The Grove Church

In this episode, hosts Charlie Loften and Abigail tackle the deep yet fascinating topic of the Trinity—how one God exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Together, they break down common misconceptions and explain why the Trinity can be tricky to understand, but still central to the Christian faith. With their usual humor and down-to-earth approach, Charlie and Abigail make complex theology f...

In today’s episode from our *Strange Stories* series, Charlie unpacks the fascinating story of Balaam and his talking donkey from the book of Numbers. As the Israelites face opposition on their journey to the Promised Land, a Moabite king hires the prophet Balaam to curse them. But God steps in, using unexpected messengers—Balaam's own donkey and an angel—to protect His people and turn curses into...

In this episode of the *Cultivate Podcast*, Charlie and Abigail kick off a new series on systematic theology, starting with "Theology Proper"—the study of who God is. They break down complex topics into simple, relatable ideas, helping listeners understand key beliefs about God and why they matter. This series is designed to deepen your faith and provide clarity on core Christian beliefs. Tune in...

Join Charlie Loften for the final week of the 'Come As You Are' series as he unpacks the journey of Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was expected to have all the answers. Though people like him believed they didn’t need Jesus, Nicodemus began to realize he did. Initially fearful, his faith grew over time, leading to a bold devotion to Jesus. This episode explores the power of vulnerability...

In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie and Abigail dive into the fascinating world of eschatology, breaking down the three major views of the end times: premillennial, amillennial, and postmillennial . They explore the history behind these beliefs and how they’ve shaped Christianity, from postmillennial optimism in early America to the shifts after the World Wars. With plenty of humor a...

In this episode, Mark explores the life of Mary Magdalene, one of the key figures in the New Testament and a witness to Jesus' resurrection. He highlights her deep commitment and sacrifices for Jesus' mission, drawing connections to modern-day dedication. Through Biblical insights, especially from Luke 9, the conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own priorities, commitment, and how...

In this episode, Charlie and Abigail clear up common misunderstandings about the Book of Revelation. They dive into John's unique role, his exile, and the visions meant for the seven churches that still speak to all Christians today. They discuss why Revelation matters—offering hope, comfort, and a reminder that God is in control. With a mix of theology and practical advice, they explore the book'...

In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie breaks down the true meaning of repentance in the Christian life. It’s more than feeling sorry—it’s about turning away from sin and moving towards Jesus in a lasting, daily way. Using the story of Zacchaeus, Charlie shows how real repentance leads to true change and action. Join in for thoughtful insights, practical takeaways, and a closing prayer...

In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie and guest Mark dive into the real-life challenges of sharing the gospel in everyday conversations. They talk about moving away from scripted approaches, like "Romans Road," and instead focusing on sharing personal experiences and building genuine relationships. From feelings of inadequacy to navigating tough conversations, they explore how witnessi...

This week, Mark talks about how to create welcoming and inclusive faith communities that reflect Jesus’s love. He shares personal stories and delves into the story of Nicodemus, exploring what we can learn from the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus about meeting people where they are. Mark emphasizes the importance of making church messages relatable and accessible, and how to extend grace w...

In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie and Mark dive into some big questions about faith, like who God is and how we should live. They chat about the challenges of connecting with people from other religions and how to share your faith in a way that feels natural. Mark shares his tips on building real friendships across faiths without the pressure of evangelism. Whether you're curious a...

In this episode, Charlie dives into the story of Mary Magdalene, clearing up the myths and focusing on her powerful transformation through faith. He also tackles the tough topic of feeling isolated in church, especially when you’re questioning or don’t quite fit in. By sharing the story of Zacchaeus and his own personal struggles, Charlie reminds us that church should be a welcoming space for ever...

This week, we're kicking off a new series called *Come As You Are.* We’re diving into the life-changing power of Jesus' grace and what it means to share that with others. We’ll talk about how Jesus seeks out the lost, why it’s crucial to recognize our own need for rescue, and the importance of humility and self-sacrifice. From Jesus' embrace of children to his encounter with Zacchaeus, this episod...

Join Charlie and special guest Mark Freeman on this episode of the Cultivate Podcast as they dive into interfaith dialogue and understanding. They explore how different faiths like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and tribal spiritualism shape lives, and break down the "THUMB" mission, focusing on reaching Tribals, Hindus, Unreligious, Muslims, and Buddhists. Mark also highlights the key differences bet...

This week, Charlie breaks down how every Christian can shine as a light in the world, not just pastors or missionaries. He explores what it means to reflect Jesus' light in our daily lives—at home, work, and in our communities. With insights from Acts 2, Colossians 2, and Matthew 5, Charlie offers a fresh take on living out this calling right now. Plus, we'll hear about the church’s role in intern...

In today's episode, we're diving deep into understanding Christianity's unique stance among world religions. Join Charlie and our guest, Mark, as they explore the fundamental differences between following Jesus and other religious beliefs. We'll unpack why the essence of Christianity isn't about earning God's favor through good works, but about receiving the gift of grace through faith. Plus, we'l...

God wants us to reach people with the gospel and believe in the gospel. But that is not the end. He has called us to grow deeply in our faith. We do this the same way we receive the gospel, by grace through faith. We remain committed to him and to his teaching. As we walk with him, we will live lives of gratitude.  What does it mean to live our lives the same way we received him? What does it mean...

Is the God of the Old Testament the same as the God of the New Testament? Today, we're diving into this big question! Scott will show how themes from Genesis flow through the whole Bible, leading to Jesus. We'll explore how both Testaments tell one unified story about who God is. Plus, we'll share tips on reading the Old Testament with the New in mind. Join us for this foundational discussion on T...

Join us as we start a new series on our church's mission to share the gospel's transformative message. Over the next three weeks, we'll explore how we can all contribute to a community that spreads hope and new life through Jesus. We'll dive into Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit inspires the disciples, leading to 3,000 new believers. Their community was marked by generosity, growth, worship,...

Join us as we dive into wrestling with knowledge and faith. We'll explore what it means to grapple with ideas, beliefs, and info in a world full of perspectives and misinformation. Using Jacob's story of wrestling with God, we'll discuss the power of questioning and deepening our understanding of who God is. We'll also highlight the importance of community, expert guidance, and a solid foundation...

In this episode, host Charlie chats about contentment, gratitude, and the pitfalls of coveting. With wisdom from Exodus 20:15-17 and 1 Timothy 6, Charlie shares personal stories and tips on how to stay grounded in a culture that pushes us to want more. Tune in to hear how focusing on our own blessings and finding true gain in godliness can transform our lives. Let's explore the power of gratitude...

Join us as we explore the complex nature of God in the Old and New Testaments. We'll challenge the "nice guy" image of Jesus by looking at his bold truths and confrontations with power. Discover how to find grace and compassion in Old Testament stories and see the continuity of God's character. This episode will enrich your spiritual journey by diving into the real-life context of ancient scriptur...

Join us as we dive into the profound value of life through the lens of faith! We'll explore the belief that everyone is created in God's image and how this shapes our mission to support those in need, like the homeless and those in poverty. We'll discuss the dangers of dehumanizing others over politics or daily frustrations and how to choose life and honor human dignity instead. Plus, we'll touch...

Join host Charlie as he chats with Abigail about keeping a strong and genuine relationship with God. They explore the importance of a gospel-centered community, the power of prayer, and reading God's Word. They also tackle topics like humility, transparency, and self-awareness, and the challenges of living with integrity. Discover how dishonesty impacts personal integrity and the value of accounta...

Join Brad Alexander as he explores the timeless impact of the Ten Commandments on our relationships, work, and marriages. Brad dives into each commandment, shedding light on often-overlooked rules like "Do not murder" and "Do not steal." With vivid stories and thought-provoking scenarios, Brad reveals how cultural familiarity can dull the true significance of these moral foundations.