The Grove Church

This week in our To the Churches series, we focused on the letter to the church in Pergamum—a city steeped in idolatry, immorality, and cultural compromise. Mark walked us through the backdrop of Pergamum’s intense spiritual environment and showed how Jesus’ words to this church still ring true for us today. In a city where Caesar claimed ultimate power and where temples and idols surrounded believers, Jesus reminded them—and us—that He holds the true sword of power. This message challenges us to stay faithful, identify cultural pressure points, and repent where we’ve allowed compromise to take root...

Dive deeper into the doctrine of salvation with Charlie and Abigail on the Cultivate Podcast as they explore various theories of atonement. Moving beyond the commonly discussed penal substitutionary atonement, they introduce lesser-known perspectives such as Christ the Victor, Moral Influence, Ransom, Governmental, and Recapitulation theories. To make these complex theological concepts more accessible, Charlie and Abigail engage in a "fascinating exercise" using pop culture examples. They discuss the sacrificial deaths of characters from The Green Mile, A Tale of Two Cities, Iron Man, Black Widow, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter, analyzing which atonement theories best align...

In this week’s sermon from our To The Churches series, we look at the powerful message to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2. Mark shares how these words from Jesus—direct, red-letter encouragements—still speak to us today. Smyrna was a city marked by affluence and pressure, where Christians faced slander, poverty, and persecution for refusing to bow to Caesar. And yet, Jesus didn’t rebuke them—He reminded them of who He is: the First and the Last, the One who died and came to life.

This message reminds us that suffering isn’t a sign of God’...

Join Charlie and Abigail on the Cultivate Podcast as they continue their deep dive into soteriology, the study of salvation. This week, they tackle a crucial question often overlooked in discussions about faith: What role does the resurrection of Jesus play in our salvation? While the cross is frequently emphasized, Charlie and Abigail explore how the resurrection validates Jesus's identity, confirms the effectiveness of His atonement, and serves as the source of new spiritual life and the guarantee of our future resurrection. They discuss how understanding the resurrection provides a deeper and more complete picture of the Gospel, moving...

This week in our To The Churches series, we looked at the letter to the church in Ephesus. Known for its perseverance, moral integrity, and discernment, the Ephesian church seemed to be doing everything right. But Jesus still had one thing against them—they had forgotten their first love. Charlie unpacks how this warning isn’t just for ancient believers, but for all of us who have traded love for discipline, or connection for routine. It’s a timely reminder that Jesus doesn’t just want our right beliefs and behavior—He wants our hearts. If your walk with God has st...

In this episode of The Cultivate Podcast, we explore one of the most common and anxiety-inducing questions for Christians: Can you lose your salvation? Charlie walks through Romans 8 to make a clear, biblically grounded case for why the answer is a confident no. This isn't based on anecdotes or fear—it’s rooted in the unshakable truth of God’s promises. If you've ever wondered where you stand with God or worried that you might "fall out" of grace, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and assurance that salvation isn’t fragile—it’s secure. From set theory to the perseverance...

This week we’re kicking off a brand new series called To The Churches, walking through the letters Jesus gave to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. But before any letters are sent, Revelation begins with a breathtaking vision of Jesus Himself—glorified, radiant, and holding the churches in His hands.

In this first message, Charlie unpacks what it means to see Jesus as He truly is. John, the disciple who once leaned against Jesus at the Last Supper, now falls at His feet like a dead man. It's a powerful reminder that Jesus is not...

What actually happens when someone is saved? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie and Abigail unpack what salvation looks like beyond the moment of belief. They walk through key theological concepts—justification, sanctification, and glorification—breaking them down in practical, approachable ways.

You’ll hear discussion about how salvation is more than a ticket to heaven. It’s a lifelong process of being made whole in Christ. With honest questions and clear teaching, they explore how grace transforms us, how we grow through faith, and how God finishes what He starts in us. If you’ve ever wo...

This week in our What Does the Bible Say About… series, we explored one of the most loaded and timely questions in modern Christianity: Should Christians be pro-Israel? Charlie walks us through the biblical story of Israel—from God’s covenant with Abraham to its fulfillment in Jesus—and helps us separate modern political narratives from biblical truth.

The message unpacks how different theological frameworks (like dispensationalism and covenant theology) shape our understanding of Israel’s role in God’s story, and why our support can’t be driven by superstition, fear, or political pressure—but by love, wisdom, an...

In this week’s Cultivate episode, Charlie and Abigail dive into one of the most important questions of the Christian life: What does it mean to be saved? This episode kicks off our new series on Soteriology—the study of salvation—by breaking down what Scripture says about grace, faith, and how salvation truly works.

Together, they explore what we’re saved from, why we need saving, and how God’s grace—not our effort—opens the door to a restored relationship with Him. Charlie helps clarify common misconceptions about salvation being earned, while Abigail brings her thoughtful cur...

This week in our What Does the Bible Say About...? series, we looked at a topic that sparks a lot of conversation and confusion—alcohol. Is it okay to drink? Where’s the line between freedom and wisdom? And what’s our responsibility to one another in how we approach it?

Charlie walks through Romans 14 to offer biblical principles that help us live with both discernment and kindness. Alcohol isn’t good or bad in itself—it’s how we use it, how self-aware we are, and how our choices affect others. We’re reminded that Christian maturity doesn...

This week on Cultivate, we take a deeper look at Jesus' miracles—and why He did them in the first place. Charlie and Abigail unpack the purpose behind the healing, casting out of demons, and even the more mysterious moments like calming storms or turning water into wine. Spoiler: it wasn’t about showing off.

Instead, we see that Jesus’ miracles were rooted in compassion, often done quietly, and always with purpose. Rather than demanding belief through power, Jesus invited people into relationship, into trust. The miracles weren’t the point—they were a glimpse of God’s heart and...

This week in our What Does the Bible Say About...? series, we explored how followers of Jesus can navigate politics without losing sight of our true mission. While the Bible doesn’t speak directly to modern democracies, it gives us powerful guidance for how to live as ambassadors for Christ in every cultural moment.

Charlie challenges us to consider our primary role—not as political persuaders, but as ministers of reconciliation. Using 2 Corinthians 5, he reminds us that our first allegiance is to Jesus and His mission: to represent Him well, love others deeply, and invite people into rela...

This week on Cultivate, we explore what Jesus was really doing during His earthly ministry—and why His teachings sounded so different from Paul’s letters. Charlie and Abigail dive into the heart of Christology by asking: why didn’t Jesus just explain the gospel clearly? And what exactly was He preparing people for?

They unpack how Jesus’ mission was rooted in helping deeply religious people unlearn a broken view of God and the law. While the Apostle Paul writes with post-resurrection clarity, Jesus taught in a culture still holding tightly to legalism and self-righteousness. From the Sermon o...

This week in our What Does the Bible Say About...? series, we looked at how to approach social media, TV, and movies in a way that honors both freedom and holiness. Charlie explored the tension between legalism and license, showing us how rules alone won’t transform our hearts—but neither will doing whatever we want.

Drawing from Galatians 5, we’re reminded that Christ set us free—not to bind ourselves to rigid rules, but also not to indulge whatever feels good in the moment. Instead, we’re invited to choose a life of holiness: one that’s set apart...

In this week’s episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie and Abigail dive deep into the question: What was Jesus up to before Bethlehem? Together, they explore Jesus’ eternal nature, His role in creation, and what it really means that He has always been fully God and fully human.

From Genesis to the Gospels, this conversation brings clarity to the mystery of Christ’s divine identity—and why it matters. With thoughtful questions and grounded theology, Charlie and Abigail discuss the pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus in the Old Testament (Christophanies), His role as Creator, and how the hypostat...

This week in our What Does the Bible Say About...? series, we looked at how a follower of Jesus should prioritize their time.

Mark walked us through James 4 to challenge our assumptions about control, reminding us that our lives are like a mist—short, unpredictable, and not ultimately our own. Instead of overcomplicating or oversimplifying our schedules, we’re invited to hold our plans with open hands, asking God what He wants for our time.

From the importance of Sabbath to the tension between good things competing for our attention, this message highlights how surrendering our...

This week on Cultivate, we kick off a new Q&A series on Christology by asking a central question: Why is Jesus the perfect answer to our deepest needs? Charlie and Abigail dive into the heart of who Jesus is—fully God, fully human—and why both are essential for understanding salvation, grace, and the love of God.

With their usual honesty and humor (plus a few detours into Chick-fil-A and Christmas trees), they explore why Jesus waited until age 30 to begin His ministry, why He didn’t always speak plainly, and how His authority was unmistakable to tho...

This week in our What Does the Bible Say About...? series, we opened with a foundational conversation: how do we approach the Bible when big questions arise? Charlie challenges us to think about how we seek biblical truth—not just chasing quick answers, but learning to study, listen, and apply God’s Word with humility and wisdom.

Drawing from 2 Timothy, Charlie reminds us that Scripture isn’t about fueling debates or confirming our assumptions—it’s about training us for the good work God has prepared for us. Through personal stories (and a few lessons from ChatGPT), he shows h...

This week on Cultivate, we’re wrapping up our sin Q&A by exploring one of the most relatable tensions in the Christian life: how do we live with an awareness of our sin while embracing our identity in Christ? Charlie and Abigail dig into this question with honesty, grace, and even a little Arkansas dialect.

Together they reflect on the “already, not yet” reality of being both redeemed and still in progress—no longer defined by sin, yet still navigating its presence. Through personal stories, theological clarity, and some deep reflection on how sin shapes our view of...

This week in our Hope series, we celebrated Easter by exploring the unshakable promise of the resurrection—what Scripture calls a “living hope.” Charlie walked through 1 Peter 1, reminding us that the hope we have in Jesus isn’t rooted in wishful thinking, but in the certainty of what God has already done through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Using stories from Star Wars, sports anxiety, and his dad’s roller coaster obsession, Charlie contrasted the world’s fragile definitions of hope with the secure, eternal hope we’ve been given in Jesus. This is a hope that endures through...

This week on Cultivate, we’re digging into one of the most foundational (and challenging) topics in the Christian faith—sin. Charlie and Abigail explore what it means to have a sin nature, how it affects the world around us, and why understanding our brokenness is key to grasping the beauty of the gospel.

They wrestle with big questions like: Do we sin because we’re sinners, or are we sinners because we sin? What difference does it make if we believe in original sin? And how do we live with an honest view of ourselves without being...

This week in our Hope series, we looked at how the cross—though seen by many as foolishness—is actually the foundation of true and lasting hope. Charlie invites us to consider why God would choose something so unexpected, so upside-down, to bring redemption to the world.

Through 1 Corinthians 1, we’re reminded that the cross defies human wisdom and breaks down our pride. It confronts the belief that we can be good enough, wise enough, or religious enough to earn God’s favor. Instead, it points to grace—a gift we could never earn, but one freely given thro...

This week on Cultivate, we’re diving into the mystery of how Jesus is both fully God and fully human—and why that matters more than we often realize. Charlie and Abigail unpack the theological concept known as the hypostatic union, helping us understand how Jesus could carry two distinct natures in one person without conflict, confusion, or compromise.

Through thoughtful questions, a little humor, and a lot of scripture, they explore how Jesus' divinity and humanity work together—and how that makes Him the only one capable of bridging the gap between us and God. From Philip...

This week in our Hope series, we looked at how to actually live out hope in our everyday lives—when it’s easy to believe, and when it’s not. Mark challenges us to move beyond knowing what hope is and start practicing it in real ways: by leaning in, holding on, and surrounding ourselves with people who help keep that hope alive.

Drawing from Hebrews 10, Mark reminds us that we already have full access to God through Jesus—so we can approach each day with boldness and confidence. Whether it’s the unpredictability of life, deep disappoint...

This week on Cultivate, we’re continuing our series on Christology by exploring the humanity of Jesus. Charlie and Abigail unpack why it’s not just important that Jesus was fully God—but also fully human. From His birth, growth, and work to His emotions, temptations, and physical needs, Jesus lived a real human life.

They discuss how this shapes our understanding of His role as our mediator and why His humanity makes His sacrifice on the cross personally meaningful. Charlie also unpacks how the early church wrestled with this doctrine, and Abigail reflects on how Jesus’ experien...

This week in our Hope series, we looked at how the Holy Spirit helps us find real, lasting hope—even in the middle of pain, disappointment, and uncertainty. Charlie walks us through Romans 8, showing how God’s Spirit not only plants hope in our hearts, but continues to intercede for us and guide us through life’s struggles.

Through personal stories and scripture, we’re reminded that we often look for hope in things that won’t last—like comfort, success, or quick fixes. But real hope doesn’t come from what we already have or can see. It comes...

This week on Cultivate, we explore one of the most foundational truths of our faith—Jesus is fully God. Charlie and Abigail kick off a new series on Christology by digging into how scripture clearly affirms Jesus’ divine nature, from John 1 to Colossians 1, and why that truth matters deeply for our understanding of salvation.

They discuss moments when Jesus claimed authority that only belongs to God—like forgiving sins or identifying Himself as “I Am”—and reflect on how those claims ultimately led to His crucifixion. Through a mix of thoughtful insight and real questions, this episode makes a comp...

This week in our Hope series, we explored how God’s hope outshines even our deepest struggles. Charlie takes us through Romans 5, showing how hope is more than wishful thinking—it’s faith rooted in a better future with God.

Through personal stories, including the unexpected joy of adopting his daughter after years of waiting, Charlie illustrates how life’s trials can lead to perseverance and a deeper trust in God’s promises. Whether we’re navigating daily frustrations or profound grief, we are invited to see how hope is cultivated in hardship and how God’s love strengthe...

In this week's Cultivate episode, we dive into the weighty reality of sin and its far-reaching consequences. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone unpack how sin not only distances us from God but also leaves a lasting impact on our hearts, minds, and world.

They explore the spiritual separation sin causes, the brokenness it fosters within us, and how it damages our relationships and society as a whole. From personal struggles to the larger ripple effects of evil in creation, this conversation highlights the depths of sin’s influence—but also points toward the hope found in Christ.

This week in our new series Hope, we explored how faith leads us to a confident hope in God, even when life feels chaotic. Lead pastor Charlie Loften invites us to reflect on the connection between faith, grace, and hope, highlighting how God’s free gift of grace offers us peace and a future beyond life’s disappointments.

Drawing from Romans 5, Charlie helps us see that hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a firm trust in God’s promises. Whether we’re navigating daily frustrations or deeper life struggles, this episode reminds us that real hope is rooted...

In this week's Cultivate episode, we dive deeper into the nature of sin—are we sinners by choice, by inheritance, or by something even bigger? Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone tackle this foundational question, exploring what it means to have a sin nature and how scripture explains our brokenness.

Drawing from Romans, Ephesians, and the story of Adam, they unpack the concepts of inherited and imputed sin—examining whether sin is something we’re born into or something we actively choose. They also wrestle with what it means to be "deserving of wrath" and how this reality ultima...

This week in our What is Love series, we explored the power of words and how they shape our relationships. Lead pastor Charlie Loften challenges us to consider how our speech reflects the love God calls us to show, urging us to use our words to build up rather than tear down.

Drawing from the book of James, Charlie unpacks the disproportionate impact of what we say—how our words can steer the direction of relationships, just like a rudder controls a ship. He reflects on personal experiences, highlighting the importance of speaking life into our families, fr...

In this week's Cultivate episode, we begin a deep dive into the nature of sin—what it is, how it’s defined in scripture, and why it matters. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone explore sin beyond just a list of “do’s and don’ts,” breaking down biblical definitions and theological insights to help us understand its deeper implications.

From the concept of missing the mark to the idea of lawlessness and falling short of God’s glory, this conversation unpacks how sin impacts our relationship with God and others. Charlie and Abigail discuss how sin isn’t just about ind...

This week in our What is Love series, we explored God’s design for intimacy and how it shapes our relationships. Lead pastor Charlie Loften unpacks 1 Corinthians 7, addressing common misconceptions about sex, marriage, and faith.

Charlie highlights how our culture often mishandles conversations about intimacy—either avoiding them altogether or framing them with guilt and shame. Instead, he points us to a biblical understanding of intimacy as a gift from God, meant to bring joy, connection, and unity within marriage. He challenges us to move beyond a mindset of withholding or taking and instead embrace a posture of g...

This week on Cultivate, we dive into the impact of the creation story on our understanding of faith, identity, and purpose. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone continue their systematic theology series, exploring how God’s intentional creation shapes the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Charlie unpacks foundational questions like: How did we get here? Why are we here?—emphasizing that the Bible’s creation account isn’t just about origins but about recognizing our identity as people made in God’s image. Abigail reflects on how this truth combats cultural struggles with self-worth, reminding...

This week in our What is Love series, we explored the emotional depth of love through the parable of the prodigal son. Lead pastor Charlie Loften unpacks how true love involves risk, reconciliation, and celebration.

Through the story of the father and his two sons, we see a model of God’s overwhelming love—one that remains open to forgiveness, embraces vulnerability, and rejoices when relationships are restored. Charlie shares personal reflections on navigating emotions, breaking past the fear of being hurt, and expressing love with a full heart.

Love isn’t just an action—it’s a d...

Ready to peel back the layers of creation and our place within it? This episode of the Cultivate Podcast invites you to join hosts Charlie Lofton and Abigail Boone as they turn the pages of Genesis 1-3, dissecting its timeless truths with a refreshing perspective.

Dive deep with Charlie and Abigail as they discuss the Genesis narrative—far more than an ancient text, it's our foundation for understanding who God is and who we are in Him. Discover how these early chapters aren't just about the "how" of creation but the profound "why" behind our existence. Charlie br...

This week in our What is Love series, we discussed the true essence of love and how it is marked by action and sacrifice. Guest speaker Mark explores how love goes beyond fleeting emotions and is best understood through selfless giving, as demonstrated in 1 John and the life of Jesus. Mark reflects on personal experiences, illustrating how love matures from surface-level gestures into something deeper—one that mirrors God’s sacrificial love for us. Through humor and biblical wisdom, he challenges us to consider whether our love is just words or if it’s expressed through real, tangible actions. True l...

How should Christians navigate the reality of spiritual warfare without fear? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, lead pastor Charlie Loften and producer Abigail Boone continue their Q&A on angels, Satan, and demons. They explore how to balance awareness of the spiritual realm with confidence in God’s protection and victory.

Charlie and Abigail address deep questions about the role of evil in the world, why God allows Satan to roam, and how cultural differences shape perceptions of spiritual warfare. Through practical metaphors and theological insight, they emphasize the importance of living with faith, not fe...