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…

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…

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 sh…

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 re…

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 the…

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 in…

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 navigat…

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 r…

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 th…

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 u…

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 chi…

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 Buddh…

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. …

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 rec…

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 live…

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 m…

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 com…

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 c…

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 transfor…

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 div…

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 a…

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 im…

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 sign…

In this week’s episode, join our host, Charlie, and special guest, Abigail B, as they delve into the intricacies of living a life that honors God without feeling bound by obligation. We explore practical reasons for following God's commands, likening it to the safety provided by a toddler's backyard fence. Our discussion touches on freedom from bon…

This week we dive into the ups and downs of parent-child relationships! We’ll chat about why honoring our parents is so important, even when it’s tough. We’ll cover everything from handling tricky situations to understanding how age and money play a role. Plus, we’ll touch on the powerful idea of respecting our aging parents and why sometimes, it’s…

Curious if we can change God's mind? Tune in as we dive into this fascinating question! We’ll chat about how prayer impacts God, if our prayers can alter divine plans, and the faith-prayer connection. With Bible stories, free will vs. predestination debates, and insights on God’s timeless view, this episode is packed with big questions and personal…

This week we’re diving into the whole idea of rest and Sabbath. We’re chatting about why it’s so important to carve out sacred time, really embrace rest, and just let go of all those pesky distractions. Mark’s got some deep insights on the subject, sharing his own journey and thoughts on making time for what truly matters. He’s throwing down some c…

This week, Charlie and Abigail dive into the theological intricacies of hell and salvation. They explore how the concept of hell has evolved from the Old Testament to the New Testament, unpacking biblical metaphors like fire, darkness, and destruction. They question literal interpretations, contemplate separation from God, and discuss whether every…

This week Mark teaches on the importance of reputation and the gravity of taking the Lord's name in vain. Mark shares insights from Psalms and other scriptures, highlighting the power of honoring God's name for deliverance and recognition. He encourages us to live in a way that uplifts God's name and offers lessons on navigating claims made in His …

In today's episode, Charlie and Abigail dive into the big question: Are we born guilty or inherently sinners? They break down the idea of original sin and how it shapes Christian beliefs. You'll hear about why knowing who Jesus is and understanding the significance of his death is crucial for the faith. Plus, they'll tackle tough topics like the ri…

This week, we dove deep into the heart of trust and fidelity, reflecting on the Ten Commandments and the dangers of idol worship. Join us as we explore how we often belittle God by giving our attention to more visibly tangible things. We discuss the struggle of faith, the love and goodness of God, and the rewards of staying faithful to Him. Mark ta…

In today's episode, we dive into key questions Christians face about faith, the Bible, and the resurrection of Christ. We'll look at secular evidence for the resurrection, the historical credibility of the gospels, and the impact of encountering the risen Jesus. We'll also explore the reactions of the Pharisees and Roman guards, and why the resurre…

This week, Charlie takes us on a journey exploring the principles of devotion and worship. He emphasizes that there is only one true God deserving our wholehearted admiration. Highlighting Deuteronomy 6, Charlie discusses the importance of fearing and serving the Lord exclusively, addressing common discomforts around concepts like God’s jealousy. J…

Join Charlie and Abigail for a deep dive into recognizing God through nature and the insights of Romans 1. They discuss seeing God's qualities in the world around us, human accountability for sin, and intriguing questions like whether people can be held accountable for their sins if they don't know about God. Charlie provides historical context for…