This week we launched a new sermon series focused on our mission as a church and the call to share the gospel with the people around us. Pastor Charlie walks us through the story of Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4, showing how Jesus approached people with intentionality, compassion, and creativity. Along the way, Charlie shares personal stories, humor, and practical insight to help us see the power of combining truth and love when we talk about our faith. This message is an invitation to step into the mission of Jesus with open eyes, open hearts, and the confidence that God is already at work in the lives of those we meet.

What is the gospel? Why is it important to share the gospel?

How do we know this meeting with the woman was intentional on Jesus part? What does that tell us?

Why did Jesus use the living water metaphor with her? How does it illustrate the gospel ?

How did Jesus bring both truth and love to her? How can we do the same?

We want to know what you want to hear on the Cultivate Podcast. What topics, questions, or ideas would you love for us to explore? Whether it’s a deep dive into Scripture, a faith question you’ve been wrestling with, or a conversation about life and culture—we’d love to hear it.

Your input will help shape future episodes and guide where we go in the weeks and months ahead. Share your ideas anytime at info@thegrovechurch.org or visit thegrovechurch.org. We can’t wait to hear from you!

This week in our "To the Churches" series, we looked at Jesus' final letter in Revelation—his words to the church in Laodicea. This passage holds one of the most well-known and often misunderstood metaphors in Scripture: being "lukewarm." Charlie unpacks how Jesus’ words would have hit this specific church and why it matters that we rightly understand the difference between spiritual mediocrity and spiritual usefulness. Rather than rebuking emotional indifference, Jesus is calling believers to be spiritually impactful—whether refreshing or refining. We’re challenged to honestly assess where we’ve become self-reliant or apathetic, and we’re reminded that even strong correction from Jesus always comes with an invitation to return to relationship. The end goal isn’t shame—it’s dinner with Jesus.

Discussion questions:
1. Which one of these descriptions of Jesus in the letters is most inspiring to you? What do you like about this one, in the letter to Philadelphia?
2. Is it encouraging or scary to you that Jesus keeps repeating that "He Knows" what is going on? Why?
3. Is it surprising to you that the smallest of the churches here is the most applauded by Jesus? Why or Why not?
4. Jesus expressly confesses His love in this letter. How would that make you feel if you were in this church?
5. Jesus says He is "coming soon" and yet what seems to be a long time has passed. How do you reconcile this statement from the One who is truth?
6. How does the vision of eternity given at the end of each letter impact your perspective on life?