Kitchen Table Theology

Latest Episodes:

111 Freedom From The Law Jun 26, 2022

Show notes

In the moment of salvation, a believer's separation from sinful nature and from any legalistic obligations to obey God's law is known as freedom from the law. This includes the freedom from condemnation and death that comes as a result of faith in Jesus Christ. The law was not evil, but it served as a mirror to reflect a person's condition in their heart. The law was given through grace and truth. Jesus embodied the perfect balance between grace and the law and he came to earth to fulfill the law. Once he established the new covenant, the sacrificial system was done. Now, grace is fully available to us through Jesus Christ. However, there are still people who cling to rules and regulations, believing that they are doing things 'the right way.' Tune in to learn how to prevent self-righteousness and harm to one's relationship with God!

[00:01 - 03:03] Opening Segment

Thank you to our listeners!

[03:03 - 9:20] Freedom from the Law at the Moment of Salvation

Believers are not under the law but under grace
Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation
Freedom from the law comes through faith in Jesus

[9:21 - 16:51] The Law Points Us to Our Need for Savior

A sacrificial system to cover sin
Jesus embodied the perfect balance between grace and the law
Once Jesus established the new covenant, the sacrificial system was over
Self-righteousness arises when people try to live up to standards that are not found in Scripture

[15:04 - 22:31] The Purpose of the Law: Grace Isn’t A Checkbox

The conflict between grace and the law can arise in five different ways
Grace is God's benevolence or mercy on the undeserving
We are freed from the law by his wants for all sacrifice
Grace has the power to save that which was previously without the impulse to be godly
By living by scripture alone through grace alone and faith alone in Christ alone, we are brought into right standing before almighty God

[22:33 - 24:22] Closing Segment

Final words

Quote/s:

"Rather than trust in the law to save us we trust in Christ. We were freed from that bondage of the law by his wants for all sacrifice. And once you have a proper understanding of that you see there really is no conflict between grace and the law Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf.” - Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned:

Romans 6:14
Galatians 5:1-4
Exodus 20

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 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!

110 Complete in Christ Jun 19, 2022

Show notes

What do we have to do to be fully complete in Christ? In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranson and Jen Denton discuss what it means to be whole when we inherit the kingdom of God. They will also talk about Gnosticism, and how its teachings create repercussions. People are not taught to look for spiritual truths outside of what can be learned through empirical observation and experimentation, which can lead to spiritual blindness. Being complete in Christ means that we have been set free from sin.

[00:01 - 04:52] Opening Segment

What does it mean to be complete in Christ?

[04:53 - 11:17] Gnostic Teachings and its Premises

Matter is fundamentally wicked and spirit is naturally good
- Sins of the flesh are no longer sins
- It’s all about the soul
Higher level of truth that is only known by a select few

[11:18 - 21:26] You are complete in Christ

Paul emphasizes that those who are in Christ have been completed in him
- Regardless of being circumcised or being born of Jewish parents
Circumcision without hands
Those who are obedient to God's law have become part of the holy people of God
There is nothing we can do to increase our standing with God

[21:27 - 23:14] Closing Segment

Final words

Quotes:

"...at the moment of your salvation, you were declared complete in Christ." - Jeff Cranston

"Through Jesus's sacrificial death and his resurrection, all of the work has been done. And our justification is therefore by his grace through faith we can't try harder. We can't work more to obtain a right standing with God. He's done it all." - Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses Mentioned:

Colossians 2:10-12
Romans 2:25-29

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 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!

109 Children of God Jun 12, 2022

Show notes

What does it mean to be a child of God? Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss how being a child of God entails salvation and inheritance. They share how this spiritual reality gives a sense of certainty and peace and assures a relationship with God. Children of God are called to participate in all of God's actions and evangelize other people. They also talk about the different concepts of new birth and other nuances from the multiple accounts in the Bible. With that, tune in to learn more about being a child of God!

[00:01 - 03:25] Opening Segment

What does it take to be a child of God?
- Repentance and faith

[03:26 - 08:07] A Legitimate Child of God

Being born again by the regenerating power of the holy spirit\
We as Christians are born into the greatest family we could ever ask for
Similarities between a royal family and a believer
The different terms used to identify new birth
- Born again
- Regenerated
- Quickened
- Sons of God
- New creation

[08:08 - 17:30] The Different Concepts of New Birth

Born again
- John 3: 1-3
- How this has nothing to do with our natural birth
Regenerated
- Titus 3: 5
- Being cleansed by God as we come in faith in Christ
Quickened
- Revival and preservation of life
- Ephesians 2-4

[17:31 - 22:56] Sons of God and New Creation

A descriptive phrase highlighting the genuine relationship between God and those who are saved by Christ
"Sons of God" includes everyone, not just the males
- 2 Corinthians 6:18
What does it mean to be a new creation?
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

[22:57 - 24:44] Closing Segment

Final words

Quotes:

"When a person is born anew or born again by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit into a relationship with God the Father, that person who is saved is instantaneously declared a legitimate child of God." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with his mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verse/s:

John 3: 1-3
Titus 3: 5
Ephesians 2-4
2 Corinthians 6:18
2 Corinthians 5:17

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 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!

108 Inheritance Jun 05, 2022

Show notes

What is inheritance? This week, we're discussing the instantaneous salvation inheritance that believers receive. This includes forgiveness from our own transgressions, being adopted into God's family, and being a part of God's eternal plan. Pastor Jeff and Jen will talk about different stories that show that our inheritance in Christ is eternal, unchanging, and incredibly intense. This inheritance is not of this world, and so it will never fade. We’ll also talk about what inheritance is in the bible, so tune in and get a taste of heaven here on earth!

[00:01 - 06:10] Opening Segment

A story about a Levi Strauss jeans
A story about a waitress named Cara Wood
At the moment of salvation, the believer is adopted into God's family and forgiven for their own transgressions
Inheritance refers to the blessings God sends our way at this moment, including blessings from our ancestors

[06:11 - 13:54] What the Bible Says About Inheritance

It's the sum of all God has promised us in salvation
The word heritage is tied into the word inheritance
The believer's inheritance is indestructible and unspoiled
- Impervious to deterioration or corruption

[13:55 - 21:56] The Holy Spirit Being a Guarantee of Our Inheritance

We talk about the inherent inheritance that we have in Christ
This inheritance is preserved for us in paradise, and it is guaranteed or promised by the Holy Spirit
Believers can experience a taste of heaven on Earth through the Holy Spirit
Believers will receive their inheritance in heaven at the moment of their salvation

[21:57 - 23:25] Closing Segment

Final words

Quotes:

"What we have in Christ, in other words, is impervious to deterioration or corruption." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"Our inheritance, our birthright is not of this world." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"We experience a little bit of heaven on Earth. And that helps us understand that heaven is real. There's this deep satisfaction that only God can bring, and we get to experience that." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verse/s:

2 Corinthians 4:17

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 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!

107 Bonus Q&A Episode May 29, 2022

Show notes

Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton are back for a Bonus Q&A Episode! They will answer questions on various topics, such as the spirit of judgment and the rapture. The Bible is all about context, so let’s jump right in and gain more clarity on salvation!

[00:10 - 01:36] Opening Segment

[01:37 - 04:44] When Christ Returns to Reign

When Christ returns to reign, where will the believers be who have been in heaven?
- As part of the Lord’s army

[04:45 - 11:01] The Babies When the Rapture Occurs

When the rapture occurs, and Christ’s church is taken to heaven, will it include all children and unborn babies?
- The Lord will take them along with the believers
- Including the children of the non-believers

[11:02 - 17:05] The Spirit of Judgment and the Spirit of Burning

The spirit of judgment
- The influence of God where he is bringing judgment
The spirit of burning
- God’s wrath

[17:06 - 19:30] Closing Segment

Watch out for our next episode about inheritance!
Final words

Bible Verses:

Isaiah 4:2 - 4:6

Quotes:

“We all know what burning does. Burning is a procedure that eliminates unworthy things while purifying the noble. Unworthy things to be free of all impurities. - Pastor Jeff Cranston

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 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!

106 Adoption May 22, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss the two types of adoption in Christianity - positional and experiential. When we are saved, we become children of God. We are no longer dependent on our parents or anyone else for our salvation. We are in a position of responsibility and maturity just like an adult. Jen and Jeff discuss how adoption works differently in Christian life than it does in human life, and how adoptive parents do not have to be related to the child they adopt. They also discuss how positional theology is the idea that we become heirs of all that Christ and heaven have to offer.

[00:10 - 05:11] OpeningSegment

Being adopted into the family of God at the moment of salvation
- Being forgiven for our transgressions

[05:13 - 09:06] Adoption in Christianity

The difference between the Romans and how God adopted the Christians
- Roman law did not recognize adoption of daughters
An outsider becomes an insider
Coming to faith is becoming a child of God
Babes in Christ and matured Christians

[17:08 - 19:40] Closing Segment

Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Quotes:

"The Bible tells us that everyone who's accepted Christ's Savior has been adopted into the family of God, and it pleases God to make us a part of his family." - Jen Denton

"When we have a principle to live out, when we have a command to obey, if you're in Christ one day or you're in Christ 50 years, the command is exactly the same." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

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 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!

105 Forgiveness May 15, 2022

Show notes

Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss the concept of instant Salvation. Christ's death on the cross was a complete and total atonement for our sins, which resulted in forgiveness being applied to us as a result. They also talk about the fact that there are no conditions necessary to receive forgiveness, which includes being baptized in water. Finally, they encourage listeners to constantly remember God's amazing work in their lives and to live for Him completely.

[00:10 - 04:11] Opening Segment

Being redeemed, reconciled to God, and forgiven
The importance of forgiveness

[07:02 - 17:56] Forgiveness and Salvation

Salvation comes as a free gift from God, and it is not based on anything we do or don't do
Salvation for non-believers
- Separated from God spiritually
- The spiritually dead person cannot please God and has no capacity to know God
The issue of non-Christians who have stepped across God's standards

[17:56 - 21:53] Closing Segment

What to expect in the next episode
Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Quotes:

"Among the many things that instantaneously occur, we are redeemed. We are reconciled to God through Christ and the shocking reality of propitiation is applied to us." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

"Before we received forgiveness in Christ, we were dead to God by existing in a state of violating his standards. That's where we live." - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

Colossians 2:13

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 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!

104 Part of God's Eternal Plan May 08, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to Kitchen Table Theology! In this episode, we explore what Salvation is, what it means to be in a covenant relationship with God, and how we can experience eternal life. We discuss how we can understand that God has a plan for our lives and that that plan is good. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, God has a specific plan and destiny for us. And as we come to understand and appreciate that truth, it becomes a source of comfort and strength in our times of trial and heartache.

[00:10 - 06:50] Opening Segment

Pastor Jeff talks about the next 100 episodes of Kitchen Table Theology
33 works of God that happened to the believer at the moment of Salvation

[06:51 - 13:26] The Family of god

Restoring faith through the joy of salvation
God has a sovereign purpose for every believer
God made us for a reason
- We discover that reason the moment we acquire our faith
Parents were chosen for a reason

[13:26 - 18:02] Predetermined Life

God has determined our appointed times and boundaries
Accepting Jesus as our savior means we become part of God’s eternal plan

[18:03 - 21:02] Closing Segment

Final words

Quotes:

"God made you for a reason. Your life has profound meaning." - Jeff Cranston

"God foreknew from all eternity, every step in the entire program of this universe down to its minutest detail." - Jeff Cranston

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 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!

103 Bonus Episode: Interview with Lee Strobel May 01, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode, we welcome Lee Strobel to discuss Biblical Theology in a way that is engaging and detailed.

Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel, the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times best-selling author of more than forty books and curricula that have sold fourteen million copies in total. He currently serves as Founding Director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University.

[00:10 - 01:48] Opening Segment

Lee talks about how he regained his fath
- It would take more faith to maintain his atheism than to become a Christian.
- Going into Christianity focused journalism
- How his family affected him in being a Christian

[07:33 - 18:45] The Afterlife

“The Case for Heaven” book
Lee shares his brush with death experience and how that affected his faith
The evidence that people have an out of body experience after they have died
The Afterlife Revealed by Michael Tymn
- How science supports what Christianity teaches

[18:46 - 22:46] Spreading the Right Word

How the pandemic has affected people’s viewpoint on death
Colorado Christian University
- Fully online, accredited, and affordable
The Lee Strobel Center
A course by Dr. Melissa Travis
- Understanding faith through science
We talk about a “progressive movement” within the Church
- The theological slippage in many evangelical churches in America
- Protestant churches in America are struggling to keep up with the changing trends of society

[32:47 - 34:58] Final Words

Be discerning when it comes to theology and to stay true to Scriptural doctrine
Be involved in the solution, not the problem, by becoming educated in theology
Final words

Quote:

"We can live out our faith as best we can. We can pray for them. We can look for opportunities to share with them. But often we kind of plow the ground and someone else comes in which is great and leads them to the Lord." - Lee Strobel

Sources Mentioned:

You can connect with Lee through Twitter, or you can visit his website at https://leestrobel.com.

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 https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.

102 KTT Rewind: The Unpardonable Sin Apr 10, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton discuss one of the least understood passages in the New Testament. They shed light on the unpardonable sin is, what it is, how we know if we have committed it, and so much more!

This is a re-broadcasting of one of Kitchen Table Theology’s most popular episodes. Stay tuned for a brand new season coming May 1st!

[00:01 - 05:59] Opening Segment

Jen talks about the topic of today’s episode.
- The Unpardonable Sin
Pastor Jeff talks about the fear and self-doubt of guilty feelings
Breaking down the true meaning and the nature of unpardonable sin
- Most believers have asked themselves whether they have done something unforgivable
The debate about what unpardonable sin is amongst people

[06:00 - 13:54] The Unpardonable Sin

Pastor Jeff breaks down what Jesus said in the scripture about the unpardonable sin
The meaning of the word ‘Amen.’
The definition of blasphemy
The hope of forgiveness
- Forgiveness was possible for those who despise Christ

[13:55 - 18:34] Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
The historical context of Jesus’s opponent
- Rejecting the witness of words and works of Christ
Can sin against the Holy Spirit be committed by Christians?
- The requirements to commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit in us would never allow us to commit that sin
Overcoming self-condemnation and doubt

[18:35 - 20:37] Closing Segment

Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen

Tweetable Quotes:

“if you worry that you have committed the unpardonable sin that's a pretty reliable sign that you have not committed it.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

Mark 3
Matthew 12:32
Luke 12:8
Luke 23:34
Acts 3:17
Matthew 12:24

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 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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