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.

This week in our To the Churches series, we looked at Jesus’ message to the church in Thyatira—a faithful group of believers whose tolerance of false teaching was slowly undermining the truth.

Guest teacher Ben Clark walks us through Revelation 2:18–29, where Jesus commends their service and love but calls them to reject compromise. In a city where career, culture, and faith collided, Christians had to choose between fitting in or following Jesus. The same is true for us today.

This episode challenges us to hold fast to the gospel—even when it costs us something—and reminds us that Jesus sees every motive, every compromise, and every moment we choose Him. Our hope is secure, but we must be faithful in the waiting.

Discussion questions:

How does the description of Jesus having eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze compare with your perception of Jesus?

Thyatira was known for its sexual immorality and idolatry. How do you see these two issues in the church today?

How do you see toleration of sin becoming more and more prevalent?

How does it make you feel that Jesus searches both mind and heart? That He knows all things, even those we think are hidden?

How does the hope of Jesus making all things new encourage you?

Can you lose your salvation? It’s one of the most common—and honestly, most anxiety-inducing—questions for a lot of believers. In this episode of the Cultivate Podcast, Charlie and Abigail walk through the heart of that question with a blend of biblical depth and real-life clarity.

They start with Romans 8, where Paul lays out a powerful chain of God’s work in our lives—from calling to glorification—showing that God finishes what He starts. From there, they unpack some of the trickier passages that seem to suggest we can lose salvation, like in Galatians and Hebrews. But instead of leaving things cloudy, Charlie lays out helpful ways to read those verses in light of the whole story of Scripture.

They also talk through the difference between security and assurance, and why feeling unsure doesn’t mean God has let go of you. With a few analogies (like holding a toddler’s hand in a parking lot) and a conversation about “cultural Christianity,” this episode brings both challenge and comfort as we keep growing in grace.

This week in our To the Churches series, we focused on the letter to the church in Pergamum—a city steeped in idolatry, immorality, and cultural compromise. Mark walked us through the backdrop of Pergamum’s intense spiritual environment and showed how Jesus’ words to this church still ring true for us today. In a city where Caesar claimed ultimate power and where temples and idols surrounded believers, Jesus reminded them—and us—that He holds the true sword of power. This message challenges us to stay faithful, identify cultural pressure points, and repent where we’ve allowed compromise to take root. It’s a call to allegiance, clarity, and singular devotion to Jesus.

Questions for Discussion:

1. When Jesus describes himself as the one who has the two-edged sword, how does that make you feel?

2. What about our time and culture sounds similar to life in Pergamum?

3. What does it look like to HOLD FAST to Jesus' name?

4. What other teachings are most enticing to believers today?

5. Is the word REPENT an encouraging or discouraging word to you? Why?

Dive deeper into the doctrine of salvation with Charlie and Abigail on the Cultivate Podcast as they explore various theories of atonement. Moving beyond the commonly discussed penal substitutionary atonement, they introduce lesser-known perspectives such as Christ the Victor, Moral Influence, Ransom, Governmental, and Recapitulation theories. To make these complex theological concepts more accessible, Charlie and Abigail engage in a "fascinating exercise" using pop culture examples. They discuss the sacrificial deaths of characters from The Green Mile, A Tale of Two Cities, Iron Man, Black Widow, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter, analyzing which atonement theories best align with these fictional narratives. This episode offers a unique and engaging way to understand the multifaceted theological interpretations of Jesus's sacrifice.

In this week’s sermon from our To The Churches series, we look at the powerful message to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2. Mark shares how these words from Jesus—direct, red-letter encouragements—still speak to us today. Smyrna was a city marked by affluence and pressure, where Christians faced slander, poverty, and persecution for refusing to bow to Caesar. And yet, Jesus didn’t rebuke them—He reminded them of who He is: the First and the Last, the One who died and came to life.

This message reminds us that suffering isn’t a sign of God’s absence but often where His presence is most profound. Whether it’s stories of students choosing service over ease or the powerful example of Polycarp, the call is the same: be faithful, even when it’s hard. Because He is worthy.

Questions for Discussion:

What accomplishment of a person would earn the most respect from you? Example?

Does the fact that Jesus was there in the beginning and will be there in the end move you? How?

How does the fact that Jesus overcame death impact you and the way you see Him?

Is the thought that He is with you and well aware of your situation encouraging to you? Why?

Does the command to be fearless and faithful seem possible? Why or why not?

In what ways do you feel like the voice and authority of Jesus need an upgrade in your life?

Join Charlie and Abigail on the Cultivate Podcast as they continue their deep dive into soteriology, the study of salvation. This week, they tackle a crucial question often overlooked in discussions about faith: What role does the resurrection of Jesus play in our salvation? While the cross is frequently emphasized, Charlie and Abigail explore how the resurrection validates Jesus's identity, confirms the effectiveness of His atonement, and serves as the source of new spiritual life and the guarantee of our future resurrection. They discuss how understanding the resurrection provides a deeper and more complete picture of the Gospel, moving beyond mere forgiveness to a transformed life in Christ. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will challenge your understanding and deepen your appreciation for this foundational Christian truth.

This week in our To The Churches series, we looked at the letter to the church in Ephesus. Known for its perseverance, moral integrity, and discernment, the Ephesian church seemed to be doing everything right. But Jesus still had one thing against them—they had forgotten their first love. Charlie unpacks how this warning isn’t just for ancient believers, but for all of us who have traded love for discipline, or connection for routine. It’s a timely reminder that Jesus doesn’t just want our right beliefs and behavior—He wants our hearts. If your walk with God has started to feel like a job, this one is for you.

How does the historical background help inform Jesus’s letter to the church of Ephesus?

What were they doing well? Does that feel like a complete list?

What is missing? What were they struggling with?

What did Jesus mean by “first love?”

How are you like the church of Ephesus? How is our church? What can you learn from this letter?