Kitchen Table Theology

Pastor Jeff Cranston
  • 5.0 (134)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!

  1. 1d ago

    294 How We Got Here...And Where We're Going Next

    Through our study of the Patristic Period, we’ve seen how the earliest Christians followed Jesus, defended the truth, structured the church, and lived out Scripture.  Tiffany and Pastor Jeff reflect on the most important themes from the historical theology series and how the faith of the early church continues to speak to Christians today.  They also introduce the questions that will guide the next series: Where did Scripture come from? How were the books of the Bible recognized? Why were some writings excluded? And why can we confidently trust the Bible we hold today?  Chapters: 01:40 People and Writings from the Patristic Period We revisit early church fathers such as Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, Papias, and Irenaeus, along with writings including the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas. 03:45 Why Church History Still Matters The earliest Christian writings reveal how believers wrestled with questions about following Christ, worship, evangelism, caring for one another, and defending the truth. 05:00 Church History as the Blueprints of the Christian Faith The New Testament provides the foundation, while early Christian writings help us understand how believers first put biblical truth into practice. 06:05 The Early Church’s Focus on Jesus Christ Despite suffering and theological challenges, early Christians continually returned to Christ’s death, resurrection, return, and the hope believers have in Him. 09:05 The Unchanging Mission of the Church Cultures, buildings, technology, and methods change, but the church’s calling to preach Christ, teach Scripture, proclaim the gospel, and care for God’s people remains the same. 11:05 Did the Church Decide Which Books Belonged in the Bible? Tiffany and Pastor Jeff explain the important distinction between creating Scripture and recognizing the authority Scripture already possessed. 13:25 What Today’s Christians Can Learn from the Early Church The challenges faced by early believers remind Christians to remain rooted in Christ, grounded in Scripture, and faithful amid persecution, false teaching, and cultural change. 14:30 Introducing the Next Series: How Did We Get the Bible? The next series will explore the canon of Scripture, lost books, the Gospel of Thomas, the Apocrypha, early church councils, and why Christians can trust the Bible. “ Christianity isn’t built on myths or legends. It's rooted in historical events, faithful witness, and above all, the revelation of God to mankind.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  2. Jul 19

    293 The Letter to Diognetus: Explaining Christianity to the Roman World

    The Roman world couldn’t figure Christians out. They weren’t pagans, they weren’t exactly Jews, and although they lived ordinary lives, there was something remarkably different about them. So, who were these early Christians, and what did they actually believe?  In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston discuss the Letter to Diognetus, one of the earliest Christian writings addressed to a nonbeliever. They discuss how the letter defended Christianity in the Roman world, challenged pagan idolatry, distinguished Christianity from Judaism, and described believers as ordinary people whose lives were transformed by their heavenly citizenship.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Who Were the Early Christians? The Roman world struggled to categorize Christians because they weren’t pagans or simply another Jewish group, yet their lives were noticeably different. 03:00 Christianity in the Roman World By approximately AD 130, Christianity had become distinct enough within Roman society that people were asking who Christians were and what they believed. 04:15 What Is the Letter to Diognetus? This anonymous early Christian document was written to explain and defend Christianity to a pagan audience unfamiliar with the Bible. 07:05 Three Questions About the Christian Faith The writer addresses who Christians worship, why they demonstrate remarkable love, and why the Christian way of life appeared when it did. 08:00 Defending Christianity Without Quoting Scripture Because Scripture held no authority for his pagan audience, the apologist appealed to reason, observation, and the lives of Christians. 09:35 The Letter’s Challenge to Pagan Idolatry The writer exposes the irrationality of creating an idol with human hands and then worshiping it as a source of meaning and direction. 13:35 How Christianity Differs From Jewish Ritualism The writer explains that Israel’s sacrifices and covenant markers find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin. 16:05 Christians as the Soul of the World The writer compares Christians to the soul within the body, describing how faithful believers can serve as a conscience to the surrounding world. 17:35 How Christian Living Challenges Culture Generosity confronts greed, forgiveness challenges revenge, humility confronts pride, and love demonstrates that another way of life is possible. 18:35 Final Thoughts and a Challenge to Read Diognetus Tiffany and Pastor Jeff encourage listeners to read the Letter to Diognetus before returning for the second part of their discussion. “ Here's the question the letter to Diognetus forces us to consider: what are we becoming because of what we worship? Because worship always shapes the worshiper.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston Sources:  Read the Letter to Diognetus: http://public-library.uk/ebooks/61/61.pdfBackground on the Letter to Diognetus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_Diognetus 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  3. Jul 12

    292 The Shepherd of Hermas: Wisdom, Warnings, and a Window into the Early Church

    How should Christians approach an early church writing that is valuable, influential, and sometimes theologically troubling? The Shepherd of Hermas was one of the most widely read Christian writings of the 2nd century. Through visions, commandments, and parables, it called believers to repentance, holiness, generosity, and faithfulness in a culture that often pulled them in the opposite direction. But the book also raises serious Theological questions. Today, we examine the background, message, strengths, and weaknesses of The Shepherd of Hermas. We learn how studying it can deepen our understanding of the early church while strengthening our confidence in the authority of God’s Word. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Shepherd of Hermas The Shepherd of Hermas is one of the most unusual writings from the Apostolic Fathers and offers a window into the beliefs, struggles, and priorities of second-century Christians. 03:05 What Is The Shepherd of Hermas? The book presents the first-person account of a Christian named Hermas and combines visions, commandments, warnings, promises, and symbolic parables. 06:05 Who Was Hermas? Hermas was likely a real Christian living in Rome, although parts of the work may have been written or edited over time by others. 07:00 Why The Shepherd of Hermas Was Not Scripture The Muratorian Fragment describes the book as valuable for Christians to read while clearly distinguishing it from the inspired books of the New Testament. 08:10 The Popularity and Strengths of Hermas The Shepherd of Hermas was widely read in the early church and strongly emphasized holiness, generosity, repentance, and living for God’s kingdom. 10:50 When Holiness Becomes Legalism Hermas’ strict teaching about sin after baptism and his restrictive view of repentance can turn a healthy call to holiness into legalism and perfectionism. 13:35 The Limited Focus on Jesus and the Gospel Although Christ appears under titles such as the Son of God, the book gives little attention to Jesus’ earthly ministry, death, resurrection, or the work of the Holy Spirit. 15:35 Measuring Every Teaching Against Scripture Church history and early Christian writings can be helpful, but every book, sermon, tradition, and podcast must ultimately be tested against the final authority of God’s Word. 17:10 Why Christians Should Read The Shepherd of Hermas The book helps modern believers understand how early Christians wrestled with holiness, temptation, repentance, and faithful living, even when some of their conclusions were flawed. “Hermas refuses to let comfortable Christianity exist.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston Sources:  Background on the Shepherd of Hermas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shepherd_of_Hermas 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  4. Jul 5

    291 The Patristic Period | Papias of Hieropolis: Lost Writings, Living Voice

    When you think about what you believe as a Christian… where did those beliefs come from? For many, the trail leads back to the apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus, and church leaders like Papias of Hierapolis. Papias was connected to the Apostle John, knew Polycarp, and helped preserve early Christian teaching during the generation after the apostles. Though most of his writings have been lost, what remains gives us valuable insight into the origins of the Gospels, the importance of eyewitness testimony, and the early church’s commitment to passing down the truth about Jesus. This episode explores Papias’ life, writings, and lasting influence on Christian theology. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Papias of Hierapolis Papias of Hierapolis was one of the earliest church fathers in the Patristic Period and a significant link between the Apostolic Era and the generation that followed. 02:00 Papias and His Connection to the Apostle John Irenaeus described Papias as a hearer of the Apostle John, and Papias was also known as a companion of Polycarp. 03:15 Why Papias Matters Papias was deeply concerned with preserving what the apostles actually taught about Jesus and passing that truth along faithfully. 04:30 The Lost Writings of Papias Papias wrote a five-volume work called The Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord, but only fragments remain through later writers like Eusebius and Irenaeus. 05:30 Papias and the Origins of the Gospels The surviving fragments of Papias give early insight into the origins of the Gospels, including Mark’s connection to Peter’s teaching and Matthew’s original composition. 08:10 Apostolic Tradition and Eyewitness Testimony Papias placed strong value on the oral testimony of those who knew the apostles, emphasizing the reliability of eyewitnesses in preserving the truth about Jesus. 11:40 Papias’ Focus on Jesus’ Teachings Papias sought to compile and interpret the sayings of Jesus while relying on apostolic sources, helping later Christians understand the early transmission of Christ’s teaching. 13:00 Papias’ Theology and Lasting Influence Papias taught a premillennial view of Christ’s return and preserved early Christian traditions that continue to shape how believers understand the apostles, the Gospels, and early church theology. “Papias gives us a solid historical testimony for the formation of our Christian theology. His story reminds us that the early church wasn't built on rumors or legends that developed some centuries after Jesus ascended into heaven.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston Sources:  Background on Papias of Hierapoli:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papias_of_Hierapolis 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  5. Jun 28

    290 The Patristic Period | The Epistle of Barnabas: Seeing Jesus in All of Scripture

    The Epistle of Barnabas is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament, offering a glimpse into how believers shortly after the apostolic age understood Scripture, Jesus, and the Christian life. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany explore what the Epistle of Barnabas is and why the early church valued this document without recognizing it as Scripture. The letter reads the Old Testament through the lens of Christ, why Jesus is the fulfillment and center of God’s story, and how the “way of light” and the “way of darkness” remind believers that following Christ is not only about knowing truth, but walking in it. Chapters: 00:50 Introduction to the Epistle of Barnabas The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian document that offers insight into how believers shortly after the New Testament period understood Scripture, Jesus, and the relationship between Christianity and Judaism. 01:35 Who Was Barnabas? The name Barnabas often points people to Paul’s companion in Acts, but the letter itself does not identify its author. 02:45 When Was the Epistle of Barnabas Written? Many scholars date the letter sometime after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and before Hadrian’s rebuilding of Jerusalem in the early 130s AD. 04:45 Why the Letter Is Not Scripture The early church valued the Epistle of Barnabas, but eventually recognized it as helpful Christian literature rather than part of the New Testament canon. 06:30 Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament The letter reads the Old Testament in light of Jesus and presents Christ as the fulfillment and center of Scripture. 08:00 Allegorical Interpretation in the Early Church Allegorical interpretation looks beyond the immediate event to see a deeper spiritual meaning, especially in Old Testament stories understood as pointing to Christ. 11:15 The Way of Light and the Way of Darkness The letter presents humanity as walking one of two paths: the way of light or the way of darkness. Following Jesus means walking in the way of light. 14:30 Why the Epistle of Barnabas Still Matters This ancient document reminds believers to see the whole Bible as pointing to Jesus and to let God’s truth shape their choices, habits, and character. “The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian writing that gives us a window into how some believers shortly after the New Testament period were thinking about scripture, Jesus, and specifically the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston Sources:  Background on the Epistle of Barnabas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_of_BarnabasRead the Epistle of Barnabas: https://dn760005.eu.archive.org/0/items/epistleofbarnaba00barn/epistleofbarnaba00barn.pdf 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  6. Jun 21

    289 The Patristic Period | Polycarp of Smyrna: Faithful Unto Death

    Polycarp lived at a time when the early church was facing pressure from Rome, false teaching from within, and the growing challenge of preserving the message handed down by the apostles.  In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany look at the life of Polycarp of Smyrna, one of the Apostolic Fathers and a direct link to the Apostle John. They discuss his role as bishop of Smyrna, his influence on Irenaeus, his defense of apostolic truth, and his faithful witness even unto death.  Chapters: 01:00 Who Was Polycarp of Smyrna? Polycarp was one of the Apostolic Fathers, a bishop in Smyrna, and a direct link between the apostles and the next generation of Christian leaders. 03:00 Polycarp’s Connection to the Apostles Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and was known by Irenaeus as someone instructed by the apostles and connected to those who had seen Christ. 05:00 The Apostolic Fathers The Apostolic Fathers were early Christian leaders who lived just after the apostles and helped guide the church through its first generations. 08:30 False Teaching in the Early Church The early church faced pressure from Rome on the outside and false teaching from within, including movements like Gnosticism and Marcionism. 10:00 What Was Marcionism? Marcion rejected parts of Scripture and taught a divided view of God, claiming the Old Testament God and the God revealed by Jesus were different. 15:00 Polycarp and Irenaeus Polycarp mentored Irenaeus and modeled how to stand firmly for truth while showing grace in secondary disagreements. 17:30 Polycarp’s Arrest Roman authorities arrested Polycarp when he was 86 years old and pressured him to deny Christ by offering incense to Caesar. 20:00 The Martyrdom of Polycarp Polycarp refused to deny Jesus, declaring that Christ had never done him wrong and that he  “Nearly 2,000 years later, we sit here and we still remember Polycarp, not because he was powerful or wealthy or famous. We remember him because he was faithful.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston Resources Mentioned:  Read more about the life of Polycarp: https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/martyrdompolycarp-lightfoot.html 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  7. Jun 14

    288 The Patristic Period | Irenaeus: Guarding the Gospel

    Irenaeus lived at a time when the church was being attacked from the outside by persecution and from the inside by false teaching. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany look at the life of Irenaeus, one of the early church’s most important defenders of the gospel. Connected closely to the apostles through Polycarp, Irenaeus helped preserve apostolic teaching, confront the rise of Gnosticism, and guide the church with both truth and grace. Chapters: 01:00 Who Was Irenaeus? Irenaeus was one of the most important Christian leaders of the second century. Closely connected to the apostles through Polycarp, his life is bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed. 02:00 Asia Minor and the Early Church Asia Minor, located in what is now modern-day Turkey, played a major role in early church history 03:30 Irenaeus’ Connection to the Apostle John The Apostle John taught Polycarp, Polycarp taught Irenaeus, placing Irenaeus only one generation removed from an eyewitness of Jesus Christ. 05:00 Irenaeus in Lyon After studying briefly in Rome, Irenaeus moved to Lyon in Gaul, modern-day France. There, he joined the leadership of a growing Christian congregation in one of the most important cities in Western Europe. 07:30 Persecution in Lyon While Irenaeus was away in Rome, severe persecution broke out against the Christians in Lyon. Nearly 50 believers were martyred, including Blandina, Sanctus, and the elderly bishop Pothinus. 11:00 Irenaeus Becomes Bishop of Lyon After returning from Rome, Irenaeus was chosen to replace Pothinus as bishop of Lyon. For the next 25 years, he shepherded the church, trained leaders, sent missionaries, and strengthened scattered congregations throughout the region. 12:30 What Was Gnosticism? Gnosticism was one of the greatest challenges facing the early church. Many Gnostics believed that physical matter was evil, denied that Jesus truly became human, and claimed to possess secret knowledge unavailable to ordinary Christians. 16:30 Irenaeus and Against Heresies Irenaeus’ most famous work, Against Heresies, exposed the errors of Gnostic teaching and defended the faith handed down from the apostles. His writings helped explain Christian doctrine clearly and earned him the title “the father of Christian theology.”  18:30 The Quartodeciman Controversy Another major issue during Irenaeus’ lifetime involved the timing of Easter. Rather than allowing a calendar disagreement to divide the church, Irenaeus urged believers to maintain fellowship where the gospel itself was not at stake. 22:30 What Irenaeus Teaches Christians Today Stay rooted in apostolic truth, guard the gospel carefully, and pursue unity whenever possible.  “Irenaeus fought fiercely for essential doctrines while showing remarkable charity to others in secondary matters.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

  8. Jun 7

    287 The Patristic Period | Ignatius of Antioch: A Faith Bigger Than Life

    Ignatius of Antioch lived so close to the time of the apostles that his life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed. In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston introduce listeners to Ignatius of Antioch, an early church leader whose courage, writings, and final journey to Rome continue to challenge and encourage Christians today. Ignatius was arrested for being a Christian and sentenced to die in the Roman arena. Yet instead of responding with panic or bitterness, his letters reveal confidence, joy, and unwavering hope in Christ. Through his story, we see the importance of church unity, the danger of false teaching, and the eternal perspective that has sustained believers through suffering for nearly 2,000 years. Chapters: 01:00 Who Was Ignatius of Antioch? Ignatius of Antioch was one of the earliest and most influential leaders in church history. His life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed. 02:00 Antioch and the Early Church Antioch was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and a major center for early Christian discipleship, missionary work, and church growth. It was also the city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians. 05:15 Ignatius as Bishop of Antioch Ignatius served as the third bishop of Antioch, overseeing a network of house churches spread throughout the city and surrounding region.  07:00 Ignatius’ Final Journey to Rome After being arrested for his faith, Ignatius was taken from Antioch to Rome to face execution in the arena. Along the way, believers came out to meet him, and hoped to rescue him from his fate. 11:30 The Letters of Ignatius During his journey to Rome, Ignatius wrote seven letters that still offer a valuable glimpse into the life of the early church. In them, he addressed church unity, false teaching, faithful leadership, suffering, and perseverance. 13:30 Why Church History Still Matters Studying Ignatius reminds Christians that many of the challenges we face today are not new. The early church also dealt with fear, division, doctrinal confusion, cultural pressure, and suffering, yet Christ faithfully sustained His people. 17:00 What Ignatius Teaches Us About Eternal Hope Ignatius’ final journey points believers to a deeper question: Is Christ truly our greatest treasure?  “Ignatius understood something profound; Death is not the end for the believer, and he submitted wholly to the will of God.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 👉 Visit Pastor Jeff Cranston on Amazon or his website to explore his books and booklets written to support believers in their walk with Christ. We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter.  Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.  Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

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About

Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!

Information

  • Creator
    Pastor Jeff Cranston
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    294
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kitchen Table Theology
  • Show Website
    Kitchen Table Theology

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