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 w…

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 ho…

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 i…

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, Cha…

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 Ad…

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 impa…

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…

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 fram…

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…

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, embr…

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 tha…

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 mat…

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 Abiga…

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 …

What do angels actually do, and why do they seem so terrifying in the Bible? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone answer listener questions about angels—their roles, appearances, and common misconceptions. Charlie and Abigail explore the biblical descriptions of angels as messengers, protectors, and warriors, r…

What does it really mean to live by faith? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, lead pastor Charlie Loften unpacks the biblical foundation of faith, moving beyond optimism or wishful thinking to a deep, confident trust in God’s goodness. Charlie shares a personal story about his daughter at a basketball game, using it to illustrate the differe…

What happened when humanity stepped out of alignment with God’s design? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone explore the creation and fall of humanity as described in Genesis 2 and 3. Together, they examine God’s original intent for Adam and Eve, the serpent’s deception, and the profound consequences of sin ent…

How do we trust God in the midst of life’s disappointments? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, lead pastor Charlie Loften unpacks the complexities of faith through personal stories and scripture. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Charlie reflects on the Apostle Paul’s thorn in the flesh and God’s powerful response: “My grace is sufficient …

What does it mean to be created in the image of God? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dive into the theological concept of the Imago Dei, exploring what makes humans distinct in all of creation. Drawing from Genesis 1, they discuss how being made in God’s image shapes our purpose, creativity, and ability to…

What does it truly mean to live a life of faith? In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, lead pastor Charlie Loften and guest speaker Mark explore the depth of faith and its practical impact on our daily lives. Through stories and scripture, they challenge us to consider if our actions reflect our belief in God’s eternal promises. Mark draws on u…

What does it mean to be human? In this week’s episode of the Cultivate Podcast, hosts Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dive into Genesis 1 to uncover God’s intentionality in creation and what it reveals about our purpose. They explore the profound difference between asking “how” and “why” we were created, challenging secular perspectives on evoluti…

Here’s the podcast description for this week’s sermon, crafted based on the transcript and speaker-provided notes: This week, we explore the nature of true faith and how it shapes our prayers, especially in life’s most challenging moments. Rooted in Hebrews 11 and Matthew 21, this message unpacks what it means to pray with confidence in God’s goodn…

Evan and Emily McCall share their incredible journey of moving from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Chiang Mai, Thailand, as missionaries integrating faith into their everyday lives. They discuss their vision of spreading the gospel in a region where Jesus is less known and how they use their business as a ministry platform to build relationships and sh…

Here’s the episode description based on the provided notes and transcript, following the rules we’ve established: We explore the profound meaning of faith—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it transforms our relationship with God. Rooted in Hebrews 11, this message defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not s…

This week we reflect on the challenges of staying faithful to God’s calling amidst life’s difficulties. Using 2nd Timothy 2 as a guide, this message explores how perseverance, trust in God’s grace, and a focus on Jesus empower us to endure hardships. We are reminded that tough times are a part of life’s journey, shaping us into the people God has c…

We’re taking a short break for the holidays! There won’t be new episodes on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day as we spend time with family and celebrate the season. We encourage you to do the same—stay connected to your faith and enjoy this time with loved ones. We’ll be back after the holidays, ready to dive back into our series on systematic theolo…

This week, we reflect on the extraordinary story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of the shepherds in Luke 2. In the midst of their humble and ordinary lives, the shepherds are visited by angels proclaiming the arrival of the Savior, inviting them to witness God’s incredible work firsthand. Their response of faith, worship, and proclamation challen…

Charlie and Abigail conclude their exploration of angelology and spiritual warfare, diving into the biblical realities of angels, demons, and Satan’s influence in the world. They address common misconceptions, such as the meaning behind the name “Lucifer,” and emphasize the need to avoid two extremes: dismissing spiritual evil entirely or being ove…

Mark reflects on the extraordinary faith and obedience of Joseph as he faces a life-altering dilemma. Legally committed to Mary and faithfully waiting to consummate their marriage, Joseph discovers she is expecting. Presented with two seemingly impossible options—publicly shaming her or divorcing her quietly—an angel of the Lord offers a third, far…

Charlie and Abigail take a deep dive into the unseen realities of angels, demons, and spiritual warfare. They explore the biblical origins of Satan and his rebellion, the roles and hierarchy of angels and demons, and how these spiritual forces influence the world today. With passages from scripture, they clarify distinctions between possession and …

Here’s the episode description based on the provided overview and transcript, crafted in line with the rules we’ve set: This week, guest speaker Brad Alexander explores how God uses ordinary moments for extraordinary purposes. Reflecting on the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1, Brad unpacks Mary’s faithful response to an unimaginable …

Charlie and Abigail explore the fascinating study of angels, diving into what the Bible teaches about their nature, roles, and purpose. They unpack key truths, like the distinction between angels and the Holy Spirit, and debunk common misconceptions, such as the belief that humans become angels after death. From their role as God’s messengers to pr…

Charlie kicks off the Christmas series by exploring the profound role of angels in the biblical stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. This week, we dive into Luke 1, focusing on Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story and their encounter with God’s messenger. Charlie provides rich historical and cultural context, unpacking the significance of Zechariah…

Charlie and Abigail continue their Q&A series, diving into key questions about early Christianity and the formation of the biblical canon. They explore how early believers relied on the Old Testament, oral traditions, and the circulation of letters like Paul’s to understand Jesus’ teachings before the New Testament was compiled. The conversation de…

Charlie concludes the Money and Jesus series by diving into the transformative power of generosity. Using Matthew 6, he challenges us to shift our focus from material wealth to spiritual treasures, emphasizing that generosity is more than an action—it’s a journey of the heart. Through heartfelt stories, like a nearly 30-year-old memory from Ukraine…

Charlie and Abigail dive into the heart of systematic theology this week, focusing on how a deep understanding of God forms the foundation of Christian belief. They explore the importance of evaluating theological writings, emphasizing how an author’s beliefs about Jesus and their personal integrity can shape their work. Abigail shares her own jour…

This week, Charlie delves into the intersection of faith and financial anxiety, sharing practical insights on how to overcome stress by focusing on God’s provision. Using personal stories, like his own journey through financial struggles and learning to trust God, Charlie encourages us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material concerns. Drawing …

Charlie and Abigail dive into bibliology in this week’s Cultivate Podcast, exploring the complexities of the Bible’s inspiration, canonization, and interpretation. We delve into how sacred texts, like the Bible and even the U.S. Constitution, are often seen as “living documents” and what that means for interpretation. Charlie emphasizes the importa…

This week, Charlie dives into the delicate balance between faith and money, kicking off a new series with a powerful personal story. He shares how selling tickets to a major game to prioritize his daughter's birthday taught him about values and priorities—only to have her choose a youth ministry event instead! Using this story as a backdrop, Charli…

Charlie and Abigail dive into the fascinating journey of how the Bible was historically compiled and canonized. Together, they explore the careful process early Christians followed to recognize sacred texts, discussing key criteria like apostolic authority, universal acceptance, and the inherent power of these writings. The episode also tackles con…

In this week’s episode, Mark to dives into one of the Bible’s most unusual stories from Exodus 4, where Moses encounters a surprising divine threat on his way to Egypt. Together, they explore the significance of this intense moment, highlighting the quick-thinking actions of Moses’ wife, Zipporah, in saving his life through an emergency circumcisio…

This week, Charlie and Abigail dive into *bibliology*, the study of the Bible, exploring what it means for scripture to be “God-breathed” and inspired. With lighthearted banter, they lead into a rich discussion on the authority of scripture, drawing from passages like 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21 to explain how God’s guidance shaped the Bible…

This week, Charlie dives into the bold story of Jael, a woman who defied cultural norms to fulfill a God-given mission. By taking down Sisera with a tent peg, Jael showed incredible courage and revealed themes of divine timing and seizing opportunities. Charlie connects Jael’s actions to our lives today, sharing real-life stories about how God plac…

In this episode, Charlie and Abigail dive into the fascinating concepts of mercy, justice, grace, and fairness through the lens of systematic theology. Using relatable examples, they break down how these divine attributes of God are intertwined and what that means for us in our everyday lives. From the idea of pleading for mercy after breaking a ru…

In this episode Charlie dives into one of the most unusual and perplexing stories in the Bible. Focusing on the Prophet Elijah’s fiery ascent to heaven and Elisha’s role in confronting idol worship, Charlie unpacks their powerful impact in a time of miraculous events. Things take a surprising turn as he explores the story of Elisha cursing a group …

Charlie Lofton and Abigail dive into the study of God’s nature, exploring attributes like omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, and omnibenevolence. With a mix of humor and depth, they break down these complex concepts and discuss how God’s justice, grace, mercy, and wrath work together, even when they seem to contradict. We invite you to reflect…

This week, Charlie challenges us to take bold steps toward personal growth. Drawing from the story of Ehud, we explore how courage, repentance, and a solid plan can lead to real change. Just as Ehud’s faith set Israel free, we are invited to trust God and act with intention in our own lives. Charlie shares personal stories, including lessons from p…

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 app…

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 a…

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 p…