The Grove Church podcast

33:58

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 compelling case for why Jesus had to be fully God in order to offer redemption to all. Whether you’re curious about the theology behind Jesus’ identity or just need to be reminded of God’s personal pursuit of us, this conversation will strengthen your faith and deepen your appreciation of the gospel.…

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What is Hope? 33:47

6 days ago33:47

33:47

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 strengthens us in every season. Join us as we reflect on the unshakable hope we have through Christ, a hope that carries us through suffering and leads us to God’s glory. What is hope? Why does Paul say we should rejoice in suffering? What does that tell us about the power of hope? What is the process that connects suffering to hope? How does that process make you feel? What other things do we put hope in? How certain are those things? How is hope in God different?…

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The Nature and Consequences of Sin: A Deep Dive 36:46

12 days ago36:46

36:46

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 episode invites you to wrestle with the hard truths of sin, while laying the groundwork for next week’s focus on Jesus and redemption. Join us for an honest and thoughtful look at why understanding sin is essential to understanding the good news of the gospel.…

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Embracing Hope: Discovering Faith's Role in Overcoming Life's Challenges 35:36

13 days ago35:36

35:36

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 the finished work of Jesus. Join us as we kick off this series, preparing our hearts for Easter and celebrating the assurance that, through faith, we stand on God’s grace and can boast in the hope of His glory. What is the relationship between faith and hope? What is hope? How do we receive true hope? What does it mean to boast in hope? What is the hope of the glory of God?…

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Are We Born Sinners? Understanding Sin Nature and Its Impact 41:51

19 days ago41:51

41:51

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 ultimately points us to the grace of Jesus. Sin isn’t just about bad choices—it’s about understanding who we are and why we need redemption. Join us as we explore the biblical perspective on sin and lay the groundwork for next week's discussion on its consequences and the hope we have in Christ.…

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How Words Shape Our Love and Relationships 34:57

20 days ago34:57

34:57

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, friendships, and communities. Our words hold the power to encourage, restore, and bring hope. As we close this series, we’re invited to reflect on how love isn’t just something we feel or do—it’s something we speak. Join us as we commit to using our words to reflect God’s love in every conversation. What kind of impact can our words have? Why do we sometimes minimize that? What kind of harm can our words do? What are some unintentional ways our words can do harm? How can we prevent this? How can we overcome our hypocrisy with our words? How can we use our words to bring life?…

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The Glory of God and Human Sinfulness: A Deep Dive into Hamartiology 34:17

26 days ago34:17

34:17

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 individual actions, but also about the condition of the human heart. This episode sets the foundation for upcoming discussions on original sin, human nature, and the hope we have in Christ. Join us as we wrestle with the big questions and seek a greater understanding of God’s grace.…

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A Christ-Centered Perspective on Relationships and Intimacy 34:35

27 days ago34:35

34:35

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 giving, mutual love, and service. By reframing intimacy through the lens of faith, we can cultivate stronger marriages and relationships that reflect God’s love. Join us as we dive into this important topic and learn how to build a healthier, Christ-centered view of intimacy. How does Paul and ultimately the word define healthy outlets for sex? How can your body doesn’t belong to you be misunderstood? What is an appropriate understanding? How can we overcome an attitude of entitlement? What are some ways that sex becomes a commodity to be traded? How do we avoid that?…

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Anthropology Q&A | Pt. 2 33:52

5 weeks ago33:52

33:52

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 us that our value is rooted in being intentionally crafted by a loving Creator. Together, they challenge us to see our lives through the lens of God’s design rather than randomness or accident. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how understanding creation transforms the way we live out our faith.…

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Loving With Your Heart 38:43

5 weeks ago38:43

38:43

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 deep, passionate commitment that mirrors the heart of God. Join us as we reflect on how to love well, with grace, understanding, and a readiness for reconciliation in all our relationships. What does the phrase “being emotional” make you think of? What do we lose when we don’t take risks with love? How can we prevent our hearts from being closed to reconciliation? What are some ways we can do a better job of celebrating with the ones we love? How should we respond when someone confronts us?…

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Anthropology Q&A | Pt. 1 29:18

6 weeks ago29:18

29:18

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 brings clarity to the idea that the universe's creation was more than a cosmic chance—it's a divine narrative filled with purpose and intention. Meanwhile, Abigail weaves the story of humanity with the modern dilemma of caring for God’s gift—our world—and finding balance amidst conflicting priorities. Tune in as they explore the harmony between faith and our responsibility to creation while challenging listeners to consider the deeper implications of this origin story—a story where love, purpose, and divine design weave together to shape our identity.…

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Love's Identifying Mark 33:02

6 weeks ago33:02

33:02

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 love, as God defines it, requires us to take initiative, put others before ourselves, and reflect Christ’s love in our relationships. Join us as we explore how to embody a love that is set apart, rooted in God’s truth, and lived out daily. Questions for Discussion: Read 1 John 3:16-18 and 1 John 4:9-10 1. What do people often misidentify as LOVE? 2. What sets sacrificial LOVE apart from the posers? 3. What "possession" is most difficult for you to give? 4. What is the harm of saying I LOVE YOU? 5. Why do you think that love takes the first step?…

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Angels and Demons | Q&A Pt.2 35:46

7 weeks ago35:46

35:46

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 fear, while being prepared for life’s spiritual challenges. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to understand spiritual warfare without becoming overwhelmed, this episode provides biblical guidance and encouragement to stand firm in your faith. Tune in as they tackle these complex questions with honesty and hope.…

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The Greatest Virtue: Living a Life of Love 35:07

7 weeks ago35:07

35:07

What is love, really? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast , lead pastor Charlie Loften kicks off a new series exploring love—one of the three foundational virtues of faith, hope, and love. With humor and depth, Charlie unpacks the biblical definition of love, contrasting it with the many ways culture interprets it. Digging into the Greek words for love, particularly agape , he emphasizes the self-sacrificing nature of love as described in Scripture. He also walks through 1 Corinthians 13, highlighting love’s defining characteristics—selfless, gentle, and enduring. More than just a virtue, love is presented as the highest calling for believers, surpassing knowledge, faith, and even sacrifice. As Charlie challenges listeners to embrace a love that mirrors God’s own—one that is patient, kind, and unwavering—he invites us to live out this divine love in everyday life. Tune in and discover what it truly means to love as God calls us to. What are the two words the New Testsment uses that we translate as love? How do they help us understand what love means? How does Paul compare love to other virtues such as spiritual power, knowledge and obedience? How does Paul describe love in that list? What are some of the descriptors that you connect with the most? What are the ones you need to grow in?…

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Angels and Demons | Q&A Pt.1 36:50

8 weeks ago36:50