Kitchen Table Theology Pastor Jeff Cranston

Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! We’re your hosts, Jen Denton, and Pastor Jeff Cranston. This is our second episode in a new series on the Church. The Doctrine of the Church is also known as the doctrine of Ecclesiology. And over the course of this series, we will delve into seven snapshots of what the New Testament teaches us about the church. The NT says that the Church is a flock, a fellowship, a body, a bride, a family, as God’s House, and a priesthood.



[01:37]  Fellowship 


What do college football and fellowship have in common?The definition of fellowship; when you get to know other people because you're headed in the same direction Unity in the church is not about being similar. We have unity because we are in Christ 

[11:36] Disunity in the Church 


When Christians are divided are they tearing down the walls of the church? However you organize your church, a good structure should promote unity and harmony and downplayed differences 


[16:59] Breaking Down the Meaning of Fellowship 


Fellowship comes from the Greek word Koinonia the root simply meaning common While the Greeks placed an emphasis on the individual, they also believed that as an individual you lived by, and for the societyFellowship means to share with someone in something  


[18:50] So What? 


Is fellowship something that should stay within the four walls of the church?The love Christians have for one another can influence others toward faith in Jesus ChristFellowship enables community prayer, congregational worship, church decision making, baptism, and communion  Christian fellowship is absolutely essential to our spiritual growth, but many believers today wrongly don't recognize the importance of fellowship or local church involvementFinal words from Jen and Pastor Jeff 


 


Key Quotes:


“Fellowship is not just something the church is, it’s something the church does.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 

“When we talk about unity, we have unity, because we're all saved in the church, by Christ, not because we all look alike, act alike, breathe alike, talk alike, or even dress alike.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

“The love Christians have for one another can influence others toward faith in Jesus Christ. And that's all part of fellowship.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston  

“Many believers today wrongly don't recognize the importance of fellowship or local church involvement. But Christian fellowship is absolutely essential to our spiritual growth.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 


 


Scripture Mentioned


Acts 2:42Eph 4:3-4 Jude 1:3Titus 1:4 Hebrews 10: 24-25 




Join the Conversation


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 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!

Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! We’re your hosts, Jen Denton, and Pastor Jeff Cranston. Today is our first episode of a new series on the Church. The Doctrine of the Church is also known as the doctrine of Ecclesiology. And over the course of this series, we will delve into seven snapshots of what the New Testament teaches us about the church. The NT says that the Church is a flock, a fellowship, a body, a bride, a family, as God’s House, and a priesthood.
[04:11]  The Meaning of Ecclesiology
Ecclesiology is a theological term used to refer to the church. Meaning both “a called out group” and “belonging to the Lord”

[07:40] The Church Is a Flock
Arguably Jesus' favorite description of the church, the flock of God is one of the most practical illustrations of Christ and the church (see scripture mentioned below) The illustration that people are sheep may not be flattering, but the Word of God consistently refers to the church as a flock of sheep who need provision, particularly the provision of spiritual food.”Three terms that are used in the NT to refer to the same church leaderPoimen - Where Jesus says to Peter, "Take care of My sheep" that's the word poimen, it's the word pastor. Pastor means to take care of a flockPresbuteros - "elder" in Greek. "Presbyterian" comes from this,  referring to spiritual maturity, not physical maturityEpiscopos - means a spiritual manager, supervisor, overseer. It refers to the managing aspects of church leadershipWe must remember all church leaders serve under Jesus Christ 
[21:43] Closing Up
Final words from Jen and Pastor JeffEmail your questions for our upcoming Q&A to pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org or stay tuned to our Instagram @pastorjeffcranston 
 
Key Quotes:
“The sheep can provide nothing for itself and can only prosper as it follows the direction of the shepherd. Its only obligation is to submit to His leading and authority. Thus, the church is directed as the flock of God to submit to his authority and that of the chief Shepherd.” - Dr. Robert Saucy
“And those of us, like me, we readily acknowledge that we serve under the one Great and Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Pastor Jeff Cranston 
 
Scripture Mentioned
Luke 12:32Acts 20:281 Peter 5:1-3John 10:16Hebrews 13:171 Peter 5:1-2Acts 20:17-38 
Books Mentioned
The Church in God’s Program by  Robert L. Saucy 
Join the Conversation
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 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!

Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! This is a special interview episode with Pastor Jeff Cranston and our guest, Dr. Dave Park
Dr. Dave Park is the founder and president of Infusion and His Passion Ministries. Dave has ministered to pastors, youth leaders, parents, and students for over 25 years all over the world including Panama, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, and Israel. Dave and his team provide training, seminars, conferences, workshops, and one on one counseling to people mainly in the areas of their identity in Christ. He has co-authored more than 17 best-selling books with Dr. Neil T.  Anderson and has been nominated for three Gold Medallion Awards.
Dave is married to his lovely wife, Grace, has three children, thirteen grand-babies, and one Siamese cat.
[0:27]  Introducing Dr. Dave Park
Dave and Pastor Jeff chat about meeting each other, cats going to heaven, and introduce today’s discussion[03:11] Our Identity In Christ Changes Our Nature
Dr. Dave explains how dogmatic we can mistakenly become by reversing our Theology. An example, in Ephesians' first three chapters it's about identity; who we are in Christ. Yet, we can forget about that and immediately dive into the practicality of what we must do in ChristWe have been made holy by God, not by anything we do, that He may dwell in us. We have intimacy in Christ that we can rest in because He's provided the way of salvation. Thus, Jesus said on  the cross, "it's finished."[09:18]  Infusion and His Passion Ministries
 Dr. Dave talks about how God led him to start his ministry. As a young man, despite promise and success, Dr. Dave had many insecurities and an orphan spirit. He was always striving to be loved by God[14:21] Going From Knowing Theology to Applying It
Staring with knowing Theology deeper; Dr. Dave recommends starting with EphesiansDr. Dave on his thoughts about the American Church  and the concepts of identity in ChristDr. Dave's recommendations on where to start with theology[26:02] Closing Up
Final words from Dr. Dave and Pastor JeffVisit https://www.infusionnow.org for more resources and to learn more about theology  


Tweetable Quotes:
“Keeping God's commandments is a serious thing to God in his heart, but it's not done to sustain or to provide salvation. It's done to express our love for God. " - Dr. Dave Park 
"Most of the bondages, or most of the sins in my life, were made trying to meet my own needs, or trying to find satisfaction, or pleasure, or peace or comfort in another area besides my Jesus." - Dr. Dave Park 
 
Scripture Mentioned: 
1 Cor 3:16Rom 7:15

Books Mentioned: 
The Common Made Holy by Neil T. AndersonThe Bondage Breaker by Neil T. AndersonStomping Out the Darkness Paperback by Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park 
 Join the Conversation
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 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!

Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton are wrapping up our study of understanding our identity in Christ. In previous podcasts we’ve talked about the believer’s position in Christ, and the doctrines of justification, sanctification, glorification, regeneration, and adoption. On today’s podcast we’re going to talk about the Doctrine of Reconciliation 


[01:34] The Meaning of Reconciliation   
Jen kicks off our podcast with a story about great American poet, Elizabeth Barrett BrowningA change of relationship between two people from hostility to harmony Enmity with God [10:08] How Reconciliation Takes Place     
Reconciliation comes only through the death of Jesus Three highly debated views on the doctrine of ReconciliationGod is reconciled to us We are reconciled to God Both are reconciled to each other [19:38] So What? 
How the doctrine of reconciliation ties into evangelism and how this truth plays out in our daily lives The act of reconciliation has been completed on the cross Every person is in the position to receive salvation through Jesus Christ 

[25:05] Closing Segment         
Final words and announcements from Pastor Jeff and Jen Email your questions for our upcoming Q&A to pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org or stay tuned to our Instagram @pastorjeffcranston 
Tweetable Quotes:
“Through sin we were alienated and separated from God, but through the death of Christ, peace with God and salvation was made possible for all who believe in Christ.”   - Pastor Jeff Cranston 
“Reconciliation means God has favor and mercy towards every human being on the planet — past, present and future. And that every person is in a position to receive the salvation that Jesus offers.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston 
 
Bible Verses Mentioned: 
Ephesians 2:16  Romans 11:28Romans 5:9 Romans 5:102 Corinthians 5:212 Corinthians 5:92 Corinthians 5:19

Resources Mentioned/ Footnotes:
And Can It Be, That I Should Gain? Poem by Charles Wesley 
Join the Conversation
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 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!

Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! Today we are continuing our study of understanding our identity in Christ. In previous podcasts we’ve talked about the believer’s position in Christ, and the doctrines of justification, sanctification, glorification, and regeneration. And on today’s podcast we’re going to talk about the doctrine of adoption.
[01:34] The Meaning of Adoption   
The graceful and merciful right bestowed upon sinners through which a person is given admission into God’s familyHow regeneration, adoption and justification are tied together [07:58] Adoption In the Bible    
Redemptive adoption in the NT The concept of the word adoption is more Greco-Roman than it is HebrewSee Scripture listed below [11:24] The Role of the Trinity In Adoption
The Father is the divine lover who predestined us for adoptionThe Son is our redeemer who saved us from death The Holy Spirit enables us to cry out to God as Father and assures us within that we are God’s children[13:03] So What? 
God uses the biblical teaching on sonship to minister to us and through us to others. How we can share the gospel with someone using the doctrine of adoption[16:43] Closing Segment         
Resources to take a deeper dive into this doctrine (links below) Final words and announcements from Pastor Jeff and Jen Tweetable Quotes:
“When we come to Christ, as part of our salvation, we become a part of God’s family; Sons and daughters.” - Jen Denton 


“The Godhead, the Trinity, loves us dearly and planned our adoption, accomplished the work of redemption necessary to adopt us, and applied adoption to us as God’s sons and daughters.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston
 
Bible Verses Mentioned: 
Titus 3:7Romans 8:14-17, 23, 29Galatians 3:25-4:7John 1:121 John 3:1Romans 8:15, 23Galatians 4:5Ephesians 1:5Romans 8:15-161 John 4:16

Resources Mentioned/ Footnotes:
Knowing God by J.I. PackerTrevor Burke’s Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline MetaphorChildren of the Living God: Sinclair B. FergusonAdopted by God: From Wayward Sinners to Cherished Children Book by Robert A. Peterson 
Join the Conversation
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 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!

“You must not do, you must not even try to do, the will of the Father unless you are prepared to know the doctrine.” - C. S. Lewis
Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! Today we are continuing our study of understanding who we are in Christ.  
[01:37] Regeneration  
Bishop John Taylor Smith and Evangelist George Whitefield on the importance of regeneration (in Christ’s words “You must be born again.”)Regeneration is the work of God that gives new life to anyone who believes in Jesus as Lord and Saviour.The indwelling work of the Trinity in the life of the new believer (John 14:23). [12:31] New Creatures as a Result of Regeneration  
Regeneration is the foundation upon which our total salvation is built. How Regeneration plays itself out in our lives by bearing the fruit of our salvation. [16:01] What Difference Does Regeneration Make for Our Lives?    
No longer living in habitual sin (1 John 3:9) Christ-like love for othersBeginning to live a victorious life and overcome the pressures and temptations of the worldEven though we are not untouched by Satan, We are protected from Satan as Jesus continues to be our intercessory prayer warrior (Luke 22:31-34).[23:24] Closing Segment         
Recovering and reviving the doctrine of RegenerationFinal words and announcements from Pastor Jeff and Jen 
Tweetable Quotes:
“Regeneration is the act of being made born again, or born from above, through the work of the Holy Spirit.” — Pastor Jeff Cranston
“Regeneration is the foundation upon which our total salvation is built. Without new life in Christ, there is no possibility of receiving the other aspects of salvation.” — Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned: 
Titus 3:5John 3:3John 3:7Matt 19:28John 14:23Romans 8:111 John 3:9Ephesians 4: 241 John 5:3-4 Luke 22:31-34

Resources Mentioned/ Footnotes:
John Taylor Smith George Whitefield 
Join the Conversation
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 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!