Kitchen Table Theology

Pastor Jeff Cranston
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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. -4 ДН.

    285 The Patristic Period: Clement of Rome

    284 Intro Historical Theology: Why Church History Matters After the apostles died, the church did not disappear. It continued to preserve, defend, and pass down the truth once delivered to the saints.  In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany continue their historical theology series by introducing Clement of Rome, one of the earliest Apostolic Fathers. They explain why Clement matters, what his letter to the Corinthian church reveals about early Christian belief, and how his writings point believers back to Scripture, humility, unity, and justification by faith in Christ alone. 00:55 What Is Historical Theology? Historical theology studies how Christian doctrine developed and was defended throughout church history. 02:30 The Patristic Period After the death of the Apostle John, the church entered the patristic period, the era of the early church fathers. 04:00 Who Were the Apostolic Fathers? The Apostolic Fathers include Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Papias of Hierapolis, and several key early Christian writings, including The Didache, The Epistle of Barnabas, The Shepherd of Hermas, and The Epistle to Diognetus.  06:15 What Does Orthodoxy Mean? Orthodoxy means right belief, helping Christians distinguish true biblical doctrine from error. 07:30 Preserving Apostolic Teaching After the apostles died, the church did not disappear. Early Christian leaders helped preserve and defend the teachings handed down to them. 11:00 Who Was Clement of Rome? Clement of Rome was an early bishop who lived near the end of the first century and wrote an important letter to the church at Corinth. 18:15 Justification by Faith in the Early Church Clement clearly taught that salvation is not earned by human effort, but received by faith in Christ. 20:30 What Clement Teaches Us Today Clement reminds believers to be shaped by Scripture, pursue unity, and trust in Christ alone for salvation. “ Studying historical theology should make us steadier. Clement reminds us that faithful Christians anchor themselves in scripture. We pursue humility.” – 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!

    24 мин.

  2. 10 МАЯ

    284 Intro Historical Theology: Why Church History Matters

    Historical theology is not history for history’s sake. It helps Christians ask an important question: Do we believe the same truths the church has always believed, or have we created something new? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston introduces historical theology and explains why it matters for every follower of Jesus. Historical theology traces how believers throughout the centuries have understood, defended, debated, and articulated biblical truth. This includes major doctrines, important theologians, church history, creeds, confessions, and the theological controversies that helped shape the Christian faith.  01:20 What Is Historical Theology? Historical theology gives an overview of Christian doctrine through the centuries, including important trends, debates, and theological developments in church history. 03:15 Why Church History Matters Christians should know not only what they believe, but also who else in church history believed it and why. 04:15 Are We Believing Historic Christian Truth? Historical theology helps believers ask whether their beliefs align with the truths the church has always confessed, or whether they have adopted something new and novel. 05:00 Theology Is Meant to Be Applied Pastor Jeff reminds listeners that studying theology is not only about knowing truth, but learning how to apply it faithfully as followers of Jesus. “Do we believe the same truths that the church has always believed, or have we come up with something new and novel?” – 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!

    7 мин.

  3. 3 МАЯ

    283 God's Design for Government and the Christian's Role (Part Three)

    When does obeying the government become disobeying God? In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany continue their series on Christians and civil government by addressing the tension between submission to authority and ultimate allegiance to God. Using Romans 13:1-7 and Acts 5, they explain why Christians are generally called to obey civil laws, respect governing authorities, pay taxes, and live as faithful citizens. But Scripture also gives a clear limit. When human law directly contradicts God’s command, believers must obey God rather than men. This conversation helps Christians think biblically about civil obedience, faithful resistance, conscience, suffering, and trust in God’s sovereignty. What We Discussed 02:00 Romans 13 and Civil Authority Civil authority is part of God’s design for order in a fallen world. 04:00 Should Christians Obey the Law? Christians are generally called to obey the laws of the land as an act of obedience to God. Government exists to establish order, punish evil, and promote justice so society does not fall into chaos. 06:00 Obedience Is Not Based on Agreement Christian obedience to authority is not based on liking or agreeing with the government, but on trusting God’s sovereignty. 09:30 When Christians Should Not Obey When human law directly contradicts God’s command, Christians must obey God rather than men. 11:30 The Cost of Obeying God Faithful obedience to God may come with real consequences, and the Christian witness is shaped by how those consequences are endured. 15:00 Faithful Citizenship in Every Nation Believers are called to be salt and light wherever God has placed them, regardless of the freedoms or political system they live under. 16:30 Everyday Faithfulness Under Authority Faithful citizenship looks like paying taxes, following laws, speaking respectfully, praying for leaders, and standing firm when obedience to God requires it. “Our obedience isn’t based on whether we like the government. Our obedience is not based on whether we agree with the government. Our obedience is based on our trust in God’s sovereignty. “ – 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!

    20 мин.

  4. 26 АПР.

    282 God's Design for Government and the Christian's Role (Part Two)

    How should Christians honor the government without giving it blind approval? The Bible gives clear direction for how to live faithfully as citizens while keeping our highest allegiance to God. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Christians and civil government by walking through five biblical responsibilities believers have toward earthly authority. They discuss what it means to honor government officials, obey laws, pay taxes, serve wisely, and pray for those in leadership.  What We Discussed 02:30 Honoring Government Officials Christians are called to honor government officials, not because every leader is right or godly, but because the office they hold is part of an authority structure God has established. 06:00 Christians Should Respond Differently In a divided political culture, believers are called to be respectful, thoughtful, and measured. Honoring leaders does not mean being naive or silent about wrong, but it does mean refusing to join the culture of mockery and dishonor. 07:30 Christians Are Called to Obey the Government Romans 13 and Titus 3 show that Christians are generally called to obey governing authorities. Pastor Jeff explains that obedience includes ordinary areas of life like traffic laws, regulations, taxes, and government procedures. 08:30 When Obedience Has a Limit The Christian’s ultimate allegiance is to God. If a law directly contradicts God’s Word, believers must obey God rather than men. 09:30 Three Reasons Christians Obey Pastor Jeff gives three motivations for obedience: avoiding legal consequences, keeping a clear conscience before God, and most importantly, honoring the Lord through obedience. 14:00 Supporting, Serving, and Praying for Government Even when believers disagree with how leaders govern or how money is used, they are still called to recognize the larger system God has allowed, participate with discernment, and pray for wisdom, justice, courage, and restraint from evil. 20:30 Faithfulness Does Not Depend on Who Is in Power These responsibilities do not depend on whether Christians like the government or agree with a particular leader. They flow from faithfulness to God and shape the believer’s witness in the world. “Christians are called to be different, not naive, not silent about wrong, but respectful, thoughtful, and measured.”  - 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!

    24 мин.

  5. 20 АПР.

    281 God's Design for Government and the Christian's Role (Part One)

    What does it mean to live faithfully under earthly authority while belonging first to the kingdom of God? For many Christians, government can feel confusing, frustrating, or deeply divisive, yet Scripture speaks clearly about the believer’s responsibility in the world. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany begin a new series on Christians and government by exploring why civil authority exists at all and why believers are called to take their role as citizens seriously. They discuss God’s design for government, the good it can serve in a fallen world, and how a Christian’s witness is shaped by the way they live under authority. This episode offers a grounded and biblical framework for thinking clearly about government, citizenship, and faithful obedience.  What We Discussed 02:00 Christians Live in Two Realms Believers are citizens of heaven, but that does not remove their responsibilities as citizens of earthly nations. 05:00 Government’s First Role Is Restraining Evil Romans 13 shows that civil authority exists to punish wrongdoing, protect life, and uphold justice in a fallen world. 10:00 God Can Work Through Flawed Governments Even when rulers are unjust or ungodly, Scripture shows that God is still sovereign and can use them in His larger plan. 12:00 Good Citizens Recognize the Benefits They Receive Christians benefit from things like public order, legal systems, and infrastructure, and those benefits come with responsibilities. 16:00 Christian Citizenship Affects Christian Witness How believers respond to authority reflects on the gospel, which means obedience and integrity matter in public life. 17:00 When Obedience to God Must Come First Pastor Jeff makes clear that civil obedience has a limit. When government requires disobedience to God, Christians must obey God above all. 18:00 Heavenly Citizenship Should Make Us Better Earthly Citizens The episode closes by reminding listeners that allegiance to Christ should make believers more grounded, thoughtful, and principled in how they live under government. “Our citizenship in heaven does not cancel out our responsibilities here on earth.”  - 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!

    22 мин.

  6. 12 АПР.

    280 The Vinedresser: Why God Prunes the Branches He Loves

    What does it mean for God to prune the people He loves, and how do you respond when spiritual growth feels uncomfortable? In John 15, Jesus describes the Father as the vinedresser, actively tending the branches so they can bear more fruit, but that process is often deeper and more personal than we expect. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches by focusing on the Father’s role as the vinedresser. They unpack what pruning really means, how God uses both His Word and loving discipline to shape believers, and why fruitfulness matters so much in the Christian life. This episode offers a practical and encouraging look at abiding in Christ, submitting to God’s work, and growing in Christlikeness through every season. What We Discussed 03:00 Who the Vinedresser Is in John 15 Jeff and Tiffany explain that in Jesus’ vine-and-branches teaching, God the Father is the vinedresser, the one who tends, cultivates, and prunes the branches so they can bear more fruit. 05:00 Why Pruning Is Part of the Christian Life Pruning is not proof that something is wrong. Jesus teaches that even fruitful branches are pruned so they can become even more fruitful. 06:00 The First Way God Prunes Us: Through His Word The gentler form of pruning happens through Scripture. As believers read and obey God’s Word, He exposes attitudes, habits, and patterns that need to be removed. 10:00 The Second Way God Prunes Us: Through Loving Discipline When God’s Word is ignored, the Father may use correction and discipline to bring His children back. This is not rejection, but loving intervention. 12:00 What Jesus Means by Branches Being Cut Off Jeff addresses the serious warning in John 15 and explains that this passage is not about losing salvation, but about the seriousness of refusing to abide in Christ and bear fruit. 15:00 What Spiritual Fruit Really Is The fruit God wants is not mere productivity or religious activity. It is Christlikeness, the life of Jesus being expressed in the believer through love, humility, obedience, and righteousness. 16:00 Abiding in Christ Is the Source of Fruitfulness Jesus makes it clear that fruit does not come from trying harder. It comes from remaining connected to Him, depending on Him, and drawing life from Him daily. 18:00 God’s Goal Is Fruitfulness, Not Comfort Jeff and Tiffany remind listeners that the Father’s pruning may feel weighty, but it is never hopeless. God is a good gardener, and His purpose is to make His people more like Christ. “His goal is not our comfort. His goal is our fruitfulness.” - 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!

    22 мин.

  7. 5 АПР.

    279 Happy Easter! We'll Be Back Next Week

    Jesus is Risen! Happy Easter, Kitchen Table Theology, family.  We're taking a break for Easter Sunday to reflect, celebrate and spend time at church with our family. If you don't have a church home, we invite you to join us at Low Country Community Church. You can watch the Easter service with Pastor Jeff online: https://www.lowcountrycc.org Next week, we'll continue our Practical Theology series. See you! 👉 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!

    1 мин.

  8. 29 МАР.

    278 Branch Life: Staying in Touch and Stepping in Line

    How do you stay close to Jesus when life feels full, distracted, and fast-moving? Abiding in Christ can sound simple, but living it out daily is often harder than it seems. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Jesus’ teaching about the vine and the branches by focusing on two practical responsibilities of the branch: communicating with Jesus and following His example. They explain why abiding is not a weekly check-in but an ongoing relationship shaped by prayer, Scripture, dependence, and daily obedience. This episode offers a clear and practical picture of what it means to stay connected to Christ and bear fruit that lasts. What We Discussed 03:00 Prayer Is More Than a Scheduled Appointment Healthy relationships are built through constant connection, not brief, formal check-ins. Prayer is meant to be part of daily life, not limited to isolated moments. 07:00 Prayer and Scripture Work Together Communication with Jesus involves both speaking to Him in prayer and hearing from Him through His Word. Neglecting either one weakens the relationship. 12:00 What Believers Are Meant to Imitate in Jesus The episode highlights Christ’s obedience, trust, prayer life, compassion, determination, holiness, truthfulness, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice. 14:00 Admiring Jesus Is Not the Same as Following Him It is possible to respect Jesus from a distance without actually living as He lived. The Christian life calls for active imitation, not passive admiration. 15:00 Practical Questions for Everyday Abiding Pastor Jeff offers simple questions believers can ask throughout the day, including how Jesus would respond, what trusting Him looks like in the moment, and how to show compassion. 17:00 What the Lord Will Evaluate in Our Lives God is not simply measuring output or busyness. He is looking for what was done with Him and what was produced through connection to Christ. 18:00 Abiding Is Simple, But Not Easy Pastor Jeff and Tiffany close by reminding listeners that abiding is a daily, repeated choice to talk with Jesus, listen to His Word, and follow His example. “Christianity has never been meant to be a distant relationship with God. It’s a close daily walk with the living Christ.” ” - 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!

    21 мин.
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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!

Информация

  • Автор
    Pastor Jeff Cranston
  • Годы выхода
    2020 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    285
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © 2026 Kitchen Table Theology
  • Сайт подкаста
    Kitchen Table Theology

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