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?

This week on Cultivate… we wrapped up our deep dive into soteriology with one final round of big questions—covering predestination, free will, foreknowledge, and the nature of salvation. Abigail and Charlie explore what it really means to be chosen by God, whether we can lose our salvation, and how to reconcile God's sovereignty with our experience of human choice. It's a theologically rich but deeply practical conversation for anyone who has wrestled with doubt or wondered if they’ve “sinned their way out” of God's grace. You’ll walk away challenged, comforted, and maybe with more questions—because that’s kind of the point.

This week in our 'To the Churches' series, we looked at Jesus’ letter to the church in Philadelphia—a smaller church with big faith. Unlike the sharp corrections given to some other churches, this message is full of affirmation and encouragement. In a city rocked by instability and persecution, the believers in Philadelphia held fast. Jesus calls them faithful, not because they were big or influential, but because they endured with patience and trusted His authority. In this sermon, Mark explores how Jesus—holy, true, and the one with the keys—opens doors no one can shut. We’re reminded that life may feel overwhelming, but Jesus is coming soon, and He sees those who remain faithful. It’s a hope-filled word for anyone wondering if their small acts of faith are making a difference. Spoiler: they are.

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?

If you've ever wondered, "Is there a point where God gives up on me?"—this conversation is for you.

In this week’s Cultivate episode, Charlie and Abigail return for part two of our Soteriology Q&A, digging into some of the most vulnerable and common concerns Christians carry about sin, guilt, and God’s grace. With honesty and clarity, they talk through questions like:

• How much sin is too much?
• Why do I still struggle with the same things?
• Can you lose your salvation if you keep messing up?

Charlie draws from scripture and pastoral experience to highlight the heart of God—a Father who doesn’t abandon His children when they stumble. Together, they explore how grace actually empowers transformation and why the Christian life is a journey of being shaped, not shamed.

This episode is full of hope, nuance, and the kind of truth that frees us from the fear of “blowing it.” If you’ve wrestled with assurance, shame, or just need a reminder that God is not giving up on you—lean in.

This week in our “To the Churches” series, we looked at Jesus’ letter to the church in Sardis—a group with a good reputation but no real spiritual life behind it. Brad walks us through Revelation 3 and calls us to take inventory of our own faith. Are we spiritually awake or just coasting on the past?

Using four words—wake up, remember, keep, and repent—this message is a powerful invitation to reengage with what we know is true and to finish well. Even when it feels like we’re running on empty or going through the motions, Jesus calls us back to Himself. This episode is a timely reminder that faith isn’t about appearance—it’s about endurance, transformation, and staying connected to the source of life.

If I still struggle with sin, does that mean I’m not really saved?

In this special Q&A episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Abigail and Charlie tackle some of the most vulnerable and personal questions that come up when we talk about salvation. From fear of not being “really saved,” to guilt over repeated sin, to wondering why God doesn’t always feel close—this episode gets into the real-life tensions believers wrestle with.

With honesty and compassion, Charlie offers practical theology rooted in scripture and hope, and Abigail reflects on her own journey of faith, doubt, and grace. Together, they explore why assurance is different from perfection, how God’s kindness leads us to repentance, and why the gospel is still good news even when we feel like a mess.

If you've ever asked yourself, “Is God disappointed in me?” or “Why is this still hard?”—this episode will remind you that salvation isn't earned by your strength but received in your weakness. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that points back to Jesus as the anchor of our hope.