This week on Cultivate, we dove into the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20. Charlie and Bagel walked through how Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a generous landowner who pays every worker the same, regardless of how long they worked. Together, we unpacked what a denarius meant in Jesus’ context, and explored the surprising grace this story reveals about God. Is God really fair, or is He more generous than we expect? The conversation touched on how we often measure worth by effort and time, yet Jesus points us to a God whose reward isn’t about what we earn, but about His incredible generosity. We discussed the challenge this presents to our sense of fairness, and reflected on how God’s grace is available to everyone—whether you’ve followed Him your whole life or come to faith at your “11th hour.” Take some time to consider: Where do you see yourself in this story, and how might God’s generosity be shaping your own journey of faith?

This week in our Easter series, we discussed the real significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection—moving beyond misconceptions to understand who Jesus truly is and what He offers. Charlie Loften walked through John 17:1–5, highlighting Jesus’ conversation with God the Father before His arrest. Together, we explored why Jesus is far more than a good teacher: He is the Son of God, sharing the glory of the Father and revealing God’s heart to us. We also talked about how eternal life isn’t just a reward for doing enough good things someday in the future—it’s knowing God through a personal, relational connection with Jesus right now. Through practical stories from church life and honest wrestling with our misconceptions, we were reminded that doing enough isn’t the goal; rather, trusting in what Jesus has already accomplished is the invitation. Take time this week to reflect: What does it mean for you to experience life with God today, not just hope for it in the future?

This week on Cultivate, we dug into the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25–37—a story you’ve probably heard, but maybe haven’t considered from every angle. We unpacked the context of Jesus’ conversation with a teacher of the law who asked, “Who is my neighbor?” and saw how Jesus’ answer completely upended cultural and religious expectations of the day. The discussion explored the surprising role of the Samaritan, someone considered an outsider, to show how loving your neighbor isn’t limited to the people you’re comfortable with—it's about showing mercy and compassion to anyone in need, no matter who they are. We reflected on how ritual or religious activity can sometimes become an excuse to avoid real, costly love, and talked about what it means to let compassion interrupt our plans. This episode invites us to consider the practical ways we can cross boundaries to love others—challenging us all to reflect on who we might overlook and how Jesus invites us into a deeper, wider love.

This week in our Easter series, we discussed what it really means to follow Jesus when life gets unpredictable and overwhelming. Charlie walked us through John 16, where Jesus prepares His disciples for a new reality—He’s going away, and things are about to get tough. Far from just a history lesson, this passage invites us to consider our own preparedness for spiritual challenges. We explored how the world often pushes us in the wrong direction, and why the gift of the Holy Spirit—our advocate and guide—is so crucial for keeping us on track.

With practical examples from everyday life and even a little video game wisdom, the teaching reminded us that faith isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it pursuit, but a daily dependence on God’s Word and Spirit. We reflected on the unique access we have to God through Jesus, the hope in His resurrection, and how the Holy Spirit anchors us when life feels unsteady.

Take some time this week to consider where you need guidance and how you might invite God’s Spirit to lead you forward.

This week in our Esster series, we discussed what it means to thrive in the midst of life’s challenges through staying connected to Jesus. Drawing from John 15, Charlie Loften unpacked Jesus’ metaphor of the vine and branches—emphasizing how our spiritual fruitfulness comes from a daily, active connection with Christ. We explored the reality that, whether we’re facing hardship or periods of growth, God may “prune” us, preparing us for greater purpose and maturity. Through honest reflection on personal and church experiences, we considered the temptation to see difficulties as punishment, and the biblical encouragement to gain perspective and trust God’s work in our lives. Practical applications focused on what it looks like to “remain” in Jesus—investing in worship, community, and prayer—rather than striving on our own. If you’re wrestling with tough seasons or wondering how to find meaning amidst struggle, this episode invites you to reflect on your connection with God and how it shapes your everyday faith journey.

This week on Cultivate, we explored Jesus’ Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18. Charlie Loften and Bagel Boone dove into the story’s surprising reversal: the seemingly moral Pharisee relies on his spiritual résumé, while the tax collector, aware of his own failures, humbly asks God for mercy. We examined how Jesus challenges common notions of righteousness—not just in first-century Israel, but in our own hearts today. What does it really mean to be “justified” before God? Can good behavior or rule-following make us right with Him, or is it about honest humility and dependence on His grace?

Along the way, we unraveled why this teaching would have been shocking in its original context, and considered its ongoing relevance for anyone striving to live a life of faith. Whether you’re wrestling with your own sense of spiritual adequacy or just curious about how grace works, this episode invites you to reflect on what it means to approach God in honesty and humility.

This week in our Easter series, we discussed what Jesus meant when He told His disciples that it was actually to their advantage for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit could come. Drawing from passages in John 14 and 16, Charlie Loften unpacked the idea that having the Holy Spirit within us is even better than having Jesus physically beside us. We explored how the Spirit transforms us from the inside out, teaches and reminds us of what we need to know, and gives us peace that’s rooted in obedience. Practical application came through learning to listen to God’s quiet voice amid life’s noise, recognizing that the Spirit is always guiding us toward courage and faithfulness—even in life’s “fires.” The message was hopeful, rooted in Scripture, and connected directly to everyday challenges and decisions we all face. Consider how the Spirit might be inviting you to deeper trust, obedience, and peace this week as you reflect or engage further.

This week on Cultivate, we explored the parable of the debtor from Luke 7:36–50. Charlie Loften and Abigail Boone dug into the story where Jesus is invited to dine with a Pharisee, only to be confronted by the humble actions of a woman labeled as a sinner. Together, we examined Jesus’ teaching through the parable of the two debtors, unpacking how gratitude and love flow from the depth of our forgiveness. We discussed why the Pharisee struggled to extend hospitality, and how Jesus’ response revealed his authority to forgive sins—challenging both ancient perspectives and our own. The conversation also touched on how our judgments toward others can obscure the reality that we are all in need of grace.

As we considered the practical implications for life today, we were reminded that comparing ourselves to others misses the point; instead, we are called to recognize our own need and respond with humility and grateful love. We invite you to reflect on how forgiveness shapes your view of yourself, others, and God’s mercy.