’t just good advice, but a decisive invitation to build our lives on a solid foundation—by hearing His words and actually putting them into practice. We discussed how Jesus differentiates between simply liking His teachings and letting them shape our daily choices, especially when life’s storms come our way. Together, we considered what it really means to “storm-proof” your life and why Jesus’ authority matters for faith today. As we reflected on practical ways to let God’s truth shape our responses to challenges, we saw that thriving in faith isn’t about avoiding hard times, but about making sure we’re anchored on something truly lasting. Take some time this week to reflect—what foundation are you building your life on?

This week on Cultivate, we dove into the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20. Charlie and Bagel walked through how Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a generous landowner who pays every worker the same, regardless of how long they worked. Together, we unpacked what a denarius meant in Jesus’ context, and explored the surprising grace this story reveals about God. Is God really fair, or is He more generous than we expect? The conversation touched on how we often measure worth by effort and time, yet Jesus points us to a God whose reward isn’t about what we earn, but about His incredible generosity. We discussed the challenge this presents to our sense of fairness, and reflected on how God’s grace is available to everyone—whether you’ve followed Him your whole life or come to faith at your “11th hour.” Take some time to consider: Where do you see yourself in this story, and how might God’s generosity be shaping your own journey of faith?

This week in our Easter series, we discussed the real significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection—moving beyond misconceptions to understand who Jesus truly is and what He offers. Charlie Loften walked through John 17:1–5, highlighting Jesus’ conversation with God the Father before His arrest. Together, we explored why Jesus is far more than a good teacher: He is the Son of God, sharing the glory of the Father and revealing God’s heart to us. We also talked about how eternal life isn’t just a reward for doing enough good things someday in the future—it’s knowing God through a personal, relational connection with Jesus right now. Through practical stories from church life and honest wrestling with our misconceptions, we were reminded that doing enough isn’t the goal; rather, trusting in what Jesus has already accomplished is the invitation. Take time this week to reflect: What does it mean for you to experience life with God today, not just hope for it in the future?

This week on Cultivate, we dug into the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25–37—a story you’ve probably heard, but maybe haven’t considered from every angle. We unpacked the context of Jesus’ conversation with a teacher of the law who asked, “Who is my neighbor?” and saw how Jesus’ answer completely upended cultural and religious expectations of the day. The discussion explored the surprising role of the Samaritan, someone considered an outsider, to show how loving your neighbor isn’t limited to the people you’re comfortable with—it's about showing mercy and compassion to anyone in need, no matter who they are. We reflected on how ritual or religious activity can sometimes become an excuse to avoid real, costly love, and talked about what it means to let compassion interrupt our plans. This episode invites us to consider the practical ways we can cross boundaries to love others—challenging us all to reflect on who we might overlook and how Jesus invites us into a deeper, wider love.

This week in our Easter series, we discussed what it really means to follow Jesus when life gets unpredictable and overwhelming. Charlie walked us through John 16, where Jesus prepares His disciples for a new reality—He’s going away, and things are about to get tough. Far from just a history lesson, this passage invites us to consider our own preparedness for spiritual challenges. We explored how the world often pushes us in the wrong direction, and why the gift of the Holy Spirit—our advocate and guide—is so crucial for keeping us on track.With practical examples from everyday life and even a little video game wisdom, the teaching reminded us that faith isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it pursuit, but a daily dependence on God’s Word and Spirit. We reflected on the unique access we have to God through Jesus, the hope in His resurrection, and how the Holy Spirit anchors us when life feels unsteady.Take some time this week to consider where you need guidance and how you might invite God’s Spirit to lead you forward.

This week in our Esster series, we discussed what it means to thrive in the midst of life’s challenges through staying connected to Jesus. Drawing from John 15, Charlie Loften unpacked Jesus’ metaphor of the vine and branches—emphasizing how our spiritual fruitfulness comes from a daily, active connection with Christ. We explored the reality that, whether we’re facing hardship or periods of growth, God may “prune” us, preparing us for greater purpose and maturity. Through honest reflection on personal and church experiences, we considered the temptation to see difficulties as punishment, and the biblical encouragement to gain perspective and trust God’s work in our lives. Practical applications focused on what it looks like to “remain” in Jesus—investing in worship, community, and prayer—rather than striving on our own. If you’re wrestling with tough seasons or wondering how to find meaning amidst struggle, this episode invites you to reflect on your connection with God and how it shapes your everyday faith journey.

This week on Cultivate, we explored Jesus’ Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18. Charlie Loften and Bagel Boone dove into the story’s surprising reversal: the seemingly moral Pharisee relies on his spiritual résumé, while the tax collector, aware of his own failures, humbly asks God for mercy. We examined how Jesus challenges common notions of righteousness—not just in first-century Israel, but in our own hearts today. What does it really mean to be “justified” before God? Can good behavior or rule-following make us right with Him, or is it about honest humility and dependence on His grace?Along the way, we unraveled why this teaching would have been shocking in its original context, and considered its ongoing relevance for anyone striving to live a life of faith. Whether you’re wrestling with your own sense of spiritual adequacy or just curious about how grace works, this episode invites you to reflect on what it means to approach God in honesty and humility.

This week in our Easter series, we discussed what Jesus meant when He told His disciples that it was actually to their advantage for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit could come. Drawing from passages in John 14 and 16, Charlie Loften unpacked the idea that having the Holy Spirit within us is even better than having Jesus physically beside us. We explored how the Spirit transforms us from the inside out, teaches and reminds us of what we need to know, and gives us peace that’s rooted in obedience. Practical application came through learning to listen to God’s quiet voice amid life’s noise, recognizing that the Spirit is always guiding us toward courage and faithfulness—even in life’s “fires.” The message was hopeful, rooted in Scripture, and connected directly to everyday challenges and decisions we all face. Consider how the Spirit might be inviting you to deeper trust, obedience, and peace this week as you reflect or engage further.

This week on Cultivate, we explored the parable of the debtor from Luke 7:36–50. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dug into the story where Jesus is invited to dine with a Pharisee, only to be confronted by the humble actions of a woman labeled as a sinner. Together, we examined Jesus’ teaching through the parable of the two debtors, unpacking how gratitude and love flow from the depth of our forgiveness. We discussed why the Pharisee struggled to extend hospitality, and how Jesus’ response revealed his authority to forgive sins—challenging both ancient perspectives and our own. The conversation also touched on how our judgments toward others can obscure the reality that we are all in need of grace.As we considered the practical implications for life today, we were reminded that comparing ourselves to others misses the point; instead, we are called to recognize our own need and respond with humility and grateful love. We invite you to reflect on how forgiveness shapes your view of yourself, others, and God’s mercy.

This week in our Easter series, we discussed what it means to find hope and peace in uncertain times by focusing on the person of Jesus. Charlie Loften reflected on John 14, a passage where Jesus comforts His troubled disciples by reminding them, "I am the way and the truth and the life." We explored how Jesus isn’t simply a moral teacher or guide, but the very source of truth, life, and our connection to God.Charlie Loften addressed why our church prioritizes unity around Jesus over political or cultural groupthink, reminding us that the gospel invites everyone—regardless of background or belief—to belong and discover real hope. Through practical application, we were invited to examine where we place our hope and to let go of anxieties that come from trying to control our world.Whether you’re wrestling with doubts or seeking direction, this message encourages us to turn our focus to Jesus as the foundation of lasting peace. Take time this week to consider where your hope truly lies and how Jesus may be inviting you to deeper trust.

This week on Cultivate, we dove into the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant from Matthew 18:21–35. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone unpacked Jesus’ conversation with Peter about forgiveness—exploring why Jesus tells us to forgive not just seven times, but “seventy-seven times.” Together, we examined the massive debt forgiven by the king and the far smaller debt the servant refused to release, discussing how this extreme story challenges us to rethink our own perspective on grace and mercy.We talked about the difference between manageable forgiveness and the overwhelming, incomprehensible forgiveness God offers each of us, and why this should make us more forgiving toward others. The conversation included honest reflections on personal relationships, the limits of forgiveness, and the true heart posture Jesus calls us to live out.Whether you’re wrestling with forgiving others or simply curious about what following Jesus means for everyday life, we invite you to listen, reflect, and consider how God’s radical mercy might reshape your relationships this week.

This week in our Easter series, we discussed what it means to truly know and follow Jesus, especially in the moments leading up to His betrayal. Drawing from John 13:18–30, Charlie Loften walked us through the powerful account of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet—even knowing that Judas would soon betray Him. We looked at the depth of Christ’s grace, noting that there’s no past mistake or failure that places us beyond His love and forgiveness. The message highlighted how Jesus not only extends mercy to those on the “outside,” like Judas, but is also patient and gracious with His closest followers when they fall short. Charlie Loften challenged us to rest in Christ’s unconditional love, but also to allow His sacrificial heart to motivate us toward deeper obedience and compassion in our everyday lives. Take some time this week to reflect: How does Christ’s grace shape the way you respond to difficulty, disappointment, or even your own shortcomings?

This week on Cultivate, we discussed the Parable of the Lost Son from Luke 15 and the incredible depth of God’s love for all of us—no matter how far we’ve wandered or how close we think we are. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone explored the heart and meaning behind each central character: the father, the younger (prodigal) son, and the older brother. Together, we unpacked the cultural and theological significance of Jesus’s story, highlighting how it challenges both those who feel unworthy of grace and those who feel they’ve earned it.We looked at real questions: What does it mean to truly understand God as a loving Father? How can we shift from seeing faith as a list of rules or obligations to embracing a relationship marked by generosity and joy? Whether you relate to the older son, the younger, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to reflect on the meaning of God’s grace in your life. We encourage you to listen in and consider where you see yourself in the story.

This week in our Upper Room series, we discussed Jesus’ powerful act of service during the Last Supper, as recorded in John 13. Spencer walked us through the moment when Jesus, fully aware of His coming death, His authority, and even His betrayal by Judas, chose to kneel and wash His disciples’ feet. We considered how, in Jesus’ culture, this humble task was more than a gesture—it was a radical model of love and servant leadership. Spencer shared personal stories and practical insights, reminding us that Jesus’ call isn’t just about literal foot-washing, but about loving and serving others regardless of our own circumstances or status. Throughout the message, we explored how following Jesus’ example brings blessing, not just to those we serve but to ourselves as well. This teaching challenges us to reflect on how we can show Christ’s love in everyday moments. We invite you to consider: how might you follow Jesus’ example of humble service this week?

This week on Cultivate, we explored the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin from Luke 15:1–10. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone unpacked how Jesus uses these stories to reveal God’s deep heart for those who feel far from Him. We discussed the context—religious leaders questioning why Jesus spent time with “sinners”—and what these parables teach us about the priority and joy God places on bringing lost people home. From vivid illustrations about the value of sheep and coins to thoughtful theological reflections, we considered how God’s love pursues us even when we feel unworthy, and why that truth challenged the religious culture of Jesus’ day. Along the way, we reflected on what it means for churches today to have a heart for those on the margins, and how each of us can embody God’s welcoming love in our communities. We invite you to reflect on how these stories resonate with your own faith journey and what it might mean to be “found” by God.

This week in our Philippians series, we discussed what it really means to trust God’s promises—especially those found in Philippians 4. Focusing on well-loved verses like “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and “my God will supply all your need,” Charlie Loften guided us through their true context, emphasizing contentment and generosity over personal achievement. We explored how Paul, writing from challenging circumstances, had learned to be content regardless of his situation—whether in abundance or need—through Christ’s strength. The message unpacked how generosity blesses both the giver and receiver, and how God’s faithfulness meets us in practical ways when we choose to give despite uncertainty. Rather than broad clichés, these promises reveal God’s deep commitment to care for us and provide peace, even in unpredictable times. If you’ve ever struggled with financial worries or wondered how faith intersects with giving, this episode invites you to reflect on God’s trustworthiness and your own journey toward living generously.

This week on Cultivate, we dove into how to faithfully approach Jesus’ parables and what it means to study them today. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone explored the cultural context of Jesus’ teachings—from agrarian metaphors to technology parallels in modern life—and why understanding the original audience matters so much. We talked about authorial intent, discussed why parables carry one big idea rather than many hidden meanings, and compared how we read Paul’s letters with the Gospels. Practical tips were shared for approaching parables: asking who Jesus was speaking to, discerning the main message, and reflecting on what details reveal about God’s heart. Whether you’re a casual Bible reader or ready to go deeper, this episode offers insight into how the stories of Jesus can speak to each of us, no matter our background. Consider how you might approach Scripture with fresh curiosity this week and invite God to meet you in both simple and surprising ways.

This week in our Philippians series, we discussed what it means to truly thrive in the Christian life. Drawing from Philippians 3:15–4:7, Charlie Loften explored Paul’s encouragement to “live up to what we have already attained”—not as a call to pay God back, but as an invitation to live in response to the incredible grace we’ve already received. We looked at the importance of following godly examples, keeping our focus on Jesus instead of being distracted by worldly pursuits, and leaning into prayer when life feels overwhelming. Charlie Loften shared personal stories and practical wisdom for dealing with anxiety and uncertainty, reminding us that God offers peace, community, and perspective to guide us through everyday challenges. Whether you’re new to faith or seeking a fresh sense of purpose, this message invites you to reflect on how you’re responding to God’s love and what it looks like to walk with Him today. Take some time this week to consider where God is calling you to grow and how He’s equipping you for the journey.

This week on Cultivate, we kicked off a special Q&A conversation exploring the context into which Jesus stepped and the big questions that shaped His ministry. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dove into what first-century Israel was really like: a nation occupied by Rome, full of religious tension, longing for liberation, and marked by a transactional view of God. Together, we unpacked how Jesus entered this world—not as a political revolutionary, but as a humble teacher whose miracles and message began to turn everything upside down.We looked at how the people listening to Jesus’ parables often saw God as distant or reserved for the religious elite, and how Jesus’ teachings began to reveal a God who is personal, gracious, and accessible. Through thoughtful questions and honest reflections, we considered what these ancient perspectives mean for how we relate to God today.Take some time this week to reflect on what assumptions you might carry about God—and what it could mean if Jesus is inviting you to something deeper.